On a low carb lifestyle, you may already be accustomed to ordering keto at Starbucks or using keto coffee creamer with your brew… but if you haven’t tried bulletproof coffee yet, you’re in for a treat! This keto coffee recipe is so delicious and satisfying that it might replace all the others. I’ll explain why to put butter in coffee, plus how to make it in minutes (with or without a blender), delicious flavor variations, and key benefits behind this rich and frothy drink.
What Is Bulletproof Coffee?
Bulletproof coffee is keto coffee made with either butter or ghee, and either coconut oil or MCT oil. You blend it to make it frothy, similar to a latte. Along with chaffles, it’s become a trend in the keto diet community. The Bulletproof coffee brand, founded by Dave Asprey, is known for making coffee with butter. Many people use “Bulletproof coffee” generically to describe keto butter coffee, but the company actually has the registered trademark to the term. My “bulletproof coffee recipe” is not endorsed by or affiliated with them, but I do like to keep around some Bulletproof coffee cold brew (use code WHOLESOMEYUM15 for 15% off), which is sold in pre-made cans. It’s delicious and convenient on the go. However, more often than not, I make my own keto bulletproof coffee at home. This simple recipe has become such a staple in my life that I even included it in The Easy Keto Cookbook.
Bulletproof Coffee Ingredients
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for MCT oil coffee, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
Main Ingredients:
Coffee – The original bulletproof coffee recipe calls for mold-free coffee beans free from mycotoxins. However, any high-quality coffee works. Use regular coffee for a boost of caffeine, or decaf if you prefer.Butter – Use unsalted, grass-fed butter for the best nutrition and health benefits. This butter has more omega-3s than conventional varieties, which can potentially lower inflammation []. Butter in coffee may sound strange, but when blended, it emulsifies for an amazing latte-like feel. You can also use the same amount of ghee or coconut oil if you’re sensitive to dairy, but flavor will differ slightly and the coffee won’t be quite as creamy.MCT Oil – MCT stands for medium-chain triglycerides. These fatty acids, found in coconut oil, are known to aid in weight loss and fat burning [] — however, there are several types and not all of them are created equal. Look for an MCT oil blend with C8 and C10 MCTs, or just C8 MCTs for the most potent benefits. (This brand is the most cost effective I’ve found that’s still high quality, or get Bulletproof’s Brain Octane Oil.) While coconut oil is an acceptable substitute for texture, it is not as effective as refined MCT oil in coffee.
Bulletproof Coffee Recipe Variations:
Keto Milk – I used unsweetened almond milk for this keto coffee recipe to lighten up on the amount of pure fat included, but any keto milk you prefer can work — just keep in mind, the flavor may change. You can also omit it altogether.Collagen – If you want more protein in your keto macros in the morning (or just want to take advantage of collagen benefits in an easy way), add a scoop of your favorite flavored or unflavored variety before blending. It’s still optional, though.Keto Coffee Syrup – For a touch of sweetness with no added net carbs, try these coffee shop-style sugar-free syrups in hazelnut or vanilla flavors. For plain sweetness that mixes easily, try Keto Simple Syrup instead.Besti – For sweet flavor without syrup, use Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend. It dissolves seamlessly into coffee (no gritty texture or settling at the bottom, like most sugar substitutes do!) with 0g net carbs.Iced Bulletproof Coffee – Want your keto coffee recipe served cold? Use ghee instead of butter, prepare as usual, allow to cool slightly, then pour over ice.Bulletproof Tea – Swap coffee for tea! See how with this bulletproof tea recipe.Bulletproof Mocha – Add up to a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder to the blender, along with sweetener to taste.Pumpkin Spice – For a more bulletproof spin on this beverage, trade the heavy cream for unsalted grass-fed butter in this keto pumpkin spice latte recipe.Other Spices – Try a splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon, turmeric, cayenne, or even high quality salt right in the blender.Toppings – For a coffee shop flair, top your finished coffee with keto whipped cream, sugar-free caramel sauce, or sugar-free chocolate syrup.
How To Make Bulletproof Coffee (2 Ways!)
This section shows how to make keto coffee with butter, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
Method 1: Blender
Blend. Add all ingredients to a blender and puree until frothy. Serve your keto coffee immediately.
Method 2: Milk Frother
Froth. Add all ingredients to a mug or tall glass. Use a milk frother (or immersion blender) to emulsify until frothy, then transfer to a mug if needed. Serve your bulletproof coffee immediately. Doing so emulsifies the fats and gets you that creamy, smooth consistency with a frothy top.
Bulletproof Coffee Benefits
Why drink coffee with butter? Aside from tasting like a delicious latte, learning how to make bulletproof coffee keto comes with several key benefits: Frothing in a mug works best if it’s large, or do it in a larger jar before transferring to a mug. If the liquid is close to the top, it will overflow when you froth it.
Energy – Rather than causing a jittery feeling, butter in coffee supports a slower release of caffeine. That’s because fat takes more time to break down; blending creates small droplets of this fat called micelles, which bind to caffeine molecules for a more sustained feeling of energy []. It can even help with avoiding keto flu.Focus – A steaming cup of bullet coffee keeps me super focused when I’m working. MCT’s, which stand for medium chain triglycerides (not to be confused with the bad kind, these are not that!), are a very clean form of energy that is efficiently metabolized by the liver. So, that helps with both staying focused and energized [].Appetite suppression – Using butter in coffee makes it more filling, all while keeping insulin levels low. A good bulletproof coffee recipe does a great job of curbing your appetite, thanks to the MCTs []. I drink it in the morning and am usually set until a late lunch.Supports ketosis – The MCTs in keto coffee have been shown to help reach ketosis (on a high fat low carb diet) more quickly and to support good ketone levels for this lifestyle [, *].
Does Bulletproof Coffee Break A Fast?
Whether bulletproof coffee breaks a fast depends on your definition of fasting. Traditionally, anything with calories breaks a fast, so it does not align with this strict approach. However, drinking keto coffee while otherwise avoiding calories may still help you gain some of the benefits of intermittent fasting on keto, such as lowering blood sugar levels, without the typical drawbacks of hunger and mental fatigue. If you’re drinking it while otherwise fasting, it may be best to skip the optional add-ins.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Mix again before serving.Meal prep: Mix softened butter and coconut oil together, then freeze in an ice cube tray. Pop a cube or two in your blender before adding hot coffee and mixing. Keep in mind, MCT oil does not freeze well, so this method works better with a minimal amount (or just substitute it altogether with coconut oil, which will solidify).Reheat: You can serve your cup of keto coffee cold, or warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. However, the fats will usually separate, so you’ll want to blend or froth it again before drinking.Freeze: Use a shallow container or ice cube tray to freeze blended coffee. Thaw overnight before reheating and re-blending, or blend from frozen for a cold bulletproof coffee.
Breakfast Recipes To Serve With Keto Coffee
Looking for a more complete keto breakfast beyond this butter coffee recipe? Try these easy pairings… or just grab a keto donut and call it a day. Share your recipe picture by tagging @wholesomeyum and hashtag it #wholesomeyum on Instagram, or in our Facebook support group, too – I’d love to see it! Nutrition info does not include optional add-ins. Want to buy pre-made cold brew Bulletproof coffee? Get it here and use code WHOLESOMEYUM for 15% off! Recipe from The Easy Keto Cookbook.
