This cinnamon roll protein shake is thick, creamy, and tastes like dessert! It’s full of cinnamon flavor, packed with 25 grams of protein, and keeps you satisfied for hours!

I love all things cinnamon roll! Every bite of these warm and soft buns feels like a hug and completes your coffee or tea-drinking experience in the most delicious way.

In fact, I love cinnamon rolls so much that I want to feature this iconic flavor in all possible ways. I have already made cinnamon roll-flavored oatmeal, pancakes, and waffles. This time, I took it a step further and decided to make a smoothie that tastes like a cinnamon roll. Keeping it healthy and nutritious, the bright cinnamon flavor is the highlight of this recipe.

Why this recipe works

If you’ve made any of our protein shakes before, you’ll know we do them well. This cinnamon roll protein shake recipe is no different and will make your post-workout that much more delicious!

Perfect for breakfast. Made with protein powder, this smoothie is a great low-carb breakfast option and a fancy post-workout drink.
Diet friendly. You can make it dairy-free by using almond, soy, or oat milk. There is no need to use yogurt or full-fat cow’s milk to make this smoothie creamy.
Guilt free treat. This smoothie is your favorite dessert in a drink form. But it doesn’t contain any sugar or unhealthy fats. You only get the benefits – a minute of prep work, a rich cinnamon flavor, and lots of nutrients.

Ingredients needed

Here’s the list of ingredients you need to make a cinnamon roll crammed in a glass.

Protein powder. Vanilla protein powder is a neutral-flavored option. If you happen to have cinnamon roll protein powder, go ahead and use it for this recipe. It’s a perfect match!
Cinnamon. Ground cinnamon is what makes this smoothie reminiscent of our favorite dessert.
Almond butter. A tablespoon or two of creamy almond butter deepens the flavor of the shake and adds a hint of nutty flavor that pairs well with the remaining ingredients. It also adds healthy fats to the smoothie.
Milk. Any milk that fits your diet will work.
Maple syrup. Adds some sweetness without any refined sugar. Honey or agave can be substituted.
Bananas or pumpkins (optional). If you have ripe bananas or pumpkin puree that you don’t know how to use up, add them to this smoothie. Both pumpkins and bananas pair amazingly with cinnamon. They will also make the smoothie creamier and more filling.
Ice cubes. Ice cubes are a must if you like your smoothies to be thick and cold.

How to make a cinnamon roll protein shake

Making this smoothie is so much less effort than baking rolls. I can already sense them becoming your next cinnamon obsession.

To make it, add all ingredients to a high-speed blender. Blend until the ice cubes are fully crushed and you are left with a thick and creamy mixture. Give the smoothie a taste test and adjust the sweetness and the consistency if needed.

Pour the smoothie into a tall glass and add the toppings of your choice. I like to garnish it with whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.

Swaps and substitutions

This cinnamon roll protein shake recipe is so easy to customize and you can change up the ingredients to give it even more staying power. Here are some ideas:

Swap milk for yogurt. Using yogurt instead of milk will make the smoothie a lot thicker and creamier. Non fat Greek yogurt is a fantastic option as it is also packed with tons of protein.
Switch the almond butter. Cashew or peanut butter work just as well, as do nut-free alternatives like tahini or sunflower seed butter.
Add rolled oats. The oats will make the smoothie taste more like baked goods. They also enrich the smoothie with fiber and thicken it significantly (have you tried our oatmeal smoothie yet?).
Use frozen milk. If you use milk for smoothies often, freeze it in an ice cube tray and add it to your smoothies as a 2-in-1 ingredient.

Storage instructions

To store. It is recommended to enjoy this shake freshly made. But if you have any leftovers, don’t waste them. Transfer the leftover smoothie to a mason jar, seal tightly, and refrigerate it. Drink the leftover smoothie within 1-2 days.

To freeze. Freezing this smoothie with the intention of defrosting and drinking it later is not something we recommend you do.

Freezer Tip

Pour the leftover smoothie into popsicle molds and freeze. These protein-packed popsicles will make a great snack.

Recommended tools to make this recipe

Blender. A good quality blender with ice blending capabilities will make the best shake or smoothie every single time.
Tumbler. To bring the shake with you wherever you go!
Smoothie cup. Want to bring this to your workout? These are the best!

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