Enjoy this sweet and salty indulgence any time of the day! A Salted Saramel Protein Shake worthy of dessert. Made with vanilla protein powder and drizzled with homemade caramel sauce, this dairy-free protein shake is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
"This is my new “go-to” shake. It’s the perfect blend of flavors. Absolutely love this recipe!" -Khrys
A Quick Look At The Recipe
- ⏲️Ready In: 5 Minutes
- 👪Serves: 2
- 🍽 Calories and Protein: 356 kcals and 20 grams of protein
- 📋Main Ingredients: Protein powder, dairy-free milk, coconut milk, almond butter, and dates.
- 📖 Dietary Notes: Dairy-free, gluten-free, grain-free, high-protein.
- ⭐ Why You'll Love It: It delivers rich salted caramel flavor with real ingredients while still feeling light enough for a post-workout treat.
SUMMARIZE & SAVE THIS CONTENT ON
Fueling up with essential amino acids post-workout doesn’t have to be boring. Neither does increasing up your protein intake! This salted caramel protein smoothie is a delicate blend of sweet and salty flavors. Blended until smooth and topped with healthy caramel sauce, it will literally become a bright side in your day (though this coffee protein shake is pretty great too).
Take a minute out of your day to ENJOY what you’re putting into your body as fuel- like this peanut butter protein powder ice cream! Then, learn more about the benefits of a high protein diet and why you want to amp it up!
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💭Why You'll Love The Recipe
Allergy-friendly: This salted caramel protein smoothie is naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and vegan!
Easy: You only need a handful of ingredients to whip it up.
Versatile: You can make the protein shake as indulgent or as simple as you like based on your toppings.
Energizer: This smoothie has everything you need to gain some energy and hold on to it for a few hours.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Protein powder: The kind of protein powder you choose will affect the texture and the flavor of the dairy-free protein shake. I've made this with both vegan protein powder and beef protein powder, and both are delicious. Learn more about adding protein to smoothies.
- Coconut milk: Opt for the canned version and go full-fat (learn about the different types of coconut milk). Remove the water from the can and just use the thick white part.
- Almond butter: Gives a bit of caramel flavor to the smoothie itself when combined with dates and vanilla, just like with chocolate covered pecan turtles. Peanut butter will work as well.
- Date: a great way to replace sugar in recipes! The date helps give mild sweetness to the smoothie.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Flavor Variations
Chocolate caramel: Use a chocolate protein powder, add 1 tablespoon of raw cacao powder, or drizzle some dairy-free chocolate glaze with that caramel sauce for a rich chocolate flavor.
Espresso: Add a splash of cooled coffee or instant espresso powder to the caramel protein smoothie for a whole other kind of pick-me-up.
How To Make A Caramel Protein Shake
Step 1: Add all ingredients to a high-powered blender.
Step 2: Blend until smooth.
Step 3: If using, whip the coconut milk into a 2-minute coconut whip. Mix together the healthy caramel sauce.
Step 4: Portion the protein shakes into a mason jar. Top with coconut whipped cream and drizzle the caramel sauce on top. Finally, finish with a tiny sprinkle of sea salt.
Choosing A Protein Powder
Each protein powder is unique in the way that it tastes as well as the way it absorbs liquid.
In fact, vegan proteins will absorb almost double the liquid as whey protein powder. On the opposite side, whey protein tends to be sweeter than vegan.
So, the type of protein powder you choose will affect the salted caramel smoothie.
- Beef protein powder: My personal favorite. If you use Equip protein, the smoothie will be sweeter but thicker. If you use Paleo Pro Protein, the smoothie is as close to natural as it gets. Code "mamabear" on both will save you some money.
- Vegan protein powder: If you're using a pea-based protein powder, the smoothie will have a thicker texture, and if using a fermented protein, you'll probably have to add extra liquid. Vegan proteins aren't always sweet, so adjust the turmeric shake as needed.
- Egg white protein powder: This will froth your smoothie up a lot.
- Whey protein: The smoothie will be a bit thinner in texture as whey doesn't absorb liquid. Scale back on the dairy-free milk.
Expert Tips To Make It
Both almond butter and peanut butter will work for the homemade caramel sauce. However, make sure the nut butter is fresh and runny (not the hardened bit at the bottom). Otherwise, the sauce won’t mix smoothly.
Though you can use whey protein in place of the vegan protein powder, the smoothie will most likely be a bit thinner.
If whipping up the caramel sauce right before using it, it should just drizzle off a spoon. Piping it from a bag tends not to work as well, especially if it’s not mixed completely smooth. Or, just make a big batch of coconut milk caramel sauce so that you can make this protein smoothie again and again.
Salted Caramel Protein Shake FAQs
Though you can make the salted caramel smoothie ahead of time, it will thin out while stored in the fridge. Which means that it tastes best if freshly made. If you have to make it in advance, you'll need to give it a good shake before enjoying, and know that it will be very thin.
This caramel smoothie does provide a great balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates, and can be used as a meal replacement or healthy snack. However, everyone's diet is unique, and you'll want to make sure it fits your macros before swapping it out.
Flavors like chocolate, coffee, and warm spices like vanilla and cinnamon go well with salted caramel.
More High-Protein Snacks You'll Love
If you tried this Salted Caramel Protein Shake Recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes!
Salted Caramel Protein Smoothie
Video
Equipment
- High powered vitamix
Ingredients
For the protein shake
- 7 ice cubes
- ⅓ cup protein powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ cup coconut milk
- 1 cup hemp milk
- 1 tbs almond butter
- 1 date
For the caramel sauce
- 2 tbs almond butter
- 2 tbs maple syrup
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Combine the smoothie ingredients and blend until smooth.
- Whisk the caramel sauce with a fork.
- Drizzle some caramel into the glasses with a spoon.
- Pour in the shake.
- Top with coconut whipped cream (if using) and more drizzled caramel.
Notes
- Make sure the nut butter is fresh and runny (not the hardened bit at the bottom) for the caramel sauce. Otherwise, the sauce won’t mix smoothly.
- The sauce works better if the nut butter is at room temperature.
- As is, this smoothie is not "creamy" but textured. Tastes amazing.
- Though you can use whey protein in place of the vegan protein powder, the smoothie will most likely be a bit thinner.
- If whipping up the caramel sauce right before using it, it should just drizzle off a spoon. Piping it from a bag tends not to work as well, especially if it’s not mixed completely smooth.
- Coconut whip is not included in nutritional breakdown.
- Refrigerating the caramel sauce will cause it to harden.
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Elaine says
This was fantastic so decadent I almost forgot it is good for me!
Beverly says
Oh. My. Gosh. INSANELY good. Never would have thought that it's good for me too!
Khrys says
This is my new “go-to” shake. It’s the perfect blend of flavors. Absolutely love this recipe!
fitasamamabear says
Happy you love it!
Celia says
Oh, the salted caramel protein smoothie is my absolute favorite! I'm a big fan of salted caramel in my coffee, so having it in a protein smoothie is a delightful treat. Thanks!
fitasamamabear says
It's really the best flavor.
Annie Lynn says
This was super creamy! And the flavor was spot on. I am always nervous to try protein shake recipes because I usually don't like them, but this one was fabulous!
fitasamamabear says
Sometimes shakes can be funky but this is one I could live off lol
Theresa says
I'm always in a rush in the morning, and this smoothie has become my breakfast of choice. It's quick, easy, and so tasty. Worth making again and again!
fitasamamabear says
Ha, me too! Glad it helped!
Sharina says
This is what I need for summer! It has the perfect combination of flavors that are also refreshing!
fitasamamabear says
Amazing, I love hearing this!
Michelle says
I love the classic flavour of salted caramel, the balance of sweet and salty flavors is spot on. The added protein is a plus and it tastes great!
fitasamamabear says
It really is such a great flavor!
Kristen says
Wow, was this tasty! It really satisfied my dessert cravings. Will make again and again. 🙂
fitasamamabear says
Life win!
Addison says
This protein shake is so thick and creamy! I love it for breakfast and dessert!
fitasamamabear says
So glad you loved it!
Vladka says
I made it with coconut milk and peanut butter, and it was just the perfect snack after a busy day at work.
fitasamamabear says
Mmm peanut butter works in everything!
Jenni says
This shake was so easy and delicious! I can't believe it counts as a protein shake because it definitely tastes like dessert!
fitasamamabear says
Haha double win!