Okay, this shake is crazy good.
It’s sweet, salty, creamy—and actually keeps you full.
If you’ve ever had a craving for a caramel milkshake but didn’t want the sugar crash after… this is your new go-to.
I’ve been making this shake after workouts or when I need something quick and satisfying.
It tastes like dessert, but it’s packed with protein.
Best part? You can throw it all in a blender in 5 minutes or less.
Why I Love This Recipe
I started making this shake when I was trying to hit my protein goals but still wanted something that tasted like a treat. I didn’t expect it to be this good. It’s now part of my regular routine.
- Tastes like a caramel milkshake
- Packed with 25–30g of protein
- Only takes 5 minutes to make
- Great for breakfast or post-workout
- No blender drama—it blends smooth every time
What You’ll Need
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (about 30g)
- 1 tablespoon almond butter (smooth)
- 1 tablespoon caramel sauce (plus extra to drizzle)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt (prefer flaky sea salt)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk you like)
- ½ frozen banana (sliced)
- ½ cup ice
Servings and Time
Servings: 1 large shake
Time: 5 minutes
Pro Tips
- Use a frozen banana instead of ice if you want a thicker, creamier shake
- Don’t skip the sea salt—it brings out the caramel flavor
- Use a good vanilla protein powder for the best taste
- If your blender isn’t strong, blend the banana and milk first
- Add a handful of oats if you want it to be more filling
Tools Required
- Blender
- Measuring spoons
- Small bowls for ingredients
- Spoon for almond butter and caramel
- Clear glass or smoothie cup
- Round plate for serving
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap almond butter with peanut butter (for a different nutty twist)
- Use chocolate protein powder for a chocolate-caramel flavor
- Use oat milk or dairy milk instead of almond milk
- Add a scoop of collagen or creatine for extra nutrients
Make Ahead Tips
You can portion out all the dry ingredients (protein powder, salt) and freeze the banana in advance. Store everything in a small freezer bag so you can just toss it into the blender with milk when ready.
Recipe + Instructions
Step 1: Add Protein Powder
Add 1 scoop (30g) of vanilla protein powder to your blender.
Step 2: Add Almond Butter
Add 1 tablespoon of smooth almond butter to the blender.
Step 3: Add Caramel and Vanilla
Add 1 tablespoon of caramel sauce and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract to the blender.
Step 4: Add Sea Salt
Add ½ teaspoon of flaky sea salt.
Step 5: Add Banana and Ice
Add ½ sliced frozen banana and ½ cup ice.
Step 6: Pour in Milk
Pour 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk into the blender.
Step 7: Blend Until Smooth
Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy (about 30 seconds to 1 minute).
Step 8: Pour and Garnish
Pour the shake into a clear glass. Drizzle with extra caramel and a small pinch of flaky sea salt.
Leftovers and Storage
This shake is best enjoyed right away. If you do store it, keep it in the fridge for no more than 24 hours. Shake it up before drinking again—it may separate a bit.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Protein + fat (from almond butter) + salt + sweet = super satisfying.
The frozen banana thickens the shake like ice cream, and salt enhances the caramel flavor. Blending high-speed emulsifies everything so it’s creamy without needing dairy.
Common Mistakes
- Too much ice: It waters down the flavor.
- Not using frozen banana: Makes it too thin and less creamy.
- Skipping the salt: It won’t taste like “salted” caramel without it.
- Using low-quality protein powder: It can ruin the taste completely.
What to Serve With
- A granola bar for crunch
- Toast with almond butter
- Rice cakes and honey
- A boiled egg if you want more protein
FAQ
Can I make this without banana?
Yes! Just use more ice and add a little Greek yogurt to keep it creamy.
What’s the best protein powder for this?
Vanilla whey or plant-based vanilla protein both work great. Pick one that tastes good on its own.
Can I double the recipe?
Totally. Just make sure your blender can handle it.
Is it okay for breakfast?
Absolutely. It’s filling, has protein, healthy fats, and tastes like a treat.
Final Thoughts
This salted caramel protein shake is the perfect mix of sweet, salty, and satisfying. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s so easy to come back to—again and again. If you make it, drop a comment and let me know what you think, or share your favorite protein shake tips!
