If you’re like me and love starting your day with coffee but need a little something extra to keep you full, this Vanilla Maple Protein Iced Coffee is going to be your new best friend.
It’s creamy, lightly sweet, and packed with protein to give you a nice energy boost. The best part? It’s super quick and easy—perfect for busy mornings or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Let’s get blending!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brewed coffee (chilled)
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (vegan or whey, your choice!)
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk you like)
- 1-2 teaspoons pure maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Ice cubes
- Optional: pinch of cinnamon for garnish
Tools:
- Blender or shaker bottle
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tall glass
- Metal straw (optional but fun!)
Pro Tips
- Chill your coffee ahead of time. Brew it the night before and pop it in the fridge for the smoothest iced coffee.
- Use a high-speed blender. It’ll make your drink extra creamy and perfectly mixed. If you don’t have one, a shaker bottle works too!
- Taste and adjust sweetness. Start with a small amount of maple syrup, then add more if you want it sweeter.
- For extra frothiness: Add a few ice cubes to the blender while mixing for that café-style vibe.
- Make it decaf: If you’re avoiding caffeine, use decaf coffee—it’s just as delicious!
Substitutions and Variations
- No maple syrup? Use agave syrup or a teaspoon of sugar instead.
- Swap almond milk for oat, coconut, or dairy milk.
- Not into vanilla? Try chocolate protein powder for a mocha twist.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Blend everything except the ice and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just pour over ice when you’re ready to drink!
- Freeze coffee into ice cubes to prevent your drink from getting watered down.
How to Make it
1. Brew and Chill Your Coffee
Brew 1 cup of coffee and let it cool completely. For best results, chill it in the fridge for at least an hour or overnight.
2. Blend the Ingredients
In a blender, combine chilled coffee, almond milk, vanilla protein powder, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and cream
3. Pour Over Ice
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes and pour the blended coffee mixture on top.
4. Garnish and Serve
Optional: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top or drizzle with extra maple syrup for a fancy touch. Add a straw and enjoy!
Leftovers and Storage
- This drink is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store the blended coffee (without ice) in the fridge for up to a day. Just shake it well before serving.
Conclusion
This Vanilla Maple Protein Iced Coffee is so much more than just a drink—it’s a refreshing, energizing treat that’s healthy and satisfying. Whether you’re fueling up for the day or need a quick pick-me-up, this recipe will hit the spot. Give it a try and let me know how you liked it! Leave a comment below—I’d love to hear your feedback and any fun twists you tried!