Making delicious milkshakes without milk is absolutely possible for people with dairy allergies or intolerances, as well as vegans. While traditional milkshakes are made with ice cream and cow's milk, there are many creative ways to get a creamy, dreamy milkshake texture using non-dairy ingredients.
The key is to find an alternative that provides thickness and richness. Popular options include frozen fruits like bananas, and avocado, nut butters, yogurt, and plant-based milks like almond, coconut, oat, and soy. You can also use ingredients like rolled oats or Greek yogurt to mimic the consistency of milk.
With the right ratios of fruit, plant-based milk, and natural sweeteners according to your tastes, you can make milkshakes in classic flavors like chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, and more, or get creative with your own unique combinations!
Frozen Bananas Create Creaminess
One of the most popular and easiest substitutions for ice cream in milkshakes is frozen bananas. When blended, the bananas become smooth and creamy, and take on an ice cream-like consistency while providing natural sweetness.
To use frozen bananas:
- Peel ripe bananas and cut into chunks before freezing overnight. Frozen bananas last a long time.
- Add the frozen banana chunks to your blender with your milk and other ingredients.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. Add more plant-based milk like almond milk if needed to blend properly.
Bananas also provide key nutrients like potassium, fiber, magnesium, and vitamin C. Using bananas allows you to skip refined sugars found in ice cream. Frozen bananas are an ideal base for creating healthier milkshakes and "nice cream."
Avocado Adds Rich Creaminess
Surprisingly, avocado makes an amazing dairy-free milkshake ingredient. The high healthy fat content gives the body, richness, and creaminess similar to ice cream. Avocado also provides over 20 vitamins and minerals and enhances the flavor.
To use avocado:
- Blend together frozen avocado chunks, plant-based milk, a dash of vanilla, and honey or maple syrup to taste.
- Use re-frozen chunks from leftover avocado halves to avoid waste.
- Add cocoa powder or frozen strawberries for chocolate or strawberry milkshakes.
Nut kinds of butter Contribute to The Body
Nut butter like almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter can help achieve a thick, creamy milkshake texture. They provide extra nutrition like protein and healthy fats.
To use nut butter:
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite nut butter to your blender with frozen fruit, plant milk, and sweeteners.
- For chocolate peanut butter, use cocoa powder, peanut butter, frozen banana, and plant milk.
- For strawberry almonds, use frozen strawberries, almond butter, and almond milk.
Rolled Oats Thicken Without Strong Flavor
Rolled oats blended into milkshakes add thickness similar to malts. Oats have a subtle flavor that won't overwhelm other ingredients. They provide a dose of fiber too.
To use rolled oats:
- Add 1/4-1/2 cup of dry rolled oats to your blender.
- Let soak in milk for a few minutes before blending for the best consistency.
- Add frozen fruit, additional plant milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and sweeteners.
Greek Yogurt Adds Tangy Creaminess
Since it's naturally thick and creamy, Greek yogurt can replace milk and ice cream in milkshakes, as long as you are not vegan or dairy-free.
To use Greek yogurt:
- Use 1 cup of plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt.
- Add 1/2 cup plant milk so it blends well.
- Mix in fruit, vanilla, cinnamon, or cocoa powder.
- Sweeten to taste with honey or maple syrup.
The yogurt provides protein and the tang balances out the sweetness of fruit and other ingredients.
Additional Tips for Delicious Dairy-Free Shakes
- Use a high-speed blender for the smoothest consistency
- Freeze fruit and liquids for thicker, colder shakes
- Sweeten to taste with honey, maple syrup, dates, etc.
- Flavor with vanilla, cinnamon, cocoa, mint, etc.
- Top with whipped coconut cream and fresh fruit
With a mix of fruits, plant-based milk, natural sweeteners, and spices, you can create dairy-free milkshakes the whole family will love. Be creative and find combinations that satisfy your cravings!
FAQ
What can you use instead of ice cream in a milkshake?
Some good dairy-free substitutions for ice cream include frozen bananas, avocado, frozen yogurt, sorbet, and dairy-free ice creams made from coconut, almond, oat, or soy milk.
What is the best milk alternative for milkshakes?
The best dairy-free milks for making creamy milkshakes are almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, and soy milk. Choose unsweetened varieties for the most control over sweetness.
Do you need a blender to make milkshakes without milk?
Yes, you need a high-speed blender to blend the dairy-free ingredients smoothly. Blenders crush ice and frozen fruit to help create the ideal creamy texture.
What is a healthy sweetener to use?
Some healthy, natural sweeteners for dairy-free shakes include maple syrup, honey, dates, stevia, fruit juices, and fresh or frozen fruits. Limit added sugars.
What gives a milkshake thickness without milk?
Frozen bananas, avocados, nut butter, oats, yogurt, and higher-fat dairy-free milk like coconut all help provide thickness and creaminess without dairy milk.
Can you make a milkshake with just fruit and water?
Yes, you can make a lighter milkshake using just frozen fruit, water, ice, and natural sweeteners like honey. But the texture won't be as creamy. Add bananas or avocado for creaminess.
Conclusion
Thanks for learning all about making milkshakes without traditional dairy milk and ice cream! With so many delicious plant-based ingredients available, from almond milk to frozen bananas and beyond, you can still enjoy this classic treat while avoiding dairy.
Get creative with combinations of fruits, milk, spices, and other add-ins to satisfy your cravings. Your friends and family may be amazed at how tasty non-dairy shakes can be. Make sure to use a high-speed blender for best results.
We hope these tips help you continue enjoying chilled, creamy milkshakes all summer long, no matter your dietary needs. Let us know your favorite dairy-free milkshake recipe in the comments!