Vegan Banana Shake (No Ice Cream, No Dairy)

Vegan 100% plant-based: no meat, dairy, eggs or honey.

A thick, creamy banana shake with no ice cream and no dairy. Frozen banana does all the work: blended hard, it turns into soft-serve texture, and a spoonful of almond butter and one date round it out so it tastes like a milkshake. It is fully plant-based, ready in five minutes, and works as breakfast or a post-workout snack.

Ingredients

• 2 large ripe bananas, peeled, sliced and frozen
• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened oat milk or almond milk
• 1 tbsp almond butter or peanut butter
• 1 Medjool date, pitted (or 1 tsp maple syrup)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of sea salt
• 4 or 5 ice cubes, for an extra-thick shake

Optional boosts

• 1 tbsp ground flaxseed or chia seeds for fiber and omega-3 ALA
• 1 scoop unflavored or vanilla plant protein powder (add 1/4 cup more milk)
• 1 tbsp raw cacao powder for a chocolate-banana shake

Instructions

1. Freeze the bananas ahead: peel, slice into coins and freeze flat on a tray for at least 4 hours, then store in a freezer bag.
2. Pour the plant milk into the blender first, then add the date, nut butter, vanilla, cinnamon and salt. Add the frozen banana and ice last. Liquids at the bottom help the blades catch.
3. Start on low, then turn up to high and blend for 45 to 60 seconds, using the tamper to push the frozen banana into the blades, until thick and completely smooth.
4. Taste. Add a splash more milk if it is too thick, or a few more frozen banana coins if it is too thin. Pour and drink right away.

The blender we use for this shake

Vitamix 5200 Professional-Grade Blender

Frozen banana, dates and ice are tough on an ordinary blender. A high-speed Vitamix with its tamper turns them into a thick, completely smooth shake in under a minute, with no chunks of date left behind.

• 2 HP motor with 10 variable speeds
• 64 oz container plus tamper
• Self-cleans with warm water and a drop of soap
• 7-year limited warranty

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Affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure. Image: Vitamix (official press image).

Notes

• Ripeness counts: freeze bananas when they are well speckled. They are sweeter, so you may not need the date at all.
• Nut-free: swap the nut butter for sunflower seed butter or 2 tbsp hemp seeds.
• Make ahead: freeze the shake in ice-pop molds for a creamy frozen treat. A blended shake separates in the fridge, so drink it fresh.
• Check your milk: choose an unsweetened plant milk to keep added sugar low.