PEANUT BUTTER CUP PROTEIN SMOOTHIE

A thick, creamy protein-packed smoothie that tastes like a peanut butter cup but fuels your day!

Modern kitchen scene with food ingredients neatly arranged on a marble countertop, lit by natural daylight, showcasing contemporary appliances and utensils.

KEY INFO:

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 large smoothie (16 oz)
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary: Vegetarian (Vegan options available)
Protein: 16-28g per serving

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:

Blender (high-speed preferred)
Measuring cups and spoons
Alternative: Immersion blender for small batches

Modern kitchen scene with peanut butter drizzling from a wooden spoon into a blender filled with milk and greek yogurt, with warm, earthy color grading.

INGREDIENTS:

Base:

6-8 oz milk (240ml) (dairy or unsweetened plant milk)
1-2 tablespoons (15-30g) natural peanut butter
1 medium frozen banana, cut into chunks
6 oz (170g) Greek yogurt OR 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
1 tablespoon (15g) cocoa powder
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Optional Add-ins:

1 Medjool date (for extra sweetness)
1 tablespoon chia seeds
Handful of ice cubes for extra thickness

Professional food photography of cocoa powder being sifted into a blender with banana chunks, in a modern kitchen with green subway tile backsplash and warm, earthy tones.

METHOD:

Add milk to blender first
Add peanut butter and protein source (yogurt or powder)
Add cocoa powder and vanilla if using
Top with frozen banana chunks
Blend on high for 30-60 seconds until smooth
Check consistency – should be thick but drinkable
Add more milk if too thick, ice if too thin

Blender in action in a modern kitchen with green subway tiles, wooden utensils and cream-colored bowls, with natural light casting soft shadows.

CRUCIAL TIPS:

Use frozen banana for thick, creamy texture
Blend liquids first, then add frozen ingredients
Natural peanut butter works better than processed
Don’t overblend – stop when smooth

STORAGE & VARIATIONS:

Storage:

Best consumed immediately
Can refrigerate up to 24 hours (will thicken)
Re-blend with splash of milk if stored

Common Substitutions:

Almond/cashew butter for peanut allergies
Plant-based milk and protein for vegan version
Dates or honey instead of banana for sweetness

Scaling Tips:

Recipe doubles easily
Blend in batches if making multiple servings

NUTRITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS:

High protein (16-28g depending on ingredients)
Healthy fats from nut butter
Natural sweetness from banana
Good source of potassium and fiber

This recipe combines dessert-like taste with proper nutrition – perfect for post-workout recovery or breakfast on the go. The frozen banana is key for that thick milkshake texture without ice cream!