Healthy Eating

Indulgent Creamy Coconut Milkshake | The Picky Eater

October 21, 2024

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My coconut milkshake is the perfect blend of sweet, creamy, and packed with coconut flavor! In just five minutes, I can whip up this dessert in no time. It’s the perfect balance of indulgence without being too heavy. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, easily adaptable to be vegan, and kid-friendly too!

Milkshakes are quick and simple, but they’re always a blast to make! My kids enjoy helping me scoop the ice cream and pour in the milk. This coconut shake recipe is truly for coconut lovers at heart.

The coconut cream lends a thick, rich, and creamy flavor, while the vanilla ice cream adds just the right amount of sweetness. I always top my coconut milkshake with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted coconut for that extra touch.

And if you’re a milkshake lover like me, be sure to also check out my vegan peanut butter cup milkshake and my milkshake-inspired peach milk!

One of the things I love most about my coconut cream milkshake is how easy it is to customize. This versatility allows me to tailor it to my mood or dietary preferences.

For instance, when I’m in the mood for a healthier option, I can simply swap out the traditional ice cream for a frozen banana. This maintains the texture of the milkshake without adding sugar, but still infuses the shake with a little more natural sweetness.

While I often think of this milkshake as a special treat on a hot summer day, it’s truly delightful year-round.

There’s something about the tropical vibes of coconut that instantly transports me to a sun-soaked beach, no matter the season. Whether I’m enjoying it poolside in July or cozying up with it on a chilly winter evening, it never fails to hit the spot.

With just four simple ingredients, it’s incredibly easy to whip up whenever I have a craving. I love that I can keep the ingredients on hand, making it a go-to option for satisfying my sweet tooth at any time.

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🥘 Ingredients

My coconut shake recipe only requires a few ingredients that are easily found in grocery stores. Here’s what you need:

Coconut Cream: This is a thick and creamy version of coconut milk that adds incredible richness. It’s important to note that coconut cream should not be confused with cream of coconut, which is sweetened; I prefer the pure version for this recipe.

Vanilla Ice Cream: Any brand of vanilla ice cream will work for this recipe. For those following a keto diet, I find that swapping the ice cream for a keto-friendly vanilla option works wonderfully.

Coconut Milk: I often add unsweetened coconut milk to my milkshake, as it gives a bit more of that rich coconut flavor. However, I’ll use any kind of milk, such as regular milk, unsweetened almond milk, or oat milk. Full-fat canned coconut milk isn’t necessary, as the richness from the coconut cream already adds to the shake.

Ice: If I’m craving a thicker coconut shake, I like to toss a few ice cubes into the blender. This little addition gives it a frosty texture that makes every sip refreshing and enjoyable.

Sugar: To satisfy my sweet tooth, I sometimes add extra sugar to taste. If I’m looking for a more natural sweetener, I love using maple syrup.

🔪 How To Make A Coconut Milkshake

Learn how to make my easy coconut milkshake recipe in a snap!

Blend Ingredients: I start by adding all the ingredients, except for the sugar, to a high-speed blender jar and blend until everything is smooth and creamy.

Sweeten To Taste: After blending, I taste the shake and add a little bit of sugar if I feel it needs more sweetness. I blend it again to incorporate the sugar thoroughly.

Coconut cream blended with other milkshake ingredients in a blender.

Adjust & Serve: If I find that the shake is too thick for my liking, I simply add a splash more of coconut milk to reach my desired consistency. I recommend enjoying it immediately for the best flavor and freshness. Feel free to serve with a sturdy straw and a spoon – that way you can sip it slowly or scoop up any delicious bits at the bottom!

Coconut cream pie shake poured into a glass.

My #1 Secret Tip I always keep in mind when making a milkshake is to chill my glass beforehand. I like to place the glass in the freezer for a few minutes while I blend the shake. This simple step helps keep my milkshake colder for longer and adds an extra touch of frosty goodness. It makes the experience feel even more indulgent, and I can truly savor every sip!

Other Tips To Keep In Mind:

Adjust Thickness: If you find that the shake is too thin, simply add ice cubes to thicken it up, but don’t add too many or you’ll dilute the flavor. Conversely, if it’s too thick, I recommend adding more coconut milk to reach the desired consistency.
Enhance Coconut Flavor: For an extra boost, I like to add 1/4 teaspoon of coconut extract. I start small because I can always add more if needed, but I can’t take it out once it’s in!
Boost Vanilla Flavor: To elevate the vanilla flavor, I add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. (Related: How To Make Your Own Vanilla Extract).
Adjust Sweetness Gradually: I add sweeteners gradually, tasting as I go to ensure the shake is perfectly sweet without being overpowering.

📖 Variations

My coconut milkshake with ice cream is super fun to customize. Here are some of our favorite ways to change things up:

Toppings: I love to top my coconut cream milkshake with a variety of delicious options. Some of my favorites include sprinkles, whipped cream, freeze-dried fruit, chopped nuts, fresh fruit, coconut flakes, caramel sauce, shredded coconut, chocolate sauce, dark chocolate chips, or even crushed cookies.

Chocolate Coconut Milkshake: For a chocolate twist, I just add chocolate syrup to taste. I typically start with two tablespoons and then add more if I want a richer chocolate flavor.

Vegan Coconut Milkshake: For a vegan version, I simply swap the ice cream with store-bought dairy-free ice cream or make my own homemade vegan ice cream. I also use plant-based milk to keep it dairy-free.

Make It Healthier: If I want a lighter option, I replace the vanilla ice cream with a frozen banana. This gives me a creamy coconut banana shake that’s lower in calories than the original recipe but just as delicious! If needed, I add more liquid to achieve the desired consistency. Ripe bananas provide a natural sweetness to the shake, so I often don’t need any added sugar.

Other Flavors: To make a coconut cream pie shake, I top it with whipped cream and crushed vegan graham crackers for that delightful pie flavor. For a strawberry coconut milkshake, I add a cup of frozen strawberries into the blender with the other ingredients. Finally, for a unique twist, I love adding two teaspoons of matcha powder to my milkshake. It gives a lovely green color and a delightful earthy flavor.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

Looking to add a little more for a snack? Here are a few ways we love to enjoy this shake:

Something Salty: Have you ever dipped fries into a milkshake? It’s actually pretty delicious! I use my air fryer fries as dippers when I’m in the mood for a savory sweet combination.

Something Sweet: For an even more indulgent treat, serve this shake with my marbled cookie brownies or chocolate chip cookies.

🫙Storage Instructions

My coconut milkshake is best enjoyed immediately, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. However, since the ice cream is no longer frozen, the milkshake won’t have the same creamy texture.

To revive any leftovers, I like to add a little extra frozen coconut or banana and blend it again. This brings the milkshake back to its original luscious consistency, making it enjoyable all over again! Do not refreeze this shake.

❓ Recipe FAQs

How do I prevent the coconut milk from separating when blended?

To prevent coconut milk from separating when blended, I recommend using full-fat coconut milk for better stability and to chill it beforehand to solidify the fats. When you blend the milkshake, blend it for 1-2 minutes longer than usual to further emulsify the ingredients, and feel free to add thickening agents like frozen bananas or nut butter to help maintain the texture.

Can I make this without a blender?

Yes, but it may not turn out quite as creamy! Instead of a blender, you can use a food processor, immersion blender, or you can try placing all the ingredients in a mason jar, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously for a few minutes. This works well for simple milkshakes without frozen fruits or ice.

Easy coconut milkshake poured into mason jar glasses, topped with ice cream and coconut shavings.

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