Protein Milkshake
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Published Jul 18, 2024
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This protein milkshake is super creamy, delicious and packed with over 30 grams of protein! It comes together in just 5 minutes and is the perfect healthier dessert option.
I love all my protein shake recipes (my faves are definitely the peanut butter protein shake or muddy buddy protein shake) but when I’m craving something a little more decadent this protein milkshake is my go-to!
This milkshake is the ultimate protein-packed dessert blending together ice cream, whey protein powder, milk and ice for a creamy and delicious shake that no one would guess is packed with over 30 grams of protein. Ever since first testing it I’ve made this recipe so many times for my post-dinner treat. I just can’t get enough, it’s so good!
Why You’ll Love This Milkshake
- Creamy and Delicious – The combination of vanilla ice cream and whey protein powder creates a creamy, frothy texture that feels like you’re enjoying a real deal milkshake.
- Quick and Easy – It’s ready to enjoy in just a few minutes with only 4 simple ingredients.
- Protein-Packed – This isn’t your average diner milkshake. This one is packed with over 30 grams of protein!
- Customizable – You can make this milkshake your own by using your favorite flavor ice cream or protein powder. See some of my flavor ideas below!
Ingredients Needed
- milk – I used unsweetened vanilla almond as the liquid base for this milkshake since it’s lower in calories and doesn’t add sugar, but feel free to use your favorite type of milk.
- vanilla protein powder – I highly recommend using whey protein powder for this recipe as plant-based protein powders tend to soak up more liquid and will result in a grainier texture. I used Clean Simple Eats Simply Vanilla protein powder for testing this recipe and it works great!
- vanilla ice cream – this is what gives this recipe that real deal milkshake flavor. Feel free to use your favorite brand of ice cream here. For this recipe I used Halo Top vanilla bean ice cream, which adds additional protein, but it’s a softer ice cream so I ended up needing to use 1 cup of ice cream and 2 handfuls of ice to make the consistency thicker.
- ice cubes – this helps to thicken your shake and make it colder. You can adjust the amount of ice used to reach your desired consistency.
Recipe Substitutions
- Make it vegan: I tested this recipe with plant-based protein powder, but I didn’t like it as much as it had a grainier texture. That said, you can totally make this recipe with your favorite vegan ice cream and plant-based protein powder if you prefer! You could also make my vanilla protein shake instead, which uses frozen banana instead of ice cream and plant-based protein powder.
- Malted milkshake: If you prefer a malted milkshake add around a ¼ cup of malted milk powder to your shake. You could also add maca powder, starting with 1-2 Tablespoons, which adds a malty flavor to recipes.
How to Make Protein Milkshake
Step 1: Add the almond milk, whey protein powder, ice cream and ice to your blender,
Step 2: Blend everything until smooth and creamy. Add any additional ice cream and/or ice as needed. Enjoy!
Brittany’s Tip!
- Adjust consistency as needed: Start with ½ cup of ice cream and 1 handful of ice, adding more as needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Use a high-quality protein powder: Make sure you’re using a high-quality whey protein powder since there are such few ingredients in this recipe. I love Clean Simple Eats because it’s made with all-natural ingredients, is 3rd party tested, has no added sugar and is 100% grass fed whey.
Protein Milkshake Flavor Variations
I love this recipe as is, but there are so many fun different variations to try! My favorite is definitely the cookies and cream flavor. It’s SO good! Here are some flavor ideas to try:
- Chocolate: For all my chocolate lovers out there you can use a chocolate protein powder (like the Clean Simple Eats Chocolate Brownie Batter) and chocolate ice cream instead!
- Strawberry: Use vanilla or strawberry ice cream and a strawberry protein powder instead. The Clean Simple Eats Strawberry Cheesecake protein powder would be SO delicious! For more strawberry flavor you could mix in fresh chopped strawberries or freeze-dried strawberries. Yum!
- Cookies and cream: This might be my favorite flavor variation of this milkshake! To make this I used Halo Top cookies and cream ice cream and vanilla protein powder, but you could also use the CSE cookies and cream protein powder, which would be so delicious. I also recommend adding Oreos to your shake if you make this variation. My whole family loves this one!
- Peanut butter: Use the Clean Simple Eats Chocolate Peanut Butter protein powder and drizzle some peanut butter on top!
- Chocolate mint: Use mint chocolate chip ice cream and either vanilla protein powder or the Clean Simple Eats Mint Chocolate Cookie protein powder. I can’t wait to try this flavor variation. I’m drooling just thinking about it!
Topping Ideas
Personally, I like topping this protein milkshake with whipped cream and a cherry, but here are some other topping ideas:
- Whipped cream – I love adding a dollop of regular whipped cream or coconut whip cream on top of this milkshake!
- Cherry – a classic finishing touch, I love adding a maraschino cherry on top for a pop of color!
- Sprinkles – add some sprinkles on top for a fun, festive addition to this shake.
- Caramel sauce – I’m drooling just thinking about how delicious my date caramel sauce would be drizzled on top of this milkshake.
- Nut butter – add a drizzle of peanut butter or almond butter on top of your milkshake for a nutty addition.
- Granola – this milkshake is so creamy and smooth, but if you are craving a little crunch why not sprinkle a little granola on top for added texture and flavor. Try this protein granola for even more protein.
- Coconut flakes – add some crunch with coconut flakes. For even more flavor, use toasted coconut.
Frequently Asked Questions
I recommend using whey protein powder for this recipe as it’ll give you a smoother and frothier milkshake. Plant-based protein powders will soak up more liquid and will result in a grainier texture that is much thicker. I used Clean Simple Eats Simply Vanilla protein powder for testing this recipe and it works great!
More Protein-Packed Desserts
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Protein Milkshake
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 1 scoop whey vanilla protein powder, I used Clean Simple Eats Simply Vanilla
- ½-1 cup vanilla ice cream, I used Halo Top vanilla bean
- 1-2 handfuls of ice
- Whipped cream, for topping, optional
- Cherry on top, optional
Instructions
- Add almond milk, whey protein powder, ice cream and ice to a blender, starting with ½ cup ice cream and 1 handful of ice. Blend until smooth.
- Add additional ice cream and/or ice as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Top with whipped cream, sprinkles and a cherry, if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- Make it vegan: I tested this recipe with plant-based protein powder, but I didn’t like it as much as it had a grainier texture. That said, you can totally make this recipe with your favorite vegan ice cream and plant-based protein powder if you prefer! You could also make my vanilla protein shake instead, which uses frozen banana instead of ice cream and plant-based protein powder.
- Malted milkshake: If you prefer a malted milkshake add around a ¼ cup of malted milk powder to your shake. You could also add maca powder, starting with 1-2 Tablespoons, which adds a malty flavor to recipes.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
