Butterfinger Smoothie
8
Last updated on Jul 24, 2023
This post may include affiliate links. Thank you for your support.
This butterfinger smoothie combines milk, frozen banana, zucchini, peanut butter, chocolate protein powder and goji berries for a healthy protein-packed smoothie that tastes like liquid butterfinger.
It’s no secret that I’m the biggest peanut butter lover and butterfinger candy bars were one of my favorite candy bars growing up. Although, now I prefer my healthier butterfingers to the real deal.
That being said when I was brainstorming new smoothie recipes I had the idea to create a butterfinger smoothie. And let me tell ya, it’s so delicious and tastes just like the real deal! It’s rich, creamy and tastes like an indulgent candy bar, but is made with healthy ingredients and packed with over 25 grams of protein.
The frozen banana adds creaminess and touch of sweetness and the frozen zucchini adds some extra nutrients (I love adding veggies to my smoothies). The combo of peanut butter and chocolate protein powder adds protein and gives it that dessert-like milkshake taste and the goji berries add a nice crunch that mimics the crunch in a butterfinger bar.
Why You Gotta Try This One
I didn’t expect this smoothie to become a full-on obsession, but it surprised me in the best way. It’s rich and chocolatey with that classic candy bar taste, but it’s made with nourishing ingredients that leave you feeling energized, not sluggish. No sugar crash here, just pure satisfaction.
Ingredients Needed
- oat milk – oat milk makes this smoothie extra creamy, but any dairy-free milk will work. Cashew milk or coconut milk would be my second choices for a creamier option, but unsweetened almond milk will also work. If you’re using real milk, I would suggest using whole milk as it will add that extra creaminess that oat milk adds.
- banana – frozen banana helps to thicken this smoothie and adds a little sweetness. Be sure to check out my guide for how to freeze bananas.
- zucchini – frozen, chopped zucchini also helps thicken the smoothie, as well as adding a boost of nutrition without anyone knowing it’s there! You can blanch or steam your zucchini before freezing if you want to make it easier to digest, but I don’t find this necessary.
- chocolate protein powder – chocolate protein powder gives this smoothie a ton of chocolate flavor! I personally love Nuzest protein powder. It’s plant-based and delicious. (Use code eatingbirdfood for 15% off your order.)
- medjool date – for that caramel-like sweetness, naturally. If you want to lower the sugar content, feel free to skip the medjool date. I tried this smoothie without and it was still tasty, I just preferred the version with the medjool date better! You can also add a little stevia for some sweetness without the added sugar.
- peanut butter – look for natural peanut butter that doesn’t have any added ingredients. The ingredient list should just read peanuts and salt (or just peanuts)! Can’t do peanuts? You can use almond butter or any nut or seed butter you prefer.
- ice – helps make this smoothie thicker… and colder!
- goji berries – this power-packed superfood adds color, texture and a powder keg of nutrition to this smoothie (see below the recipe card). My go-to brand is the Navitas organic goji berries.
Make it Your Own
This smoothie already hits that Butterfinger vibe, but here are a few creative twists if you want to switch things up.
- Add crunch: Sprinkle some cacao nibs or crushed granola on top to mimic the crispy texture of the candy bar. It makes the smoothie feel more like a treat.
- Boost the nutrition: Toss in a spoonful of ground flaxseed or chia seeds for extra fiber and healthy fats without changing the flavor.
- Frozen treat: Pour the smoothie into popsicle molds and freeze for a high-protein dessert that tastes like a Butterfinger milkshake on a stick.
How to Make This Butterfinger Smoothie
This butterfinger smoothie couldn’t get any easier to make!
Step 1: Place all ingredients (except goji berries) into a high-powered blender and blend until smooth.
Step 2: Add goji berries, blend a few seconds more, making sure to leave bits and chunks of berries for taste and texture. Pour into a glass and enjoy!
Brittany’s Tips
- Freeze your zucchini in coins, not chunks: Smaller pieces blend more easily and create a smoother texture, especially if your blender isn’t high-powered.
- Add the goji berries last: If you want that signature Butterfinger-style crunch, blend everything else first, then pulse in the goji berries at the end to keep some texture.
- Don’t skip the salt: If your peanut butter isn’t salted, add a small pinch of sea salt. It makes the peanut butter-chocolate flavor pop and really brings out that candy bar taste.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.
Butterfinger Smoothie
Ingredients
- ½ cup oat milk, or any non-dairy milk of choice
- ½ medium frozen banana
- ¼ cup frozen chopped zucchini
- 1 scoop (25 grams) chocolate protein powder, I used Nuzest
- 1 medium pitted medjool date
- 1 Tablespoon peanut butter, or almond butter
- 4-5 ice cubes
- 2-3 Tablespoons Goji berries
Instructions
- Place all ingredients except goji berries into a high speed blender. Blend until smooth.
- Add goji berries and blend for a few seconds, until just combined, so there are still some bits and chunks of the berries.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy!
Notes
- Want to lower the sugar content? Skip the medjool date!
- If you’re using a less powerful blender, soak the medjool date in hot water for 5–10 minutes beforehand so it blends more easily.
- You can use steamed and frozen zucchini if raw zucchini bothers your digestion, but it’s not required.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Give it a good stir or shake before drinking.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Equipment
Goji Berry Nutrition
The goji berry, also called the wolfberry, is bright orange-red in color and native to China. In Asia, goji berries are traditionally eaten to improve longevity. Branded a “superfood” for their many health benefits, goji berries can be eaten raw, cooked or dried like raisins.
Goji berries are rich in protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, riboflavin, potassium, iron, magnesium, copper and zinc. They also provide high levels of many antioxidants. Potential health benefits of goji berries include:
- Improved immune function
- Lowered cholesterol levels
- Better sleep quality
- Improved athletic performance
- A feeling of well-being and calm
Frequently Asked Questions
The frozen banana in this recipe gives the smoothie a thick and creamy texture and it also adds a bit of sweetness, without being too overpowering. If you’re looking for a low-sugar option, are allergic to bananas or simply don’t like them, here are some ideas for replacements: more frozen zucchini, frozen avocado chunks or frozen cauliflower. If you do replace the banana I would recommend keeping the medjool date in this smoothie or adding a sweetener of your choice for some sweetness.
My favorite protein powder is Nuzest. It has a short ingredient list, clean ingredients, is allergen friendly and has no chalky taste! Use code eatingbirdfood for 15% off your order.
If you don’t have protein powder on hand, you can add protein in a variety of ways. You can mix in Greek yogurt, nuts, more nut butter or seeds. Just something to note is that if you do add yogurt, it might change the flavor of this smoothie as it will add some tartness.
If you’re a smoothie fan, feel free to eat one once a day! I love getting extra nutrients in from fruits and veggies in smoothies. Since they are a lighter option, I recommend enjoying them as a snack or for breakfast and not as a full meal replacement.
Yes! Protein smoothies are amazing for weight loss and weight management. Just make sure the protein smoothies you are drinking aren’t loaded with a ton of sugar!
So many reasons! It’s great for balancing out your snacks and meals so you feel fuller and more satisfied. It can help you build muscle, increase energy and can help with weight management.
More Smoothie Recipes to Try
More Protein-Packed Recipes
Be sure to check out all of the smoothie recipes as well as the full collection of protein recipes on EBF!
My favorite smoothie recipe yet!! I made it exactly as the recipe stated and goodness, it was a treat. I’ll definitely make it again. Thanks!!
YUM! This is one of my go-to smoothies, glad you’re loving it too, Emily. Thanks for your review + star rating, it means so much to me!
So unique and delicious! thank you Brittany for always thinking ahead and taking regular recipes to the next level! I used unsweetened almond milk, but looking forward to trying with oat milk next time for an extra creamy experience!
Yum! I am so glad you are loving this recipe, Andrea, it is delicious. If you’re looking for an extra creamy smoothie, highly recommend that oat milk. Thank you for your review + star rating, I so appreciate it!
This was awesome! So delicious and unique. Goji berry texture is perfect. I drink a smoothie every day and this one is definitely getting added to the lineup.
Ah YAY! I am so glad that you are loving this recipe, Brennan. Thank you for sharing your review + star rating, I really appreciate it!
I think I’ll try this tomorrow but I wish you had put a brand that you buy for the Goji berries as I read popular Navitas Organics Berries are actually from China and this not as healthy…
Hey Daryn – These are just usually the most available to me, but you can use whatever brand of Goji berries you prefer! Let me know what you think of this smoothie if you end up trying it.