Make this easy protein smoothie that tastes like a Wendy's Frosty in only five minutes! Originally published January 2017. Last updated January 2023.
A good workout can be it's own reward but if you need a little extra motivation, I highly recommend adding this beginner protein smoothie to your routine. I'll walk you through how to make it and share my pro tips for a lightning-fast process. Let's get into the details.
If you enjoy this recipe, you'll also love my immune-boosting orange smoothie as well as this green smoothie for glowing skin!


What You'll Need for this Recipe
Raw Dark Cocoa Powder provides true chocolatey flavor without excess sugar. There is some caffeine, though, so if you are sensitive to that or want to make this a Daniel Fast compliant smoothie, I recommend trying carob powder + a bit of maple syrup instead.
Almond Butter helps create smooth texture and provides the boost of protein in this smoothie. You can use the nut butter of your choice, crunchy or smooth!
Banana adds natural sweetness, energy in the form of carbohydrates, and fiber. I'm not big on bananas so I can assure you that the flavor isn't overpowering.
Almond Milk is the necessary liquid base but it adds mild nutty flavor and additional protein. You can swap in whatever milk you like.
Ice adds texture and chill but you can make it frosty with my next tip.
How to make a smoothie thick without ice? Use frozen produce. For this one, freeze the banana ahead of time and you can skip the ice!


Tips & Tools
Grab a blender as well as a cutting board and knife to bring everything together. This is a quick and easy smoothie and you could even break up the banana by hand, if needed. You'll also need a spoon for the cocoa powder. Lastly, I'm big on making small moments feel a bit more special so I love to sip my homemade smoothies through a glass straw. Sprinkle sliced almonds over top for extra flair!
Can I meal prep this smoothie? Yes. You can make it ahead of time and refrigerate for up to two days. Just keep in mind that some separation may occur--stir it up! Alternatively, you can use my frozen smoothie pack method to prep further in advance.

How to add more protein? I call this chocolatey nut butter smoothie a basic protein shake for beginners because it uses minimally processed ingredients and whole food protein sources. It's good for post-workout recovery but you can step things up by adding your favorite protein powder.
If you like this basic protein smoothie without protein powder and want to try a meal replacement shake, my dark chocolate salted protein smoothie is a natural next step with 26 grams protein and ample fiber!


Is this smoothie PCOS friendly?
This healthy copycat Wendy's frosty has a balance of protein, healthy fat, and fiber. This makes it a great option for people with PCOS who are looking to support healthy hormones and balanced blood sugar. Check the recipe card for full nutrition facts and my collection of PCOS meals.


Favorite High Protein Dishes
Peanut Butter & Jelly Smoothie Bowl
I hope you take this healthy shake for a swirl soon. And sharing is caring so be sure this pin this five-ingredient smoothie for later and follow me over on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!

Skinny Frosty Recipe

Chocolate Post-Workout Protein Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 banana
- 2 tablespoons raw dark cocoa powder or regular cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons almond butter or nut butter of your choice
- 1 cup milk
- ice
- sliced almonds (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Slice or break banana into chunks.
- Add banana pieces to blender with cocoa powder, nut butter, milk, and ice to your desired consistency and temperature.
- Pulse all ingredients until smooth, liquified, and uniform. Pour into a glass and garnish with almonds, if desired. Serve immediately.
Belle says
That looks good and so easy to make! I have to try this out!
Belle | One Awesome Momma
Mommyhoodandmentalhealth says
Yum! I love PB and banana in smoothies. This looks so good!
Jessica Wagner says
This is my go-to smoothie!!!! It tastes soooo good! My work out routine also consists strictly of yoga and smoothies!
Bernadette F says
This looks delicious! I'm just now getting back into exercising after just being a bum through the holidays - I'll have to try this!! Thanks!
21flavorsofsplendor says
Yum! You had me at tastes like a Frosty. I just came from working out and wish I had this instead of my protein shake.
Sara Giboney @ Sweet Success says
This looks delicious! I love a smoothie with just a few healthy ingredients ; )
twoboysonepup says
Yum! I love almond butter and enjoy adding it to basically anything!
MeganPaleo says
Holy moly, this looks absolutely delicious. Also, your photos are amazing! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Bunny Eats Design says
Nice pics! I sometimes make a smoothie with banana and peanut butter, I wonder if it tastes similar to your? Great photos by the way.
This post would make a great addition to Our Growing Edge. This month’s theme is HEALTHY STARTS including breakfast ideas or new healthy food habits for the start of 2017.
More info including how to submit your link here: http://bunnyeatsdesign.com/our-growing-edge/
forevermommoments says
Yum! Pinned and totally trying this after my next workout 🙂
Clarissa says
I love easy smoothies! This one sounds delicious!
-Clarissa @ The View From Here
Divya @ Eat. Teach. Blog. says
Love adding bananas to my smoothies. It adds a creamy texture you can't get from anything else!
Sarah Koves (@kovescence) says
Yummy. If we have another snow day, I'm making that for breakfast.
Allison Rebecca says
Oh now this looks delicious! I am trying to work out more so I could use something like this. yum!
Everyday Made Fresh says
This was my go to breakfast for years! Lol. You can never go wrong with peanut butter (my nut butter choice) and chocolate!
Debra says
I love the idea of a post work out shake - I am always so hungry after a good workout and this would help curb that!
cheersjenna says
I love smoothies so I'll definitely need to give this one a try. Thanks for sharing!
Cheers, J
http://www.cheersj.com
GingerGoose Boutique says
This sounds yummy! I always love a good smoothie after a workout!
terristeffes says
You made that look super easy and it sounds delicious and nutritious. I didn't realize how important it was to replenish. Thank you!
Jazz says
No problem, Terri! Thanks for reading!
Angela Amores says
This looks so good that I had to pin it for later. I might make this instead of my guilty ice cream I have sometimes.
Angela
http://www.prettyinherpearls.com
Rebecca Hicks says
Mmm post workout smoothies are my favorite! I haven't worked out yet today, that that may be what I have for breakfast. Delicious and thirst quenching- my favorite!
reesann723 says
This right here is my favorite smoothie combo. But, I have never had raw cocoa powder! That must be delicious!
Mommy Engineering says
i've just been using carnation breakfast drinks for my post workout but i love this recipe! this looks simple and i can easily make this at home for my hubby and i after going to the gym! yummy!
Jeanine Macintosh says
This looks and sounds delicious. I need more smoothies in my life. I dont have them nearly enough and after my runs/walks this would be great.
Amber says
This looks really good! We usually just do pb, spinach, almond milk and ice! I love that but I do want to mix it up!
Jessica Ashcroft says
Yum! I'm always looking for new smoothie recipes and anything with chocolate...yes please!
Blonde Seeking Ambition says
Okay... I would totally work out JUST to have that smoothie at the end! (Whatever works, right? Haha!)
Kristin says
I love a good post workout smoothie and this one looks just delish! I'm totally garnishing with almond slices next time!
Jazz says
I love the satisfying crunch it adds. Thanks for reading!
Amanda Love says
I like it! It sounds so filling, so you won't get hungry or crave when you drink this. I think it's awesome. I would love to keep the recipe. Thanks!
amandahrosson says
You look so great in these photos and that smoothie looks so yummy and easy to make! Will definitely have to give this a try!
courteneynoonan says
This smoothie looks so yummy! I always forget to make a smoothie after the gym so I should really start
Blythe Alpern says
I'm trying to get back into my workout routine after being sick last week. My little diva of a niece gave me her nasty cold. She was fine in a day, I was down for a week+. Once I get back into it I'm going to give this smoothie a try, I think it might help curb the appetite I usually get after a workout.
asseenonjean says
This sounds so yummy and very simple to make! Like you, after the gym I don't want to spend ages in the kitchen so this is perfect!
toughcookiemommy says
This smoothie is perfect for quenching your thirst after a workout. I'm sure it also replenishes your energy after working out too.
Laurie says
This looks so so good. Will have to try it soon!
Jazz says
Thanks, Laurie!
Sheila Echols-Smesny says
This looks divine! I like the dairy free and peanut free option, thank you!
Jazz says
No problem. Thanks for reading!
Robin Rue says
This smoothie looks absolutely delicious. I have been meaning to make more of these for my morning routine.
Irina says
Oh girl this looks so good. My girls love making smoothies. Ive never thought of adding peanut butter to my smoothie but that's a brilliant idea.
Keren Charles says
That look so yummy! And I love peanut butter and banana, so it is the perfect combination for me. I can't wait to try it out.
Marta says
I REALLY need to start working out! In the meantime, I'll make and drink this smoothie so I FEEL like I worked out before.
Brittany Fiero says
OMG, sometimes I crave a Wendy's frosty because I grew up on them when my mom tirelessly worked at the restaurant. This looks so delicious and healthy!!! I'll have to try this and share it with my mom.
Aline says
This is perfect inspiration for after the holidays!! Looks yummy!!
Kenya Rae says
I just got a new ninja smoothie blender and I’ve been using a similar recipe. Gonna do this one in regular rotation now too!
Jessica says
Yum! I love this flavor combo and the recipe is so simple!
Katrina Adams says
I must definitely try this Jazz!! Anything that taste like Wendy’s frosty has to be good!!
Adri says
This looks awesome! And I love, love, love, that you have a Daniel's Fast guide! I grew up on Wendy's frosties so this is right up my alley.
Ashleigh says
This is right up my alley! I'm always craving something sweet after a workout, but I don't want to backtrack after all of my hard work! YUM! Pinned for this week.
Mila says
OMG It looks so creamy and delicious! I'm obsessed.
Sylvia says
Oh my gosh, this sounds so good! Quick question, can I have this during the Daniel Fast? 🙂
Jazz says
Hi, Sylvia! Yes, this smoothie is Daniel Fast compliant so long as you are using unsweetened cocoa powder.