Creamy Cake Batter Protein Shake

Sometimes you need a protein shake that also tastes like a sweet treat and for those moments this Cake Batter Protein Shake is here to help. I love a good protein shake after a tough workout and this has become my new favorite flavor combination. It’s thick, creamy, and just a little sweet and has the flavor of a slice of vanilla cake in the form of a protein shake!

this recipe

Have Your Cake & Eat It, Too: Cake Batter Protein Shake! 

I actually hate cake but I LOVE the flavor of cake batter so I’m honestly not sure why I didn’t get this recipe for my favorite cake batter protein shake up sooner. It’s made with a combo of just 7 simple ingredients, is a little sweet but not too sweet, and it could not be easier to make.

Recipe Ingredients and Notes

This is just an overview of the main ingredients in this recipe. See the recipe card for full ingredients and instructions. 

• Frozen Banana: this is my secret to thick, creamy shakes that are naturally sweet. 
• Cashew Butter: this helps give the protein shake a creamy consistency adds to that cake batter flavor a bit.
• Greek Yogurt: I prefer to use whole milk Greek yogurt for a richer flavor and creamier consistency, but low-fat or non-fat yogurt will also work. 
• Flavor Extracts: vanilla extract and almond extract give the protein shake that classic cake batter flavor.
• Protein Powder: this plain protein powder is my favorite because it doesn’t change the flavor and doesn’t have a chalky texture, but vanilla or cake-batter-flavored protein powder also works well. Use whatever you like best! 
• Almond Milk: unsweetened almond milk is my go-to for shakes, but any regular or plant-based milk will work. 

Ways to Customize Your Cake Batter Protein Shake Recipe

One of my favorite things about smoothie and shake recipes, whether it’s my blueberry smoothie, banana smoothie, or this cake batter smoothie, is how versatile they can be. Feel free to get creative and add extra boosts of nutrition and flavor. Below are a few great additions:

• Collagen Powder: I love adding a scoop of collagen powder for an extra hit of protein to keep me feeling full.
• Ground Flax Seeds: Flaxseeds are full of health benefits, and you cannot even taste them!
• Chia Seeds: I recommend adding one teaspoon or so of chia seeds. As long as you use a fairly small amount, they don’t change the texture of the shake too much.
• Hemp Seeds: another seed that I love to add to my shakes is hemp seeds, for all of the health benefits. I usually add 1/2 a tablespoon.
• Oatmeal: I love adding 1/4 cup of old-fashioned oats to my shakes for even more fiber and whole grains. You can’t even taste them!
• Make it dairy-free: swap the Greek yogurt with your favorite dairy-free Greek-style yogurt to keep this recipe completely dairy-free. I don’t recommend omitting it completely, or your shake will be too runny. 
• Use vanilla yogurt: if you want more of a vanilla flavor to your shake, you can use vanilla Greek yogurt instead of plain. 
• Make it sweeter: depending on the sweetness of your banana and the type of protein powder, you may want to sweeten your shake. Add a tablespoon or so of maple syrup, honey, or even a date to suit your flavor preferences. 

My Top Tips for the Best Protein Shake

• Add the liquid first – add your liquid to the base of the blender first. This helps make it easier for the shake to blend.
• Start slow – start the blender speed on low and then gradually turn it up before bringing it to full speed. 
• Use frozen fruit – for this recipe, it’s important that your banana is frozen to ensure you get that delicious creamy texture. 
• Skip the ice – if you typically add ice to your shakes, it may be tempting to add it to this one, but trust me, you do not need it. Just use a frozen banana instead to keep things cold! 

How to Freeze Bananas for Shakes and Smoothies

Whenever I have ripe bananas, I like to peel them, cut them in half, and then add them to a freezer-safe bag to freeze for my smoothies and shakes. To prevent them from clumping together, follow the steps below: 

1. Slice the bananas into rounds. 
2. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. 
3. Freeze for 1 to 2 hours or until solid. 
4. Transfer the frozen bananas to a sealable bag, and freeze until you’re ready to use. 

Like This Recipe? Then You’ll Love These!

• Vanilla Strawberry Protein Shake
• Creamy Vanilla Protein Shake
• Coffee Protein Shake Recipe
• How to Make a Protein Shake
• Pumpkin Spice Latte Protein Shake
• Best Chocolate Protein Shake Recipe

Find even more of the best healthy smoothie recipes! 

I hope you give this Cake Batter Protein Shake a try! It’s sweet, creamy, and so quick to make! If you do give this recipe a try, let me know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. You can also snap a photo & tag @allthehealthythings on INSTAGRAM. Your reviews and ratings help support All the Healthy Things and make it possible for me to continue to create the recipes you trust and love.

Print

Photography: Sasha Hooper