Espresso + Dates = Caramel!

I’d love to share one of my newest coffee discoveries because it honestly surprised me!

Like many of you, I’ve been seeing the viral date caramel coffee everywhere online. At first, I wasn’t sure if dates could really create a caramel flavor, but after trying it myself, I completely understand why this recipe has become so popular.

The process is simple. I soaked pitted dates in freshly brewed espresso for a few hours until they became nice and soft. Then I used an immersion blender to blend everything together into a smooth, thick caramel consistency. It looks just like homemade caramel sauce!

Next, I filled a glass with ice and poured in about 8 ounces of Fairlife milk. If you’re looking to add even more protein, you can easily substitute your favorite Fairlife protein shake instead.

To make this drink extra special, I whipped up a quick cold foam using heavy cream and a drizzle of Salted Caramel Skinny Syrup. After frothing it until light and fluffy, I poured it over the coffee and finished everything with a sprinkle of salted caramel seasoning.

The result is a creamy, naturally sweet coffee with wonderful caramel flavor—without relying on refined sugar. The dates provide the sweetness while also adding fiber and a rich, almost buttery texture.

If you’re living a bariatric lifestyle but still enjoy treating yourself to specialty coffees, this recipe is definitely one to try. It’s easy to customize, tastes indulgent, and feels like something you’d order from your favorite coffee shop.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Let me know in the comments on YouTube, and don’t forget to subscribe to Bariatric Living with Lisa for more high-protein recipes, coffee creations, and bariatric-friendly inspiration.

High Protein Dalgona Coffee (30g Protein)

If you’ve never tried Dalgona coffee before, you’re in for a treat! This viral whipped coffee is incredibly creamy and delicious, and I’ve given it a bariatric-friendly makeover by pairing it with a 30-gram vanilla protein shake.

The result is a rich, coffeehouse-style drink that’s low in sugar, packed with protein, and surprisingly easy to make at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • 30 grams of protein
  • Bariatric-friendly
  • Low in sugar
  • Rich and creamy texture
  • Easy to make in just a few minutes
  • Feels like a gourmet coffee shop drink

Ingredients

Whipped Coffee

  • 2 Tablespoons instant coffee (I used Decaf Nescafé Gold Espresso)
  • 1 Tablespoon Splenda
  • 1 Tablespoon Vanilla Caramel Crème Skinny Syrup
  • 2 Tablespoons very hot water

Coffee Base

  • Ice
  • Skinny Mixes Sugar-Free Caramel Sauce
  • Skinny Mixes Sugar-Free Marshmallow Sauce
  • One 30-gram vanilla protein shake

Instructions

  1. Add the instant coffee, Splenda, skinny syrup, and hot water to a small bowl or glass.
  2. Using a handheld frother, whip the mixture until it becomes thick, fluffy, and several times its original volume.
  3. Drizzle the inside of a serving glass with sugar-free caramel and marshmallow sauces.
  4. Fill the glass with ice.
  5. Pour in your vanilla protein shake.
  6. Spoon the whipped coffee over the top.
  7. Stir everything together before drinking and enjoy!

My Thoughts

This drink honestly tastes like dessert in a glass. The fluffy coffee melts into the creamy protein shake, creating a smooth, velvety texture with just the right amount of sweetness. The caramel and marshmallow drizzle take it to another level and make it feel like a specialty coffeehouse drink without all the sugar.

If you’re looking for new ways to enjoy your daily protein, this recipe is a fun and delicious option.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment on the YouTube video and let me know your favorite sugar-free syrup combinations.

Happy sipping!

— Lisa

High Protein Caramel Banana Fluffer Nutter Iced Coffee

If you grew up loving Fluffer Nutter sandwiches or peanut butter and banana sandwiches, this recipe is going to bring back some memories.

I wanted to create a protein coffee that tasted indulgent while still fitting into a bariatric-friendly lifestyle. The result is my High Protein Caramel Banana Fluffer Nutter Iced Coffee—a creamy blend of coffee, banana, peanut butter, marshmallow, and caramel flavors with a protein boost.

This drink feels like something you’d order from a specialty coffee shop, but it’s easy to make at home and can help you meet your daily protein goals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • High in protein
  • Lower in sugar than traditional coffeehouse drinks
  • Quick and easy to make
  • Bariatric lifestyle friendly
  • Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up

Ingredients

  • 8 oz brewed coffee
  • 1 Monster Alani Protein Shake (or your favorite protein shake)
  • 1 banana
  • 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter, divided
  • Skinny Mixes Caramel Sauce
  • Skinny Mixes Marshmallow Sauce
  • Skinny Mixes Salted Caramel Syrup
  • Ice

Instructions

  1. Brew your coffee and allow it to cool.
  2. Blend the protein shake, banana, and 1 tablespoon peanut butter until smooth and creamy.
  3. Melt the remaining tablespoon of peanut butter.
  4. Drizzle melted peanut butter, caramel sauce, and marshmallow sauce around the inside of your glass.
  5. Fill the glass with ice.
  6. Add a drizzle of salted caramel syrup.
  7. Pour the blended protein mixture into the glass.
  8. Top with brewed coffee.
  9. Stir and enjoy!

Tips

  • Freeze your banana beforehand for an extra thick, frosty texture.
  • Use decaf coffee if you’re sensitive to caffeine.
  • Adjust the amount of syrup and sauce to fit your sweetness preferences.
  • Try different protein shake flavors for a fun twist.

Final Thoughts

One of the biggest challenges after bariatric surgery can be finding enjoyable ways to prioritize protein. This recipe proves you don’t have to sacrifice flavor to stay on track.

If you make this High Protein Caramel Banana Fluffer Nutter Iced Coffee, I’d love to hear what you think. Leave a comment on my YouTube video or tag me on social media and share your creation!

Happy sipping!

— Lisa
Bariatric Living with Lisa