Strawberry Cake Batter Protein Shake

Jump to Recipe

Listen. If you ever come across a recipe for “cake batter” anything and it’s just vanilla this, vanilla that, banana, nut butter, and rainbow sprinkles… it is a FRAUD. If I’m expecting cake batter and all I taste is banana, I may just have to fight somebody. Smh. I wouldn’t want to, of course, but I’d simply have no choice.

With that being said, trust me when I say this Strawberry Cake Batter Protein Shake is about to become your new favorite. It’s rich, creamy, and tastes just like licking the bowl after making a cake! Yummmmmmmm!

Initially, I was going to do a regular cake batter recipe, but then that felt too boring (even though I’ll probably end up doing it later down the line 🌚). So then I was like, OMG STRAWBERRY!! Why does no one ever acknowledge strawberry cake batter when it’s actually the best flavor to lick the spoon of? Like, hellooooo? Earth to everyone on earth!

Anyway, of course this is a healthier, high-protein version of the Strawberry Cake Batter we all know and love, and it’s even better because it’s drinkable! No scraping the bowl necessary. Okay, I’m done convincing you to try this—let’s get into the recipe.

The Recipe

For the Frosting-Inspired Cup Coating

This step is optional, but it adds a cute, fun look to your drink while giving a little extra flavor.

Ingredients:

• 42g non-fat plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp unsweetened almond milk (or your milk of choice)
• 1g sugar-free cheesecake pudding mix
• 1/8 tsp cake batter extract
• 1g sprinkles

Directions:

1. Mix It Up: In your glass, combine the Greek yogurt, almond milk, cheesecake pudding mix, and cake batter extract. Stir until smooth and creamy.

2. Add Sprinkles: Fold in the sprinkles gently so they stay colorful and vibrant.

3. Decorate the Glass: Use a spoon or spatula to spread the mixture around the inside of your glass. It doesn’t need to be perfect—this step is for just for funnn!

4. Chill: Place your glass in the freezer while you prepare the shake. This helps the coating set and keeps your drink cold.

For the Protein Shake

Ingredients:

• 360ml (1 ½ cups) milk of choice
• 31g strawberry protein powder (1 scoop)
• 7g sugar-free cheesecake pudding mix
• 1 tsp butter extract
• ⅛ tsp almond extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 56g (¼ cup) low-fat cottage cheese
• ¼ tsp stevia or sweetener of choice (optional)
• Pinch of salt

Directions:

1. Blend It All: Combine all ingredients in a blender—milk, protein powder, pudding mix, extracts, cottage cheese, sweetener, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.

2. Taste Test: Adjust sweetness if needed. Add more stevia or sweetener if desired.

3. Assemble: Pour the shake into your prepared glass with the frosted coating.

4. Top It Off (Optional): Add sugar-free whipped cream and extra sprinkles for a bakery-inspired finish.

Why No Ice?

You’ll notice this recipe skips ice. That’s intentional! Ice can water down the flavors and make the shake less creamy. By using cottage cheese and pudding mix, you get the thickness you want without sacrificing that rich, cake-batter taste.

The Extract Breakdown

To really get that “cake batter” flavor, this recipe uses a combination of butter, vanilla, and almond extracts. Each plays a unique role:

• Butter Extract: Brings richness and that unmistakable “baked goods” vibe.
• Vanilla Extract: A classic that ties everything together.
• Almond Extract: Adds a subtle nutty sweetness, which is key in many cake batter recipes.

Why Not Just Use Cake Batter Extract?

Cake batter extract works great in the yogurt mixture, where its sweetness can shine. However, in the shake, I found it needed more complexity to really feel like cake batter. That’s where the extract trio comes in! If you want to keep it simple, you can stick to just cake batter extract in the shake, but I recommend trying the blend for the best flavor.

Tips for Success

1. Don’t Skip the Cottage Cheese: It might sound unconventional, but cottage cheese gives the shake its thick, cake batter-like texture. Trust me—you won’t taste it.

2. Chill Your Cup: Freezing the cup while you make the shake ensures the frosted coating stays intact and looks its best.

3. Use Cold Milk: Starting with cold ingredients helps the shake stay creamy and thick.

4. Blend Thoroughly: Make sure everything is fully blended to avoid lumps from the cottage cheese or pudding mix.

Variations & Customizations

• Make It Vegan: Use a plant-based protein powder, dairy-free yogurt, and swap cottage cheese for a vegan yogurt or silken tofu.
• Switch Up the Flavors: Replace the strawberry Jell-O mix with other flavors like lemon or orange for a different twist.
• Add Fresh Strawberries: Toss in a few fresh or frozen strawberries for extra fruitiness and natural sweetness.
• Lower the Calories: Skip the whipped cream topping and use water or unsweetened almond milk as your base.

More Recipes to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth:

• Blueberry Cheesecake Protein Smoothie
• Red Velvet Cake Protein Ice Cream
• Strawberry Cheesecake Frozen Cereal

FAQs

1. Can I skip the frosting-inspired cup coating?

Absolutely! It’s just for fun and aesthetics. The shake will still taste amazing without it.

2. What if I don’t have all three extracts?

The combination of butter, vanilla, and almond extracts mimics the flavor of cake batter. Each extract adds a unique layer of richness, sweetness, or nuttiness. If you want to simplify, you can stick with just one or two extracts, or try cake batter extract for an all-in-one option.

3. What can I substitute for cottage cheese?

Greek yogurt works as a replacement, but the texture might not be as thick and the flavor may be a little tangy. Silken tofu or a frozen banana could also work if you’re experimenting with vegan options.

4. How can I make this shake sweeter?

Add more stevia, use a flavored protein powder, or blend in a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup.

5. Can I add ice?

You can, but the shake is designed to be creamy and thick without it. Ice might dilute the flavors, so if you prefer it extra cold, use frozen milk cubes instead.

6. Can I make this shake ahead of time?

This shake is best enjoyed fresh, but you can blend it and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just give it a good shake or reblend before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Strawberry Cake Batter Protein Shake is so much more than a drink—it’s an experience. From the frosted glass to the rich, velvety texture, every sip feels like a treat. Perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or whenever you’re craving something sweet, this shake delivers all the flavor of cake batter without the guilt.

Let me know how you enjoy it and if you come up with your own fun variations!