CASHEW VANILLA PROTEIN SHAKE

CASHEW VANILLA PROTEIN SHAKE

A creamy, dairy-free protein shake that tastes like dessert but packs a nutritious punch

KEY INFO:

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Servings: 1 large or 2 small
• Difficulty: Easy
• Dietary: Vegan, Dairy-free, Gluten-free

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:

• High-powered blender
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Alternative: Food processor (texture will be less smooth)

INGREDIENTS:

• 1–1¼ cups unsweetened cashew milk (240–300ml)
• 2–3 tbsp raw cashews (30–45g) [or ½ cup soaked cashews]
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (30g)
• 1 medium frozen banana OR 2 medjool dates
• ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup frozen cauliflower (optional, for extra creaminess)
• Ice cubes (optional)

METHOD:

1. Add cashew milk, cashews, protein powder, banana/dates, vanilla, and cinnamon to blender
2. Add frozen cauliflower if using
3. Blend on high for 1–2 minutes until completely smooth
4. Check consistency — it should coat the back of a spoon but still be pourable
5. Add ice if desired and pulse briefly
6. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed

CRUCIAL TIPS:

• Soak cashews for 4 hours or overnight for ultra-smooth results
• Use frozen banana for thick, milkshake-like consistency
• Don’t over-blend with ice — it will become too watery

STORAGE & VARIATIONS:

Storage: Best consumed immediately. Can refrigerate up to 24 hours but will separate (shake well)

Common Mistakes:

• Using sweetened milk (makes it too sweet)
• Not blending long enough (results in graininess)
• Adding too much liquid at once

Variations:

• Add 1 tbsp maca powder for hormone balance
• Swap cashews for 2 tbsp cashew butter
• Add ¼ cup frozen mango for tropical twist
• Include 1 tbsp chia seeds for omega-3s

Nutritional Highlights (approximate per serving):

• Protein: 15–20g
• Healthy Fats: 8–10g
• Fiber: 3–5g
• Naturally sweetened

Scale recipe up by maintaining same ratios. Double ingredients for 2 full servings.