This vanilla protein milkshake has less than 200 calories, is low carb, low sugar, and high in protein… yet it tastes like a decadent vanilla shake!
Sometimes you just need a thick, creamy milkshake… one that’s dotted with flecks of warm vanilla beans and tastes like the ultimate indulgence. The best part about this protein milkshake is that it only TASTES decadent… it’s actually super healthy!
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There is an ice cream place here in Ohio that is known for having the BEST malts and milkshakes around (well at least I think they do), and when I was pregnant, I would crave a milkshake or malt from United Dairy Farmers constantly. I’ve tried time and time again to replicate that creamy goodness, and would get it kind of close, but not quite right, which was always super frustrating! Who would have thought that I’d get my closest yet, with a skinny protein milkshake?!
I whipped up this recipe as a part of my low-carb diet, as it’s chock full of protein, so it keeps me full longer than a regular shake! It just amazes me when I’m drinking this thick and creamy shake, that I’m actually drinking something really healthy!!
Because it’s so filling, I like to drink this protein milkshake in the morning with a light breakfast, or in the afternoon when I hit that 2pm crash. Do you get that too? When you’re just chugging along through your day like a boss, then all of a sudden your energy is gone and all you want to do is take a nap. Such a productivity killer!
So you might be looking at that whipped cream on top of the shake and thinking, “well that’s not skinny….”, so let me assure you, it’s totally optional, and I use fat free cream, so it doesn’t undo all the healthiness of the protein milkshake 🙂
The cherries are also optional, but I’m a sucker for a great fresh cherry!
Ways to Make This Protein Milkshake Even Creamier:
- Pour some of the almond milk into an ice cube tray and freeze it. Use the frozen almond milk cubes intead of ice!
- Add a tablespoon of heavy cream (this will alter the nutritional values)
- Make sure to scrape down the sides of the blender to get alllllll the protein powder incorporated
- Use a high-quality protein powder… I like this one!
- Sprinkle in about 1/4 tsp xanthan gum to thicken up the protein milkshake and make it ultra thick and creamy
Feel free to play around with this recipe and add different flavors, such as adding a bit of greek yogurt or fresh fruit!
I hope you guys give this protein milkshake a try… you’ll be amazed by the luxurious dessert flavor, while not blowing your diet!!
Some Helpful Tools to Make This Recipe:
Tera’s Whey Protein Powder – I love the clean, non-chalky taste of this protein powder!
Ninja Professional Blender – No more chunky smoothies… this blender will make the absolute smoothest shake you’ve ever had!
Nielsen Massey Vanilla Bean Paste – My absolute favorite vanilla product, ever!
Xanthan Gum – In case you wanted to use it, this is the product I use for all sorts of things… smoothies, popsicles, salad dressings, etc.
Libbey Ice Cream Soda Glasses – Because a great milkshake deserves a great glass!
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Ingredients
- 2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 3/4 tsp vanilla bean paste could also substitute vanilla extract
- 2 level scoops vanilla whey protein powder
- Approximately 5 small squirts of liquid stevia optional
- 1 cup of ice cubes more or less depending on how thick you want your shake
- Swirl of fat free whipped cream I used Reddi-Whip, optional
- Fresh cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Add almond milk, vanilla bean paste, protein powder and stevia to blender.
- Process on MED speed for 1 minute to fully mix ingredients, scraping down the sides of blender if needed.
- Add ice cubes and process on HIGH speed for an additional minute.
- Pour into serving glasses and top with whipped cream and cherry (if using).
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Chef Tips
2. A splash of heavy cream will also make the milkshake super luxurious, but it will change the nutritional values.
Andrea says
Do you have the nutritional value? Fat carbs and protein?
The Chunky Chef says
As I’m not a nutritionist, I don’t provide full nutritional information for my recipes (don’t want to inadvertently pass along incorrect information). Your best bet would be to copy the ingredients into your favorite online nutritional calculator.
Joan adler says
Hi! This sounds delish but can you please tell me how many servings this recipe is for? Thanks!!!
The Chunky Chef says
Hi Joan 🙂 It’s been awhile since I’ve made and measured this… but I would say offhand it makes about 16-18 oz. So depending on your serving size, 1-2 servings.
Jeannine says
yum….I replaced 1 cup for a frozen banana makes it creamy without the half/half
The Chunky Chef says
Hi Jeannine 🙂 Love the banana addition!
Trish says
Could unsweetened coconut milk be used in place of the almond milk?
The Chunky Chef says
Hi Trish 🙂 Yes, I think that would work wonderfully!
Roxana says
I hate that afternoon crush! Mine is usually around 3 pm and just like you, all I wanna do is take a catnap.
I have to try this milkshake! Sounds like just what I need to actually check off my to-do list.
The Chunky Chef says
If only we could take a nap in the middle of the day, right Roxana? If you try it, I hope you love it 🙂
Traci says
Looks great! I can’t find the Chicken Caprese recipe though….
The Chunky Chef says
Hi Traci 🙂 Thank you! Did you click on this post on accident then? If you search for caprese it’ll pop up, but here’s the post just in case 🙂 http://www.thechunkychef.com/garlic-balsamic-caprese-chicken/
Joanie @ ZagLeft says
Amanda, this looks amazing! A guilt-free milkshake is right up my alley!
Renee - Kudos Kitchen says
Skinny AND loaded with protein? Count me in!
The Chunky Chef says
Thanks Renee! 🙂 It’s the best of both worlds 🙂
Debra A Attinella says
This looks delicious and I like how it is good for you! Looks super creamy!
The Chunky Chef says
Thank you Debra! 🙂
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts says
Nothing beats a vanilla milkshake on a hot summer day. This version looks like something you can actually have more often!
The Chunky Chef says
Thanks Erin! Yep, definitely a way to enjoy more milkshakes, with less guilt 🙂
Jessica | The Novice Chef says
Ian always looking for a quick way to grab something in the mornings! Love this!
The Chunky Chef says
Thanks Jessica!! It’s awesome in the morning, when cooking something is the last thing on my mind, but I still need to eat 🙂
Krista says
I love this! I could drink this all day!
The Chunky Chef says
Thanks Krista!! 🙂