There’s something magical about the combination of chocolate and peanut butter. It’s a nostalgic duo that’s reminiscent of Reese’s peanut butter cups. But what if you could capture that indulgent taste in a thick, creamy shake that’s actually good for you? That’s exactly what this Dairy-Free Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Shake does. It’s a rich, satisfying treat that feels like dessert but is packed with wholesome ingredients to fuel your day.
The Best Dairy-Free Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Shake
Many years ago, I created this dairy-free peanut butter cup shake recipe for Silk. They wanted me to come up with something that “takes you to your happy place.” Whether I need a morning energy boost, a post-workout recovery drink, or a healthier way to satisfy a sweet craving, this smoothie makes me smile. I’ve recently updated this recipe post with more helpful tips and options!
Why You’ll Love this Recipe!
- Indulgently Healthy: Tastes like a decadent dessert but is made with wholesome, nourishing ingredients.
- Perfectly Creamy & Thick: Frozen banana and the perfect milk-to-ice ratio create an unbelievably thick, spoonable texture.
- No Added Sugar: It’s sweetened solely with fruit and a hint of stevia to brighten the flavors.
- Allergy-Friendly: Easily made peanut-free or paleo. (See our Special Diet Notes below!)
- Meal or Treat: Enjoy a large shake as a complete meal replacement shake, or split it between two glasses for a snack or dessert.
- High Fiber & Protein: It’s balanced in nutrients for more satiety, and includes a protein shake option!
How to Make Even Peanut Butter Cup Layers
If presentation doesn’t matter, just pour those layers in! Or blend it all together for a delicious, easy protein shake. But if you want the peanut butter cup look, simply freeze the glass(es) briefly between each addition. Freeze the peanut butter smoothie glass while you make the chocolate mixture. Freeze the bottom chocolate layer for a minute or two, then add the middle layer, freeze for a minute or two, and add the top layer. The thicker the smoothie mixture is, the better it layers!
Ingredient FAQs
- Banana: Do you have a banana-free option? I haven’t tested this recipe without banana, but my first trial would be to omit the banana, increase the medjool dates to 4 and the milk alternative to 1 cup. I would also pre-freeze half of the milk alternative into cubes. Other more direct substitutes for the banana could be 1/3 cup frozen sweet potato or pumpkin, silken tofu, or avocado. You would need to add sweetener to taste for each of these options.
- Milk Alternative: What type of dairy-free milk should I use? Whatever your favorite type is! I use almond milk or soy milk, but oat milk, pea milk, etc., all taste great in this dairy-free peanut butter cup shake. If your non-dairy milk is sweetened, you might be able to omit the stevia.
- Stevia: What can I use instead of stevia? You might not need any added sweetener (especially if you use the protein powder option). But you can use whatever sweetener you like! Honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar, and regular sugar go well, but your favorite sugar-free sweetener should work fine, too.
- Cocoa Powder: What type of cocoa powder should I use? For a richer, darker, and slightly sweeter flavor, I would use Dutch-processed cocoa powder. But I regularly use unsweetened / natural cocoa powder in this recipe and it’s still delicious!
Special Diet Notes: Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Shake
By ingredients, this recipe is dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, grain-free, tree nut-free, soy-free, vegan, plant-based, vegetarian, and added sugar-free. Just be sure to choose a dairy-free milk alternative that suits your dietary needs.
- For peanut-free, you can substitute sunflower seed butter for the peanut butter.
- For paleo friendly, you can substitute almond butter (not nut-free) for the peanut butter.
Dairy-Free Peanut Butter Cup Shake
Ingredients
Method
- Place the frozen banana chunks, milk alternative, peanut butter, and 3 to 5 drops vanilla stevia, in your blender and puree until smooth. It should be quite thick. Add just a touch more milk alternative if needed to get things moving.
- Pour half of the peanut butter mixture into a glass, and place it in the freezer while you blend the rest.
- Add the cocoa powder, date, ice, and 3 to 5 drops vanilla stevia to the remaining nut butter shake in your blender, and puree until smooth.
- Pour half of the chocolate mixture into another large glass. Top it with the peanut butter shake mixture from the other glass. Finish with the remaining chocolate shake from your blender.
- Top with crushed cacao nibs or dark chocolate, if desired. Enjoy with a straw or spoon!
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Make it a High-Protein Shake!
This shake is fantastic for a post-workout recovery meal or a more filling breakfast. To boost the protein content, use one of the following swaps:
- Vanilla or Plain Protein Powder: Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of the dairy-free protein powder to the initial peanut butter blend. This will add from 4 to 16 grams of protein, depending on the brand.
- Chocolate Protein Powder: Omit the cocoa powder and add 2 tablespoons dairy-free chocolate protein powder when blending the chocolate layer. This will add from 8 to 16 grams of protein, depending on the brand.
Tips for the Best Dairy-Free Peanut Butter Cup Shake
- Use a High-Speed Blender: For the smoothest, creamiest texture, a high-speed blender (I use a Ninja) or a high-watt single-serve blender is best. If you don’t have one, blend for longer and scrape down the sides as needed.
- Don’t Skip the Frozen Fruit: The frozen banana (or substitute) is essential for that thick, frosty, ice cream-like consistency.
- Taste and Adjust: Sweetness can vary based on your banana’s ripeness or your protein powder (if using). Always taste before pouring and add a few more drops of stevia or your favorite sweetener, if needed.
- Serve Frosty: Like all smoothies, this is best enjoyed immediately, or you can freeze it for 5 minutes for a thicker, cooler treat.
You’ll Also Love My Dairy-Free Pumpkin Protein Shake Recipe!
2 Comments
I would like fermented and sprouted cereal. Would you be able to provide online /websites that would sell these items?
Try One Degree Organics.