Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Shake

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Chocolate peanut butter protein shake is the perfect combination of creamy, chocolatey goodness and protein-packed fuel. It’s smooth and satisfying, and it hits the spot when you need something filling and delicious.

With protein powder and peanut butter, this shake delivers a solid protein boost to help with post-workout recovery.

chocolate smoothie in a glass on a table.

For a different flavor profile, check out this pina colada protein shake or my beets pineapple smoothie recipe!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients and Swaps
Instructions
How to Fix Common Shake Problems
Variations
Equipment
Storage
FAQ
Related

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tastes like dessert – A rich, chocolatey shake with peanut butter flavor? Yes, please.
Protein-packed – Helps keep you full and supports muscle recovery.
Quick and easy – Blend it up in under 5 minutes.
No weird ingredients – Just simple, wholesome staples.
Customizable – Adjust sweetness, thickness, or even sneak in some extra nutrients.

The shake provides a good balance of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, making it a satisfying option. Ingredients like bananas and cocoa powder contribute natural flavors, while peanut butter adds richness.

Adjustments are easy—swap peanut powder for a lower-fat option, use almond milk to reduce calories, or go for soy milk if you want extra protein.

glasses of chocolate protein shake on a table. with ingredients on a background.

Ingredients and Swaps

Milk – Use dairy milk for a creamier texture or go for plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk to fit dietary preferences.
Bananas – Naturally sweetens and thickens the shake. If avoiding bananas, swap with avocado for creaminess or cooked and cooled oats for texture.
Protein Powder – Adds protein and richness. Choose chocolate protein powder for a deeper flavor, vanilla protein powder for a lighter taste, or unflavored protein if using extra unsweetened cocoa powder.
Peanut Butter – Provides flavor and healthy fats. For a lower-fat option, substitute peanut butter powder.
Cocoa Powder – Brings out the chocolatey flavor without added sugar. Use cacao powder for a slightly more bitter taste and extra antioxidants.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances sweetness without sugar. Can be replaced with cinnamon or a dash of espresso powder for a unique twist.

Make it keto-friendly – Due to the banana and milk, this shake is higher in carbs. However, you can adapt it by using unsweetened almond milk, swapping banana for avocado, and adding a sugar-free sweetener.

See the recipe card for quantities.

Peanut Butter vs. Other Nut Butters

Peanut butter isn’t just for taste—it’s also higher in protein than most nut butters like almond or cashew butter, making it a better choice for a protein-packed shake.

It’s also more affordable and widely available than specialty nut butters.

Chocolate Protein Powder vs. Cocoa Powder

Chocolate protein powder gives the shake a richer chocolate taste while adding extra protein.

If you only have vanilla protein powder, no problem—just add an extra ½ tablespoon of cocoa powder to boost the chocolate flavor.

Instructions

Step 1 - gathering ingredients in a bledner.

Step 1: Gather the ingredients. For the thickest, creamiest texture, use frozen bananas. Blend it all together for 30-60 seconds.

Step 2: If it's too thick, add a splash of extra milk. Want it sweeter? Blend in a date or a drizzle of honey. Pour into a glass and enjoy right away.

Hint: For an even more indulgent taste, drizzle some melted dark chocolate or a swirl of peanut butter on top.

How to Fix Common Shake Problems

Even the best protein shakes don’t always blend up perfectly. If yours isn’t quite right, here’s how to fix it:

Too thick? Add more milk or use fresh bananas instead of frozen for a thinner consistency.
Too thin? Blend in ½ cup oats or a handful of ice cubes to thicken it up.
Protein powder too gritty? Blend for 10–15 extra seconds or switch to a finer-textured protein powder.
Not chocolatey enough? Add an extra teaspoon of cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate flavor.
Shake separating? This can happen with plant-based protein powders. Re-blend or shake it well before drinking.

Now your shake should turn out smooth, creamy, and perfectly balanced every time!

Variations

Customize your chocolate peanut butter protein shake to fit your taste, dietary needs, or nutrition goals.

Extra Thick & Creamy – Use frozen banana, add ½ an avocado or ¼ cup Greek yogurt, and reduce the milk slightly.
High-Protein Boost – Use soy milk instead of dairy or almond milk, add an extra scoop of protein powder, or blend in 2 tablespoon Greek yogurt.
Nut-Free Version – Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or just increase the chocolate flavor with extra cocoa powder.
Double Chocolate – Add 1 teaspoon of cacao nibs or a square of dark chocolate before blending for a richer chocolate hit.
Choco-Berry Twist – Blend in ½ cup frozen strawberries or raspberries for a fruity kick.
Mocha Power Shake – Add ½ teaspoon instant espresso powder or a shot of cold brew for a chocolate-coffee boost.
Vegan Option – Use plant-based milk (soy, oat, or almond) and a vegan protein powder.
Low-Calorie Light Shake – Use peanut butter powder instead of regular peanut butter, unsweetened almond milk, and only 1 banana for a lighter version.

taking a glass of protein shake from the table.

Equipment

Making this shake is simple, and you only need a few basic tools:

High-speed blender – Ensures a smooth, creamy texture, especially if using frozen bananas or thick ingredients.
Measuring cups & spoons – Helps get the right balance of ingredients.
Glass or shaker bottle – For serving immediately or storing for later.

A mason jar with a lid works well if you need to take your shake on the go. If prepping in advance, store it in an airtight container in the fridge and shake it before drinking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake or re-blend before drinking, as ingredients may settle.

Freezing for Meal Prep

For a quick grab-and-blend option, make smoothie freezer packs: freeze the blended shake in an ice cube tray and re-blend with a little milk when needed.

FAQ

Can I make this without bananas?

Yes! Swap the banana for ½ an avocado for creaminess, or use ½ cup of Greek yogurt for thickness with extra protein. For sweetness, add a date or a drizzle of honey.

How can I make this shake lower in calories?

Use unsweetened almond milk instead of regular milk, peanut butter powder instead of peanut butter, and half a banana instead of two. These swaps keep it creamy while cutting down on fat and carbs.

Can I use a different protein powder?

Yes! If using vanilla protein powder, add an extra ½ tablespoon of cocoa powder to maintain the chocolate flavor. If using unflavored protein powder, you may also want to add a little extra sweetener, like honey or a date, since chocolate protein powders are usually slightly sweetened.

What’s the best way to make this without protein powder?

If you don’t want to use protein powder, you can still get a protein boost by adding ¼ cup Greek yogurt for a creamy texture and extra protein.

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