This cake batter protein shake is the perfect way to satisfy a sweet tooth and get your protein at the same time. It’s a low calorie treat that has plenty of healthy fats, no artificial flavors, only 7 grams of sugar, and still tastes like ice cream!

Looking for more smoothies? Try this chocolate peanut butter protein smoothietropical kale smoothiechocolate cherry smoothie, or this high-protein blueberry raspberry smoothie next! 

cake batter protein shake with sprinkles and whipped cream

About This Recipe

The taste of the smoothie is just like a birthday cake and the creamy texture resembles a milkshake. Thick and smooth, it’s as satisfying as it is delicious.

You can make this protein shake easily in the blender and it’s cheaper than what you’ll find at a smoothie bar. It’s a great source of protein (packed with 26 grams of protein), healthy fats, and fiber. 

Blend a handful of healthy ingredients together in just five minutes for a nutritional boost before a workout, a quick breakfast on the go, or a stand-alone meal any time of day.  

Don’t love the creamy texture of a protein shake? Try another naturally sweetened protein-packed recipe like these cookie dough protein bars or oatmeal peanut butter protein balls.

holding a cake batter protein shake

Sippable vs Thicc: How to Dial the Consistency

Both versions use the same ingredient amounts, only milk and ice change.

  • Sippable: start with 5 oz milk, skip the ice, blend 60 seconds. Pour into a glass with a straw.
  • Thicc: start with 3 oz milk, add a handful of crushed ice, blend 90 seconds. Eat with a spoon like a frosty.

How to Make Cake Batter Protein Shake

Here are the basic steps, with images, for this birthday cake protein shake. Skip down to the recipe card below for the full printable recipe.

1. Add ingredients to blender.

Add all of the ingredients to a high speed blender or food processor. Start with less milk because you can always add more to adjust the consistency.

2. Blend and pour.

Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until it’s thick and smooth. Add more milk to thin it out or add crushed ice to thicken it based on your preference.

Success Tip: There are plenty of good brands out there, but my favorite protein powder for protein smoothies is Be Well By Kelly protein because of the quality of ingredients. It only has three ingredients and has no added sugars. 

bananas, protein powder, milk, and almond extract in a blender

Recipe Variations

  • Substitute the cashew or peanut butter with almond butter.
  • Add another healthy mix-in like chia seeds, flax seeds, or acacia fiber.
  • Because this smoothie is low calorie, there’s plenty of room for adding birthday cake toppings like sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, homemade coconut whipped cream, or a cherry.
cake batter protein shake on a plate with whipped cream and sprinkles

If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a star rating ★ below. You can also tag me on Instagram so I can see it!

Cake Batter Protein Shake FAQs

How much protein is in this shake?

About 25 grams, depending on the protein powder you use (I use Be Well By Kelly or Iso Food). A splash of milk and a tablespoon of cashew butter bring it to ~28g.

Can you really taste the cauliflower rice?

No — frozen cauliflower rice adds thickness and a little fiber without any vegetal flavor once it’s blended with banana and protein. It replaces some of the ice.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes. Pre-portion the banana, nut butter, and cauliflower into a freezer bag, then blend with protein powder and milk in the morning. It holds in the fridge up to 24 hours, just give it a hard shake before drinking.

What protein powder works best?

What protein powder works best? A clean vanilla or cake-batter-flavored protein. Look for one with minimal ingredients and no artificial sweeteners. Be Well By Kelly and Clean Simple Eats both work beautifully here.

Can I skip the banana?

Yes. Use ½ cup frozen cauliflower rice plus 2–3 pitted Medjool dates for sweetness and thickness.

What can I use instead of cashew butter?

Peanut butter, almond butter, or sunflower seed butter all work. Cashew butter stays closest to the cake batter flavor.

More High Protein Breakfast Recipes

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4.12 from 36 votes

Cake Batter Protein Shake

Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 0 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
This cake batter protein shake tastes like a funfetti birthday cake in a glass. Almond extract, vanilla protein, and a scoop of creamy cashew butter do most of the work, and frozen cauliflower rice sneaks in without a trace of "veggie" flavor. It comes together in five minutes, lands around 25 grams of protein, and is the exact breakfast I reach for when I want something cold, sweet, and actually filling.

Save this Recipe!

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Servings: 1 shake

Ingredients

  • 1/2 medium frozen banana
  • 3-5 ounces milk any kind, plus more as needed
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder or cake batter protein powder (Note 1)
  • 1 Tablespoon creamy cashew butter or peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup frozen cauliflower rice
  • 1/8 teaspoon almond extract
  • Crushed ice optional
  • Whipped cream, coconut whipped cream, and/or sprinkles for topping

Instructions 

  • Add all of the ingredients to a high-speed blender. Start with less milk because you can always add more to adjust the consistency.
  • Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until it's thick and smooth. Add more milk to thin it out or add crushed ice to thicken it based on your preference.
Last step! If you make this, please leave a review letting us know how it was!

Notes

Protein Pick. My absolute favorite protein is Be Well By Kelly protein powder because of the quality of ingredients. It only has 3 ingredients and not added sugars. I’ve also tested this recipe with Iso Food (whey-free) cake batter protein
For a sippable shake, start with 5 oz milk and skip the ice. For a thick, spoonable shake, use 3 oz milk and add a handful of crushed ice.”
Frozen cauliflower rice: this adds thickness and fiber without any veggie flavor. You can replace it with more frozen banana if you prefer.”
Make-ahead: freeze the banana, nut butter, and cauliflower in a zip bag. Blend with protein and milk when ready.”
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1protein shake | Calories: 285kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 136mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 138IU | Vitamin C: 39mg | Calcium: 283mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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4.12 from 36 votes (36 ratings without comment)

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5 Comments

  1. Cindy Syracuse says:

    Cauliflower rice? Is that a typo?

    1. Molly T says:

      Hi there! It’s actually not. It’s my way of sneaking in some veggies!

  2. Mackenzie Robite says:

    Is there something else that can be used instead of banana? I am allergic but I really want to try this smoothie. 😊

    1. Molly Thompson says:

      Hey! I would do greek yogurt! It’s going to help thicken it up and has a mild flavor. You may need to add some ice to it too.

  3. Autumn says:

    What Kind of Protein Powder do you suggest?