Top 5 Homemade Mass Gainer Shakes for Serious Bulking

Tired of Expensive Gainers That Don’t Work?

If you’re trying to bulk up and add serious muscle, chances are you’ve either tried a commercial mass gainer or considered one.

Let me be honest with you as a fitness coach — most store-bought gainers are overpriced, full of sugar, and cause more bloating than growth.

So, what’s the solution?
Homemade mass gainer shakes.

They’re affordable, customizable, easy to digest, and can be just as high in calories — if not better — than the ones you find on the shelves.

I’ve used them in my own bulking phases, and I’ve helped dozens of clients build size cleanly with these exact shake strategies.

In this article, I’ll show you the 5 best homemade recipes, when to drink them, and how to use them for real muscle gains — not fat.

If you’re a skinny guy trying to gain weight the right way, don’t miss this in-depth guide for hardgainers.

Why Homemade Mass Gainers Are a Game-Changer

Here’s why I always recommend homemade gainers over commercial powders:

• You control the ingredients — No fillers, no sugar bombs
• Better digestion — Real food blends go down smoother
• Cheaper per serving — Big gains without draining your wallet
• Custom macros — You can tweak them for lean or dirty bulking

One of my clients, David from the UK, switched from a branded 1,200 kcal powder to a shake we created with oats, banana, almond milk, and whey.

In just 6 weeks, he went from 67 kg to 72 kg — clean muscle, no gut issues.

Also, unlike many store-bought options, you’re not risking excessive fat gain. Read this full breakdown of how to bulk without getting fat for a smarter approach.

What Makes a Perfect Mass Gainer Shake?

A solid homemade gainer isn’t just about throwing calories together.

Here’s the perfect formula:

• Carbs: oats, banana, dates, honey
• Protein: whey, Greek yogurt, milk
• Fats: peanut butter, tahini, flaxseeds, coconut
• Liquid base: milk, almond milk, or even water
• Extras: cocoa, cinnamon, chia seeds for flavor and benefits

Stick to around 600–1000 calories per shake depending on your goals.

And remember — calories only work if your digestion and energy stay consistent.

Carlos from Spain once messaged me,
“Coach, this banana-oats shake feels clean. I’m not just gaining weight — I feel stronger and lighter.”
That’s the difference real food makes.

If you’re unsure how these compare with protein shakes, read this detailed comparison on mass gainers vs whey protein.

Top 5 Powerful Homemade Mass Gainer Shake Recipes

1. Power Bulk Shake (My personal favorite)

Calories: ~900 | Protein: ~40g
Ingredients:

• 100g cooked oats
• 1 large banana
• 30g whey protein
• 2 tbsp peanut butter
• 250ml whole milk or almond milk
• 1 tsp honey
• Dash of cinnamon

Best time: Post-workout or mid-morning

2. Hardgainer Hulk Shake

Calories: ~1,050 | Protein: ~45g
Ingredients:

• 1 scoop whey
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 2 tbsp tahini
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 banana
• 250ml full-fat milk

Best time: Evening or before bed

3. Choco-Oat Muscle Fuel

Calories: ~800 | Protein: ~35g
Ingredients:

• 70g oats
• 1 tbsp cocoa
• 1 tbsp almond butter
• 1 scoop chocolate whey
• 200ml almond milk
• 1 date

Best time: Morning or pre-workout

4. Banana-Peanut Butter Beast

Calories: ~950 | Protein: ~42g
Ingredients:

• 2 bananas
• 1 tbsp peanut butter
• 250ml milk
• 1 scoop whey
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp ground flaxseed

Best time: Anytime you’re short on calories

5. Creamy Greek Gainer

Calories: ~700 | Protein: ~38g
Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup berries
• 1 scoop vanilla whey
• 2 tbsp oats
• 200ml almond milk
• 1 tsp chia seeds

Best time: Midday or as a breakfast replacement

When to Drink Mass Gainer Shakes for Best Results

Timing matters — and I always recommend:

• Post-workout – ideal for muscle recovery and calorie replenishment
• Between meals – especially if you struggle with big solid meals
• Before bed – for hardgainers who burn calories fast overnight

I used to drink my Power Bulk Shake after heavy leg days
And again before bed on rest days when I was pushing to hit 4,000 kcal daily.

Still wondering about the best time? I’ve answered it all in this detailed guide: Mass Gainer Before or After Workout?

Real Results: Why My Clients Switched to Homemade Shakes

There’s nothing theoretical about this.

I’ve helped dozens of lifters ditch expensive gainers and build muscle using real food and real results.

• David (UK): +5 kg in 6 weeks using a basic oat and banana shake
• Carlos (Spain): Reduced bloating, better appetite, and more energy
• Myself: Bulked from 80 kg to 88 kg in under 8 weeks using 1 shake daily

And the best part? No unnecessary sugars, no stomach crashes.

Not all gainers are created equal. If you’re considering commercial ones, make sure you read this: Mass Gainer Side Effects (What No One Tells You)

Trainer’s Tips to Maximize Bulking with Shakes

Let me leave you with some pro tips from coaching experience:

• Don’t replace meals entirely — Shakes are supplements, not substitutes
• Start with 600–800 kcal per shake — Don’t overdo it
• Track your weight weekly — Adjust your shake if you’re not gaining
• Prep in advance — Make 2 servings at a time to save effort
• Add creatine — 5g per shake boosts size and strength

Want to learn how shakes fit into fast metabolism strategies? Check this out: Mass Gainer for Fast Metabolism

Final Verdict: Are Homemade Mass Gainers Worth It?

Absolutely.

If you’re serious about gaining clean muscle without the side effects of store-bought gainers, homemade mass gainer shakes are one of the smartest tools in your bulking toolkit.

They’re affordable, easy to make, and proven to work — both in my own experience and across countless clients from different countries, body types, and lifestyles.

Start simple. Stay consistent. And remember — you don’t have to eat more, just smarter.