This sweet and satisfying caramel protein shake comes together in 2 minutes. See how to make the 4-ingredient recipe at home.
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Recipe Highlights
- This caramel protein shake is a pureed drink made of unsweetened almond milk, vanilla extract, caramel sauce, and unflavored protein powder.
- Caramel sauce adds a rich and sweet flavor to this recipe. It’s so tasty in protein shakes.
- A quick and easy protein shake recipe, it takes just 2 minutes to make it at home.
- Sip on this drink after working out or when you’re looking for a filling snack.
RELATED: Vanilla Protein Shake
What Are Protein Shakes?
Protein shakes are different from smoothies and milkshakes. They have more liquid and no fruit or vegetable, so the texture is thinner.
In protein shakes, the main ingredient is protein powder. This lets you get a lot of protein at once.
You might want to drink a protein shake if you’re recovering from exercise or sickness.
RELATED: Peanut Butter Protein Shake
Caramel Protein Shake Health Benefits
Promotes Fullness
The protein in this shake will decrease hunger. That’s because protein has a satiating, or filling, effect on the body.
Increases Energy
Hunger can make you feel tired and sluggish. But the protein in this shake can reduce hunger, giving you more energy.
Protein is a source of energy for the body.
Builds Muscle
Your body needs protein after exercise. Protein helps recover and strengthen muscle.
Even if you’re not physically active, getting protein is still important. It will help maintain the muscle you currently have.
Improves Hydration
When you drink a protein shake, you’re hydrating your body.
The almond milk in this shake will add to your fluid intake. It’s a good idea to stay hydrated throughout the day, especially after exercising.
RELATED: Coffee Protein Shake
Ingredient Notes
- Unsweetened almond milk
The nutty flavor of almond milk is tasty with caramel. You can also use soy milk or cow’s milk, which will add more protein to the shake. - Caramel sauce
This recipe gets its buttery caramel taste from high-quality caramel sauce. Avoid using too much, which can make the shake too sweet. - Vanilla extract
Vanilla extract and caramel is a delicious pairing. The ingredients complement each other and add depth of flavor. Use pure vanilla extract for best results. - Unflavored protein powder
To let the caramel flavor shine, use unflavored protein powder. Vanilla and chocolate versions are also delicious with caramel. Feel free to use whey or plant-based powder, depending on your preference.
Step-by-Step Instructions
For full ingredients and instructions, scroll down to the recipe.
- Pour almond milk into the blender.
Always load the liquid ingredients first. - Add vanilla extract.
- Add caramel sauce.
- Add protein powder.
- Blend until smooth.
Start on low speed, then increase to high. - Pour into a cup. Serve immediately.
Photo Credit: amazon.com
Optional Add-Ins
Nut butters
Cashew butter, almond butter, and peanut butter will make the protein shake even creamier. Start with 1 tablespoon per recipe.
For a nut-free option, use sunflower seed butter.
Seeds
If you enjoy nutty or crunchy textures, add 1 tablespoon of flax seeds, hemp seeds, or chia seeds. They’ll add more plant-based protein and anti-inflammatory fats to the drink.
Use 1 or 2 tablespoons per protein shake.
Fruit powders
Fruit powders are made by drying and crushing fruits. They can add flavor to a protein shake without changing the texture too much.
Strawberry powder and banana powder are tasty options for a caramel protein shake.
Expert Tips
- Add a few ice cubes for a thicker protein shake. Put them in the blender after the powder.
- Before using protein powder, check the instructions on the packaging. It will tell you how much powder to add per drink.
- Caramel sauce has the best flavor. However, you can also use caramel flavoring. Use ½ teaspoon per shake.
- Protein shakes have the best flavor and texture right after they’re made. But if you need to store leftovers, use an airtight jar and put it in the refrigerator. Enjoy within 1-2 days.
Questions You May Have
Caramel is delicious in protein shakes. It adds depth of flavor and turns the drink into a sweet treat.
Protein shakes are thick and frothy from protein powder. You can make it thicker by adding a few ice cubes.
Yes, but protein shakes shouldn’t be your main source of protein. It’s still important to get protein and other nutrients from a variety of foods.
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Caramel Protein Shake
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons caramel sauce
- 1 scoop unflavored protein powder
INSTRUCTIONS
- Put unsweetened almond milk, vanilla extract, caramel sauce, and protein powder into a blender. Secure lid.Place ingredients into the blender in the order listed.
- Blend until smooth.Start the blender on LOW speed for 5 seconds. Increase speed to HIGH for 20 seconds.
- Pour shake into a cup. Serve immediately.
EQUIPMENT
NOTES
- Instead of unsweetened almond milk, you can also use soy milk or cow’s milk, which will add more protein to the shake.
- To let the caramel flavor shine, use unflavored protein powder. Vanilla and chocolate versions are also delicious with caramel. Feel free to use whey or plant-based powder, depending on your preference.
- Add a few ice cubes for a thicker protein shake. Put them in the blender after the powder.
- Before using protein powder, check the instructions on the packaging. It will tell you how much powder to add per drink.
- Caramel sauce has the best flavor. However, you can also use caramel extract. Use ½ teaspoon per smoothie.
- Protein shakes have the best flavor and texture right after they’re made. But if you need to store leftovers, use an airtight jar and put it in the refrigerator. Enjoy within 1-2 days.