This chocolate peanut butter protein smoothie is the creamy, dessert-like blend to make when you want something rich without reaching for protein powder. Cottage cheese and Greek yogurt blend right in for a smooth texture, while banana adds natural sweetness and cocoa gives it that milkshake-style flavor. It is quick enough for breakfast, fun enough for an afternoon snack, and made with simple ingredients you may already have.
Ingredients
Makes 1 large smoothie.
- 1 medium ripe banana, sliced and frozen if possible
- 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3/4 cup milk of choice
- 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey, optional
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
- 1/2 cup ice, plus more as needed
How To Make It
Add the milk to the blender first, then add the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, banana, peanut butter, cocoa powder, and any optional sweetener or vanilla. Starting with the liquid helps everything move smoothly and keeps the cocoa from sticking to the bottom.
Blend on high for 30 to 45 seconds, or until the smoothie looks completely creamy. If it is too thick, splash in a little more milk. If you want it colder or thicker, add a few extra ice cubes and blend again.
Taste before pouring. For a stronger chocolate flavor, add another teaspoon of cocoa. For more peanut butter flavor, add an extra teaspoon of peanut butter. Pour into a tall glass and enjoy right away while it is frosty and thick.
Tips
Use a ripe banana for the best sweetness. A frozen banana makes the smoothie extra creamy and helps it taste more like a chocolate peanut butter shake.
If you are unsure about cottage cheese in a smoothie, blend it with the milk first for 15 seconds, then add the remaining ingredients. This makes the base especially smooth.
Plain Greek yogurt keeps the flavor balanced, but vanilla Greek yogurt also works if you like a sweeter smoothie. If using sweetened yogurt, you may not need maple syrup or honey.
For a thicker spoonable smoothie, reduce the milk to 1/2 cup and use a frozen banana. For a thinner drinkable smoothie, use the full 3/4 cup milk or a little more.
Top with a sprinkle of cocoa, mini chocolate chips, sliced banana, or crushed peanuts if you want it to feel extra treat-worthy.
Blend it once, and this cozy chocolate peanut butter smoothie might become your new favorite no-powder protein pick.