Protein Hot Cocoa Shake with Whipped Cream

$- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk - 1 scoop chocolate protein powder - 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter (or almond butter) - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste) - ½ teaspoon vanilla extract - A pinch of sea salt - Whipped cream (store-bought or homemade) for topping - Chocolate shavings or cocoa nibs for garnish (optional) This shake is packed with nutrients. It has protein from the powder and nut butter. Almond milk keeps it low in calories. Here’s a rough breakdown per serving: - Calories: 250 - Protein: 20g - Carbs: 20g - Fat: 10g - Fiber: 3g These numbers can change based on the brands you choose. When making your Protein Hot Cocoa Shake, I suggest these brands: - Almond Milk: Califia Farms or Silk - Protein Powder: Optimum Nutrition or Vega - Cocoa Powder: Hershey’s or Ghirardelli - Nut Butter: Jif Natural or Justin’s - Sweeteners: Manuka Honey or Grade A Maple Syrup These brands offer great taste and quality for your delicious shake! Start by pouring 2 cups of unsweetened almond milk into your blender. Almond milk gives this shake a light and creamy base. The unsweetened kind keeps it healthy and lets the cocoa shine. Make sure to use a high-speed blender for a smooth texture. Next, add 1 scoop of chocolate protein powder. This boosts the shake’s protein and flavor. Then, mix in 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder. This adds rich chocolate taste. It’s a perfect blend of nutrition and indulgence. Now, secure the lid on your blender. Blend the mixture on high for about 30-45 seconds. Watch for a smooth and frothy mix. After blending, taste your shake. If it needs more sweetness, add 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup. Blend again for a few seconds to mix well. Pour your delicious hot cocoa shake into two large glasses. Top each glass with whipped cream. For extra flair, sprinkle on chocolate shavings or cocoa nibs. This makes your shake look fancy and fun. Serve it right away with a straw or long spoon. Enjoy your delightful treat! To get a smooth texture, use a high-speed blender. This makes a big difference. Blend the shake for 30 to 45 seconds. If you notice lumps, blend it a bit longer. Make sure the lid is on tight to avoid spills. If your shake seems thick, add a bit more almond milk. This will help it blend better. Adjust the sweetness to fit your taste. Start with one tablespoon of honey or maple syrup. After blending, taste it. If you want it sweeter, add more syrup and blend again. You can use other sweeteners too, like agave or stevia. Just remember to add a little at a time so you don’t overdo it. For thick, creamy whipped cream, start with cold cream. Use heavy whipping cream for the best results. Whip it in a bowl with a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat it until you see soft peaks. Add a bit of sugar or vanilla for flavor. If you want it sweet, use about one tablespoon of sugar for every cup of cream. Store leftover whipped cream in the fridge for up to 2 days. {{image_4}} You can switch up the protein powder you use. Try vanilla or plant-based protein powders. They add unique flavors and can change the shake's taste. Look for options that fit your dietary needs. Some brands even offer flavors like cookies and cream or mocha. They can make your shake even more exciting! If you need a dairy-free option, almond milk works great! You can also use oat milk or coconut milk. For a nut-free shake, choose soy milk or rice milk. If you want to skip the nut butter, sunflower seed butter is a tasty alternative. It gives the shake a nice creaminess without nuts. Get creative with flavors! You can add a few drops of peppermint extract for a minty twist. Cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and spice. You can even mix in a spoonful of instant coffee for a mocha flavor. Just remember to start small. You can always add more if you want a stronger taste! If you have leftover protein hot cocoa shake, pour it into a sealed container. Store it in the fridge. Drink it within two days for the best taste. Before enjoying, give it a good shake. This helps mix the ingredients again. You can freeze this shake for later use. Pour it into ice cube trays or freezer-safe bags. When you want a quick treat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. Blending frozen cubes with a bit of almond milk makes a tasty smoothie! To reheat the shake, pour it into a saucepan. Gently warm it on low heat. Stir often to prevent burning. You can also use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. Enjoy warm, topped with whipped cream for a cozy treat! Yes, you can use regular milk. It will change the flavor a bit. Almond milk adds a nutty taste. If you like that, stick with it. Both options will work well in this shake. If you want to swap honey or maple syrup, try agave syrup or stevia. Both will give sweetness without changing the shake's texture. You can also use a sugar alternative like coconut sugar. To make this shake vegan, use plant-based protein powder. Also, choose maple syrup or agave instead of honey. Lastly, ensure your whipped cream is dairy-free, or skip it altogether. Yes, this shake is great for post-workout recovery. It has protein and healthy fats to help your muscles recover. The cocoa gives you a nice energy boost too. Enjoy it after your workout for the best results! In this blog post, we covered how to make a delicious shake. We listed the ingredients and their nutritional info. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparing it, adding flavor, and serving. I shared tips for a smooth texture and how to customize sweetness. We explored variations, storage methods, and answered common questions. This shake is fun and healthy. You can make it your own by trying different flavors. Enjoy making it!$

Protein Hot Cocoa Shake with Whipped Cream

Warm up with a delicious Protein Hot Cocoa Shake that’s not only indulgent but also packed with nutrients! This creamy drink blends rich chocolate protein powder, almond milk, and natural nut butter for a sweet treat that's ready in just 5 minutes. Whether you're post-workout or craving something cozy, this shake will satisfy your chocolate cravings. Click through to explore the full recipe and treat yourself today!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups unsweetened almond milk

1 scoop chocolate protein powder

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tablespoon natural peanut butter (or almond butter)

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

A pinch of sea salt

Whipped cream (store-bought or homemade) for topping

Chocolate shavings or cocoa nibs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Begin by pouring 2 cups of unsweetened almond milk into a high-speed blender.

Add in 1 scoop of chocolate protein powder, followed by 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder for that rich chocolate flavor.

Spoon in 1 tablespoon of natural peanut butter or almond butter, and then drizzle in 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup, depending on your preferred sweetness.

Enhance the flavors with ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness.

Secure the blender lid tightly and blend the mixture on high speed for approximately 30-45 seconds or until it reaches a smooth and frothy consistency.

After blending, taste the shake and decide if you want to boost the sweetness further. If desired, add extra honey or maple syrup, then blend again for a few seconds to incorporate.

Pour the luscious hot cocoa shake into two large glasses, ensuring an even distribution.

Give each shake a luxurious topping of whipped cream, and if you’re feeling indulgent, sprinkle some chocolate shavings or cocoa nibs on top for an elegant finish.

Serve immediately, presenting with a straw or a long spoon for a delightful experience of sipping and scooping the whipped cream!

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes | Servings: 2