Vanilla Bean Protein Shake (Print Version)

Frosty vanilla shake rich in protein, creamy and refreshing for any time of day.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Dairy & Alternatives

01 - 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
02 - 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

→ Protein

03 - 1 scoop vanilla whey or plant-based protein powder

→ Flavorings

04 - 1 tablespoon instant vanilla pudding mix
05 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
06 - Seeds from 1/2 vanilla bean
07 - 1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey

→ Ice

08 - 1 1/2 cups ice cubes

→ Topping

09 - Light whipped cream

# How-To Steps:

01 - Add almond milk, Greek yogurt, protein powder, instant vanilla pudding mix, vanilla extract, vanilla bean seeds, and sweetener to a high-speed blender
02 - Layer ice cubes on top of the liquid ingredients
03 - Blend on high speed for 30 to 60 seconds until the mixture reaches a smooth, creamy, and frothy consistency
04 - Taste the shake and blend again briefly if additional sweetness is needed
05 - Pour into two tall glasses, top with light whipped cream if desired, and serve immediately with a straw

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • It tastes like the fancy coffee shop version, except you know exactly what's in it and your wallet stays fuller.
  • Twenty-two grams of protein means you're actually fueled for hours, not raiding the pantry an hour later.
  • Those vanilla bean specks make it feel special in a way instant mixes alone never could.
02 -
  • If your blender sounds like it's struggling or the mixture isn't moving, you've probably added too much pudding mix—it thickens more than you'd expect, so start with less.
  • The instant pudding mix is the secret weapon here; I tried making this without it once and ended up with something that tasted more like a protein shake than a frappuccino, and there's a big difference.
03 -
  • Freeze your glasses in the freezer for ten minutes before serving; the drink stays frosty longer and it looks like a café creation.
  • If you're making this for two people with different sweetness preferences, blend them separately for 30 seconds in two smaller batches rather than trying to adjust one big batch—it's faster and you'll nail both preferences.
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