This Banana Bread Protein Shake is the perfect high protein breakfast, post-workout recovery shake, or delicious meal replacement, thanks to its 31 grams of protein and a balance of healthy carbs.
Made with frozen bananas, oats, a scoop of vanilla protein and a touch of cinnamon, this banana bread smoothie is a delicious way to fuel your body and hit your protein goals.
We have lots of protein shake resources here, including recommendations for the best protein powder for smoothies, the best smoothie blender on a budget, and tips for creating protein shakes for weight loss.
We also have DELICIOUS high-protein banana bread recipe. Hope you'll check that out, too!
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Ingredients
Frozen Banana
Frozen ripe bananas provide a creamy base and natural sweetness to the shake.
Milk (any kind)
I used unsweetened almond milk, but feel free to use your favorite. Regular milk, Fairlife milk, or any plant-based milk will work.
Vanilla Protein Powder
This subtly flavored vanilla whey protein powder is my absolute favorite protein for smoothies. Its flavor does not overpower your other ingredients, unlike many other vanilla protein powders.
And this protein powder does not have any added sweetener, so you can choose to sweeten it however and how much you want. It has 26 g protein per scoop and gives shakes a smooth, creamy texture.
Read more about why I love it: the best protein powder for smoothies.
Rolled Oats
Oats add a hearty texture and additional fiber to keep you satisfied, while contributing to the traditional banana bread flavor.
Sweetener
I usually add sweetener to balance the slight bitterness of oats in any smoothie. Here I used granulated erythritol, but feel free to use your favorite natural sweetener. Agave and coconut sugar are great low glycemic choices if you don't like calorie-free sugar substitutes.
Walnuts or Pecans
Adding walnuts or pecans contributes to the banana bread flavor and adds flavor and texture to this banana bread shake. These can be omitted for a lower calorie banana bread smoothie. I used pecans because they are my fave!
Ground Cinnamon
The warmth of ground cinnamon contributes to the banana bread flavor. I prefer Vietnamese cinnamon for the most flavor.
Xanthan Gum
A little xanthan gum provides thickness to the shake without changing the flavor at all.
Salt
A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor profile.
Equipment Needed
- kitchen scale - highly recommended for best results and easy cleanup
- high speed blender - this is my favorite smoothie blender. It's budget-friendly and has a great high powered motor. (Read more about why I love this blender here: The Best Smoothie Blender on a Budget.)
- ¼ teaspoon measuring spoon (I use this also for ⅛ teaspoon by filling it halfway.)
Instructions
- Add frozen banana to the blender cup, followed by milk, protein powder, oats, sweetener, nuts, cinnamon, xanthan gum, and salt.
- Blend 30-60 seconds, or until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Pour the Banana Bread Protein Shake into a glass, and top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few chopped nuts for added flair (optional).
Ingredient Substitutions
- Milk: Any kind of milk works here. Feel free to experiment with the different flavors that dairy milk and plant-based milks contribute. Almond milk, oat milk, and coconut milk are great choices!
- Protein Powder: Experiment with chocolate protein powder for a chocolate banana bread flavor, or banana flavored whey protein for an added burst of flavor.
- Sweetener: Try maple syrup, honey, agave nectar, or a medjool date for natural sweetness.
- Nuts: Feel free to swap the walnuts or pecans for your favorite nuts in this smoothie. Almonds, cashews, and macadamia nuts are also great choices here.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Protein Shake: Add a tablespoon of sugar-free chocolate chips for a chocolate chip twist.
- Peanut Butter Banana Bread Shake: Swap the nuts for a tablespoon of peanut butter for a nutty, protein-packed delight.
- Almond Butter Bliss: Replace nuts with a tablespoon of almond butter for a nut butter infusion.
- Vanilla Infusion: Add ½ teaspoon alcohol free vanilla extract for a vanilla flavor burst.
- Go Coconuts: Use coconut milk for a tropical twist.
Storage Info
Store any leftover Banana Bread Protein Shake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, and shake well before drinking. I love these insulated cups for storing protein shakes in the fridge or taking them on the go.
FAQ for this Banana Bread Protein Smoothie Recipe
Yes, but using frozen bananas creates a thicker, creamier texture.
Any milk works. Unsweetened almond milk and coconut milk offer unique flavors and are low in calories. Full-fat oat milk adds to the creaminess of the shake. Fairlife milk has extra protein. There are lots of options to try!
Yes, but it won't be as protein-packed. Consider adding ¼ cup Greek yogurt for protein, in that case.
Use gluten-free oats or oat flour instead of regular oats.
Absolutely! It has a balanced blend of protein, fiber, and nutrients.
A food processor can work, but a blender is recommended for a smoother texture.
Xanthan gum provides thickness, giving this a milkshake texture.
Yes, experiment with chocolate, banana, or cinnamon flavored protein for variety.
Yes, the protein and carbs make it an excellent choice for post-workout recovery. I would leave out the nuts, in this case.
Yes, store it in the refrigerator in an insulated tumbler, and you'll be good to go in the morning!
Don't forget to check out our healthy banana bread recipe. It tastes just like regular banana bread but has added protein and uses low glycemic coconut sugar instead of brown sugar. SO DELICIOUS!
And if you like this protein shake recipe, try our Caramel Pecan Protein Shake made with dates. YUM!
Recipe
Banana Bread Protein Shake (High-Protein Smoothie)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen banana slices 150g
- ½ cup milk, any kind 120g
- 1 scoop whey protein isolate 31g
- ¼ cup rolled oats 20g
- 1 tablespoon sweetener optional
- 1 tablespoon walnuts or pecans 8g
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon xanthan gum
- a pinch salt
Instructions
- Add frozen banana to the blender cup, followed by milk, protein powder, oats, sweetener, nuts, cinnamon, xanthan gum, and salt.
- Blend 30-60 seconds, or until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Pour the Banana Bread Protein Shake into a glass, and top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few chopped nuts for added flair (optional).
Notes
- Milk: Any kind of milk works here. Feel free to experiment with the different flavors that dairy milk and plant-based milks contribute. Almond milk, oat milk, and coconut milk are great choices!
- Protein Powder: Experiment with chocolate protein powder for a chocolate banana bread flavor, or banana flavored whey protein for an added burst of flavor.
- Sweetener: Try maple syrup, honey, agave nectar, or a medjool date for natural sweetness.
- Nuts: Feel free to swap the walnuts or pecans for your favorite nuts in this smoothie. Almonds, cashews, and macadamia nuts are also great choices here.
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Protein Shake: Add a tablespoon of sugar-free chocolate chips for a chocolate chip twist.
- Peanut Butter Banana Bread Shake: Swap the nuts for a tablespoon of peanut butter for a nutty, protein-packed delight.
- Almond Butter Bliss: Replace nuts with a tablespoon of almond butter for a nut butter infusion.
- Vanilla Infusion: Add ½ teaspoon alcohol free vanilla extract for a vanilla flavor burst.
- Go Coconuts: Use coconut milk for a tropical twist.
Andréa Marchese says
So happy you enjoyed the recipe, Callie! Thanks for taking the time to comment and rate the recipe. :)
Callie says
Awesome! I modified mine a little to fit some dietary needs/preferences but loved this as a base recipe.