• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Little Bit Recipes
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Resources
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Resources
    • Recipes
    • Subscribe
    • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home / Recipes / Drinks

    Coconut Shake

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Nov 17, 2022 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    Jump to Recipe
    coconut milkshakes with text.
    coconut milkshakes with text.

    Want a thick and creamy beverage with a tropical twist? A flavorful toasted coconut shake will leave you feeling satisfied.

    coconut shakes topped with whipped cream and toasted coconut.

    Want to save this post?

    Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I'll send you the latest recipes and tips every week!

    Loading

    A milkshake with coconut will make if feel like summer no matter what time of year it is. So whether you're at the beach or staying warm indoors, you can enjoy a taste of the tropics all year long.

    This shake is light, refreshing, and has a hint of sweetness. And it's thick like a vanilla bean frappuccino. The best part? It only takes three ingredients to make.

    Ingredients

    You'll need unsweetened dried coconut flakes, coconut milk, and vanilla ice cream to make this coconut shake. Simply combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

    If you want to dress it up a little, add some whipped cream on top.

    ingredients for coconut shake recipe.

    Scroll down to the recipe card to see the quantities of each ingredient used.

    Instructions

    When it comes to making a coconut shake, the first step is, of course, to toast the coconut. The next step is to add it to your blender along with the rest of the ingredients and blend until smooth. Then pour into glasses and enjoy!

    toasting coconut in pan.

    Add coconut flakes to a dry skillet over medium heat and stir frequently until browned.

    Pouring coconut milk into blender container.

    Pour the coconut milk into a blender.

    ice cream and toasted coconut added to blender.

    Add most of the coconut (reserving a small amount) and the ice to the blender.

    pouring the shake into a glass.

    Blend until everything is well combined into a smooth mixture. Pour into glasses.

    whipped cream and coconut topping.

    Garnish with optional whipped cream and the reserved toasted coconut.

    Variations

    There are many variations of a coconut shake, but some of the most popular include adding chocolate, mango, or strawberry syrup. You'll find a few other options here.

    • Protein boost- add a scoop of your favorite protein powder
    • Piña colada - throw in some pineapple chunks for a piña colada flavor or frozen bananas for added potassium.
    • Adult treat - Add a shot of rum or vodka for an adults-only treat.
    • Flavor twist - Swap out the vanilla ice cream for chocolate or strawberry.
    • Increase the coconut flavor - Use coconut ice cream instead of vanilla and add coconut whipped cream on top.
    • Change the fat - Use coconut cream for a richer shake with more fat to keep you full longer. You can even add Weight Gainer protein powder for a weight gain shake. Or lighten it up with low fat coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk.

    You can also use a dairy free ice cream if you are sensitive to cow's milk.

    Tips

    Follow these tips and tricks to make the creamiest, most flavorful coconut milkshake that will have you coming back for more.

    • Stir the coconut flakes often when toasting so they don't burn.
    • Top with whipped cream and a cherry for an extra special touch.
    • Add a dash of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
    coconut shake with blue striped straw.

    Serving suggestions

    This flavorful coconut shake is the perfect drink for summer. It makes a great snack or dessert when you want something cool and refreshing.

    Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for extra flavor and texture. Serve with a straw for easy sipping.

    Storage

    If you've ever had a coconut shake, you know they're pretty much the best thing ever. But what if you want to save some for later? Here's how to store a coconut milkshake for later:

    1. Pour the shake into a freezer-safe container.
    2. Place the container in the freezer.
    3. When you're ready to enjoy your shake, let it thaw for about 5 minutes.
    4. Pour the shake into a glass and enjoy!

    FAQ

    Why do I need to toast the coconut?

    Toasting helps to bring out the natural oils and flavors in the coconut, which can make for a more intense and delicious flavor in your shake. Additionally, toasting helps to dry out the coconut, making it easier to blend and preventing clumps from forming.

    What can I add to a coconut shake?

    Try adding some chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or even a dollop of whipped cream on top. You could also add a splash of rum or vodka to give it an adult twist.

    Is it better to use coconut milk in a can or carton?

    Some people prefer canned coconut milk because it is thinner and more convenient. Others prefer canned coconut milk because it is less processed and often contains fewer additives. Either will work for making a shake.

    coconut milkshakes with striped straws.

    Related Recipes

    Looking for more drinks for one or two? Here's a few recipes you can try:

    • Pineapple banana smoothie is another favorite with a tropical flavor.
    • Sonic cherry limeade tastes just like the original.
    • Spinach avocado smoothie is perfect for a healthy breakfast to go.
    • Strawberry spinach smoothie is both delicious and nutritious.
    • Vanilla bean Frappuccino tastes just like the one at Starbucks.

    Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to see more recipes.

    Eat at Home and Save!

    Sign up to get recipes and tips to make cooking for one or two easy. You'll also have access to money saving deals and offers.

    Recipe

    coconut shakes topped with whipped cream and toasted coconut.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Review Recipe

    Coconut Shake

    5 from 50 votes
    If you're looking for a delicious, tropical treat, you need to try a coconut shake! This creamy drink is sure to satisfy with it's sweet and refreshing flavor.
    Prep Time5 minutes mins
    Cook Time5 minutes mins
    Total Time10 minutes mins
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Vegetarian
    Servings (Adjustable): 1
    Calories: 415kcal
    Share on Facebook Share on X
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • ¼ cup unsweetened dried coconut flakes
    • ¼ cup coconut milk in can or carton
    • ½ cup vanilla ice cream
    • whipped cream optional

    Instructions

    • In a small pan over medium heat, cook shredded coconut until it turns golden brown while stirring constantly, about five minutes. Transfer to a bowl to cool.
    • In small blender, combine coconut milk, vanilla ice cream, and most of the cooked coconut (reserving a small amount for garnish).
    • Pour into a tall glass. Add whipped cream, if desired. Sprinkle the reserved coconut on top.

    Notes

    Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder
    Throw in some pineapple chunks for a piña colada flavor or frozen bananas for added potassium.
    Add a shot of rum or vodka for an adults-only treat.
    Swap out the vanilla ice cream for chocolate or strawberry for a flavor twist.
    Use coconut ice cream instead of vanilla and add coconut whipped cream on top for added coconut flavor.
    Use coconut cream for a richer shake with more fat to keep you full longer. Or lighten it up with low fat coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 415kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 29g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 70mg | Potassium: 405mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 278IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 100mg | Iron: 2mg

    Equipment

    small skillet
    Blender

    © LittleBitRecipes.com - All content and photographs are copyright protected by us. We appreciate sharing our recipes; but copying, pasting, or duplicating full recipes to any social media, website, or electronic/printed media is strictly prohibited and a violation of our copyrights. Single photos may be used, provided that full credit is given to us along with a link back to the original content.

    More Drinks For Two or One

    • A glass of atole topped with small marshmallows on a white wooden table, next to a red checkered cloth and a small dish containing more marshmallows in the background.
      White Hot Chocolate
    • A mug of hot chocolate with frothy bubbles on top, garnished with a cinnamon stick. A red and white checkered cloth is partially visible next to the mug.
      Mexican Hot Chocolate
    • A glass mug filled with hot chocolate, topped with mini marshmallows and drizzled with chocolate syrup.
      Hershey's Hot Chocolate for One
    • A glass filled with vibrant yellow mango lassi, containing small green herb flecks, with a clear straw inserted. A basil leaf is partially visible behind the glass.
      Mango Pineapple Smoothie

    About Lisa MarcAurele

    Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 50 votes (46 ratings without comment)

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Sherrie

      November 17, 2022 at 5:25 pm

      5 stars
      Oh this was so delicious! Toasting the coconut worked perfectly - great tip!

      Reply
    2. Jenn

      November 21, 2022 at 4:16 pm

      5 stars
      Loved this! It was so thick and creamy and tasted divine!

      Reply
    3. Donna

      November 24, 2022 at 8:28 pm

      5 stars
      Oh yum, this was like dessert in a glass! So delicious

      Reply
    4. Kelly

      March 11, 2024 at 11:17 am

      5 stars
      This was so refreshing and creamy! I love the touch of toasted coconut on top too! I'm definitely going to try this again! Would this recipe work with fresh coconut meat?

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    A woman in a green shirt stands in a kitchen holding a bowl of strawberries.

    Hi, I'm Lisa! I'm a cookbook author who has been creating recipes for over a decade. I'd like to show you how easy it is to downsize your cooking for one or two people.

    Read more →

    Popular

    • A bowl of brown rice with Hawaiian chicken on it.
      Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
    • edible cookie dough single serving for one.
      Edible Single Serving Cookie Dough
    • Sliced Italian artisan bread with buttered slice in front.
      No Knead Italian Artisan Bread
    • A sliced meatloaf on a white plate.
      Cracker Barrel Meatloaf (CopyCat)

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Cooking

    • Scaling Recipes
    • Mini Pie Pans
    • Stories

    Recipes

    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
    • Desserts

    About

    • About
    • Contact
    • Newsletter

    LittleBitRecipes.com makes money through affiliate partner links: If you click on a link, we may earn a commission. Our writers create all reviews, recipes, and other content to inform readers, with no influence from our advertisers. LittleBitRecipes.com may earn from qualifying purchased made on Amazon.com. Learn more about our privacy policies, terms of use, and disclosures.

    Copyright © 2025. Little Bit Recipes. All Rights Reserved.

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.