Who doesn’t like a chocolate milkshake? This classic drink is loved by many, of all ages. The only reason we avoid drinking it is probably that the amount of calories it contains. Thanks to the fatty and creamy ingredients, such as ice cream. But what if we told you that you can make it less fatty? Yes! Ditch the ice cream and you’ll get a healthier chocolate milkshake. Before we share the details of how to make chocolate milkshake without ice cream, you need to know the basic principle: using the right kind of blender.
Excluding ice cream in the making of chocolate milkshake means we’re taking away the richest, creamiest ingredient out of the system. To compensate for that, you need to use the right kind of blender to create a similar creamy and rich texture ice cream provides. If you haven’t had the best high-quality blender, do take a look at some of the top reviews on the best blenders for milkshakes and smoothies here.
How to Make Chocolate Milkshake Without Ice Cream
The key to keep the right consistency is to replace ice cream with something as creamy and rich. But even so, without the proper blender, you’ll end up with a flat chocolate drink. It can either be too thick or too runny, depending on which substitute of ice cream you choose to use. Let’s take a look at your options!
Frozen Banana
Banana is enriched with a lot of good stuff. Yet, it’s so tasty! And if you add it to your milkshake mixture, it will make it as creamy as you would ice cream. First of all, you need a fresh banana with just the right level of ripeness (not too ripe). Freeze it overnight, the day before you plan on making a milkshake.
If you like the taste of bananas and you want a thick milkshake, use one medium banana for one serving. So if you plan on making more than one, you need to freeze more than one banana. Once it’s ready, peel your banana and cut them into smaller sizes. Perform this step right before you blend the milkshake, to avoid it melting away on your cutting board.
Avocado
Another healthy fruit alternative is avocado. Unlike bananas, you’re not supposed to freeze avocado as it will turn black. This also ruins its taste. So, instead of freezing it, just use it fresh. How to compensate for the icy texture? Add a couple of ice cubes to the mix. Keep in mind that not all blenders are made to crush ice cubes. Make sure your blender can take a beating before putting ice cubes into the mix.
Greek Yogurt (plain)
This dairy product is way healthier than ice cream. Store it cold in the fridge before you use it. Please note that yogurt has a hint of sourness and this will change the overall taste of your classic chocolate milkshake. So, if you don’t want any sourness in your milkshake, skip this option. But if you don’t mind it, this is the best alternative you got in how to make chocolate milkshake without ice cream.
Egg Yolks
Yes, you read that right. You can add raw egg yolks. This may sound weird and you may not like it. But if you’re a fan of eggnog, this alternative is worth to try. Before you jump on the yolk train, there are some steps you need to know, unless you’re familiar with making eggnog. Here are the steps you need to follow to make a chocolate milkshake with egg yolks:
- Use fresh, high-quality chicken eggs;
- Separate the yolks from the egg white carefully. Don’t break the yolks;
- Put the yolks in a mixing bowl;
- Add a little bit of sugar. Use the ratio of 1 teaspoon of sugar for every 2 egg yolks;
- Whisk the yolks using a mixer on a low setting. Or whisk it manually (though this will take longer). Keep whisking until the mixture reaches a fluffy, creamy texture and its color turns beige; and
- Add this yolk mix bit by bit into the rest of your chocolate milkshake mix while blending it on the lowest setting.
Just like eggnog, this chocolate milkshake will have a strong hint of egg. If that’s something you cannot deal with, skip this alternative. It is important to use the best quality eggs you can find. Eating bad raw eggs is never a good idea. Also, do keep in mind that it’s best to drink this type of milkshake on the same day you make it.
Cashews
To vegans, cashew is known as one of the popular ingredients in making vegan cheese. If you prep them properly, cashews can give you a rich, creamy texture like dairy products! First, you need to soak the cashews overnight. You can use water for general purposes, or you can use milk if you plan on using them for milkshake only. Once they are soaked, drain them and blend them until smooth. Again, you need a proper blender to crush through cashews. And there you have it! That smooth, silky blended cashew mix is your alternative to any dairy product, including ice cream for a milkshake.
To make a proper milkshake, you need a bunch of cashews – at least a cup – even for just one serving. So, this alternative may be the healthiest and tastiest, but definitely not the cheapest.
Conclusion
With so many alternatives in how to make chocolate milkshake without ice cream, you can get as creative as you want. Sure the texture and taste may not be the same. But these alternatives allow you to enjoy this classic rich beverage without the guilt of galloping tons of unhealthy calories. Instead of having it just once a week at a diner, you can have it every other afternoon with your friends and family!