Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Protein Shake

• It genuinely tastes like dessert. We’re not talking about a vaguely sweet, chalky protein drink here. The combination of vanilla protein, cinnamon, and a touch of maple syrup creates a flavor profile that’s uncannily similar to the real thing.
• It’s incredibly satisfying and keeps you full. Thanks to the protein powder and the healthy fats from the almond butter, this shake has serious staying power. It’s a complete meal replacement that will curb cravings and prevent you from reaching for a snack an hour later.
• It’s a nutritional powerhouse in disguise. Beyond the protein, you’re getting a good dose of calcium from the milk, healthy fats, and a touch of fiber if you add the optional oats. It’s a much smarter way to satisfy a sweet tooth.
• The customization options are endless. Don’t have almond butter? Use cashew butter. Want it colder and thicker? Add more ice. Feeling fancy? A dash of nutmeg or a drop of vanilla extract takes it to the next level. This recipe is a fantastic base for your own creations.

Ingredients & Tools

• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (whey or plant-based)
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon almond butter (or cashew butter)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup (or honey)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup ice cubes
• Optional: 2 tablespoons rolled oats for extra thickness and fiber
• Optional for topping: A sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a tiny drizzle of maple syrup

Tools: A good-quality high-speed blender.

The quality of your vanilla protein powder really makes a difference here—it’s the main flavor base. A good one will taste creamy and not overly artificial. And don’t skip the almond butter! It adds a subtle nuttiness and richness that mimics the buttery dough of a cinnamon roll, plus it helps create a wonderfully creamy texture.

Serves: 1 | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes

Before You Start: Tips & Ingredient Notes

• Protein Powder Pick. The vanilla protein powder is the star. I find a blend like whey/casein or a creamy plant-based vanilla pea protein works best for thickness. If your powder is very sweet, you might want to reduce or omit the maple syrup until you’ve tasted it.
• The Ice Situation. The amount of ice is a suggestion. For a thicker, milkshake-like consistency, use a full cup. If you prefer a thinner, more drinkable shake, start with 1/2 cup and add more if needed. The ice also helps whip air into the shake, making it light and frothy.
• Yogurt for Creaminess. The Greek yogurt isn’t just for protein; it’s crucial for that tangy, creamy flavor that balances the sweetness. If you’re dairy-free, a plain, unsweetened coconut or almond-based yogurt works wonderfully as a substitute.
• Spice is Nice. Make sure your cinnamon is fresh! Old, stale cinnamon won’t have that warm, pungent aroma we’re after. If you’re a spice lover, a tiny pinch of nutmeg or even a drop of almond extract can add a wonderful depth of flavor.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Protein Shake

Serving Suggestions

Complementary Dishes

• Scrambled eggs with spinach — For a truly balanced breakfast, the savory, protein-packed eggs complement the sweet shake perfectly, creating a meal that covers all your macros.
• A side of fresh berries — The bright, tart acidity of berries like raspberries or strawberries cuts through the richness of the shake beautifully and adds a boost of antioxidants.

Drinks

• A hot black coffee — The bitter notes of a good coffee enhance the warm spice of the cinnamon, making this a classic and utterly satisfying combination.
• Sparkling water with lemon — If you’re having this post-workout, the crisp, clean bubbles of sparkling water are incredibly refreshing and help cleanse the palate.

Something Sweet

• A small, dark chocolate square — For those days when you want to lean fully into the dessert vibe, a piece of high-quality dark chocolate (70% or higher) alongside the shake is pure bliss.
• A few almond biscotti — The crunch of a biscotti is fantastic for dipping, and the almond flavor echoes the nutty notes from the almond butter in the shake.

Top Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using a weak blender. A low-power blender might struggle with the ice and leave you with a chunky, unpleasant texture. If your blender isn’t high-speed, you may need to blend longer or use slightly less ice.
• Mistake: Skipping the fat. Leaving out the almond butter might seem like a way to cut calories, but you’d also be cutting out the richness and satiety. The healthy fat is key to making this shake feel like a real treat and keeping you full.
• Mistake: Over-sweetening. Taste your protein powder first! If it’s already very sweet, you might not need the extra maple syrup. You can always add more sweetness after blending, but you can’t take it out.
• Mistake: Letting it sit. This shake is best enjoyed immediately. If it sits, the ice will melt, and it will become watery. If you must make it ahead, store it in a sealed jar in the fridge and give it a good shake (or a quick re-blend) before drinking.

Expert Tips

• Tip: Make it a coffee shake. For a mocha-cinnamon roll situation, replace 1/4 cup of the almond milk with cold brew coffee or a shot of cooled espresso. It’s an incredible flavor combination and a serious morning boost.
• Tip: Prep your “mix” in advance. If you’re always rushed in the morning, mix the dry ingredients (protein powder, cinnamon, optional oats) in a small jar or bag ahead of time. In the morning, just dump the mix into the blender with the wet ingredients and ice.
• Tip: Freeze your banana. For a naturally sweeter, even creamier shake, add half a frozen banana. It eliminates the need for maple syrup and creates an ultra-thick, milkshake texture that’s absolutely divine.
• Tip: Warm the spices. For the most intense aroma, try quickly warming the almond butter and cinnamon in a small saucepan for a minute before adding them to the blender. It really wakes up the spices and makes the whole kitchen smell amazing.

FAQs

Can I make this without protein powder?
You can, but the texture and protein content will be very different. To mimic the thickness, you could add an extra 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt and a tablespoon of rolled oats. The flavor will be more like a cinnamon smoothie, which is still delicious! You might need to add a bit more maple syrup to compensate for the sweetness usually provided by the protein powder.

My shake turned out too thin. How can I fix it?
No worries, this is an easy fix! The simplest solution is to add more ice and blend again. You can also add a handful of frozen banana slices or a few more tablespoons of Greek yogurt. For future batches, remember that the protein powder and yogurt are your main thickening agents, so ensure you’re using the full amounts.

Can I make this shake the night before?
I don’t recommend blending it the night before, as it will separate and become watery. However, you can prep all your ingredients. Measure the liquid, yogurt, and almond butter into the blender jar and store it in the fridge. Have your dry ingredients mixed in a separate container. In the morning, just combine everything in the blender with ice and blend.

Is there a way to make it lower in sugar?
Absolutely. First, choose an unsweetened protein powder. Then, you can omit the maple syrup entirely—the banana trick mentioned in the expert tips is a great sugar-free sweetener. Also, ensure your almond milk and yogurt are both the unsweetened varieties. The cinnamon provides a lot of perceived sweetness on its own.

Can I use a different nut butter?
Of course! Cashew butter is fantastic because it’s very mild and creamy. Peanut butter will give you more of a “cinnamon peanut butter” flavor, which is also delicious but different. Sunflower seed butter is a great nut-free alternative. Just be aware that it will turn your shake a slightly greenish-grey color due to a chemical reaction—it’s perfectly safe and still tastes great!