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    Home » Recipes » Smoothies & Drinks

    Healthy Vanilla Milkshake Without Ice Cream

    Published: Jan 23, 2023 by Lauren · This post may contain affiliate links · 6 Comments

    Jump to Recipe  ↓
    Vanilla milkshake pin image

    Three simple, healthy ingredients combine to make this healthy vanilla milkshake. NO dairy, NO ice cream, NO added sugar! Please enjoy the video below showing you just how to make it!

    Clear glass filled with a thick white drink and a red and white straw sticking out of it.

    I initially created this recipe for my daughter when she had a tummy flu.

    I know bananas to be a good contenders for upset tummies, so I thought combining them with some Homemade Coconut Milk and a splash of vanilla would be tasty, refreshing, and antiviral all at once!

    While I expected something along the lines of coconut banana milk, what resulted was nothing short of incredibly delicious!

    So delicious, in fact, that after a taste test with the other kids, everyone was requesting a 'healthy milkshake'.

    I haven't had real ice cream in a while, but to me this tastes like melted vanilla ice cream. I just couldn't believe how something so simple could transform into one of my favorite indulgent treats.

    However basic, I knew I wanted to share it here ASAP!

    Do you have to put ice cream in a milkshake?

    In short, no!

    While scoops of the luscious dessert create an undeniably delicious milkshake, sometimes you want the taste without all of the sugar and calories.

    That's where frozen bananas come in!

    With the right amount of milk and vanilla, you can create an awesome facsimile that is actually HEALTHY for you!

    Top down view of a white milkshake in a glass sitting on a wood cutting board.

    Which milk is best for a milkshake?

    Full-fat dairy milk is, of course, delicious in this recipe.

    If you're like me, however, and don't tolerate dairy, you can use alternatives, like coconut milk (either the canned variety or homemade), Walnut Milk, or Hemp Milk.

    You can also quickly make your own dairy-free milk by combining one cup of water with one tablespoon of your favorite nut or seed butter and blending until smooth.

    Ingredients needed to make a healthy vanilla milkshake

    There are only THREE ingredients needed for this amazing treat!

    Milk - I love using coconut milk in this recipe, but I know some are averse to the taste. I think any milk you enjoy will work.

    Bananas - By using a combination of frozen and room temperature bananas, a thick and rich texture is created, very similar to that of a true milkshake.

    Vanilla extract - This obviously adds the vanilla flavor. If you're feeling really fancy, try using this vanilla powder (about half the amount of the extract).

    Ice (optional) - If you're feeling like you'd like your shake a bit colder or with a little more texture, add in 1-3 ice cubes! Don't add more than three, or you'll dilute the flavor.

    Milkshake variations

    While this is delicious as is, some ideas to change it up include:

    • Adding cinnamon or pie spice,
    • Blending in another frozen fruit, such as berries or mango,
    • Adding a spoonful of peanut butter or your favorite nut/seed butter,
    • Adding an egg yolk for extra nutrition, protein, and thickness,
    • Stir in some chocolate chips or raw cacao nibs,
    • Creating tiny balls of healthy raw cookie dough and stirring them in for a 'cookie dough' blizzard,
    • Add a large dollop of fresh whipped cream for a true milkshake experience!
    White colored drink in a clear glass with a milkshake straw sticking out.

    If you have banana allergies, try one of these recipes

    Banana-Free Vanilla Milkshake

    Creamy Tahini Date Shake

    Chocolate Cherry Smoothie

    Clear glass filled with a thick white drink and a red and white straw sticking out of it.
    Print Recipe
    4.35 from 32 votes

    Healthy Vanilla Milkshake Without Ice Cream

    Three simple, healthy ingredients combine to make this indulgent-tasting treat that is free of dairy, but tastes like melted vanilla ice cream!
    Prep Time5 mins
    Total Time5 mins
    Course: Beverages, Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: Dairy-free, Sugar-free, Vegan
    Servings: 2 snack servings
    Calories: 172kcal

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup coconut milk (or whatever milk you enjoy; see notes above)
    • 1 ½ large frozen bananas
    • ½ large room temperature banana
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or 1/2 teaspoon vanilla powder)
    • 1-3 ice cubes, if desired

    Instructions

    • Blend all (sans ice) until smooth and creamy.
    • If using ice, blend it in last, and don't use more than 2-3 cubes, or it will dilute the flavor!

    Video

    Notes

    Nutrition facts based on using 2% dairy milk.
    Weight Watchers points: 8

    Nutrition

    Sugar: 20.1g | Fiber: 3.1g | Calories: 172kcal | Fat: 2.9g | Protein: 5.3g | Carbohydrates: 33.2g

    If you have a chance to try this recipe, please leave a star rating and a comment below letting me know how you liked it!

    Shared with: Full Plate Thursday

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    Filed Under: Smoothies & Drinks

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Stephanie

      February 22, 2020 at 1:00 pm

      Very good. I didn't have enough vanilla extract though. Next time! Thanks!

      Reply
    2. Stephanie Giamou

      February 22, 2020 at 12:58 pm

      Very good. I didn't have vanilla powder or enough extract though. Thanks!

      Reply
    3. Tracy

      May 09, 2019 at 5:11 am

      This is delicious - great as a snack or doubling it for breakfast -GREAT right before a workout ! Thanks again for another great recipe

      Reply
      • Lauren

        May 10, 2019 at 1:58 pm

        Thanks, Tracy! I'm so happy you enjoyed it, and thanks for the rating!

        Reply
    4. Gav

      April 23, 2019 at 2:03 pm

      Sounds delicious!

      Reply

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    Hi there, I'm Lauren Goslin, and I've been a food blogger for over ten years. My goal with this blog is to show you healthy, lower sugar recipes that my family and I enjoy.

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