Iced Cashew-Butter Espresso Smoothie (Bold, Creamy, and Energizing)

Iced cashew-butter espresso smoothie—yep, that’s a mouthful. And trust me, it’s a delicious one too. This smoothie has everything I love in a busy-morning breakfast: bold coffee, creamy nut butter, natural sweetness, and just enough protein to keep me full without weighing me down.

It’s become my go-to for those days when I need caffeine and breakfast in one sip. If you’ve ever rushed out the door with cold brew in one hand and a banana in the other… this is your new secret weapon. You’ll blend once, sip slowly, and feel good the whole morning.

And hey—it’s not just functional. It’s frosty, rich, and feels a little fancy. Cashew butter gives it this silky texture that makes it taste like a coffee milkshake (without the sugar crash).

Let’s dig into what this smoothie really is—and why you might want to start your day with it.

Iced Cashew-Butter Espresso Smoothie

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

This iced cashew-butter espresso smoothie is a creamy, caffeinated dream. With bold coffee, silky nut butter, and natural sweetness, it’s the ultimate breakfast-meets-energy drink—blended in under 5 minutes.

• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 large smoothie 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 frozen banana (or ½ cup frozen cauliflower)
• 1 shot of espresso (or ¼ cup strong cold brew)
• 1 heaping tablespoon cashew butter
• ½ cup milk of choice (almond, oat, dairy, etc.)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• 1 pitted Medjool date or 1 tsp maple syrup (optional)
• ½ scoop vanilla protein powder (optional)
• ½ to 1 cup ice cubes

Instructions

1. Start by adding the milk and espresso to your blender.
2. Add the frozen banana, cashew butter, sweetener, vanilla, and protein powder if using.
3. Toss in the ice cubes, starting with ½ cup and increasing for a thicker texture.
4. Blend for 30–45 seconds until smooth and creamy.
5. Taste and adjust sweetness or texture as needed.
6. Pour into a glass or jar and enjoy immediately. Top with cinnamon or cacao nibs for an extra treat.

Notes

Make espresso ahead and freeze into cubes for quicker blending. Don’t have banana? Try frozen cauliflower or oats with ice for a low-sugar base.

• Author: Anna Gomez
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Smoothie
• Method: Blended
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 smoothie
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: smoothie, espresso, cashew butter, breakfast, coffee smoothie

What Is an Iced Cashew-Butter Espresso Smoothie?

A Creamy-Meets-Coffee Breakfast Idea

This smoothie is basically what happens when your espresso shot falls in love with your favorite nut butter. It’s cold, creamy, energizing, and slightly nutty with a subtle caramel vibe from the espresso. You blend ice, banana, espresso (or strong coffee), cashew butter, your choice of milk, and something lightly sweet—dates, maple syrup, or even protein powder.

It takes under 5 minutes to make, and it tastes way more indulgent than it actually is.

Why It Works So Well

Here’s what makes this smoothie a staple in my morning routine:

• It’s fast. No pan, no prep. Just blend and go.
• It’s energizing. You get a full serving of caffeine + fuel in one cup.
• It’s flexible. Dairy-free? Add almond milk. Want more protein? Toss in a scoop.
• It’s not overly sweet. You control the sugar—perfect for post-yoga or a light breakfast.

Cashew butter is the secret to making this smoothie feel extra luxe. It’s naturally sweet, blends easily (no gritty texture), and gives that silky mouthfeel that peanut butter can’t always deliver.

Looking for another smooth and creamy treat? Don’t miss our Cloud Cheesecake Recipe—it’s soft, no-bake, and every bit as indulgent.

Key Ingredients & What They Do

This iced cashew-butter espresso smoothie doesn’t need a long shopping list or fancy superfoods. Just a few staples and a blender, and you’ve got a café-style treat that’s better than anything drive-thru.

Let’s break down what goes in—and why it works so well together.

1. Cashew Butter: The Creamy Game-Changer

Cashew butter is the magic ingredient here. Compared to peanut butter, it’s milder, smoother, and just a little sweeter naturally. That makes it ideal for smoothies—you get all the creaminess and healthy fats without overpowering the other flavors.

• Adds body and silkiness
• Full of monounsaturated fats (good-for-you fats!)
• Naturally blends without clumping

🔸 Anna’s tip: If your cashew butter is thick, stir it well or microwave it for 5 seconds to loosen it before blending.

2. Espresso or Strong Coffee

This is where the smoothie gets its bold, energizing kick. You can use:

• A shot of freshly brewed espresso
• Cold brew concentrate (for less acidity)
• Strong brewed coffee (cooled)

Whatever you choose, let it cool before blending, so it doesn’t melt your ice and water down the flavor.

Want to add a chocolatey twist? A teaspoon of cocoa powder with the espresso adds mocha vibes in the best way.

3. Frozen Banana

Frozen banana is the unsung hero of almost every smoothie. It adds:

• Natural sweetness
• Cold, creamy texture (no need for ice cream!)
• A subtle fruitiness that softens the espresso’s edge

Don’t like banana? Swap with frozen cauliflower or a handful of oats + ice for a neutral base.

4. Milk of Choice

Any milk works here. I love unsweetened almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option, but if you’re not avoiding dairy, regular milk or half-and-half can make it richer.

Pick your texture:

• Almond/oat milk: Light and nutty
• Soy milk: Higher in protein
• Whole milk: Extra creamy
• Coconut milk: Tropical twist

5. Optional Boosts: Sweetener & Protein

This smoothie is naturally lightly sweet, but you can add:

• 1 date (pitted)
• 1–2 tsp maple syrup
• Stevia or monk fruit for no added sugar
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder if you want it to double as breakfast

🔸 Anna’s shortcut: Keep frozen espresso cubes in the freezer to toss in with milk, nut butter, and banana. It’s a ready-in-30-seconds miracle on busy mornings.

Love nutty breakfast flavors? Try our Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake Bread—another cozy recipe with richness, warmth, and make-ahead vibes.

Can You Mix Espresso with Protein Shake?

The Short Answer? Absolutely.

Yes, you can totally mix espresso with protein powder—and it’s one of the smartest ways to turn your daily caffeine fix into something that actually fuels you. In this iced cashew-butter espresso smoothie, the espresso and protein work together to keep you both energized and satisfied.

If you’ve ever had that crash after a strong cup of coffee with nothing in your stomach, you’ll love this swap. The nut butter and protein slow down caffeine absorption so you get that focus without the jitters.

Why It Works So Well in a Smoothie

Here’s what espresso + protein delivers in one blended glass:

• Sustained energy — Caffeine gives the lift, protein gives the staying power
• Post-workout win — Ideal if you exercise in the morning and need recovery and alertness
• No blender clumps — When you blend them together (instead of shaking), the protein dissolves better and gets super creamy

🔸 Anna’s tip: Use vanilla or chocolate protein powder with espresso. It blends beautifully and adds natural sweetness too.

What to Watch Out For

Not all protein powders behave the same way. Here’s what I’ve learned in my own kitchen:

To avoid clumping, add your protein powder last, right before blending.

And if you’re skipping protein powder? Don’t worry. This iced cashew-butter espresso smoothie still packs great fuel from nut butter and banana.

Craving a protein-rich treat? Try our Churro Cheesecake Bars—they’re indulgent, easy, and make a great post-dinner snack with a glass of cold milk.

Is Cashew Butter Good for Smoothies?

Oh Yes—It’s One of the Best

If you’ve never used cashew butter in a smoothie, you’re about to fall in love. It’s creamy, mild, and ultra-smooth, making it one of the most versatile nut butters out there—especially in this iced cashew-butter espresso smoothie.

While peanut butter and almond butter are more common, cashew butter adds a more neutral flavor and a velvety texture that blends beautifully without overpowering other ingredients.

Why Cashew Butter Works So Well

Here’s what sets it apart from other nut butters:

In a cold espresso smoothie, that silky finish from cashew butter is everything. It balances out the boldness of the coffee and adds richness without making it feel heavy.

Health Perks You’ll Appreciate

Besides being delicious, cashew butter is packed with nutrients:

• Healthy fats that keep you full longer
• Magnesium and copper for energy support
• Naturally lower sugar than peanut butter
• Blends well even in dairy-free smoothies

🔸 Anna’s tip: If your jar has separated oil on top, stir it thoroughly before scooping to keep that smooth consistency.

And yes—you can swap in almond or peanut butter if that’s what you have. But once you try cashew, you might not go back!

Like unexpected flavor combos? You’ll enjoy our Strawberry Pasta with Yogurt and Honey—it’s a sweet, fresh twist that works for breakfast or snack time.

How to Make the Smoothie (Step-by-Step)

If you can press a button on a blender, you can make this smoothie. It’s quick, satisfying, and made to fit into real life—whether you’re sipping it before a school drop-off or between Zoom calls.

Here’s exactly how I make my iced cashew-butter espresso smoothie at home.

Ingredients

For one large serving (or two smaller ones):

• 1 frozen banana (or ½ cup frozen cauliflower for a banana-free version)
• 1 shot of espresso (or ¼ cup strong cold brew)
• 1 tablespoon cashew butter (heaping!)
• ½ cup of your preferred milk (such as almond, oat, dairy, or any other)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but lovely)
• 1 pitted Medjool date or 1 teaspoon maple syrup (optional sweetener)
• ½ scoop vanilla protein powder (optional boost)
• ½ to 1 cup ice cubes, depending on how thick you like it

Instructions

• Add liquid first.
  Start with milk and espresso in your blender. This helps everything blend smoothly and avoids clumps.

• Toss in your frozen banana, cashew butter, sweetener, and extras.
  Add protein powder or vanilla here if using. Don’t forget the ice!

• Blend until creamy and frothy.
  About 30–45 seconds. Stop and scrape the sides if needed. The smoothie should be thick, cold, and pourable—but not icy.
• Taste and adjust.
  Need more sweetness? Add another date or a touch of honey. Want it colder? A few more ice cubes do the trick.
• Pour and enjoy.
  I enjoy presenting it in a mason jar with a wide straw, finished off with a dash of cinnamon or a few cacao nibs. It looks upscale but takes just seconds.

🔸 Anna’s real-life shortcut: I sometimes brew double espresso in the morning and pour half into ice cube trays. The next day? Pre-frozen espresso cubes go straight in the blender = no extra chill time!

Pair it with something baked and cozy like our Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake Bread for a fall-inspired breakfast or midday recharge.

Add-Ons, Variations & Substitutions

One of the reasons I love this iced cashew-butter espresso smoothie is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to go nut-free, add chocolate, skip the caffeine, or pack in extra nutrients—this smoothie is your canvas.

Flavor Twists That Work Like Magic

Here are some of my favorite ways to remix the classic version:

• Mocha version: Add 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder to turn it into a creamy iced mocha. Bonus: sprinkle cacao nibs on top!
• Nutella-inspired: Try using hazelnut butter with a hint of chocolate almond milk.
• Salted caramel feel: Add a pinch of sea salt + 1 soft date instead of maple syrup.
• Spiced version: Blend in ¼ tsp cinnamon or pumpkin spice for a cozy fall flavor.
• Tropical twist: Add 2 tablespoons coconut cream + almond milk = creamy, refreshing smoothie with a hint of island flair.

🔸 Anna’s favorite right now? A few drops of almond extract + vanilla protein powder = creamy dessert in a cup.

Substitutions for Cashew Butter

No cashew butter in the pantry? No problem.

Each swap works beautifully, depending on what you like and what’s in your kitchen.

Adjusting the Caffeine Level

Worried about too much buzz? Here’s how to dial it in:

• Go with half a shot of espresso for a milder kick
• Replace espresso with decaf or cold brew concentrate
• Mix in ¼ cup of brewed black tea for a gentle caffeine boost
• Skip the caffeine entirely and enjoy it as a cashew-banana shake

This smoothie doesn’t need caffeine to taste great—it’s creamy and satisfying with or without the boost.

Looking for other energizing snacks? Try our Churro Cheesecake Bars—they’re sweet, spiced, and so easy to make ahead for busy days.

How to Prep, Store & Serve Your Smoothie

Make-Ahead Tips for Busy Mornings

If you’re like me and your mornings are a bit chaotic, prepping this iced cashew-butter espresso smoothie ahead of time is a game-changer.

• Smoothie packs: In freezer bags or jars, add frozen banana, cashew butter, sweetener, and protein powder. In the morning, just add milk + espresso and blend!
• Espresso cubes: Freeze brewed espresso in ice cube trays. Pop 2–3 cubes in your blender for a bold, icy smoothie without watering it down.
• Pre-blended: You can blend it ahead and keep in the fridge (sealed) for up to 24 hours. Just shake well before sipping.

FAQs Answered (Quick & Real)

When to Serve It (And What to Pair It With)

This smoothie isn’t just for breakfast. It’s great:

• Post-workout
• As a midday snack
• On a slow Sunday with a slice of Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake Bread
• Or served with a friend and two straws, because sharing makes it even better

Final Thoughts: Sip, Blend, Repeat

This iced cashew-butter espresso smoothie is creamy, caffeinated comfort in a cup. Whether you’re looking to simplify breakfast, fuel your afternoon, or just try something new—you’re going to love how easy (and delicious) it is.

And the best part? You can tweak it every time. Smoothies are forgiving. Messy. Flexible. Kind of like life.

So go ahead. Blend one up, take a sip, and feel a little more awake and a lot more nourished.

Until next time—happy sipping!
Anna