Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie (Adam's Post-Workout Build)
Adam built this smoothie for one specific purpose: refueling after hard sessions. After a long training day, a big OCR session, a punishing leg workout, this is what goes into the blender within thirty minutes of getting home. It tastes like a Reese's peanut butter cup blended into a milkshake, which is a dangerous quality for something that's actually good for you. Frozen banana for sweetness and thickness, raw cacao for real chocolate flavor, peanut butter for fat and satisfaction, protein powder for recovery, oat milk for creaminess, and a pinch of sea salt to make everything pop. It takes two minutes and replaces the urge to eat an entire pizza.
- PRO
- VGT
- GF
- ≤30
Estimated macros per serving
Calories ~560 · Protein ~39g · Carbs ~58g · Fat ~25g
Ingredients
For the smoothie:
- 1 large banana, peeled, sliced, and frozen
- 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter (no added sugar)
- 2 tablespoons raw cacao powder (not Dutch-processed cocoa)
- 1 scoop chocolate or vanilla protein powder (about 25 grams protein)
- 1 cup certified gluten-free unsweetened oat milk
- ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ice cubes, for extra thickness
Method
- Add the oat milk to a high-speed blender. Then add the frozen banana, peanut butter, cacao powder, protein powder, and sea salt.
- Blend on high for 45–60 seconds, until completely smooth and thick. The consistency should be like a thick milkshake; you should need to tip the glass. Add ice cubes and blend again briefly if you want it even thicker.
- Taste and adjust: a touch more peanut butter if you want it richer, a splash more oat milk if it's too thick to blend. Pour into a tall glass and drink within a few minutes — it thickens as it sits.
Variations & Notes
- Vegan Swap: Use a plant-based protein powder. Most oat milks are already vegan: just check the label.
- Nut-free: Swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter: the flavor is slightly different but still works.
- Extra Hungry: Add ¼ cup of rolled oats and an extra tablespoon of peanut butter. Or blend in half an avocado for creaminess and extra calories: you won't taste it.
- Adam's actual move: He doubles this recipe, drinks half immediately, and puts the other half in the fridge for an hour later when he's hungry again. It separates a bit: just stir.
- Substitutions: Almond milk or coconut milk work in place of oat milk. Almond butter or cashew butter can replace peanut butter. Carob powder is a cacao alternative for those avoiding caffeine.