High Protein Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie

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Packed with naturally high-protein ingredients, this creamy chocolate peanut butter smoothie makes a delicious breakfast or post-workout snack!

Like a lot of us, I’ve been reading up on protein and its benefits lately. I have a 10-year -old with ADHD so finding ways to manage his symptoms with some simple dietary changes has been on my mind, and one great way to do that is with a high protein breakfast.

He’s not really into eggs in the morning so, instead, in brainstorming ideas, I started with his great love of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups! From there, the smoothie angle seemed like an obvious choice. Everyone in my family absolutely loves smoothies and my kids beg for them regularly – hence why I have so many smoothies on my site!

The peanut butter and cocoa combination gives it that classic peanut butter cup flavor we love, while the frozen banana and Greek yogurt give you that smooth and thick texture, AND it’s packed with the protein our bodies crave in the morning.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie

Perfectly balanced flavors. The cocoa powder gives it that deep chocolatey flavor, the peanut butter adds richness, and the banana perks it all up with sweetness.

It’s filling. The extra dose of protein in this smoothie helps kees you full all morning.

It’s adaptable. Some days I add chia seeds. Sometimes I throw in hemp hearts. If I’ve worked out, I’ll add protein powder. If my banana is extra ripe, I’ll skip the honey entirely.

Ingredient Notes

One of the reasons I make this smoothie so often is because the ingredient list is simple and practical. I almost always have these ingredients on hand in my fridge and pantry.

Oats

The oats are one of the ingredients that really make this smoothie satisfying for me. They help thicken the smoothie, add fiber, and give it that satiating power. I usually use whatever oats I have on hand, and both whole oats and quick oats work well.

The quick soak in the milk before blending matters more than you’d think. It softens the oats so the smoothie blends up silky instead of grainy.

Milk

The milk helps everything come together smoothly and creates the perfect consistency. I just use whatever milk is already in my fridge, usually whole or part-skim.

If you need a dairy-free smoothie, just go with a dairy-free milk like almond, soy, or coconut milk, and a dairy-free yogurt like coconut yogurt.

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is part of the protein power house of this smoothie, and contributes to its creamy texture, and makes it extra rich and filling. I love using high-protein Greek yogurt, for the extra protein boost. Plain yogurt works beautifully, but vanilla-flavored adds a little extra sweetness, and I use them interchangeably.

Peanut Butter

Another great source of protein, peanut butter gives us that classic peanut butter cup flavor. You can also use another nut butter like almond or cashew, or a seed butter like sunflower for a nut-free option.

Cocoa Powder

Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the smoothie that deep chocolate flavor without making it overly sugary. I really prefer cocoa powder here instead of chocolate syrup because it keeps the flavor richer and more balanced, especially alongside the peanut butter.

Banana

The frozen banana is what introduces some sweetness to the smoothie. I almost always keep frozen bananas in my freezer specifically for smoothies, because they blend so much better than ice, and your smoothie won’t get watered down as the ice melts.

And while you can taste the banana slightly, it mostly works behind the scenes making everything sweeter and smoother.

Salt and Sweetener

A tiny pinch of salt helps bring out the chocolate and peanut butter flavors and keeps everything from tasting flat.

The maple syrup or honey is optional, which I appreciate. Some bananas are sweet enough on their own, especially if they were very ripe before freezing. I usually taste the smoothie first and decide from there.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add the oats and milk to the blender and let them sit for about 5–10 minutes before adding the remaining ingredients.

1. Once the oats have softened slightly, add the Greek yogurt, peanut butter, cocoa powder, frozen banana, salt, and maple syrup or honey if using. If you’re adding chia seeds, hemp hearts, flax, or protein powder, add them now too.

1. Blend on high until smooth and creamy, about 30-60 seconds. Your smoothie will thicken as it sits, due to the oats absorbing liquid. If you’d like it very thick, put it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or so.

Additional Optional Protein Boosts

Chia seeds and ground flax seeds blend in easily while adding texture and nutrients.

Hemp hearts give the smoothie even more staying power without changing the flavor too much.

Protein powder or peanut butter powder work especially well if you’re making this after a workout or want something extra substantial.

Helpful Tips & Notes

• Letting the oats soak before blending really does make a difference in the texture. It helps everything blend together more smoothly and prevents any grittiness.
• The smoothie naturally thickens as it sits because of the oats, so if you prefer a thinner consistency, it’s best enjoyed right after blending. For a thick smoothie, refrigerate it for a few minutes until it’s as thick as you like.
• The optional protein boosts are an easy way to customize the smoothie depending on what you need that day. Chia seeds, flax, hemp hearts, and protein powder all work really well here.
• Since the banana adds natural sweetness, the maple syrup or honey can easily be adjusted or skipped entirely depending on your taste.

Storage

This smoothie is definitely at its best freshly blended when it’s super creamy and cold.

Refrigerator: Store the smoothie in a sealed jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Give it a good shake or stir before drinking since it thickens as it sits.