Caramel Pecan Protein Shake (Smoothie with Dates)

5 from 1 vote

Caramel Pecan Protein Shake (Smoothie with Dates)

This Caramel Pecan Protein Shake is a high protein dessert-inspired shake. Medjool dates give the caramel flavor and pair deliciously with the pecans. Makes a great protein breakfast or snack! Indulge in the full recipe or save half for later.

Prep Time5

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Servings: serving

Calories: 443kcal

Author: Andréa Marchese

Equipment

kitchen scale highly recommended
high speed blender

Ingredients

2 Medjool dates, pitted 48g
2 tablespoons pecans 15g
½ cup ice 110g
½ cup creamy oat milk (or any milk) 120g
1 tablespoon sweetener (optional) 12g
1 scoop whey protein isolate 31g
1 pinch salt
¼ teaspoon xanthan gum (optional, for thickness)

Notes

If you'd like to indulge in this delicious shake but the carbs and calories are too high for you, consider making the shake and saving half for later or tomorrow. It's a filling shake, and you may be quite satisfied with half of the recipe.

Ingredient Substitutions

Dates: For a lower sugar option, replace the dates with sugar free caramel syrup.

Pecans: Feel free to sub any of your favorite nuts here! Almonds, walnuts, and macadamia nuts would be great options.

Milk: Swap creamy oat milk with your favorite milk. I often use unsweetened almond milk in shakes as a lower calorie option. Fairlife milk would also be great here!

Protein Powder: Any vanilla whey protein (or whey/casein blend) would work here, but keep in mind that the vanilla flavor and sweetener taste in most protein powders might overpower the caramel (date) and pecan flavors. The whey protein I recommend has a very subtle vanilla flavor and is unsweetened. I haven't found a vanilla vegan protein powder that I can recommend (taste-wise).

Recipe Variations

Caramel Ice Cream Delight: Put this shake in an ice cream maker or Ninja Creami for a delicious high protein ice cream!

Butterscotch Bliss: Substitute pecans with almonds or almond butter and add a touch of butterscotch flavor for a unique twist.

Chocolate Coated Crunch: Use coconut milk and add a tablespoon of sugar-free chocolate chips for a delicious protein shake reminiscent of a candy bar.

Storage Info

This shake is best if consumed within 24 hours. I love these insulated tumblers for storing

Nutrition