Growing up, we would make candy cane milkshakes during the holidays. The ingredients were simple- vanilla ice cream and candy canes. Now that I’m older and understand the negative health effects of red food dye, conventional dairy, gums, artificial flavors, etc, I have set out to reinvent this recipe I love!
If you’re here, you probably prefer to enjoy real food ingredients as well, whether it be for you or your kids/family. That’s why I’m excited to share this recipe with you!
With my recipe, you can avoid all the junk in store-bought ice cream (yes even dairy-free which is deemed healthier is full of tons of junk). You will also be able to avoid red food dye and artificial flavors. Red food dye has literally been proven to disrupt the endocrine system, neurological system, and contribute to allergies. You can read more info on red food dye on EWG’s database here.
For this recipe you will only need a number of simple ingredients: full-fat coconut milk, peppermint flavor, dye-free candy canes, and maple syrup.
My favorite brand of coconut milk is by Native Forest. They make a version that is gum free.
My favorite brand of candy canes is by Yum Earth. They are still made of sugar but do not use any artificial food dye.
For the smoothest, best results, you will want to use a high powered blender to make this. I prefer to use my Vitamix or Ninja blender.
Candy Cane Milkshakes
Makes two small shakes
- 14 frozen full-fat coconut milk ice cubes (see instructions)
- ¼ c + 2T full-fat coconut milk (room temp)
- 1 dye-free candy cane plus more for decorating on top
- 1 T + 1 tsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp peppermint flavor
A day before you want to make the shakes, freeze full-fat canned coconut milk into 14 ice cubes.
To make the shakes, in a blender combine the coconut milk ice cubes, room temp coconut milk, maple syrup, and peppermint flavor. Pulse or blend on low to start blending. Once almost smooth, break the candy cane up as much as you can with your fingers and add to the blender. Blend until smooth with tiny tiny chunks of candy cane. Taste and adjust sweetness to your liking.
Pour into cups and top with additional crushed candy cane if you wish!
I hope you can make some yummy candy cane milkshakes soon! Be sure to snap a quick pic and tag me @abigaileholistic.
Thanks for checking out my blog! If you like what you see, please share with someone you think could benefit from my recipes as well! Thanks for the support and love!
In health,
Abigail, BCHN
Nutrition Coach/Recipe Developer
*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links which Abigail E. Holistic earns a small commission from. Please be assured that I only suggest products I’ve personally tried and love and truly want to pass that on to others for good health!
Abigail E. Holistic 