Last Updated on June 5, 2025 by Christin Gillespie

This Brownie Batter Protein Smoothie is a healthy & decadent recipe that will satisfy all. The end result tastes like a milkshake, but no one would even know that this dessert-like smoothie is good for you!

Brownie Batter Protein Smoothie in a glass with a straw in it, sitting on a white marble counter.

Your favorite chocolate dessert is getting blended up into a nutritious protein smoothie recipe. While we really aren’t blending up brownies, the ingredients used to create this rich & creamy treat end up tasting like a milkshake.

The base features plant protein, rich cacao powder, raw almond butter, Brazil nuts, nutritious seeds, frozen banana, & your go-to non-dairy milk to transpire your new favorite dessert-like smoothie!

Trust me, all of you brownie fanatics are going to be obsessed with this protein smoothie!

Why You’ll Love This Brownie Batter Smoothie Recipe

Nutrient Packed: Each ingredient used to create this chocolate smoothie has an abundant amount of benefits for optimal health.
Perfect Protein Smoothie: Whether you’re making it post-workout or for breakfast, this brownie batter smoothie recipe will have you fully satisfied, as it is packed with over 30 grams of plant protein.
Fully Customizable: I have listed options further down in the post to add even more wholesome ingredients to elevate your dessert-like smoothie.

Cacao Health Benefits & Nutrition

To make this brownie batter smoothie super rich, we’ll be adding in organic cacao powder. Not only is cacao full of rich chocolate flavor, but it’s also loaded with powerful nutrients. Here are just a few incredible health benefits of organic cacao powder.

High-Vibrational Energy
Rich in Magnesium to Enhance Overall Health
Shown to Relieve Mild Stress & Promote Relaxation
Reduce Inflammation
Promotes Hormonal Balance

Check out this Cacao Powder 101 post to learn more!

Healthy Brownie Batter Protein Smoothie in a glass with a straw in it, sitting on a white marble counter.

Ingredients

Organic Unsweetened Non-Dairy Milk: Any non-dairy milk works in this recipe; just be sure to use homemade or trusted brands—I like MALK Organics, Three Trees, or Native Forest.
Organic Raw Almond Butter: It provides some extra creaminess, protein, & healthy fats! Be sure that your almond butter is organic, raw, & unsalted.
Organic Brazil Nuts: This nut is full of selenium & is the perfect addition to add a unique taste, as well as health benefits.
Organic Unflavored Plant Protein: Adding a scoop of protein powder helps to keep you full & satisfied longer. When selecting a protein powder brand, it’s crucial to look at the protein content and, most importantly, the ingredients. Check out this Cleanest Plant-Based & Vegan Protein Powders post to learn what to look for, the best brands, & recommended daily protein intake.
Organic Vanilla Powder: If using an unflavored plant protein, I highly recommend adding just a smidge to enhance the flavor.
Organic Cacao Powder: It’s the perfect addition to make this protein smoothie even more decadent! To be clear, cacao powder is different from regular Dutch cocoa powder. Review this Cacao Powder 101 post to learn more!
Organic Ground Flax Seeds: Organic ground flax seeds add a great little boost of fiber & minerals.
Organic Hemp Seeds: Organic hemp seeds amp up the healthy fats, protein, omegas, & minerals.
Manuka Honey: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness.
Sea Salt: A healthy pinch of sea salt beautifully enhances the flavor.
Organic Frozen Banana: It’s best to use a frozen banana to create that super thick & creamy texture.

How to Make

Blend the Liquids & Powders. First, add the non-dairy milk, almond butter, Brazil nuts, plant protein, vanilla, cacao powder, seeds, Manuka honey, & sea salt to a high-speed blender. Blend these ingredients until smooth.
Blend the Frozen Ingredients. Next, add in the frozen banana. Blend until smooth & creamy. If needed, you can pause the blender, remove the lid, & scrape down the sides so that everything is fully incorporated. You may need to add a little more liquid depending on how thick/thin you like your smoothies.
Serve. Pour into a chilled glass & enjoy!

Brownie Batter Protein Smoothie in blender in a glass with a straw in it, sitting on a white marble counter.

Optional Smoothie Ingredients Add-Ins

Feel free to truly make this milkshake-like smoothie your own! Here are a few suggestions to amp up this Brownie Batter Protein Smoothie recipe:

Organic Coconut Yogurt: Enhance the creaminess with a scoop of organic plain coconut yogurt.
Organic Cacao Nibs: Add 1 tablespoon of organic cacao nibs at the last minute to your smoothie, then blend once more to provide lots of texture at every sip.
Organic Greens: Greens are packed with so many minerals, vitamins, & antioxidants. I recommend baby spinach if you’re new to green smoothies, but kale, Swiss chard, mustard greens, collard greens, or mixed greens all work.

Tips for Making the Perfect Smoothie

Interested in how to make the best Brownie Batter Protein Smoothie? As someone who makes smoothies daily, here are my TOP tips:

Use Frozen Fruit: The ice from the frozen banana adds thickness to the smoothie.
Adjust Liquid Amount: If you find that your smoothie is too thick to blend, don’t worry! Just add a bit more liquid, blend, open the cover, scrape down the sides if needed, & blend again. When possible, always use a larger high-speed blender instead, as it will blend the ingredients much better.
How to Make: Add your liquid first & blend your powders first, before adding your frozen ingredients. This is my favorite way of preparing my smoothies. Blending the liquid & powders first ensures that your powders blend completely.
Smoothie Blending Tip: Start your blender on low to medium speed. If you blend the smoothie too quickly from the beginning, it’s hard for the blender to blend the frozen ingredients properly, so start lower, then gradually increase the speed.
Chill Your Glass: There’s nothing better than a cold smoothie, in this case, a brownie batter milkshake! Put your serving glass in the fridge or freezer while you’re making your blend to ensure a chilled smoothie at every sip.

Smoothie FAQs

Do I have to use a frozen banana?

The frozen banana in this recipe provides a thick & creamy texture. If using a fresh banana, be sure to add a handful of ice cubes to achieve a cold smoothie. However, if you’re looking to remove the banana altogether, because you’re allergic or simply don’t like them, you can replace it with ½ cup of frozen organic zucchini, frozen organic cauliflower, frozen organic coconut meat, or frozen organic avocado chunks. If you elect to make this a banana-free smoothie, I recommend keeping the Manuka honey to maintain its sweetness.

Is it healthy to have a smoothie?

I wouldn’t post something that was unhealthy. Having a smoothie full of protein, healthy fats, & superfoods for a post-workout breakfast is great because you’ll be getting essential vitamins, nutrients, & protein first thing. However, some smoothies on the market or on the web can be loaded with tons of fruit, added sugar, & nonsense, making them a less healthy option.

What is the best protein powder to use?

I used an organic, unflavored plant protein powder for this milkshake-like smoothie recipe. When selecting a protein powder brand, it’s crucial to look at the protein content and, most importantly, the ingredients. Check out this Cleanest Plant-Based & Vegan Protein Powders post to learn what to look for, the best brands, & recommended daily protein intake.

How can I add protein without using protein powder?

If you don’t have protein powder on hand, no worries! To amp up the protein content, you can add an extra tablespoon of hemp seeds without changing the taste that much.

Can I make this protein smoothie recipe in advance?

Yes! Feel free to make this Brownie Batter Protein Smoothie recipe as is or double it for later. To achieve the best results, check out this How to Prepare Smoothies in Advance post.

Brownie Batter Protein Smoothie Recipe in a glass with a straw in it, sitting on a white marble counter.

More Chocolate Protein Smoothie Recipes You’ll Love

If you make this Brownie Batter Protein Smoothie recipe, please leave a review & rating below. I love hearing from you, & it helps others learn more about the blog as well. Be sure to follow along on Pinterest, Instagram, & TikTok for even more healthy content!

Xoxo.

CMG.