Vanilla Bean Protein Shake (Printer View)

A creamy vanilla bean shake rich in protein, ideal for energizing mornings or recovery.

# Components:

→ Dairy & Alternatives

01 - 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
02 - 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

→ Protein

03 - 1 scoop vanilla whey or plant-based protein powder

→ Flavorings

04 - 1 tablespoon instant vanilla pudding mix
05 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
06 - Seeds from 1/2 vanilla bean
07 - 1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey

→ Ice

08 - 1 1/2 cups ice cubes

→ Topping

09 - Light whipped cream

# Method:

01 - Pour almond milk and Greek yogurt into a high-speed blender. Add protein powder, instant vanilla pudding mix, vanilla extract, vanilla bean seeds, and sweetener to the blender.
02 - Layer ice cubes on top of the liquid and powder mixture in the blender.
03 - Blend on high speed for 30 to 60 seconds until the mixture reaches a smooth, creamy, and frothy consistency.
04 - Taste the shake and adjust sweetness as desired, blending briefly if additional adjustments are needed.
05 - Pour the shake evenly into two tall glasses. Top with light whipped cream if desired and serve immediately with a straw.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes indulgent enough to feel like dessert for breakfast, but your muscles will thank you for the protein boost.
  • Five minutes from start to finish means you can actually make this on a busy morning instead of stress-buying a $7 drink.
  • The vanilla bean seeds are the secret that makes people ask what café you stopped at—spoiler: your kitchen.
02 -
  • If your blender struggles or makes a horrible grinding sound, you've either overfilled it or your ice is too frozen solid—add a splash more milk and try again rather than burning out the motor.
  • The vanilla pudding mix is what keeps this from separating and tasting grainy; if you skip it thinking you're being healthier, you'll notice the difference immediately, so trust the ingredient list.
03 -
  • Freeze your blender container for five minutes before blending if you want an extra-cold shake—the warmth of blending can soften ice faster than you'd think.
  • Make a double batch and pour the extra into a glass in the freezer for later; it won't be quite as good as fresh, but it'll still taste way better than any bottled drink sitting in your fridge.
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