Hey there, coffee lovers! Let me introduce you to your new favorite morning pick-me-up: Salted Caramel Protein Coffee.
This is where your love for coffee meets a little protein boost, all wrapped up in the rich, sweet-salty goodness of salted caramel.
It’s quick, creamy, and so satisfying, perfect for busy mornings or that mid-afternoon slump.
Best part? It tastes like a fancy coffee shop treat, but you can whip it up at home in just a few minutes. Let’s do this!
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup brewed coffee (hot or iced)
- 1 scoop salted caramel protein powder
- 1/4 cup milk of choice (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1-2 tsp caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
- Pinch of sea salt
- Ice cubes (if making iced coffee)
Why I Love This Recipe
This drink seriously saves me. Whether I’m rushing out the door or just need a midday boost, it hits the spot every time.
- Tastes like dessert, fuels like breakfast
- Only 5 ingredients
- High in protein, low in sugar
- Super easy to customize
- Keeps you full and focused
Servings and Time
Servings:Â 1
Total Time:Â 5 minutes
Macros (approximate, based on common brands)
- Calories:Â 160
- Protein:Â 20g
- Carbs:Â 7g
- Fat:Â 4g
- Sugar:Â 3g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The hot coffee helps the protein powder dissolve smoothly (no clumps). The almond milk makes it creamy without adding heaviness. The pinch of sea salt brings out the caramel flavor, kind of like in a bakery treat. It’s the salty-sweet balance that makes it pop. And the protein? It helps slow down the caffeine absorption so you don’t crash later.
Common Mistakes
- Using cold coffee – makes it hard to mix the protein powder
- Skipping the salt – really changes the flavor, don’t skip it
- Using too much ice – waters it down
- Not blending/shaking enough – leaves protein clumps
What to Serve With
- A banana or protein bar for a light breakfast
- Avocado toast
- A granola bar for that sweet-salty combo
- Overnight oats if you’re really hungry
Tools Needed
- Blender bottle or small blender
- Measuring cups
- Spoon or frother
- Glass mug or tumbler
Substitutions and Variations
- Use oat milk or regular milk instead of almond milk
- Try vanilla or chocolate protein powder instead of caramel
- Honey or stevia instead of maple syrup
- Brewed decaf if you’re avoiding caffeine
Make Ahead Tips
You can blend everything (except the ice) and keep it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, just shake and pour over ice.
How to Make Salted Caramel Protein Coffee
Step 1: Brew ½ cup of hot coffee
Brew your favorite coffee — just ½ cup. It needs to be hot so the protein powder mixes well. Use any brew method you like.
Step 2: Add protein powder, almond milk & maple syrup
Pour the hot ½ cup of coffee into your blender bottle or small blender. Add 1 scoop of salted caramel protein powder, ½ cup of unsweetened vanilla almond milk, and 1–2 teaspoons of maple syrup (optional). Let the liquids swirl and settle for a second before shaking or blending.
Step 3: Blend or shake until smooth
Pop the lid on and shake it like crazy (or blend for 10–15 seconds) until smooth and creamy. No clumps!
Step 4: Add ice and pour
Drop 3–4 ice cubes into your glass and pour the blended coffee mixture over the top.
Step 5: Finish with flaky sea salt and caramel drizzle
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the top. If you want to be fancy, add a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Step 6: Serve
Set your drink on a small plate or saucer and enjoy right away. It’s perfect for sipping slow or taking on the go.
Leftovers & Storage
If you made extra, keep it in the fridge in a sealed jar or bottle for up to 1 day. Shake well before serving. Don’t add ice until ready to drink.
Wrap It
And there you have it—your new go-to drink that’s as tasty as it is energizing. Whether you’re kicking off a busy day or just need a little me-time treat, this Salted Caramel Protein Coffee is here for you. Try it out, and let me know in the comments how it turned out! Did you tweak it or make it your own? I’d love to hear all about it! ☕✨