If you despise wasting food - even coffee - and love a frosty sip - this flavorful and fun Leftover Coffee Smoothie is for you.
Come eleven AM, I stumble through the kitchen and notice my pot of coffee, warmish and sitting there, but no desire to actually drink it. Well let's create a recipe for it! One that has some oomph, nutrition and frosty-deliciousness.
Yes, this was more of a summertime post for me when the weather was hot and a midday frappe sounded amazing. But hey, you can easily make this year round if you turn up the heat or pile on a bundle of warm winter sweaters.
Just Make Less Coffee?
Look, I get it, the average person will hear about my leftover coffee dilemma and tell me to simple measure better and stop making too much coffee. Okay, that is a lovely-sounding plan, but here's the thing. I only want to make coffee once. So overmake it, it is. Plus, some days we drink more and other days less. I can't really explain it, but to have enough coffee, we always need to have a little leftover.
Plus, this recipe is fun and delicious, so it's not such a bad thing to have leftovers!
Matcha Spin?
You guys know I love matcha, so if you want to give this smoothie a match spin, simply replace the coffee with about ⅓ more plant milk and add in 1-2 teaspoon matcha powder. Easy. Browse my matcha green tea reviews here.
Leftover Coffee Smoothie
Ingredients
- ½-1 cup coffee
- 2 whole bananas, frozen for the best creamy texture
- 1 cup soy milk
- 1 tablespoon agave syrup
- 1 tablespoon almond butter, optional
- pinch cinnamon, optional
- ice, to taste
Instructions
- Add everythign to your blender and blend until smooth. Start on the lowest setting and move to the high blender setting. Vitamix-style blenders work best for rock hard frozen bananas.
nutrition estimate | per serving
Why Make a Leftover Coffee Smoothie?
Beyond the obvious benefit of reducing waste, a leftover coffee smoothie is a fantastic way to elevate your mid-morning or afternoon snack. It combines the rich, bold flavor of coffee with the refreshing coolness of a smoothie. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe that you can customize based on what you have in your kitchen.
Think of it as a cross between your favorite coffee shop treat and a healthy smoothie.
How to Make Your Leftover Coffee Smoothie Unique
What’s great about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can keep it simple or dress it up depending on your mood and what’s in your pantry. Here are some variations and add-ins to make your leftover coffee smoothie even more delicious:
- Protein Boost: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to turn your smoothie into a post-workout treat. Vanilla, chocolate, or even unflavored protein powders work well with the coffee base.
- Nut Butter Swirl: A spoonful of almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter adds richness, healthy fats, and a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with coffee.
- Fruit Additions: Frozen bananas, berries, or even a handful of dates can add natural sweetness and a fruity twist to your coffee smoothie. Bananas, in particular, help create a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Spice It Up: For a warm and cozy flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even pumpkin pie spice. It’s like your favorite fall latte in smoothie form!
- Oats for Fiber: Toss in a handful of rolled oats for extra fiber and a heartier smoothie. This is great if you’re looking for something more filling that can serve as a quick breakfast.
- Greens for Goodness: Want to sneak in some greens? A handful of spinach or kale can easily blend into your coffee smoothie without altering the flavor too much. It’s a great way to get an extra serving of veggies without even noticing.
- Chocolate Lover’s Dream: If you’re a chocolate fan, add a tablespoon of cocoa powder or even a few dark chocolate chips for a mocha-flavored treat.
How to Make Your Leftover Coffee Smoothie
Making a leftover coffee smoothie is as easy as can be. Start by gathering your ingredients. At its simplest, you'll need your leftover coffee, a liquid base (like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk), a sweetener (if desired), and ice cubes. From there, you can add any of the variations mentioned above or keep it straightforward.
One more recipe: my other fave coffee shake recipes is here.
Conclusion
So, next time you find yourself with a bit of leftover coffee and no desire to reheat it, why not give this smoothie a try? It’s a simple, delicious way to enjoy your coffee in a new form and make the most of every last drop. Whether you stick to the basic recipe or experiment with different add-ins, I’m sure this leftover coffee smoothie will become a staple in your kitchen, just like it has in mine. Happy blending!
