Starbucks Caramel Iced Coffee Protein Shake

The Starbucks Caramel Iced Coffee Protein Shake is a delightful and energy-boosting beverage that recreates your favorite café classic at home, offering a healthier, customizable, and more affordable alternative to satisfy your cravings any time of day. This recipe is perfect for a quick breakfast, a post-workout refuel, or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, delivering that beloved caramel coffee taste with a substantial protein punch.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 0

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings: 1 serving

Course: Beverage, Breakfast, Dessert, Post-Workout, Snack

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

1 cup Cold Brew Coffee or Chilled Strong Brewed Coffee preferably brewed the night before for best flavor and to ensure it's thoroughly chilled
1 scoop Vanilla Protein Powder whey, plant-based, or your preferred type
1/2 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk (or milk of choice) plus more for thinning if needed
2 tablespoons Sugar-Free Caramel Syrup plus more for drizzling
1 cup Ice Cubes adjust to desired thickness
Pinch Salt Enhances the caramel flavor and balances sweetness
1/4 teaspoon Xanthan Gum for extra creaminess and thickness

Optional Toppings

Whipped cream
extra caramel drizzle
sea salt flakes

Equipment

Blender
Tall glass

Method

If you don’t have pre-made cold brew, brew 1 cup of strong coffee and let it cool completely in the refrigerator. For the best flavor, aim to brew it the night before. This ensures it’s perfectly chilled and won’t water down your shake.
1 cup Cold Brew Coffee or Chilled Strong Brewed Coffee
Measure out your chilled coffee, unsweetened almond milk, vanilla protein powder, sugar-free caramel syrup, and ice cubes. Have any optional ingredients like salt or xanthan gum ready.
1 cup Cold Brew Coffee or Chilled Strong Brewed Coffee, 1/2 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk (or milk of choice), 1 scoop Vanilla Protein Powder, 2 tablespoons Sugar-Free Caramel Syrup, 1 cup Ice Cubes, Pinch Salt, 1/4 teaspoon Xanthan Gum
Pour the chilled coffee and almond milk into your blender.
1 cup Cold Brew Coffee or Chilled Strong Brewed Coffee, 1/2 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk (or milk of choice)
Add the scoop of vanilla protein powder and the 2 tablespoons of sugar-free caramel syrup directly into the blender. If you are using a pinch of salt, add it now to help bring out the caramel notes. For an extra creamy texture, add the xanthan gum at this stage.
1 scoop Vanilla Protein Powder, 2 tablespoons Sugar-Free Caramel Syrup, Pinch Salt, 1/4 teaspoon Xanthan Gum
Pile in the 1 cup of ice cubes. This is crucial for achieving that signature icy, blended texture.
1 cup Ice Cubes
Secure the lid on your blender and blend on high speed until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. You may need to pause and scrape down the sides of the blender a couple of times to ensure everything is incorporated.
If the shake is too thick for your liking, add a tablespoon or two more of almond milk and blend again briefly until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a few more ice cubes and blend again.
1/2 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk (or milk of choice), 1 cup Ice Cubes
Pour your Starbucks Caramel Iced Coffee Protein Shake into a tall glass. For that authentic café experience, drizzle extra sugar-free caramel syrup over the top and consider adding a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of sea salt flakes.
2 tablespoons Sugar-Free Caramel Syrup, Whipped cream, sea salt flakes

Notes

Best enjoyed immediately. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours in an airtight container.