VEGAN – VEGETARIAN – DAIRY FREE – GLUTEN FREE

You can make a milkshake without ice cream but, seriously, why would you want to? Ice cream is the perfect thickener for a milkshake, as well as adding to the wonderful creaminess that is the hallmark of a decent shake.

Finding a decent vegan milkshake at restaurants can be pretty tricky, which is frustrating as it’s so easy to make dairy-free by substituting cow’s milk for oat milk (or another dairy-free milk alternative) and by using a plant-based ice cream as the thickener.

A big mistake that’s often made when making a milkshake at home is to add too much plant milk, which results in a runny, unsatisfactory mélange that’ll please no one. As long as you leave the ice cream out to soften slightly before mixing it all up, your ice cream milkshake will be ready to drink as soon as it’s blended; otherwise, give it a couple of minutes after mixing before you drink so it has a chance to melt slightly.

We recommend not using a super-rich ice cream (like Mint Choc Chip or Chocolate Orange) as a base, as it can overpower the flavour you’re trying to create. Instead, use a more neutral flavour like Vanilla (or Beau’s Ice Cream Cupcake).

NB: For a thicker shake, add an extra scoop of ice cream; for a more flavoursome shake, add an additional tsp of cocoa powder (or fruit if that’s the vibe you’re going for).

PREP TIME: 10 MINS
MAKES ENOUGH FOR TWO

Ingredients

2 ripe bananas, chopped and frozen

3 tbsp cocoa powder (for a chocolate-tasting shake; otherwise, use berries or other fruit)

1 tbsp pure maple syrup

3 scoops vegan ice cream (we tend to use Beau’s Ice Cream Cupcake or Vanilla)

300ml dairy-free milk (oat milk is our choice – and soy-free to boot – but it’s up to you)

Method

1. Take the ice cream out for a few minutes to soften before scooping; while you’re waiting, add the other ingredients to a blender.

2. Add the vegan ice cream into the blender and blend everything until smooth and creamy!

3. Serve immediately, or keep in the fridge until you’re ready to drink it.