Gingerbread High Protein Smoothie with Greek Yogurt
This Gingerbread Smoothie is packed with classic gingerbread flavor and high in protein from Greek yogurt, protein powder, and cashew butter. Naturally sweetened with frozen banana, it’s creamy, cozy, and perfect for Christmas morning or a winter day. A quick, simple, and festive breakfast to enjoy anytime!
This Gingerbread Smoothie is made high in protein with greek yogurt, protein powder, and cashew butter. It’s naturally sweetened with frozen banana and has all the flavor and spices of a gingerbread cookie but without artificial flavors or ingredients. Packed with the classic gingerbread flavor, this recipe brings together the creamy texture and flavors of the season in a way that feels just right for Christmas morning, a cozy winter day, or any time you’re craving something sweet, nourishing, and filling.
As someone who loves making protein smoothies with simple ingredients, I can promise this recipe is as easy as it gets and gives you a great boost to your protein intake. It’s a tasty breakfast you can whip up in minutes, and if you’re feeling festive, you’ve got the option of pairing it with my gluten-free almond flour gingerbread cookies for an extra special treat. I’m excited to share it with you because it’s truly the best way to enjoy all the nostalgic gingerbread flavors in a quick and satisfying way.
Why You’ll Love This Gingerbread Cookie Smoothie Recipe
- Warm Gingerbread Goodness: All the comforting flavors of gingerbread cookies packed into a creamy smoothie.
- Super Quick to Make: Ready in just a few minutes—perfect for busy mornings.
- Protein to Keep You Going: A tasty way to stay fueled and energized throughout your day.
- Perfectly Creamy: Smooth, thick, and oh-so-satisfying.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here is everything you need to make the best gingerbread protein shake recipe:
Plain Greek Yogurt: You can use dairy-free yogurt if you need it plant-based or swap for plain yogurt if that’s what you have on hand.
Unsweetened Almond Milk: Oat milk, regular milk, cashew milk or even coconut milk work great here.
Vanilla Protein Powder: Use your favorite vanilla protein powder for the best flavor. This is my favorite organic plant-based protein powder that tastes delicious. Chocolate or unflavored protein powder can also work for a different twist.
Cashew Butter: No cashew butter? Try almond butter, peanut butter, or even sunflower seed butter instead.
Molasses: Maple syrup or honey will work if you don’t have molasses, though the flavor will be a bit different.
Vanilla Extract: Skip it or use almond extract if you want to mix things up.
Cinnamon, Ginger, and Nutmeg: Adjust the amounts to taste or use a pre-made gingerbread spice mix if that’s easier.
Salt: Any type of salt works, or you can leave it out altogether if you prefer.
Frozen Banana: Fresh bananas are fine—just toss in more ice cubes to keep it thick and frosty.
Ice Cubes: Not a fan of ice? You can omit them.
How to Make My Gingerbread Protein Smoothie Recipe
Here are easy, detailed, step-by-step instructions for making my easy ginger high-protein smoothie recipe. The instructions are also repeated in the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post.
Step 1: Blend the Smoothie
Add 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup almond milk, and 1 frozen banana, 2 tablespoons protein powder, 1 tablespoon cashew butter, 1 teaspoon molasses, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, a dash of nutmeg, 2 ice cubes, and a dash of salt to your high-speed blender. Blend until it’s silky smooth and everything is well mixed. If it’s too thick, add a splash of almond milk and blend again.
Pour into your favorite glass and enjoy right away!
Helpful Recipe Notes
Freeze Your Banana: Frozen bananas make the smoothie extra creamy and cold.
Customize the Spice: Add more cinnamon or ginger if you want stronger gingerbread vibes.
Thick or Thin: Adjust the almond milk to get the consistency you like best.
Fresh Spices for the Win: If you have fresh spices, they’ll give the best flavor!
Gingerbread Man: Make a batch of my easy almond flour gingerbread men cookies for a delicious crunch and festive fun.
Delicious Serving Suggestions
- Breakfast in a Snap: A quick and easy option for busy mornings.
- Post-Workout Refuel: Packed with protein to help you recharge after exercising.
- Sweet Tooth Fix: A guilt-free way to enjoy dessert flavors any time of day.
- Toppings Are Fun: Sprinkle some granola, crushed nuts, or a pinch of cinnamon on top for extra texture.
- Snack Pairing: Enjoy it with a piece of toast, a muffin, or a handful of nuts for a more filling snack.
- Holiday Vibes: Pair it with a gingerbread cookie for the ultimate seasonal treat.
- Kid-Friendly: Serve it in a fun cup with a straw to make it extra exciting for little ones.
Choosing the Best Protein Powder for Smoothies
A frequent question I hear is how to pick the right protein powder for smoothies. It often comes down to two main types: animal-based and plant-based options, each with their unique benefits.
Animal-based protein powders are a complete source of essential amino acids, making them excellent for supporting muscle repair. They’re often digested quickly, which is why they’re a popular post-workout choice. While I don’t rely on these heavily (since I get plenty of animal protein from meals), they’re a great fit for many.
- Whey Protein
- Casein Protein
- Egg Protein
- Beef Protein
- Collagen Protein
For those looking for vegetarian or vegan options, plant-based protein powders are a fantastic choice. Though individual sources may lack all the essential amino acids, blending a variety creates a complete protein profile. They’re also naturally low in fat and cholesterol, which can be a bonus. Personally, I love using pea or hemp protein for smoothies.
- Pea Protein
- Brown Rice Protein
- Hemp Protein
- Soy Protein
- Quinoa Protein
- Chia Protein
- Flaxseed Protein
Sweeteners in Protein Powders
It’s also important to consider how your protein powder is sweetened, as this can affect taste and digestion. Here are a few common types to look out for:
- Artificial Sweeteners: Calorie-free but can be hard to digest for some.
- Sugar Alcohols: Low-calorie options like erythritol can sometimes cause bloating.
- Natural Sweeteners: Monkfruit and stevia provide sweetness without added sugar but may taste overly sweet to some.
- Traditional Sweeteners: Options like honey or maple syrup add a natural flavor, but I use them sparingly.
At the end of the day, choose a protein powder that fits your taste preferences, dietary needs, and lifestyle. And if you’re unsure about sweeteners, it’s always a good idea to check with a healthcare professional.
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:
- Chocolate Sweet Potato Smoothie High-Protein
- Apple Pie Smoothie High Protein
- High-Protein Berry Smoothie Cottage Cheese
- Healthy High-Protein Green Smoothie
- Protein Strawberry Cottage Cheese Smoothie
- Healthy Banana Smoothie High Protein
Gingerbread High-Protein Smoothie with Greek Yogurt
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 2 tablespoons protein powder
- 1 tablespoon cashew butter
- 1 teaspoon molasses
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- dash nutmeg
- dash salt
- 1 frozen banana (or half)
- 2 ice cubes
Instructions
- Add 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup almond milk, and 1 frozen banana, 2 tablespoons protein powder, 1 tablespoon cashew butter, 1 teaspoon molasses, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, a dash of nutmeg, 2 ice cubes, and a dash of salt to your high-speed blender. Blend until it’s silky smooth and everything is well mixed. If it’s too thick, add a splash of almond milk and blend again.Pour into your favorite glass and enjoy right away!
Video
If you love thick and creamy! Without cashew butter, I just added 2 T of cashews. O gosh what a treat.
Thank you for sharing your substitution of cashews instead of cashew butter 🙂 I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Oh, and fresh ginger (1/2″) really ramps up the truth of Gingerbread flavors 😀
That is an excellent tip!! Thank you for sharing, Virginia 🙂
Really easy and delish recipe! I was pleasantly surprised by how much it tasted just like the cookie 🙂
Thank you for the review, Cynthia!! 🙂
This smoothie is so fun and tastes just like a gingerbread cookie! I hope you enjoy it 🙂