For a while now I’ve been seeing the blueberry maple flavor combination pop up, and every time I do I start to salivate immediately. Cakes, syrups, pancakes – it makes sense. The two just seem to be meant together much like peanut butter and basil (trust me, I know what I’m doing.)
But being the simplicity-obsessed person than I am, I knew I wanted to make a blueberry-maple recipe that was a bit less involved. Call it lazy, I call it uncomplicated. And since I have a protein shake most mornings on my walk to work, I thought it the perfect opportunity to put a creative spin on one of my favorite breakfasts.
Blueberry and maple are a perfect summer flavor combination, and when thrown into an ice-creamy health drink, the pairing tastes all the better. You can make this recipe vegan-friendly by opting for a non-dairy milk or yogurt base and protein powder. You can also throw in a big handful of spinach without it affecting the taste at all, which makes it even more of a well-balanced meal.
Blueberry Maple Protein Shake
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese or low-fat yogurt (I use a mix of the two)*
- 3 Tbsp vanilla protein powder
- 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
- 1/4 – 1/2 tsp maple extract
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp flaxseed meal
- Sweetener of choice (to taste)
- 10-15 ice cubes
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Place all of your ingredients in a blender and mix until well combined. If it appears too runny, add more ice. If it's too thick, add more water. Add more sweetener or extract at the end if the flavor isn't strong enough for your taste.
Notes
*I add a handful of raw spinach to mine for extra veggies without any change in flavor.
*Questions about substitutions, equipment, or troubleshooting? Check out our Recipe FAQ page.
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate.
Nutrition (1 of 1 servings)
This recipe was exactly what I was hoping for out of my blueberry and maple combination. Refreshing, perfectly sweet, and adequately maple-y. I think this is love.
Enjoy,
Dana
Liam McFadden says
Made this yesterday after drinking various versions of protein drinks and i have to say this one taste really good. I changed it to include dairy free yoghurt instead of yoghurt or cheese and i really enjoy it. Thanks for putting it online.
Wonderful – thanks for sharing, Liam!
LeighAnne says
I can’t do dairy and dairy free yogurt would up the carb SO much. Any idea on how this would be if I added more cashew/almond milk instead?
I think that would be fine! But just to clarify, coconut yogurt is not high in carbs and would be delicious here.
Mara says
Such a unique and tasty flavor combo! Makes me want to have blueberry pancakes with maple syrup!
Carlos says
Pretty good shake. Tasty and full of nutrients.
Carol says
This was so amazingly delicious. Used almond milk instead of water, and doubled it. Also used less ice.
Made a double recipe— was hard not to drink the whole thing! Tomorrow I’ll add some spinach
Yay! We love to hear this. Thanks for the lovely review, Carol! xo
April says
I still haven’t quite mastered xanthan gum, I always try to add sparingly and the shake ends up with a mouthfeel that is…well, gummy. Love this recipe though.
marcie says
Thanks for the great protein shake recipe… it was delightfully tasty!! I used your recipe plus two handfuls of spinach, 2 tsp chia seeds, tsp maple syrup, flaxseed and vega sport protein powder. You’re right, you can’t even taste the spinach! Yayyy :)
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Rhonda l says
I m untreated in making the blueberry and maple shake recipe but I was curious if can Maple. Syrup can can be used? ? And Do it HAVE to add the flaxseed? ? I’m only asking because I don’t have any in my house at the moment please lemme know thank you rhonda in az
Flax seed is optional. Maple syrup can be used!
sharon buchanan says
what can I sustitue and use in bananahs place ? thanks sharon
Rachel says
Just curious, what’s xanthan gum and why does the addition of it help?
Rachel, xanthan gum is a natural thickener and helps make the shake more creamy, but you could also sub chia seeds for a similar effect and more health benefits. Hope that helps!
Holly @ EatGreatBEGreat says
This shake sounds amazing!! I can’t wait to try it out!
Barbara says
Im new to your site from Iowa Girl. Could you speak to protein powders for us who have never used them. I’d love to find one that does not alter the taste and is not chalky in texture. Thank you!
Barbara, there are so many protein powders out there it’s kind of overwhelming. The only one I’ve tried with any luck is MRM whey in rich vanilla, and the taste/texture/nutrition are spot on. The main concerns with protein powders are added sugar (you wanna keep sugar low), artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame (which you want to avoid), and ensuring they’re as natural as possible. Get a non-gmo/organic brand if you can. The flavor preference is then left up to you! Hope that helps.
melissa says
I absolutely LOVED this shake! I subbed the cottage cheese for blueberry greek yogurt as it was what I had on hand and it was great! Thanks so much for sharing =)
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
The pictures are amazing, Dana!
Megan Davis says
I love your website! I stumbled upon your Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookie Pancakes on Pintrest. Everything looks delicious :)
Thanks! Hope you’ll stick around :D
Sara says
I will stick around because I want to learn more about being vegan