Ingredients
Scale
- ½ cup full-fat canned coconut milk, well-shaken
- ¼ cup coconut cream (or use thick cream from top of coconut milk can)
- 2½ cups premium vanilla ice cream (about 5 scoops), slightly softened
- ¼ cup sweetened shredded coconut, plus extra for topping
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon coconut extract (optional, for extra coconut flavor)
- 1-2 tablespoons sugar or honey (optional, to taste)
- Pinch of salt (enhances sweetness)
For Serving (Optional):
- Whipped cream
- Toasted coconut flakes
- Fresh pineapple wedge
- Maraschino cherry
- Coconut rum (adults only, 1-2 oz per serving)
Instructions
- Prepare Coconut Ingredients – Shake the coconut milk can vigorously before opening to mix the separated cream and liquid. For the richest flavor, you can refrigerate the coconut milk can overnight and scoop out just the thick cream from the top! Open the coconut cream can and measure what you need.
- Soften Ice Cream Slightly – Remove vanilla ice cream from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 3-5 minutes. It should be soft enough to scoop easily but still very cold and firm, not melting. This makes blending easier and creates better texture.
- Toast Coconut (Optional but Recommended) – For extra flavor, toast the ¼ cup shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly golden and fragrant. Let cool slightly before adding to blender. This step is optional but adds wonderful toasted coconut flavor!
- Add Ingredients to Blender in Order – Layer strategically: coconut milk first (helps blender blades move), then coconut cream, shredded coconut (toasted or not), slightly softened ice cream scoops, vanilla extract, coconut extract if using, and a pinch of salt. Don’t add sugar yet – taste first!
- Start Blending on Low Speed – Secure the blender lid tightly. Start on the lowest speed setting for 10-15 seconds to break down the coconut and begin combining everything. This prevents splashing and protects your motor.
- Increase to Medium-High Speed – Once ingredients start moving, gradually increase to medium-high speed. Blend for 30-45 seconds until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and uniformly white with tiny coconut flecks throughout. Use your blender’s tamper if you have one to push ingredients toward the blades.
- Stop and Scrape Down Sides – Turn off the blender and use a spatula to scrape down any ingredients stuck to the sides. This ensures everything blends evenly and you get maximum coconut flavor.
- Blend Again Briefly – Give it one more 10-15 second blend for perfect smoothness.
- Check Consistency – Your shake should be thick and creamy but still pourable – like soft-serve consistency. If it’s too thick, add 2-3 tablespoons more coconut milk and pulse briefly. If it’s too thin, add another scoop of ice cream or more shredded coconut.
- Taste and Adjust – Give it a taste! If it needs more coconut flavor, add ⅛ teaspoon coconut extract. If it needs sweetness, add 1-2 tablespoons sugar and blend for 10 seconds. If it’s perfect, you’re done!
- Serve Immediately – Pour into tall, chilled glasses (pre-chilling glasses in freezer keeps shakes colder longer). Top with whipped cream, toasted coconut flakes, a pineapple wedge, or a cherry. Serve with a thick straw or spoon and enjoy immediately!
Notes
- Coconut Milk vs. Coconut Cream: Use canned varieties, not the drinking kind! Full-fat creates the richest flavor.
- Toasting Coconut: This optional step adds incredible flavor depth. Watch carefully as coconut burns quickly!
- Ice Cream Choice: Coconut milk ice cream creates an even more intense coconut shake!
- Sweetness: Coconut cream and sweetened coconut add sweetness. Taste before adding more!
- Smoothness: Blend thoroughly for smooth texture or less for coconut flecks.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut or oat milk ice cream for completely dairy-free version.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 milkshake (approximately 14 oz)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 48g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 60mg