Upgrade your morning coffee by turning it into an energizing and satiating Coffee Smoothie! This version uses banana and coconut milk to make it extra creamy and satisfying. Use vanilla or chocolate protein powder to mix it up!
Adore coffee drinks? Learn how to make cold brew coffee, or try this delicious Almond Milk Latte (hot or cold!)
This post is sponsored by No Cow, makers of delicious plant based protein powders and snacks! Thanks for supporting the brands that keep Sunkissed Kitchen running!
Contents
The Perfect Banana Coffee Breakfast Smoothie
Smoothies are such a great way to start out the day! They are completely customizable, so it’s easy to get in fruits, veggies, protein, and healthy fats, in the right proportions for your needs.
Throw in a little espresso, and your breakfast and morning coffee are combined into this delicious and creamy treat!
I always keep fruit, like bananas and berries, and vegetables, like spinach, zucchini, and cauliflower, in my freezer, so I can make thick, creamy, wholesome smoothies whenever the mood strikes.
You’ll love this coffee smoothie combo because:
- It’s the perfect blend of indulgent and healthy (creamy banana coffee, plus greens and protein!)
- It’s easy to make — just 5 ingredients!
- The protein & calorie content are easy to adjust to your needs — adjust the amount of protein powder, or add more/less coconut milk as needed. You can also add MCT oil or coconut oil to add satiating fats!
- Skip the sugar-filled coffee shop drinks. This has no added sugar! The sweetness comes from banana and the protein powder.
- It’s completely plant-based! I use No Cow Smooth Chocolate Protein Powder, which is a blend of pea protein and brown rice protein.
I love No Cow‘s delicious plant-based protein powders. They come in Creamy Vanilla or Smooth Chocolate. Both are incredibly delicious and work in this banana coffee smoothie recipe! I use Vanilla to keep it simple, or the Smooth Chocolate plus 1 tablespoon of raw cacao powder to turn this into a creamy mocha smoothie!
No Cow’s plant based protein powders are sugar free — sweetened only with Stevia. They have the perfect balance of sweetness to add to smoothies or baked goods.
Hop on over to No Cow’s website to see where you can buy these near you!
What You’ll Need
- Espresso (make ahead and chill – hot coffee makes a runny/thin smoothie!) – you can also substitute instant coffee, frozen coffee ice cubes, or cold brew coffee! This needs a strong coffee flavor since it’s combined with other ingredients.
- Frozen Banana (adds the perfect pop of natural sweetness! Lower the carbs by using frozen zucchini!)
- Coconut Milk (I use full fat coconut milk to make this extra creamy. Use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk, or plant-based milk of choice if desired!)
- Fresh Spinach (optional, but adds a serving a greens to your breakfast!)
- No Cow Smooth Chocolate Protein Powder or Creamy Vanilla Protein Powder
- Vanilla Extract or Raw Cacao Powder (optional)
- Ice
Smoothie Additions & Variations
Vanilla Coffee Protein Shake
Follow the instructions are written, using a vanilla protein powder. Omit the spinach if you’d prefer a thinner texture.
Mocha Coffee Protein Smoothie
Use No Cow Smooth Chocolate Protein Powder plus 1 tablespoon of raw cacao or natural cocoa powder (unsweetened).
Add More Carbs
If you have higher carb needs for your breakfast, add these healthy options:
- Rolled Oats (2-3 tablespoons!)
- Maple Syrup or Honey (1 tablespoon)
- Extra banana! (my personal favorite carb to add to smoothies)
Add More Healthy Fats
- Almond Butter or Cashew Butter (1-2 tablespoons)
- Coconut Oil or MCT Oil (1 tablespoon)
- Ground Flax (1 tablespoon)
- Hemp Seeds (1-3 tablespoons)
Add Extra Fiber
- Chia Seeds (1-2 tablespoons)
- Zucchini (1/2 cup frozen)
- Psyillium Husk (1-3 teaspoons)
Extra Protein
This smoothie as written as 27 grams of protein! Add more based on your needs:
- Collagen Peptides (isn’t plant-based)
- Whole Fat Greek Yogurt or Coconut Yogurt (1/4 cup, use plain Greek yogurt for no added sugar)
Low Carb Coffee Smoothie
Use frozen zucchini in place of the frozen banana. The protein powder will keep this smoothie sweet and delicious!
How to Make a Coffee Smoothie
Step 1: Add chilled coffee, coconut milk, spinach, frozen banana, ice, and protein powder to a blender.
Step 2: Process until a very smooth and creamy texture is formed.
Step 3: Enjoy smoothie as is, or for a “coffee house” style treat, add a dollop of coconut whipped cream.
FAQ & Smoothie Prep Instructions
How to prep Coffee Smoothies ahead of time
Busy mornings? Prepare this breakfast coffee smoothie ahead of time by making smoothie kits. Into a plastic freezer bag or glass container, add the frozen banana, spinach, ice, and protein powder (plus any dry additions, like chia seeds or cacao powder).
When you’re ready to enjoy your smoothie, empty the contents into a blender along with your coffee and plant-based milk of choice.
Meal prepping smoothies is perfect for streamlining your morning routine!
Can you put coffee beans in a smoothie?
Yes! You can use 1-2 tablespoons of whole coffee beans in a smoothie if you’re using a high-speed blender. The beans won’t completely break down and have the same consistency as using brewed coffee or espresso, but it will give you a perfect coffee flavor. This adds texture, similar to blending cacao nibs.
Can you put coffee creamer in a smoothie?
Yes, you can use coffee creamer in a smoothie in place of milk. For this coffee smoothie recipe, use your favorite coffee creamer (I love NutPods Vanilla Creamer, which is coconut and almond milk) in place of the coconut milk.
Can you put instant coffee in a smoothie?
Yes, instant coffee works great in smoothies. Use 2-3 teaspoons of instant coffee in this smoothie in place of the chilled espresso. Adjust the amount to how strong you like your coffee flavor. Increase the amount of coconut milk to reach the desired consistency.
Other Breakfast Smoothie Recipes
- Oatmeal Breakfast Smoothie (with SunButter and Raspberry!)
- Ultra Creamy Chocolate Smoothie
- Healthy Orange Smoothie (Orange Julius remake!)
Healthy Coffee Smoothies
I’d love to connect with you on social media! Find me on Facebook or Instagram where I post daily healthy eating and lifestyle inspiration!
Creamy Banana Coffee Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 banana frozen
- 3 cups spinach fresh or frozen
- 1 1/2 cups ice
- 3 shots espresso or 1/2 cup cold brew coffee or 2 teaspoons instant coffee
- 1/4 cup coconut milk full fat
- 1 scoop No Cow Smooth Chocolate Protein Powder
Instructions
- Add chilled coffee, coconut milk, spinach, frozen banana, ice, and protein powder to a blender. See notes below for optional additions to customize this based on your personal needs!
- Process until a very smooth and creamy texture is formed.
- Enjoy smoothie as is, or for a “coffee house” style treat, add a dollop of coconut whipped cream.
Video
Notes
Vanilla Coffee Protein Shake
Follow the instructions are written, using a vanilla protein powder. Omit the spinach if you’d prefer a thinner texture.
Mocha Coffee Protein Smoothie
Use No Cow Smooth Chocolate Protein Powder plus 1 tablespoon of raw cacao or natural cocoa powder (unsweetened).
Add More Carbs
If you have higher carb needs for your breakfast, add these healthy options:
- Rolled Oats (2-3 tablespoons!)
- Maple Syrup or Honey (1 tablespoon)
- Extra banana! (my personal favorite carb to add to smoothies)
Add More Healthy Fats
- Almond Butter or Cashew Butter (1-2 tablespoons)
- Coconut Oil or MCT Oil (1 tablespoon)
- Ground Flax (1 tablespoon)
- Hemp Seeds (1-3 tablespoons)
Add Extra Fiber
- Chia Seeds (1-2 tablespoons)
- Zucchini (1/2 cup frozen)
- Psyillium Husk (1-3 teaspoons)
Extra Protein
- Collagen Peptides (isn’t plant-based)
- Whole Fat Greek Yogurt or Coconut Yogurt (1/4 cup, use plain Greek yogurt for no added sugar)
Shawnai says
Really hate that you misled us by it saying Creamy Chocolate Coffee Smoothie as the recipe title but when someone goes to it it’s a Banana Smoothie recipe instead. More & more posters are doing this & it’s so frustrating!
Michelle Miller says
If you read the recipe, it contains chocolate — and there are notes on how to make it even more chocolately, if that’s what you prefer! There are even instructions on how to make it low carb with a chocolate flavor and no banana at all.
Laurie says
I’ve been looking for new smoothie recipes and this one is SO DELICIOUS!!!!! It’s exactly as described and is definitely going into my morning smoothie rotation. Thank you too for all of the other variation ideas. I can’t wait to try some of your other recipes Michelle!
Michelle Miller says
Hi Laurie! Thanks for your message. Sounds like you like your smoothies like I do – thick and dessert-like 🙂 I think you’d love the Chocolate Chip Mint Smoothie and my Healthy Orange Julius 🙂 https://sunkissedkitchen.com/dreamy-chocolate-chip-mint-smoothie/ – https://sunkissedkitchen.com/whole-fruit-orange-julius-exciting-news/ And the one I am making right now — the Pumpkin Spice Latte Smoothie! https://sunkissedkitchen.com/pumpkin-spice-latte-smoothie/