peanut butter fudge protein shake
When I was a wee beginner distance runner, this was what I drank after every long run.
Ah, to be an enthusiastic novice again. I had such an innocent view of distance running. I’d run a few shorter distances during the week, then hype myself up for a 6-8 mile long run on the weekends and drive home from my spot at Publix in eager anticipation of this cool little treat. I saved it just for those Saturday mornings, and couldn’t wait to get my blender out and whip it up, especially after those hot summer trots.
I’d also get injured real often back then because I was such a novice…but that’s not what this is about. I’m more talking the joy that comes from having something to look forward to, even if its something as simple as a post-workout smoothie. Particularly in those days, I lived a very mundane existence, with little variation, so those little moments really boosted me up. No matter how silly it seems to anyone else, never underestimate the joy of anticipation.
Getting deep on a post about a protein shake.
Instead of a cocktail this week, I wanted to share this Peanut Butter Fudge Protein Shake because it holds a gentle little corner of my heart. It reminds me of quiet hours just after dawn, with a mug of French press coffee (and way too much International Delight creamer), and a plate of avocado toast. I’d wander in from my run, make my smoothie, take a few sips before and after my shower, then sit down and write in my bullet journal before getting up to make my aforementioned breakfast. All before 9 am.
I’m pretty sure that ritual made me the early bird I am today.
My favorite smoothie here is a wonderful breakfast or a nourishing post-workout snack, with a little kick thanks to some instant espresso blended in. Tastes like a Reese’s in a glass, and that layer of melted chocolate dripping down the inside of the glass, along with some chopped chocolate atop, makes it just a little more special.
As the days heat up, the drinks cool down. Best part here is there’s almost no effort involved, and easily made vegan with a couple simple customizations. Slurp slurp, hoorah!
Blender Tales
Basically, you just blend a bunch of shit up. That’s it.
BUT, before we do, I like to melt down some chocolate for drizzling in the cup. Makes the whole thing prettier and is a nice closing act once the sadness of an empty cup kicks in. Microwave a couple spoonfuls of dark chocolate until smooth, then spoon into the cup and let it drip down the sides.
The rest of the magic happens in the blender. I recommend freezing a banana a couple hours before you plan to make the smoothie, or the night before, or shit, the month before. Just make sure to peel it first else you gon have a bad time.
I used a peanut butter protein powder for my shake, but really, any flavor works well. Throw that in the bowl of the blender with your banana, some cocoa powder, instant espresso (if you’d like, this isn’t imperative), vanilla extract, a touch of maple syrup if you need some extra sweetener, and your choice milk. I used a vanilla soy milk since that’s what I had, but canned coconut milk would be awesome for an extra-rich shake.
I added about 1/2 cup of ice to the bowl, then blended it until nice and smooth. You ideally own a high-speed blender for this, else it might be a bit chunky and need an extra whiz in the machine.
Then pour it out, shove a straw or spoon in the glass, and drink away! This recipe makes one big ole shake, but can be divided up into two smaller ones if you want to jar it up and freeze a portion for a snack later. Be a great snack at a later time! It will keep well for up to a month in the freezer.
This is my first real FMG smoothie, and I’m really glad to share it because it’s been a staple in my repertoire for a long time. Let me know if you’re digging smoothies – I’ll happily do some more!
Tried this recipe out? Leave a rating and comment below with your thoughts, and don’t forget to come say hi on Instagram and show me what you made!
Like it hot? Here you go:
Molten Tahini Coconut Hot Chocolate
peanut butter fudge protein shake
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp dark chocolate chunks or chips
- 1 large frozen banana, sliced
- 1 scoop your favorite protein powder
- 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp maple syrup, or to taste
- 2 tsp instant espresso (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk of choice (I used soy)
- ice, as needed, to thicken
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate for 30 seconds. Stir until melted. Let cool while you make the smoothie.
- In the bowl of a high-speed blender, combine all ingredients, including 1/2-1 cup of ice if needed. Blend until creamy and smooth.
- Drizzle a glass with the melted chocolate, then pour in the shake. Top with chopped chocolate, grab a straw, and slurp away!
