Peanut Butter-Chocolate Protein Shake

Perfect for an energizing morning boost or a post-workout treat, this Peanut Butter-Chocolate Protein Shake uses a classic flavor combo to satisfy your taste buds.

On a busy weekday morning, nobody has time to poach eggs or make avocado toast. When everybody has slept past their snooze settings, clothes are flying everywhere, and the dog needs to be walked, breakfast can turn into a handful of nuts or a donut from the gas station. This peanut butter-chocolate protein shake is my attempt at avoiding that donut situation.

By using things I (and, I think, most other folks) always have on hand, it’s unlikely I’ll be out of something in this recipe. This is really important when I’m in a rush! The classic flavors of chocolate and peanut butter always appeal to me, even on my grumpiest, most rushed days, and I always have a large bag of frozen bananas in my freezer. I will never run out of frozen bananas.

What I love about this recipe is how quickly it comes together and how satisfying it is to drink. The cacao gives it a rich, deep chocolate flavor, which pairs so well with protein-packed peanut butter and the dense, sweet banana. The kefir (or Greek yogurt) adds a creaminess to the shake that might just convince you to make one for lunch, too.

Is This Peanut Butter-Chocolate Protein Shake Healthy?

This shake is full of health benefits. The peanut butter and kefir bring the protein, while the banana adds fiber, potassium, and vitamins. The cacao and maca provide plenty of antioxidants. There’s enough protein, fat, and fiber in this shake to keep you full and satisfied until lunch (at least), which helps cut down the mid-morning snack cravings. While this recipe isn’t full of carbs, it’s not exactly keto, either.

This peanut butter chocolate protein shake is nearly a vegan recipe. If you want to make it fully vegan, use plant-based yogurt instead of kefir.

What Is Maca Powder?

Maca powder is made from dried and ground roots of the Peruvian maca plant. Sometimes called “Peruvian ginseng,” maca is a cruciferous vegetable related to broccoli, kale, and cauliflower. Maca powder is considered an adaptogen (plants that help our bodies respond to stress), and it contains a lot of fiber per tablespoon, along with protein and other nutrients. It brings all that and an earthy flavor to this protein shake. If you don’t have any maca powder, don’t worry; it’s optional.

Serving Suggestions

This shake is meant to be a stand-in for an entire breakfast, but it can also be part of a larger post-workout snack or even a dessert after dinner. After you’ve hit the gym, nothing satisfies better than this protein shake alongside a delicious Fattoush Salad. If you want to enjoy this shake as a dessert, first cook up some tasty Chicken Kabobs, with a side of Roasted Green Beans and Air-Fryer Sweet Potatoes.

Recipe