Whip up a classic Vegan Milkshake that everyone will enjoy.
It’s not always easy being a vegan. You’ve got to navigate a world of cheese-laden pizzas, butter-drenched pastries, and, perhaps most tragic of all, ice-cream-based milkshakes. But guess what? With some careful adjustment, you don’t have to miss out on the joy of a milkshake just because dairy is off the table. Therein lies the brilliance of this vegan milkshake recipe: It’s rich, chocolaty, easy, healthy, and so good you might not even realize it’s completely vegan.
The secret to the base here is using frozen bananas. They’re the magic ingredient that gives this milkshake its creamy texture, plus a natural sweetness and a powerful punch of nutrients. Pair that with almond milk, a good spoonful of cocoa powder, and a drizzle of maple syrup, and you’ve got a shake that’s indulgent while also staying surprisingly light.
This recipe is also totally flexible. Feeling fancy? Add a dash of vanilla or a pinch of cinnamon. Craving something more substantial? Add a dollop of peanut butter or a handful of vegan chocolate chips. Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or just looking for a healthy milkshake, you won’t be disappointed.
Are Vegan Milkshakes Healthy?
As is, this vegan milkshake contains a low amount of fat and calories, and most of the sweetness comes from all-natural sources like bananas and maple syrup. Bananas are a great way to get your nutrients in, as they contain potassium, fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and other antioxidants. Almond milk is a good source of vitamin E, and many store-bought varieties are often also fortified with calcium and vitamin D. Even the cocoa powder contains powerful anti-inflammatory polyphenols. All in all, this is a healthy recipe to incorporate into your regular rotation.
The Secret To Healthy Milkshakes
Frozen bananas are the secret ingredient in taking a milkshake from desserty indulgence to sweet superfood. When you toss them in the blender, they transform into a rich, creamy base that rivals ice cream—minus all the dairy and added sugars, of course. They also have a subtle flavor profile that pairs well with any other mix-ins you want to add to your milkshake, whether it’s chocolate, peanut butter, maple syrup, or other fruits.
For making quick milkshakes whenever the mood strikes, keep plenty of frozen bananas stocked in your freezer. Simply slice the fruit into rounds while it’s fresh, freeze them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and then transfer them to an airtight storage container or freezer bag for up to six months.
How To Make Ahead And Store
This milkshake is best enjoyed soon after you make it, and it doesn’t do well when made ahead of time or stored as leftovers. This is because the milkshake can start to lose its nice texture.
Serving Suggestions
In some cases, a vegan milkshake can be appropriate to have with a full meal. And, of course, the most classic way to do that is with a burger and fries. Enjoy it alongside a Black Bean Burger or Falafel Burger, keeping with the vegan theme. Then, make a batch of these Easy Pommes Frites to round out the meal. Of course, if your milkshake happens to be a morning treat, you may want to whip up some Vegan Waffles With Chocolate Chips to pair with it.
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk chilled
- 2 large ripe bananas frozen and sliced
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a blender, combine the chilled almond milk, frozen banana slices, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
- Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
- Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary, then pour into glasses and serve immediately.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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