By Who said healthy recipes had to be boring? This chocolate cheesecake protein shake combines all the flavors of your favorite dessert in a nutritious drink. Packed with 16 grams of protein and ready in 5 minutes, it's the perfect option for breakfasts, snacks, or desserts!
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Cheesecake is one of my all-time favorite desserts. I love our cheesecake without cream cheese and will never say no to a slice of chocolate cheesecake. So, when I jokingly mentioned that I could eat it for every meal, I thought why not? And, thus, this cheesecake protein shake recipe was born!
The perfect high-protein breakfast recipe, it's thick, creamy, and deliciously sweet. However, unlike most protein shakes, you won't find any protein powder in this recipe. Instead, I use whole food ingredients I almost always have on hand.
Jump to:
- Have your (cheese)cake and eat it, too
- ingredient notes & substitutions
- high protein ingredient spotlight: cottage cheese
- here's how to make a chocolate cheesecake protein shake (with photos & video)
- expert tips
- Can I skip the cauliflower?
- common questions
- troubleshooting & testing notes
- how to store & meal prep it
- how I serve and pair this chocolate protein cheesecake shake
- Recipe
Have your (cheese)cake and eat it, too
- Tastes like dessert: I tested this recipe SO many times to accurately replicate the indulgent flavor of chocolate cheesecake while keeping it healthy for a healthy breakfast or post-workout snack to curb your chocolate craving.
- High-protein without protein powder: We have nothing against protein powder but prefer to fuel our bodies (and keep grocery budgets low) with real food. By using ingredients like cottage cheese, it's not difficult to do!
- Texture: Thick and creamy, this chocolate chip cookie protein shake has the texture of a milkshake or cheesecake filling to make you feel like it's truly a treat.
ingredient notes & substitutions
All substitutions are a 1:1 substitute unless otherwise noted. See the recipe card for quantities.
- Produce: Avocado, banana, and frozen riced cauliflower form the base of this chocolate cheesecake protein shake. And yes, avocado and banana provide the right texture and natural sweetness.
- Cottage Cheese: This replaces protein powder, adding nutrients and keeping the shake thick and creamy.
- Pantry Staples: To enhance the shake's flavor, you'll need cocoa powder, maple syrup, salt, and vanilla. If you prefer, agave and honey work well in place of maple syrup. You can also use monk fruit sweetener to reduce the sugar and carbs.
- Milk: Use a splash of your favorite milk to blend all the ingredients into a smooth consistency.
This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
high protein ingredient spotlight: cottage cheese
Cottage cheese has taken the internet by storm, and for a good reason. It's high in protein, low in fat, has a mild taste, and is incredibly versatile. It can be used to make anything from 3-ingredient protein pancakes to Tuscan chicken to protein tiramisu.
It packs in 12 grams of protein per half-cup serving. Just a note, I use low-fat cottage cheese. In general, the higher the fat, the lower the protein, but not by much, so choose what fits your nutrition needs.
here's how to make a chocolate cheesecake protein shake (with photos & video)
Be sure to scroll to the recipe card for the full chocolate cheesecake protein shake recipe!
- Blend everything together for up to an entire minute or until all curds are gone.
- Pour the mixture into a glass.
- Enjoy!
expert tips
- Opt for dairy-free: To make this chocolate protein cheesecake shake dairy-free, use your favorite dairy-free milk such as almond milk or coconut milk. Then, opt for a plant-based cottage cheese. Or, swap it with a plant-based Greek yogurt such as Siggi's.
- Adjust the ingredients: Feel free to adjust the ingredient amounts to suit your flavor preferences.
- Blending takes longer than you think: Keep blending until all the curds are gone. This can take up to 2 full minutes, depending on how strong your blender is.
Can I skip the cauliflower?
I promise you won't taste it! The cauliflower just adds bulk and nutrients to the shake. However, if you're not a fan of cauliflower or don't have it on hand, you can use a few ice cubes instead.
common questions
Yes, for more protein, you can add 1 tablespoon of hemp seeds or a scoop of your favorite protein powder. If you need to keep this recipe dairy-free, use your favorite vegan protein powder and Siggis plant based yogurt in place of cottage cheese.
Sure! Feel free to mix and match any ingredients you have on hand, noting that it may change the taste and texture of the drink depending on what you use. A favorite of mine is a chocolate chip cookie cheesecake shake with chocolate chips added to the base recipe. Options like peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, banana, frozen broccoli, chocolate chips, and frozen berries all make great additions.
troubleshooting & testing notes
Blend the smoothie a long, long time
Blending the cottage cheese ensures there are no curds. Some people find cottage cheese hit or miss, so blending it means it's just acting as another cream.
Half banana and half avocado
If you prefer a sweeter flavor, try using half banana and half avocado in place of ⅓ of an avocado. This creates a sweeter flavor while keeping the creamy consistency.
how to store & meal prep it
If possible, I highly recommend serving this chocolate chip cookie protein shake right away while it's still cold and thick. However, if you have leftovers or want to prepare in advance, you can do so by following the steps below.
- Fridge: Blend the chocolate cheesecake protein shake until smooth, and store it in an airtight cup or container for up to 1 day.
- Meal Prep: Pour the blended shake into an ice cube tray, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the cubes to a sealable bag. When you're ready to use, transfer the cubes back to the blender, add a bit more milk, and blend until solid.
how I serve and pair this chocolate protein cheesecake shake
If you're looking for creative ways to serve this shake or want some pairing options, here are some of my favorite suggestions:
- Almond Croissant Protein Blondies are delicious with this creamy shake!
- Ooey Gooey Brownie Batter Protein Balls make for a decadent side to keep the dessert theme going while keeping you satisfied.
- Smoked Salmon Bowl is a nutritious and fueling complement to this tasty shake.
- Maple Chorizo Breakfast Skillet with Eggs is a hearty addition for a well-rounded breakfast to keep you full until lunch.
Recipe
chocolate cheesecake protein shake
Ingredients
- ⅓ ripe avocado
- 1 cup cottage cheese (low fat)
- 2 tablespoon cocoa powder
- ½ banana
- 4 tablespoon maple syrup (or monk fruit maple syrup)
- 1 cup frozen cauliflower or a few ice cubes
- ½ cup milk (any kind you like)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste)
Before you start!
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Instructions
- Add everything to a blender and blend for a full 1 minute. We want all the curds gone so just keep blending until thick and creamy!
- Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Looking for more information?
Additional substitution information can be found above in the substitution section of this post.
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate and for informational purposes only.
Wow! Love this! Very decadent! Almost like chocolate pudding!