Chocolate Chai Milkshake (dairy-free)

By Alexandra Caspero on February 21, 2015

Chocolate Chai Milkshake! A dairy-free milkshake that’s packed with spices and tastes just like a milkshake! No sugar added, gluten-free and vegan. 

What distinguishes a smoothie from a milkshake? For me, if it’s frosty, super thick, and tastes like there must be at least a cup of ice cream in it, then it’s a milkshake. Everything else is a smoothie.

So, this is my Chocolate Chai Milkshake with no milk, no ice cream, but all shake. Trust me, one sip of this velvety chocolate shake and it’ll have you asking- where’s the ice cream? Ever since I discovered banana ice cream, I haven’t looked back. If you haven’t made banana ice cream before then you are in for a treat! Thankfully, you do can this without a special ice cream maker, and the entire process takes less than 5 minutes.

Chocolate Chai Milkshake! A Dairy-Free Milkshake That'S Packed With Spices And Taste Just Like A Milkshake! No Sugar Added, Gluten-Free And Vegan | Www.delishknowledge.com

Of course, I still love traditional ice cream and gelato, but those have become more “treat foods” with banana ice cream standing in for everyday dessert (hey, this girl loves her some dessert).

Experimenting with different flavors of banana ice cream has become my way of celebrating what I crave most- chocolate, vanilla, peanut butter, and now this chai shake. I know that for many of you, February has turned into Siberia, but in California where the average temp hovers around 70 degrees, milkshakes are a totally acceptable winter dessert. And, although frosty and cold, the chai spices warm this chocolate shake up enough that no matter your forecast, you’re sure to love it.

Chocolate Chai Milkshake! A Dairy-Free Milkshake That'S Packed With Spices And Taste Just Like A Milkshake! No Sugar Added, Gluten-Free And Vegan | Www.delishknowledge.com

This month’s Recipe Redux challenge was favorite chocolate pairings. While I tend to pair chocolate with either peanut butter or raspberry, I have been on a huge chai kick lately. I’ve been working to slowly kick my 2-3 cups of coffee/day habit (I know, I know), and while I’ll never be coffee-free, I have been trying to turn my warm afternoon beverage into tea instead of coffee.

Sure, tea still contains caffeine, but less than coffee. Plus it’s sweet enough that I don’t crave a piece of chocolate like I tend to do with my afternoon cuppa’ joe. Chai is hands down my favorite tea flavor, and it pairs perfectly with chocolate.
Chocolate Chai Milkshake! A Dairy-Free Milkshake That'S Packed With Spices And Taste Just Like A Milkshake! No Sugar Added, Gluten-Free And Vegan | Www.delishknowledge.com

As a chai connoisseur, I know that chai ingredients can vary greatly depending on who’s making it. Just like curry, there isn’t one right way to spice chai tea correctly. For this shake, I knew I wanted to add in lots of warm spices like cloves, cardamom and nutmeg to pair with the sweet dates and slightly bitter chocolate powder.

If you prefer your shake more chocolate to chai, reduce the spices by one-quarter to one-half. One last note, dates have quickly climbed to the top of my love list! Which, I realize I say about most foods on this blog; but, that doesn’t mean it isn’t true. I used dates exclusively as a sweetener but if you want your shake sweeter, feel free to add in a little honey or maple syrup.

Don’t forget to check out the other chocolate pairing recipes from fellow Recipe Redux-ers below!
Chocolate Chai Milkshake! A Dairy-Free Milkshake That'S Packed With Spices And Taste Just Like A Milkshake! No Sugar Added, Gluten-Free And Vegan | Www.delishknowledge.com

If you try this recipe, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and tag your Instagram photos with #delishknowledge . I absolutely love seeing your creations. Happy cooking! 

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Chocolate Chai Milkshake

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Chocolate Chai Milkshake

Chocolate Chai Milkshake (dairy-free)

  • Author: Alex Caspero
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 2 drinks 1x
  • Category: beverage, dessert, snack

Description

Chocolate Chai Milkshake! A dairy-free milkshake that’s packed with spices and taste just like a milkshake! No sugar added, gluten-free and vegan | www.delishknowledge.com


  • Author: Alex Caspero
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 2 drinks 1x
  • Category: beverage, dessert, snack
  • Author: Alex Caspero
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 2 drinks 1x
  • Category: beverage, dessert, snack
Scale

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups almond milk (or other milk, sweetened or unsweetened)
  • 3 bananas, frozen
  • 1 1/2 tsp. unsweetened chocolate powder
  • 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
  • 1/8 tsp. ground cloves
  • 1/8 tsp. ground cardamom
  • 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
  • 4 dates, pitted

Instructions

  1. Place all ingredients into a high powered blender and puree until smooth, thick and frosty. For a thicker shake, add in a handful of ice cubes at the end.

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Meet Alex Caspero

Alex Caspero is a Registered Dietitian, New York Times Bestselling Chef, and mom of two. She aims to cut through the nutrition noise by providing real-life, nourishing tips for body and mind. Learn more about Alex.

(6 comments) leave a comment

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    1. Jazzmin Cunningham
      March 30, 2015 AT 4:19 pm

      The name mentions chia seeds but I don’t see any in the ingredients list. Am I missing something?

      1. DK
        March 31, 2015 AT 8:31 pm

        Hi Jazzmin, it’s Chai flavored, not with Chia seeds. I hope you like it!

    2. Alanna
      February 22, 2015 AT 2:10 pm

      I have also been on a chai kick lately! Loving all of these ingredients you used. Those frosty’s I used to eat as a kid might have some competition 😉 Can’t wait to try this!!

    3. Carrie Madormo
      February 22, 2015 AT 9:53 am

      This sounds amazing – love the idea of using dates in a milk shake!

      1. DK
        February 25, 2015 AT 4:56 pm

        Me too Carrie! They add a rich, caramel taste and a lot more nutrition than regular sugar!

    4. Almost Getting it Together
      February 21, 2015 AT 8:18 pm

      YUM! This looks like such a perfect dessert. My problem is that I would just drink it way too fast!

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