Made with good-for-you ingredients like bananas, plant-based milk, peanut butter, and cocoa powder, this dairy-free treat is a deliciously fun and healthier way to indulge.
If you’ve ever wrangled a cart full of kids through a grocery store, you know it involves a whole lot of patience and a touch of creativity. Years ago, with seven little ones in tow, our weekly trips to the local health food store were quite an excursion — a marathon through endless bulk bins and overflowing shopping lists.
To keep those trips (somewhat) sane, we established some non-negotiable family rules:
- Full bellies before heading out.
- A democratic vote on a special treat for our return trip home (this chocolate milkshake recipe was often the winner!).
- A strict “one hand on the cart” policy for the little ones.
With the baby snug in a sling and the toddler buckled into the cart seat, this last rule helped prevent innocent games of hide-and-seek among the shelves. The older kids pitched in as assistants — checking off items, tracking spending, and helping me bag up bulk items alongside me.
I’m sure we were quite the sight, but it worked! These rules helped keep everyone (mostly) well-behaved and made the experience feel like a (more often than not) fun family activity.
Even with our best efforts, those trips weren’t always picture-perfect — like spilled bags of beans or the occasional runaway cart. But there was lots of teamwork and invaluable lessons.
And at the end of it all, this vegan chocolate milkshake became a highly anticipated reward for a job well done.
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Why you're going to love this milkshake
- Simple: Made with just a few whole food ingredients.
- Quick: Ready in minutes, perfect for impatient kids (and parents!!).
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness and thickness to your liking.
- Delicious & healthy: A creamy, chocolatey treat the whole family will love, packed with nutrients from bananas and other ingredients — you’ll actually feel good about indulging! 😋
- Did you know: Bananas may help support normal blood pressure, healthy bones, gastrointestinal health, and protect against atherosclerosis and heart disease.
How to make a vegan milkshake
Add the frozen bananas and plant-based milk to a blender.
Add the remaining ingredients to the blender. cocoa powder, almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
Blend and serve in a milkshake serving glass. Top with sprinkles, dairy-free whipped cream, and Vegan Chocolate Chips!
How to freeze bananas for the best milkshake ever
Freezing bananas is the secret to a creamy, dreamy milkshake! But did you know there are two ways to freeze them, each with its own benefits?
Option 1: baking sheet
- Why: For the smoothest milkshake texture, this is the way to go. Freezing the banana chunks individually prevents clumping together, making blending a breeze.
- Bonus: Frozen banana chunks are also perfect for smoothies, nice cream, or even baked goods!
How
- Peel and slice ripe bananas into chunks.
- Spread the chunks in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze for at least 2–3 hours, or ideally overnight.
Option 2: freezer bag
- Why: This is the ultimate grab-and-go method! Toss everything in a bag, freeze, and you’re ready for a quick and easy smoothie anytime.
- Bonus: It’s perfect if you’re short on freezer space, and you can even pre-measure all your milkshake ingredients right in the bag!
How
- Peel and slice ripe bananas into chunks.
- Place the chunks in a freezer-safe bag (either one large bag or individual portions).
- Add the rest of your milkshake ingredients to the bag (optional).
- Squeeze out excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for at least 2–3 hours, or ideally overnight.
In the kitchen tips
- Use very ripe bananas for the sweetest and creamiest milkshake. The browner the peel, the better! Tip: Have extra ripe bananas? Use them in this delicious, easy vegan banana bread!
- Freezing the bananas gives this a thick, milkshake-like consistency. Don’t skip this step!
- A high-speed blender makes blending the frozen bananas easy. If you don’t have one, you may need to let the bananas thaw slightly before blending.
- Adjust the amount of maple syrup to your taste preference. You can also use other sweeteners like agave or dates.
- Experiment! Add a pinch of cinnamon, a dash of espresso powder, protein powder, or a handful of berries.
FAQ
Yes! Any plant-based milk will work, try oat, cashew, soy, or coconut milk. Each gives a slightly different flavor and texture.
If you prefer a thicker milkshake, use less milk or add a few more frozen banana chunks. You can also add a tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseeds, which thickens the shake.
This dairy-free milkshake is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a day. Give it a good stir before serving, as it may separate slightly.
Yes, this milkshake is made with plant-based ingredients and is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. However, it’s still a treat and should be enjoyed in moderation.
Equipment List
- High-speed blender: To blend the frozen bananas and other ingredients into a smooth and creamy milkshake.
- Freezer-safe bags: To store the frozen banana chunks and other ingredients (optional for individual servings).
- Measuring cups and spoons: To measure out the ingredients accurately.
Optional but oh so useful:
- Spatula: For scraping down the sides of the blender.
- Milkshake serving glasses: For serving the delicious milkshakes.
- Straws: For slurping up the creamy goodness (reusable straws are a great eco-friendly option!).
📖 Recipe
Vegan Milkshake Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 frozen bananas
- ¾-1 cup unsweetened dairy-free milk, any kind works
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons almond butter, or peanut butter
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup, adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch sea salt
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds, for extra nutrition, optional
Instructions
- Peel and slice the bananas, then freeze them for at least 2–3 hours or overnight.
- Once frozen, add the bananas to a high-speed blender.
- Pour in milk.
- Add remaining ingredients.
- If desired, add 1 tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseeds for extra nutrition and thickness.
- Blend on high speed until completely smooth and creamy.
- Pour the milkshake into glasses and serve immediately.
- For an extra touch, top with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or a dollop of coconut whipped cream!
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