Description
This shamrock shake recipe is a healthier twist on the traditional mint flavored milkshake enjoyed during St. Patrick’s Day. It’s an indulgent green smoothie that’s naturally sweetened, and colored with spinach that you can’t taste. It will satisfy the most intense minty milkshake craving.
Ingredients
- 2 pitted dates
- 1 cup almond milk (or other milk of choice)
- 1/4 cup coconut cream (see notes)
- 1/4 cup plain, fat free Greek Yogurt
- 2 overripe bananas, previously frozen (see notes)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon to 1/2 teaspoon pure peppermint extract (or to taste)
- 4 to 5 handfuls of spinach leaves
- 1 kale leaf, stemmed
- 3/4 cup of ice cubes
Optional toppings
- whipped cream (see notes for a homemade recipe)
- fresh mint leaves
- green sprinkles or other St. Patrick’s Day festive sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare: Soak the dates in cool water for 10 minutes. If they are extra dry soak them for at least 20 minutes, or longer, depending on how powerful your blender is. Also, if making homemade whipped cream, make it now so it’s ready to go, takes 5 to 8 minutes. (see notes for recipe).
- Blend: To a high speed blender add the milk, coconut cream, Greek yogurt, frozen bananas, vanilla extract, salt, peppermint extract, spinach leaves, and kale leaf – blend on high until everything is smooth and well blended. Taste and adjust the flavors as needed- or add more spinach for a deeper green color. Add the ice and blend until smooth.
- To Serve: Pour the shamrock shake into 2 large glasses or divide it into 4 smaller ones. Top with any or all of the desired toppings and enjoy immediately.
Notes
coconut cream: Sometimes you can find cans of just coconut cream, which is nice. If you can’t, then buy a can of full fat coconut milk, if it’s warm then place in the fridge for up to 1 day in advance. When you’re ready to make the shake open the can and scoop out just the coconut cream, leaving behind the water. You can reserve the water for a future smoothie.
Frozen bananas: Once your bananas have gotten overripe then peel and cut them in half (or slice them into coins if you have a low speed blender) and place them on a baking sheet that’s lined with a silpat mat or parchment paper so that the bananas are not touching. Freeze until solid. Transfer them to a bag to keep in the freezer. This way the bananas won’t stick in one giant clump when you go to use them.
Peppermint extract: I like to use a food grade peppermint essential oil for an even more intense flavor. I used 4 to 6 drops, this will vary depending on how minty you like your shake, taste as you go.
Kale: The kale leaf could be an optional ingredient if you don’t have it on hand. You can’t taste it, it simply adds a richer green color.
Homemade whipped cream recipe: Place a large mixing bowl and the whisks from a beater into the freezer for 10 minutes. Once ready to make add 1 cup of heavy whipping cream to the chilled mixing bowl. Use the hand mixer to mix on low until the cream begins to thicken, then add 1 to 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, honey, or agave, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla. Turn the speed up to high. Mix on high, stopping to stir occasionally, until the cream reaches stiff peaks (when you pull the whisk out the whipped cream should cling to the whisks, even if you give it a good shake). You can either dollop the whipped cream on top of your shamrock shake, or pipe it. The whipped cream works great for piping since we whipped it to the stiff peak stage. Whipped cream takes about 5 to 8 minutes to make. Also, you will have some whipped cream leftover, it’s great in coffee (so I’m told lol), on pretty much any dessert, or with fresh strawberries. YUMMM!
Vegan/dairy free option: I found that the combo of Greek yogurt and coconut cream was the best combo to create a neutral tasting creamy texture. However, if you want to keep this dairy free then simply use all coconut cream, just keep in mind that it will have a more coconut-y taste. Or you could try a dairy free plain, unsweetened yogurt. Also, make sure to omit or use a dairy free/vegan whipped cream.
