Indulgent Vegan Milkshakes: Creamy, Classic, and Whole Food Plant-Based Options

Craving a thick, creamy milkshake but want to keep it vegan or even whole food plant-based (WFPB)? You’re in for a treat! Inspired by a nostalgic hankering for a classic milkshake, I set out to recreate that rich, satisfying texture using plant-based ingredients. The result? A vegan milkshake so delicious it rivals the traditional version—approved by non-vegans too! Whether you stick to a WFPB recipe or add a splash of vegan creamer for extra decadence, these shakes will hit all the right spots. Here’s how to make them, plus tips to optimize the creamy consistency you love.

Why These Vegan Milkshakes Are Next-Level

These milkshakes are:

• 100% Vegan: Made with plant-based ingredients, perfect for vegans and those exploring dairy-free options.
• WFPB-Friendly: Easily adaptable for a whole food plant-based diet with no processed ingredients.
• Customizable: From classic vanilla to chocolate or fruity flavors, you can tweak these shakes to suit your taste.
• Non-Vegan Approved: Even dairy lovers can’t resist the creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and a blender are all you need for a diner-style shake at home.

The Inspiration Behind the Recipe

After working up a sweat moving hay bales to the barn, I found myself daydreaming about a thick, frosty milkshake—the kind you’d sip through a straw at a classic diner. I wanted to recreate that indulgent experience without dairy. I turned to “nice cream” (banana-based vegan ice cream) as the base and experimented until I nailed the perfect consistency. The result was better than I could have imagined: a shake that’s rich, creamy, and satisfying. For those who don’t mind a touch of indulgence, a splash of vegan creamer takes it deep into classic milkshake territory.

Tips for best results: I use a Vitamix Ascent for my recipes, such as this. The Vitamix consistently delivers exceptional performance and offers a creamy, delicious result every time. I love my Vitamix and can see why the brand has so many devoted followers. If you are new to the plant based lifestyle, I truly believe a high speed blender is one of the best investments you can make to allow your recipes to shine.

• Chill Your Glass: Pop your glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving to keep the shake cold.
• Vegan Creamer Hack: For non-WFPB folks, a splash of vegan creamer (like Oatly or Califia Farms) adds a luxurious, diner-style richness.
• Balance Sweetness: Dates or maple syrup let you control sweetness without refined sugar.

Simple Vegan Milkshakes

The Gentle Table

Craving a thick, classic shake? Give this recipe a try- it's ridiculously simple and delivers big time.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 2 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 minute min

Total Time 3 minutes mins

Course Drinks

Servings 1

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Equipment

• High Speed Blender recommended

Ingredients

  

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Base

• 2 extra ripe bananas frozen
• ½ cup vegan creamer for a neutral base, I recommend Silk Half & Half (unsweetened).

+ Flavour Shot

Vanilla

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Chocolate

• 2 tbsp dutch cocoa powder

Caramel

• ½ cup Starbucks Non-Dairy Caramel creamer **use this in lieu of the vegan creamer called for in the "base" recipe

Strawberry

• ½ cup frozen strawberries chopped
• 2 tbsp additional vegan creamer

Instructions

 

• Simply add in the base ingredients plus your desired flavour additions to a high speed blender. Blend on high, just until smooth, careful not to over blend. Use a tamper, if needed, to incorporate the ingredients well.

  Pour into a frosty glass and enjoy!

Notes

WFPB If requiring a whole food milkshake, you may wish to substitute the vegan creamer for cashew milk or coconut cream. The cashew is a more neutral base, but coconut will thicken up a bit better. You can also experiment adding more caramel notes by blending in 4-6 deglet dates.

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Keyword banana bread, caramel, chocolate, milkshake, vanilla, vegan