Birthday Cake Batter Shake (Healthier!)

This easy (5-minute!) Birthday Cake Batter Shake recipe tastes like vanilla cake batter.... but is made with healthier ingredients and about 13 grams protein! (Vegan, gluten-free, refined oil-free.)

This fun Birthday Cake Batter Shake is such an awesome (healthier!) treat. It's made with just 6 simple ingredients, and has about 13 grams protein.

Best of all, it tastes deliciously indulgent yet is made with no ice cream or dairy. Instead we use plant-based milk, banana, and almond butter for the creamy base. Then it's naturally sweetened with maple syrup, and topped off with tasty flavors of vanilla and almond. (So good!)

You can serve it as is, or top it with whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles for the full birthday cake effect!

Ingredients for Birthday Cake Shake

For this recipe, you'll blend in a high-speed blender:

• Soy milk: This has a rich, smooth, velvety texture which works great in this shake. (I use organic soy milk whenever possible with no gums or emulsifiers.) Or you can substitute with anther dairy-free milk like almond milk, cashew milk, coconut milk, oat milk, etc. (But be aware this will slightly alter the taste, protein content, and texture.) I use plain and unsweetened milk so you can adjust the other flavors if yours is sweetened and flavored.
• Ripe banana: Try to find one with lots of brown spots because these are more naturally sweet. Frozen banana works great and is recommended if you have it because it creates a creamier, thicker consistency. (Otherwise fresh works fine too.)
• Almond butter: This adds plant-based protein, fiber, and creamy thickness to the smoothie. I find the taste of almond butter is pretty mild (compared to peanut butter or other seed butters) so it blends in really nicely here. Cashew butter could also work.
• Pure maple syrup: This is a fantastic natural sweetener, but feel free to substitute your own favorite sweetener like dates. Adjust the amount however you see fit.
• Vanilla extract
• Pure almond extract: This is what gives it that classic "cake batter" taste! Just be aware almond extract is strong, so a little goes a long way.

Customizing

More protein: Simply add a small scoop of your favorite vanilla protein powder to the mix before blending!

Thickness: Adjust the thickness however you see fit. For a thicker, richer smoothie, use an extra-large frozen banana or slightly less milk. For a thinner smoothie, use fresh banana or slightly more milk.

Serving

Add a dollop of dairy-free whipped cream (like Coco Whip) and vegan rainbow sprinkles if you'd like! Or you could simply stir in some sprinkles after blending for "Funfetti" shake.

Serve it for breakfast, a healthier dessert, post-workout, or anytime you need a little pick-me-up throughout the day.

Keep the party going! Try these delicious Birthday Cake Overnight Oats too.

For more inspiration, also browse all vegan drink recipes.

If you're enjoying this healthy vegan Birthday Cake Batter Shake recipe, also check out:

• Chocolate Cherry Almond Smoothie
• Bedtime Golden Turmeric Milk
• Healthy Vegan Chocolate Milkshake
• Vegan Almond Maple Cookies

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