Thick, creamy and packed with protein, this chocolate espresso smoothie will give you all-day energy.
Chocolate and coffee are some of the best flavor combinations of the world and one that I was first introduced to by my beautiful mother. Every family birthday celebration was centered around my mom’s famous “Duck Cake” which was simply a yellow cake baked in a duck-shaped pan. You see, my maiden name is Davis so my sisters and I grew up as the “Davis Ducklings.” (Don’t ask.)
Speaking of ducklings, my first niece (my mom’s first granddaughter) was born a few weeks ago. She is such a doll and I want to eat her cheeks. Isn’t my mom gorgeous?
But back to the Duck Cake… Did I mention how large the pan is? Perfect for a crowd, it takes at least two boxes of yellowcake. And yes, I said boxes. Because frankly, there are few things more delicious than boxed yellow cake. Of course, the icing on the cake was my mom’s homemade chocolate coffee frosting. I’m not sure what it is about coffee but it takes the chocolate flavor to new heights.
The next time we have a family birthday party I will share the official Duck Cake with Chocolate Coffee Frosting recipe. In the meantime, here is a Chocolate Espresso Protein Smoothie you can indulge in on a daily basis. Packed with over 24 grams of protein per serving, this on-the-go meal in a glass will give you long-lasting energy all day long.
I wish I could say the same for the Duck Cake. ;-)
Your straw is waiting.
Chocolate Espresso Protein Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or any milk)
- 2/3 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1/2 banana
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
- 2 teaspoons instant espresso coffee (or any instant coffee)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups ice
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a high speed blender and puree until smooth.
Chef's Notes:
For a thinner smoothie, skip the ice. For a thicker smoothie, add more ice.
Ana
So rich and creamy. Love the chocolate taste.
Liz DellaCroce
So good!!
Linda
This made my day Liz. Thanks for sharing the recipe and the nutrition facts too. I’m a coffee lover and I will surely enjoy this. I’m making one after hitting post comment.
Liz DellaCroce
So happy you enjoyed it!
Linda
Thanks again Liz. I’m really enjoying this smoothie so much.
Liz DellaCroce
So happy!
irene
This would definitely make me take coffee.. love the taste, thanks for sharing.
Liz DellaCroce
I hope you love it!
Kerry
Is it possible to partially or fully combine the ingredients for this the night before and keep it in the fridge?
Liz DellaCroce
What I typically do is put everything in the blender and refrigerate overnight then add ice in the morning and blend!
Victoria
Sounds amazing, thanks for sharing! Need to make this ASAP :)
Liz DellaCroce
I hope you love it!!
Brooke
Found this on Pinterest!! Looks to die for! Would you approve if the choclate protein powed was exchanged for vanilla protein power?
Liz DellaCroce
Absolutely!!
Christine henderson
I am totally trying this, I’m looking for protein smoothie recipes that would be fast since I skip breakfast half of the time due to the fact I’m chasing a one year old around. Any other smoothie recipes?
Jennifer
Very nice recipe, from my side I add a cup of fresh made
Nespresso on top and it´s simply tasty & delicious!
Liz DellaCroce
Sounds perfect!!
Jessica @ A Kitchen Addiction
This may become my new favorite post run smoothie!
Liz DellaCroce
It is my favorite lately!!! I need all the energy I can get. ;)
Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love.
The duck cake sounds so cute! You make the best smoothies! This is a good one for when I am craving chocolate!
Liz DellaCroce
You are so sweet- thank you so much Stephanie!
Sophia @ NY Foodgasm
This looks delish Liz! I love a good smoothie to start the day!
Liz DellaCroce
Thanks so much Sophia!
Phi @ The Sweetphi Blog
AWE! That duckling story is so sweet…and I completely agree, chocolate and coffee are amazing together, thanks for posting this amazing recipe, can’t wait to try it!
Liz DellaCroce
Aww thanks for reading friend!
Charlotte Moore
I am sure a big truck pan would make those boys smile.
I love protein shakes. I freeze my bananas and that makes them even creamier and thick.
Cute story and picture.
Liz DellaCroce
Heck yes it would!! Thanks so much!
ashley - baker by nature
Saw this on pintrest and was instantly swooning! Love this Liz :) And those straws!
Liz DellaCroce
Aww thank you Ashley!!!
Joanne
As a mocha fiend, I concur with your chocolate-coffee love. This smoothie sounds delicious! I could drink it as dessert.
Your mom and your niece are both gorgeous!!
Liz DellaCroce
There is just no better combo. Thank you so much!!
Jennie @themessybakerblog
Liz, this smoothie rocks! I can’t wait to make it for breakfast. Pinned.
Liz DellaCroce
I hope you like it Jennie!
Bri | Bites of Bri
You know those nights where you can’t wait to go to bed so you can wake up and have breakfast?! I think tonight might be one of those nights. YUM!
Liz DellaCroce
Yes totally!! I love breakfast!
Meredith
So delicious!
Liz DellaCroce
Thanks Meredith!
Nicole ~ Cooking for Keeps
If healthy looks like this, I’ll take it every day. LOVE.
Liz DellaCroce
I like the way you think!!
Lyn
… but unless you use the cafe yogurt, there’s no coffee in it – let alone Espresso. Or am I missing something?
Liz DellaCroce
Lyn – Forgive me, I mistakenly left it off the recipe! Just revised it to include the 2 teaspoons of instant espresso coffee powder I used. So so sorry about that!!
Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe
This smoothie would make such a great breakfast or snack! I don’t know much about protein powder, but might have to check out some possibilities. PS. Your mom is totally gorgeous! Your family has great genes!
Liz DellaCroce
You’re so sweet – thank you so much!! I will tell her!! As for protein powder, I find that whenever I add it to smoothies I stay full for more than an hour. :)
Marydavis
You are the most wonderful daughter in the world! That C note I promised
Is on the way!!!!! Don’t tell anyone!
Liz DellaCroce
The secret is ours!
Ashley M. | Our Full Table
chocolate + coffee = heaven!
Liz DellaCroce
Exactly!!
Christine from Cook the Story
I love absolutely everything about this smoothie, and can’t wait to try it!
Liz DellaCroce
I knew you’d approve of it!!! xoxo
Erin | The Law Student's Wife
SUCH a cute story about the duck cake. My grandma used to bake us heart-shaped bday cakes. We always felt so special. Congrats on the newest wee member of your family. She’s a doll!
Liz DellaCroce
Awww thank you!! I LOVE that your grandma did heart shaped cakes!! I feel like we need to figure out a shape for our boys – haha.
Kelli @ The Corner Kitchen
Yum! This is totally my kind of smoothie! Wishing I had this for breakfast this morning!
Liz DellaCroce
Wish I could send you one!