Only 5 ingredients & 5 minutes to cure your sweet tooth with a low carb smoothie that's healthy & tastes like you're drinking cake batter. Um, yes please!
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Low Carb Vanilla Cake Batter Smoothie
Making a smoothie low carb is not easy to do. Since low carb is the primary focus, flavor becomes second. But who wants to drink an okay, low carb smoothie? No one! We want a delicious smoothie that's low carb.
Thankfully, flavor isn't compromised here. This smoothie seriously tastes like you're drinking cake batter; of course, with a thinner consistency and chilled temperature.
Recipe Substitutions
Each ingredient is vital to the overall flavor, as well as keeping the macronutrients balanced, so don't leave anything out.
Protein Powder
I used the Atkins Vanilla Protein Powder because I think it's one of the best tasting vanilla protein powders. If you have a protein powder that you prefer, and it's vanilla flavored, use it.
If your preferred protein powder is just plain and not vanilla flavored, you can double the vanilla extract to amp up the flavor.
Other Protein Powders
I also LOVE Shakeology powders. Their vanilla flavor is actually my least favorite of the entire line, but it's not terrible. I've certainly had worse.
I prefer Atkins' vanilla protein powder over Shakeology's.
Imitation Vanilla Extract
Using imitation vanilla extract is important here because non-imitation extracts have alcohol.
1. Even though it's such a small amount, I'm sure many, if not all, of you don't want to consume alcohol while pregnant.
Note - using non-imitation extracts in cooking or baking is fine because the alcohol cooks out.
2. The alcohol affects the taste, and if you batch this recipe, the alcohol will warp the flavor and make it inedible the next day.
Vanilla Flavored Milk
No matter which milk you use, having the vanilla flavored version affects the taste of this smoothie.
Vanilla is coming from 3 sources in this recipe, which layers in the flavor. I don't suggest using plain milk and a plain protein powder, then tripling the vanilla extract because the smoothie will taste more like vanilla extract than a vanilla cake batter shake.
Additions
It's completely optional but I always add ½ to 1 cup of baby spinach to smoothies because it doesn't alter the taste (it just brings down the sweetness a bit) and because spinach is super nutritious.
Baby spinach does thicken the smoothie a bit, so I normally add about ¼ cup extra milk to maintain the consistency.
Note - When add baby spinach to a smoothie, blend on high until there are no more visible pieces of spinach. It may take over 1 minute to achieve, but the spinach will incorporate fully.
Hulled hemp seeds are also a great addition because they are a low carb protein. The one thing to consider with hemp seeds is that they add texture to the smoothie. If you don't want to chew on your smoothie (like, if you're the person that can't stand any pulp in your orange juice), or if texture may trigger your gag reflex, don't add them.
Consistency
If the consistency is too thick, add up to ½ cup more of milk.
Other Smoothie Recipes
Click a picture below or check out more low sugar smoothies here.
Batching
If you're going to make a big batch for a few days, leave out the vanilla extract until you drink each serving. This prevents the smoothie from going stale.
Storing
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Shake or stir just before drinking.
Recipe
Vanilla Cake Batter Smoothie Recipe
- 1 medium Banana (or 1 cup sliced)
- 1 cup Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk (or alternative milk)
- ½ each Avocado (black skin)
- ⅛ teaspoon Imitation Vanilla Extract (plus a few extra drops)
- 1 scoop Atkins Vanilla Protein Powder (or preferred vanilla protein powder)
- 1 cup Fresh Baby Spinach (optional)
- Add all ingredients to the blender in the order they're listed. If using frozen banana, let the ingredients sit in the blender for 3 to 5 minutes to soften so they blend more easily. (If adding spinach, you may want to add ¼ to ½ cup more milk to thin the consistency,)
- Cover the blender with a top and start blending on low. Gradually increase the speed and blend until everything is well incorporated and smooth. Makes 2 cups.
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