If you love the combination of chocolate and peanut butter, this Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Shake will quickly become your go-to drink. It’s creamy, rich, and deeply satisfying—like a milkshake you can enjoy for breakfast. Whether you’re starting your day with a nutritious boost, refueling after a workout, or craving a healthier dessert option, this shake delivers the perfect balance of flavor and nourishment.
This recipe blends pantry-friendly ingredients into a smooth, decadent drink packed with protein and healthy fats. Despite tasting indulgent, it’s easy to customize and can be made dairy-free, low-sugar, or extra high-protein depending on your needs.
Ready in under five minutes, this Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Shake is a great way to satisfy cravings while staying on track nutritionally.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
This shake relies on simple ingredients that create a creamy texture and rich chocolate flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and how you can adjust it based on your preferences.
Peanut butter: Creamy peanut butter adds richness, healthy fats, and that classic nutty flavor. Use natural peanut butter for fewer additives, or swap with almond or cashew butter if preferred.
Protein powder: A scoop of chocolate or vanilla protein powder boosts the shake’s protein content and makes it more filling. Choose whey, plant-based, or collagen protein—whatever you like best.
Cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa deepens the chocolate flavor. If you like a sweeter shake, use sweetened cocoa mix or add an extra touch of sweetener.
Banana: A ripe banana adds creaminess and natural sweetness. For a thicker, colder shake, use a frozen banana. If you prefer a lower-sugar option, replace the banana with 1/2 cup of ice and a splash of milk.
Milk: Any milk works—whole milk, almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or cashew milk. Thicker plant-based milks (like oat or cashew) make the shake extra creamy.
Greek yogurt (optional): This adds protein and tangy creaminess. Use regular or dairy-free yogurt, or skip it if your protein powder already has a creamy texture.
Sweetener (optional): Honey, maple syrup, agave, or even a few dates can be used if you prefer a sweeter shake.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Blender (high-speed or standard)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A knife and small cutting board (for banana)
- 2 tall glasses or shaker bottles
- Reusable straw (optional)
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Extra chocolatey: Add an additional tablespoon of cocoa powder or use chocolate milk instead of regular milk.
- Mocha version: Add 1/4 cup chilled coffee or 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder.
- Peanut butter cup style: Add a tiny pinch of sea salt for a Reese’s-like flavor.
- High-protein boost: Add an extra half-scoop of protein powder or a few tablespoons of Greek yogurt.
- Greens without changing the flavor: Toss in a handful of baby spinach—it blends in without affecting the taste.
- Dairy-free option: Use almond milk or oat milk and skip the yogurt or use coconut yogurt.
- Chocolate-banana smoothie bowl: Add less milk for a thicker blend and serve in a bowl with granola.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Shake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 medium banana (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
- 1 scoop chocolate or vanilla protein powder
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 to 1 cup milk of your choice
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (optional)
- 1–2 tablespoons honey, maple syrup, or sweetener of choice (optional)
- Ice cubes (optional for a thicker shake)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This shake is incredibly quick: about 3–5 minutes to prep and 1 minute to blend. Perfect for busy mornings or quick gym refuels.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start with the liquids and soft ingredients
Pour the milk into the blender, then add the Greek yogurt (if using). Adding liquids first helps the blades blend smoothly once you add the solid ingredients.
2. Add the banana, peanut butter, cocoa, and protein powder
Place the banana pieces into the blender, followed by the peanut butter, cocoa powder, and your protein powder. This layering prevents powder from sticking to the bottom or sides.
3. Add sweetener and optional ice
If you prefer a sweeter shake, add honey, maple syrup, agave, or a couple of pitted dates. Add a handful of ice cubes if you want a thicker, colder consistency.
4. Blend until smooth
Start blending on low speed and gradually increase to high. Blend for about 45–60 seconds, or until completely smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk. If it’s too thin, add a bit more banana or a couple of ice cubes.
5. Taste, adjust, and serve
Give the shake a taste and adjust sweetness or thickness as desired. Pour into glasses and enjoy immediately while it’s cold and creamy.
Pro Tips for Best Texture & Taste
With a few simple tricks, you can make this protein shake taste like a real chocolate-peanut-butter treat.
- Freeze the banana: Using a frozen banana gives the shake a thick, milkshake-like consistency.
- Use a high-quality protein powder: A good-tasting powder improves both flavor and texture, especially in chocolate recipes.
- Adjust thickness easily: Add more milk to thin it out, or more ice and frozen banana for a thicker, spoonable shake.
- Blend long enough: Let the blender run a bit longer to fully break down cocoa and protein powder for a silky texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this shake without banana?
Yes. Replace the banana with 1/2 cup ice plus a splash of milk, or use 1/2 cup frozen cauliflower rice for creaminess without changing the flavor.
Is this shake good for weight loss or muscle gain?
It can be! With its protein content and healthy fats, it’s great for muscle recovery and can help keep you satisfied, making it easy to fit into weight-focused meal plans. Adjust portion sizes and sweetener based on your goals.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
You can prep smoothie packs by portioning banana slices, peanut butter (frozen in small dollops), and cocoa into bags. Store in the freezer, then dump directly into the blender with milk when ready. The blended shake is best consumed immediately but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use almond, oat, soy, or cashew milk and skip the yogurt or use a dairy-free yogurt alternative. The shake will still be rich, creamy, and chocolate-peanut-buttery.