Carrot Cake Protein Smoothie with Greek Yogurt
This Carrot Cake Protein Smoothie delivers authentic carrot cake flavor with minimal sweetener. Using fresh carrots, banana, pineapple, and warm spices, this high-protein breakfast keeps you full for hours. Greek yogurt and cashew butter add protein and healthy fats while carton coconut milk creates rich creaminess in this nutritious treat.
Want a nutritious breakfast that tastes like dessert but keeps you full for hours? This healthy carrot cake smoothie delivers all the classic flavors of carrot cake in a protein-packed glass. Using fresh baby carrots, natural sweetness from banana and pineapple, and a perfect blend of warm spices, this high protein carrot smoothie satisfies your sweet tooth without added sugars.
I created this recipe when looking for yummy post-workout nutrition that wouldn’t spike my blood sugar, and my family now requests it weekly. The Greek yogurt and cashew butter add protein and healthy fats that keep me feeling full, while the coconut milk creates a rich, creamy texture that makes this smoothie feel fancy despite being incredibly nutritious.
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Carrot Cake Smoothie
- Authentic carrot cake flavor: The perfect blend of cinnamon and ginger creates that classic carrot cake taste without any artificial ingredients.
- High-protein satisfaction: Greek yogurt and protein powder combine to deliver over 20g of protein per serving to keep you full for hours.
- Naturally sweetened: No added sugars needed thanks to the natural sweetness from carrots, banana, and pineapple.
- Quick breakfast solution: Blends up in under 5 minutes for a grab-and-go morning meal that tastes like dessert but nourishes your body.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here is everything you need to make this carrot protein shake:
Carton Coconut Milk: Creates a creamy, rich base with subtle sweetness. Be sure to use the coconut milk that comes in a carton. You can swap with almond milk, oat milk, or regular milk depending on your preference.
Greek Yogurt: Adds protein and tanginess while creating a thick, creamy texture. Plain coconut yogurt works as a dairy-free alternative. You can also use cottage cheese.
Baby Carrots: Provide natural sweetness, fiber, and that authentic carrot cake flavor. Regular carrots work great,tooājust peel and chop them first.
Banana: Contributes natural sweetness and creates that smooth, creamy texture. Frozen banana works best for thickness, but room temperature works too.
Pineapple: Adds tropical sweetness that enhances the overall flavor profile. Mango or more banana can substitute if pineapple isn’t available.
Cashew Butter: Delivers healthy fats and a subtle nutty flavor just like carrot cake. Almond butter, peanut butter, or sunflower seed butter all work well.
Vanilla Protein Powder: Boosts the protein content and adds vanilla flavor. A plant-based or whey-based option both workāchoose your preference. This is my favorite organic vanilla protein powder that tastes great and is reasonably priced!
Cinnamon: Provides that classic carrot cake spice flavor. You can add a bit more if you’re a cinnamon lover.
Ginger: Adds warmth and authentic carrot cake spice notes. Ground ginger works perfectly, but a small piece of fresh ginger adds brightness.
Nutmeg: You only need a dash to enhance all the flavors!
Easily Adapt This Recipe for Any Diet
This smoothie with coconut milk and yogurt is naturally easy to tweak! Follow these simple swaps to make it gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan while keeping the same great texture and flavor.
Gluten-Free: The recipe is naturally gluten-free as written – just check that your protein powder is certified gluten-free.
Dairy-Free: Swap Greek yogurt for coconut yogurt or silken tofu, and ensure your protein powder is dairy-free.
Vegan: Use plant-based yogurt and vegan protein powder while keeping all other ingredients the same.
š” Pro Tip: If you try a substitution, let us know how it worked in the comments!
How to Make My Protein Carrot Cake Smoothie Recipe
Here are easy, detailed, step-by-step instructions that are also repeated in the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post.
Step 1: Prep and Blend the Smoothie
For best results, slice and freeze the banana and pineapple chunks ahead of time. Add 1/2 cup coconut milk, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 3 baby carrots, 1/2 frozen banana, and 1/4 cup frozen pineapple, 1 tablespoon cashew butter, 1 scoop vanilla protein powder, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, and a dash of nutmeg to the blender. Blend on high speed for 45-60 seconds until completely smooth and creamy.
If the smoothie is too thick, add a splash more coconut milk. If it’s too thin, add a few ice cubes or more frozen banana. Pour into a glass and optionally garnish with whipped cream, toasted coconut, chopped pecans, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Expert Recipe Tips
Freeze your fruits: Pre-freezing the banana and pineapple creates a thicker, creamier carrot pineapple smoothie without diluting the flavor with ice.
Use small carrots: Baby carrots or young, tender carrots have a sweeter flavor and blend more easily than large, mature carrots.
Balance the sweetness: If your protein powder is already sweetened, you might need less banana or pineapple. Adjust to your taste preference.
Delicious Serving Suggestions
- Carrot cake toppings: I like to add a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle some chopped walnuts and unsweetened coconut flakes on top. You’ll love it because it adds texture and makes the banana carrot smoothie feel like a special treat.
- Chia pudding base: Serve this smoothie poured over a small portion of chia pudding. The combination of textures makes for a more substantial breakfast that keeps you full even longer.
- Overnight oats pairing: I often make this alongside a small portion of vanilla overnight oats. You’ll love how the smoothie with cashew butter complements the oats for a complete, filling breakfast.
- Frozen into popsicles: Pour leftovers into popsicle molds for a protein-packed frozen treat. This works great on hot days when you want something cool but nutritious.
Here are Amazon links to my favorite naturally sweetened protein powders that are very affordably priced:
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Do you love smoothies? Check out more of my easy and nutritious breakfast smoothie recipes:
- Mango and Avocado Smoothie with High-Protein Greek Yogurt
Creamy Carrot Banana High-Protein Smoothie - Snickers Smoothie High Protein Chocolate Peanut Butter
- Orange Creamsicle Protein Smoothie with Cottage Cheese
- Chocolate Sweet Potato Smoothie High-Protein
- High-Protein Berry Smoothie Cottage Cheese
- Healthy High-Protein Green Smoothie
And if you love carrot cake flavor, you’ll love these carrot cake inspired recipes:
- Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Cupcakes Frosted
- Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Muffins and Cream Cheese Glaze
- Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Mug Cake with Frosting
- Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting
Carrot Cake Protein Smoothie with Greek Yogurt
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup greek yogurt
- 3 baby carrots
- 1/2 banana
- 1/4 cup pineapple
- 1 tablespoon cashew butter
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- dash nutmeg
Instructions
- For best results, slice and freeze the banana and pineapple chunks ahead of time. Add 1/2 cup coconut milk, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 3 baby carrots, 1/2 frozen banana, and 1/4 cup frozen pineapple, 1 tablespoon cashew butter, 1 scoop vanilla protein powder, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, and a dash of nutmeg to the blender. Blend on high speed for 45-60 seconds until completely smooth and creamy.
- If the smoothie is too thick, add a splash more coconut milk. If it's too thin, add a few ice cubes or more frozen banana. Pour into a glass and optionally garnish with whipped cream, toasted coconut, chopped pecans, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe has been reviewed by a healthcare professional for its nutritional balance and alignment with healthy eating principles.
oh yummm!!! I’ll take ‘carrot cake’ for breakfast any day. This is delicious!
Thank you for the review, Vanessa!
I LOVE carrot cake, and I love this smoothie even more because of all its nutritious ingredients š I hope you enjoy it, too!