Vanilla Coffee Protein Smoothie

This Vanilla Coffee Protein Smoothie is made with black coffee, vanilla, dates, protein powder, AND steamed-then-frozen cauliflower. Yes, that’s correct, cauliflower. But you won’t even taste it. Steamed cauliflower gives this smoothie a dairy-free, rich, creamy flavor and texture! And the coffee and vanilla are the perfect flavors to start your day! {Vegan + Gluten-free}

Oh, friends, who doesn’t love a good coffee + vanilla + protein + smoothie situation? Because I am always on TEAM COFFEE. And if that coffee also comes with good flavor and filling ingredients to start my day, then so much the better.

But here’s the thing. Lots of coffee or chocolate smoothie recipes call for a banana. And I just don’t love bananas IN things. Maybe in a cream pie, but that’s about it. I won’t fight you for a slice of banana bread or for a bite of Banana Split. Nope and never. A straight-up banana is about all I do.

Therefore, this Vanilla Coffee Protein Smoothie is made without bananas. So, to get a rich, creamy flavor without dairy, we’re adding in…steamed-then-frozen cauliflower. Seriously. And, friends, it’s love at first bite! Believe it or not, frozen cauliflower that was previously steamed pairs well with other ingredients in sweet smoothie recipes. The steaming process removes the vegetable-y flavor while the freezing process turns the cauliflower floret into a sort of ice cube. 

Basically you get to have your coffee and your vegetables, too. But this Vanilla Coffee Protein Smoothie tastes more like vanilla and coffee than vegetable. Everybody wins!

So grab your blender, and let’s mix it up!

VANILLA COFFEE PROTEIN SMOOTHIE INGREDIENTS:

Mix and match your ingredients to get a super-sweet protein smoothie or a darker roast coffee blend. YOU decide!

• Cold coffee. Brew your favorite coffee and let it cool.
• Frozen, previously steamed cauliflower. The trick here is to buy fresh cauliflower. Then chop it up into florets, steam the florets, and let them cool. Store the florets in small quantities in freezer-safe containers (about a handful in each). It isn’t an exact science, but I typically use about a handful of frozen cauliflower in this recipe.
• Vanilla protein powder. I like Orgain. It’s vegan, soy-free, and gluten-free. You WILL notice it in the smoothie, though. So make sure you like the taste of whatever protein powder you pick and add only as much as you want.
• Almond milk. Vanilla or plain, sweetened or unsweetened. You pick!
• Agave nectar. This is entirely optional. But since I’m not big on stand-alone black coffee, I like to sweeten my smoothie with a little agave nectar.
• Dates. Pitted and chopped. They add just the right natural sweetness.
• Vanilla. I add a splash of vanilla just to top off the flavor.
• Ice cubes. Blending everything together, especially the dates, can take a little while. Sometimes the smoothie gets hot in the blender. But a few ice cubes will quickly take care of that if the frozen cauliflower didn’t!

HOW TO MAKE VANILLA COFFEE PROTEIN SMOOTHIE:

Making your own Vanilla Coffee Protein Smoothie is easy to do! Experiment with the ingredients, and if you aren’t sure just how sweet you want your smoothie to be, then start with smaller quantities of protein powder, agave nectar, dates, and vanilla. Add more of each as desired.

1. Brew a batch of coffee, let cool, and store in the refrigerator to chill.
2. Steam cauliflower florets and let cool. Store in freezer-safe containers, about a handful per container.
3. In a high-speed blender, combine the cold coffee, almond milk, agave nectar, vanilla, frozen cauliflower, protein powder, and dates and mix on a high speed until smooth. If the smoothie gets hot, then blend in a handful of ice cubes.
4. Enjoy right away or store in the refrigerator for up to 24-36 hours.

COFFEE SMOOTHIE VARIATIONS:

This recipe aims for a sweeter coffee smoothie recipe. If you want something a little more neutral or with a stronger coffee flavor, then reduce the:

• Dates to just a few pieces, or omit them.
• Protein powder to one scoop or pick a neutral-flavored version.
• Agave nectar to a drizzle or two, or omit altogether. 

Lovin’ the coffee life? Then check out these creative brews!

• Homemade Iced Coffee
• Dairy-Free Vanilla Cashew Coffee
• World’s Best Chocolate Coffee

Print