If you want something sweet, refreshing, and actually good for you—this Strawberry Shortcake Protein Smoothie hits the spot.
It tastes like dessert but fuels like breakfast.
Perfect for a quick morning, post-workout, or afternoon pick-me-up.
Why I Love This Recipe
This smoothie takes me back to warm summer afternoons eating strawberry shortcake at family picnics—just lighter, faster, and packed with fuel. I came up with this version after a workout when I wanted something sweet but didn’t want to crash an hour later. Since then, it’s been a regular go-to.
- Tastes like dessert but packed with protein
- No baking needed—just blend and go
- Super refreshing and ready in 5 minutes
- Easy to adjust to whatever milk or berries you have on hand
- Makes you feel full without feeling heavy
Makes: 1 large smoothie
Time: 5 minutes
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup frozen strawberries
- ½ frozen banana
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk)
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon graham cracker crumbs
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
- Optional toppings: whipped cream, extra graham cracker crumbs, fresh strawberries
Pro Tips
- Use frozen strawberries and banana to get a thick, milkshake-like texture without ice.
- Don’t skip the graham cracker crumbs—they give it that “shortcake” taste.
- Adjust sweetness based on your protein powder—some are sweetened, some aren’t.
- Add Greek yogurt for a creamier texture and extra protein.
- Blend it twice if you’re using a less powerful blender to get everything super smooth.
Tools You’ll Need
- Blender (NutriBullet, Ninja, or similar)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or spatula
- Glass or cup for serving
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap almond milk for oat milk, regular milk, or soy milk
- No banana? Add a few extra strawberries and a drizzle of honey
- Use strawberry protein powder instead of vanilla
- Add chia seeds or flaxseeds for more fiber
- Make it a smoothie bowl with granola and fresh fruit on top
Make-Ahead Tips
Blend everything except the graham cracker crumbs and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add the crumbs and toppings right before serving.
How to Make the Strawberry Shortcake Protein Smoothie
Step 1: Add frozen strawberries and banana
Add 1 cup frozen strawberries and ½ frozen banana to the blender.
Step 2: Add protein powder and almond milk
Add 1 scoop vanilla protein powder and ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk to the blender.
Step 3: Add vanilla extract and Greek yogurt
Add ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt to the blender.
Step 4: Blend until smooth
Blend everything on high for 30–60 seconds until it’s thick and creamy.
Step 5: Add graham cracker crumbs
Add 1 tablespoon graham cracker crumbs and blend again for 10 seconds to mix it in.
Step 6: Pour and add toppings
Pour into a glass and top with whipped cream, extra graham cracker crumbs, and fresh strawberry slices if you want.
Leftovers and Storage
Smoothies are best fresh, but you can store leftovers in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 day. Just shake it up or re-blend before drinking.
Macros (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 12g (natural from fruit and milk)
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Frozen fruit creates a creamy texture without ice, which waters things down.
- Greek yogurt adds body and tang, like the cream layer in shortcake.
- Graham cracker crumbs give a shortcake-like flavor and texture.
- Protein powder balances the sugars and makes it more filling.
Common Mistakes
- Using fresh fruit only: It’ll turn out watery unless you add ice.
- Over-blending with graham crumbs: They disappear—pulse them in last.
- Adding too much milk: It’ll be too thin and not “milkshake-like.”
- Skipping the vanilla: It ties everything together—don’t skip it!
What to Serve With
- A hard-boiled egg for extra protein
- Toast with almond butter
- A handful of nuts on the side
- Or just enjoy it solo—it’s filling!
FAQ
Can I use fresh strawberries?
Yes, but add ice or freeze them first for the right texture.
What kind of protein powder works best?
Vanilla whey or plant-based. Make sure it blends smooth.
Can I double the recipe?
Totally—just make sure your blender can handle the volume.
Is it sweet?
Sweet like a light dessert. If you want more, add a drizzle of honey.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Shortcake Protein Smoothie is one of those recipes that just works. It tastes like something you’d get at a smoothie bar, but it’s made with stuff you probably already have. Give it a try and let me know how it turned out! I’d love to hear what twists you put on it—drop a comment and let’s talk smoothies!
