Post-Workout Protein Shake Recipe
A cold chocolate-banana protein shake made with milk, Greek yogurt, cocoa and frozen banana, blended until smooth and creamy.
Contains: Milk
This recipe contains milk. If you need to avoid specific allergens, check the labels of the yogurt, cocoa and vanilla extract you use because packaged products can vary.
WHY IT WORKS
Why This Recipe Works
01
Cold and Creamy
Frozen banana and thick Greek yogurt give the shake a creamy texture without needing ice cream.
02
Build the Flavor
Cocoa, ripe banana, honey and a little vanilla make a simple chocolate-banana shake without overpowering the dairy base.
03
Blend in Stages
Starting with the milk and yogurt helps the blender move easily, while adding the ice last makes the final thickness easier to control.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Equipment
THE RECIPE
Ingredients & Method
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Ingredients
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Method
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Add the milk and Greek yogurt to the blender, followed by the frozen banana, cocoa powder, honey, vanilla extract and salt.
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Blend on high for about 30 to 45 seconds, until the banana is broken down and the mixture looks smooth. Stop and scrape down any cocoa from the sides if needed.
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Add the ice cubes and blend for another 20 to 30 seconds, until the shake is cold and creamy. If it is thicker than you like, blend in a small splash of milk.
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Pour into a large glass and serve immediately.
COOKING GUIDANCE
Practical Cooking Notes
Make Ahead
For faster assembly, freeze the banana in advance and measure the cocoa and honey ahead of time. Keep the milk and yogurt refrigerated and blend the shake just before serving for the best texture.
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Recipe Notes
Ingredient Notes
A fully frozen ripe banana gives the best cold, thick texture. Plain Greek yogurt varies in thickness by brand, so the finished shake may need a small splash of milk if your yogurt is especially thick.
Useful Substitutions
Plain skyr can replace the Greek yogurt in the same quantity, although the shake may be slightly thicker. Maple syrup can replace the honey, and whole or skim milk can replace the 2% milk if preferred.
INGREDIENT QUALITY
Quality Note
For the coldest, thickest texture, use a banana that is fully frozen before blending. Greek yogurt varies in thickness by brand, so adjust the finished shake with a small splash of milk only if needed.
SPEND LESS
Cost-Saving Tip
Peel and freeze ripe bananas that would otherwise go unused. Slice them before freezing so they are ready to blend straight from the freezer.
COOKING TIPS
Tips
Add the Liquid First
Put the milk and yogurt into the blender before the frozen ingredients so the blades have enough liquid to start moving freely.
Use a Ripe Frozen Banana
Freeze a ripe banana with plenty of yellow color and some brown speckling for natural sweetness and a smoother texture.
Blend the Cocoa Thoroughly
Cocoa powder can cling to the sides of the blender. Stop once if needed and scrape down any dry patches before the final blend.
Adjust the Thickness Last
If the shake is thicker than you like, blend in a small splash of milk. For a thicker drink, add one or two extra ice cubes.
MAKE IT LAST
Storing & Freezing
Storing
For the best texture, drink the shake as soon as it is blended. If needed, refrigerate it in a covered container for up to 24 hours.
Freezing
Freeze the blended shake in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month, leaving a little room for expansion. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
After Chilling
The shake may separate as it sits. Stir it very well or give it a brief reblend before drinking.
After Freezing
After thawing, reblend until smooth. Add a small splash of milk if the texture is thicker than when freshly made.
ESTIMATED PER SERVING
Nutrition
1 large shake
Nutrition information is an estimate. Where shown, % Daily Value uses standard US Daily Values for adults and children aged 4+; actual values vary with ingredient brands, exact quantities and portion size.
QUESTIONS
Post-Workout Protein Shake FAQs
Can I use a fresh banana instead of frozen?
Yes. Use a ripe fresh banana and add a few extra ice cubes so the shake still finishes cold and thick.
Can I add protein powder?
Yes. Blend in your usual serving of plain or chocolate protein powder and add a little extra milk if needed, because different powders thicken shakes differently.
Can I leave out the honey?
Yes. A very ripe banana may provide enough sweetness on its own. Taste the shake after blending and add honey only if you want it sweeter.
Why add the ice at the end?
Adding the ice after the first blend makes it easier to judge the texture. You can stop when the shake is cold and creamy rather than making it thicker than you want.
Can I make the shake ahead of time?
It is best freshly blended, but you can refrigerate it in a covered container for up to 24 hours. Stir very well or reblend briefly before drinking.
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