I get my caffeine fix and a protein boost in one creamy, crave-worthy cold brew smoothie. It’s the kind of breakfast that makes a busy morning feel instantly more doable.

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I’m obsessed with this smoothie because it hits that sweet spot between breakfast and caffeine fix without feeling heavy. Cold brew coffee gives it that bold, chilled bite I crave in the morning, while protein powder keeps me full enough to stop hunting for snacks an hour later.

It’s creamy, sippable, and tastes like something I’d happily pay too much for, except I get to keep it in my kitchen. And the texture?

Thick, smooth, frosty. But not icy in a sad way.

Just the kind of drink I want after a workout or before a packed day.

Ingredients

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Cold brew brings that smooth coffee kick without tasting bitter or burnt.
Milk softens the coffee and makes the whole smoothie feel more sippable.
Frozen banana adds natural sweetness and gives it that thick, milkshake vibe.
Protein powder makes it filling, so it’s not just fancy iced coffee.
Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a little tang, plus extra protein if you want it.
Ice keeps it frosty and helps stretch the smoothie without making it heavy.
Honey or maple syrup is there if your sweet tooth needs backup.
Vanilla extract makes it taste more like a coffee shop treat.
Cinnamon or cocoa adds cozy flavor, depending on your morning mood.
Basically, it’s breakfast, caffeine, and protein all hanging out in one glass.

Ingredient Quantities

Cold brew coffee or strongly brewed coffee, chilled, 1 cup

Milk (dairy or unsweetened plant milk), 1/2 cup

Frozen banana, 1 medium

Protein powder (vanilla or chocolate), 1 scoop, about 25 to 30 g

Plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup (optional, for extra creaminess)

Ice cubes, 1/2 to 1 cup

Honey or maple syrup, 1 tablespoon (optional, to taste)

Vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon (optional)

Ground cinnamon or cocoa powder, 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon (optional)

How to Make this

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1. Add 1 cup cold brew or strongly brewed chilled coffee to a blender.

2. Pour in 1/2 cup milk, dairy or unsweetened plant milk.

3. Break and add 1 medium frozen banana.

4. Add 1 scoop (25 to 30 g) protein powder.

5. Spoon in 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt if using for extra creaminess.

6. Add 1/2 to 1 cup ice cubes depending on how thick and cold you want it.

7. Add 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup if you want extra sweetness and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract if using.

8. Sprinkle 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or cocoa powder if desired.

9. Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides if needed.

10. Taste and adjust sweetness or thickness, then pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.

Equipment Needed

1. Countertop blender
2. 1 cup and 1/2 cup measuring cups
3. Measuring spoons (1/4 tsp and 1 tbsp)
4. Kitchen scale or protein scoop (25 to 30 g)
5. Chef knife
6. Small cutting board
7. Rubber spatula or large spoon (for scraping)
8. Serving glass or tumbler

FAQ

Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of cold brew? A: Yes. Use strongly brewed coffee that has been chilled so it does not melt the ice and dilute the smoothie too much.

What can I substitute for the frozen banana? A: Try 1/2 cup frozen cauliflower florets, 1/4 cup avocado, or 1/2 cup frozen mango for creaminess. You may need to add a teaspoon of sweetener if the banana was your only source of sweetness.

How do I make this vegan? A: Use plant milk, plant-based protein powder, and swap Greek yogurt for a dairy free yogurt or omit it. Use maple syrup instead of honey.

How can I adjust the caffeine level? A: Use decaf cold brew or reduce the coffee to 1/2 cup and increase the milk or ice for a milder coffee flavor.

My smoothie is too thin or too thick. How do I fix it? A: Too thin: add more frozen banana, a few ice cubes, or 1 to 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt. Too thick: add a splash more milk or 1 to 2 tablespoons of water or coffee.

Can I make this ahead of time? A: Blend and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Texture may thicken; stir or reblend and add a little liquid before serving for best results.

Easy Iced Coffee Protein Smoothie Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Cold brew coffee: use chilled decaf coffee or strongly brewed espresso diluted with cold water for a bolder flavor
Milk (dairy or unsweetened plant milk): swap with oat milk for creaminess or almond milk for a lighter, nutty taste
Frozen banana: replace with 1/2 cup frozen cauliflower florets or 1/2 cup frozen mango for creaminess without as much banana flavor
Protein powder (vanilla or chocolate): use 1/2 cup silken tofu or 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt plus 1 tablespoon nut butter if avoiding powders

Pro Tips

1. Freeze the banana in 1 to 2 inch pieces rather than whole. Smaller chunks blend more evenly and give a silkier texture without overworking the blender.

2. Add the liquids to the blender first, then protein powder, yogurt, banana, and ice on top. That order helps the blades catch and prevents dry powder clumping, so you get a smooth finish faster.

3. If your protein powder makes the shake gritty, add a tablespoon of nut butter or a teaspoon of neutral oil. The extra fat rounds out the mouthfeel and masks grittiness, plus it helps the foam settle into a creamier body.

4. Taste and tweak after the first blend. If it tastes flat, a pinch of salt or an extra splash of cold brew brightens flavors. If it is too thin, toss in a few more frozen banana pieces or reduce the milk next time.

Easy Iced Coffee Protein Smoothie Recipe

Recipe by Sam Ecclestone

0.0 from 0 votes

I get my caffeine fix and a protein boost in one creamy, crave-worthy cold brew smoothie. It’s the kind of breakfast that makes a busy morning feel instantly more doable.

Servings

servings

Calories

390

kcal

Equipment: 1. Countertop blender
2. 1 cup and 1/2 cup measuring cups
3. Measuring spoons (1/4 tsp and 1 tbsp)
4. Kitchen scale or protein scoop (25 to 30 g)
5. Chef knife
6. Small cutting board
7. Rubber spatula or large spoon (for scraping)
8. Serving glass or tumbler

Ingredients

Cold brew coffee or strongly brewed coffee, chilled, 1 cup
Milk (dairy or unsweetened plant milk), 1/2 cup
Frozen banana, 1 medium
Protein powder (vanilla or chocolate), 1 scoop, about 25 to 30 g
Plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup (optional, for extra creaminess)
Ice cubes, 1/2 to 1 cup
Honey or maple syrup, 1 tablespoon (optional, to taste)
Vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
Ground cinnamon or cocoa powder, 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon (optional)

Directions

Add 1 cup cold brew or strongly brewed chilled coffee to a blender.
Pour in 1/2 cup milk, dairy or unsweetened plant milk.
Break and add 1 medium frozen banana.
Add 1 scoop (25 to 30 g) protein powder.
Spoon in 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt if using for extra creaminess.
Add 1/2 to 1 cup ice cubes depending on how thick and cold you want it.
Add 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup if you want extra sweetness and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract if using.
Sprinkle 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or cocoa powder if desired.
Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides if needed.
Taste and adjust sweetness or thickness, then pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.