Looking for a delicious way to hit your protein goals without sacrificing flavor? This creamy, indulgent protein milkshake recipe is made with simple ingredients and delivers over 30 grams of protein per serving. It tastes just like dessert—but fuels your body like a post-workout meal.
Whether you’re bulking, meal prepping, or just want a high-protein treat, this Protein Milkshake Recipe is endlessly customizable. My go-to? Vanilla protein milkshake—but I’ve included some fun flavor twists below.
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More High-Protein Drinks You’ll Love:
Why You’ll Love This Protein Milkshake Recipe
- 30+ grams of protein: Helps build lean muscle, keeps you full longer, and boosts energy throughout the day.
- Tastes like dessert: Creamy, dreamy, and satisfying—without that gritty protein flavor.
- Customizable flavors: Start with vanilla and explore endless mix-ins like chocolate, strawberries, or peanut butter.
- Minimal ingredients: No fancy supplements or complex ingredients—just your kitchen staples.
Products for Your Protein Milkshake recipe
1. Vanilla Protein Powder
- Orgain Organic Plant-Based Vanilla Protein Powder – Great taste, clean ingredients, and vegan-friendly.
- Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Vanilla – Ideal for high-protein, low-carb shakes.
2. High-Protein Milk Options
- Silk Unsweetened Almond Milk – Great for low-calorie, plant-based shakes.
3. Blenders (Must-Have for Smooth Shakes)
- NutriBullet Pro 900W Personal Blender – Perfect for quick, single-serve protein shakes.
4. Healthy Ice Cream Alternatives
- Halo Top Vanilla Bean Light Ice Cream – Low-calorie and high in flavor.
5. Fun Toppings (Optional but Fun!)
- Maraschino Cherries for Topping – The classic milkshake topper!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Protein Powder: I use bourbon vanilla brown rice protein, but any kind works—choose one you enjoy!
- Milk: Unsweetened almond milk works great. For more protein, try Fairlife (ultra-filtered milk) or regular dairy milk.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: For that classic milkshake texture. You can also use low-fat or frozen yogurt alternatives.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor and adds depth.
- Ice Cubes: Blends the shake to thick, cold perfection.
- Toppings (Optional): Think whipped cream, sprinkles, cherries—or whatever makes you smile.
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Flavor Variations
Want to change it up? Try one of these delicious twists:
- Chocolate: Use chocolate protein powder + 1 tsp cocoa powder.
- Strawberry: Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen strawberries.
- Cookies & Cream: Blend in 1 cup crushed Oreos + extra for garnish.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter: Chocolate protein + 1 tbsp creamy peanut butter + crushed peanuts on top.
- Malted Milkshake: Add 2 tbsp malted milk powder for a nostalgic flavor.
How to Make a Protein Milkshake
Step 1 – Blend it up:
Add all ingredients into a blender—protein powder, milk, ice cream, vanilla, and ice. Blend until completely smooth.
Step 2 – Serve & Top:
Pour into a tall glass. Add toppings like whipped cream, a cherry, or sprinkles if desired. Sip and enjoy!
Nova’s Tips for the Best Protein Milkshake Recipe
- Want more protein? Swap ice cream for my Protein Ice Cream or use Cottage Cheese Ice Cream.
- Cutting calories? Use vanilla Greek yogurt instead of ice cream.
- No ice? Frozen banana is a great substitute that adds creaminess, flavor, fiber, and nutrients!
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Storage Instructions for Protein Milkshake Recipe
- To store: Pour leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Stir before drinking.
- To freeze: Freeze in an ice cube tray. Once frozen, transfer to a sealed container for up to 3 months. To enjoy, blend cubes with a splash of milk until smooth.
More High-Protein Snacks
- Homemade Protein Bars
- Protein Balls
- Protein Smoothie
- Protein Granola Bars
- Protein Cookie Dough
- Explore all of my High Protein Recipes
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Protein Milkshake Recipe Card
Equipment
- Vanilla Protein Powder Great taste, clean ingredients, and vegan-friendly.
- High-Protein Milk Options Almost double the protein of regular milk.
- Blenders (Must-Have for Smooth Shakes) Perfect for quick, single-serve protein shakes.
- Healthy Ice Cream Alternatives Low-calorie and high in flavor.
- Fun Toppings (Optional but Fun!) The classic milkshake topper!
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup vanilla protein powder or any flavor you like
- ¾ cup milk almond, cow’s, or protein-enriched milk like Fairlife
- 3 tbsp vanilla ice cream or low-fat/frozen yogurt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup ice cubes
Instructions
- Add protein powder, milk, ice cream, vanilla extract, and ice to a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour into a glass, garnish as desired, and enjoy immediately!
Notes
Protein Milkshake recipe FAQs
How many grams of protein should be in a protein milkshake recipe?
Aim for 20–35 g of protein per shake. This range supports muscle recovery and satiety. Post-workout shakes typically target the higher end (~30g), while meal supplements may use closer to 20g.
Should I mix my protein powder with milk or water?
Milk (dairy or soy): adds creaminess, flavor, and extra protein/calcium—ideal for muscle gain or meal replacement.
Water: calorie-free, easier to digest, perfect for lean trainers or those tracking calories
Can I make a protein milkshake recipe without a blender?
Absolutely. Use a shaker bottle: pour in your liquid first, then protein powder, and shake vigorously (~30 seconds). It won’t be as thick as a blender shake, but it’s quick and convenient.
What makes a shake thick and creamy?
To thicken:
Use frozen fruits—bananas or berries—for a smoothie-like texture.
Add Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, oats, or chia/flax seeds.
Blend longer (30–60 seconds) on high
When is the best time to drink a protein milkshake?
Post-workout (within 30–60 minutes): ideal for muscle recovery.
Pre-workout or evening shakes: also effective depending on fitness goals. Timing flexibility means choose what suits your routine best
How many protein shakes per day are safe?
Generally, 1 shake daily is enough for most people. Up to 2–3 can work if your diet lacks protein or you’re an athlete—but whole foods should remain a primary source
Do protein milkshake recipe help with weight loss?
Yes—when used to replace rather than add calories. Use low‑calorie bases like water or unsweetened almond milk, and add fiber-rich ingredients (e.g., fruits, seeds) to boost satiety .
Are plant-based protein powders as effective as whey?
Whey: complete protein, fast absorption—great for muscle building.
Plant-based (soy, pea, hemp): can be complete sources. Soy notably matches amino-acid profiles of whey.
Why does my shake taste chalky or clumpy?
Common causes:
Poor mixing order: add liquid first, then powder.
Short blend time: blend for at least 30s on high.
Low-quality protein powder with fillers—opt for better-reviewed brands
Can I prepare Protein Milkshake recipe ahead of time?
Yes. You can:
Chill in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Freeze in ice-cube trays and reblend later.
Always shake or blend before drinking to restore smooth texture
