Remember that Chocolate Brownie Cookies and Cream Freak Shake I made last week? That over-the-top, indulgent, showstopping creation? Well, today I have another equally enticing and delicious treat.
This version keeps everything I love about Lights, Camera, BAKE!: dramatic presentation, a little bit of madness, great texture and seriously good taste. Best of all, it’s a healthier take on the viral “freak shake.”
This Healthy Freak Shake can be adapted to be dairy free, refined sugar free, gluten free, grain free, vegan and paleo depending on the ingredients you choose.
Here’s how it works: dairy-free ice cream is combined with coconut cream and the glass is layered and smothered with finely ground macadamias and almonds, brownie pieces, honey or maple syrup (use maple for vegan), and a rich chocolate sauce. It’s finished with brownie pieces and whole nuts for garnish.
I said “healthy,” not “low calorie”—this is still an indulgence, just one made with cleaner ingredients.
I’ll admit I was skeptical at first, but this combination is unexpectedly perfect. If you were handed this without being told it was a “healthy” shake, you wouldn’t guess. It’s rich, nutty and chocolatey—definitely worth trying.
Assembly is simple and fun.
Start by drizzling the chocolate sauce around the inside of a large glass.
Place a couple of scoops of dairy-free ice cream into the glass, then add brownie pieces, crushed nuts, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, and more chocolate sauce.
Top with more ice cream and pour in coconut cream or milk. I prefer coconut cream for extra creaminess. If you like, you can blend the ice cream and coconut cream beforehand into a shake, but layering in the glass works just as well.
Finish with a generous drizzle of honey or maple syrup, extra chocolate sauce, the remaining crushed nuts, a piece or two of brownie and a few whole macadamias and almonds for garnish.
The result is dreamy and decadent—so good you won’t believe it’s a healthier version.
Notes: I used my Paleo Brownies recipe for the brownie pieces, which are not vegan. If you need a vegan version, substitute a vegan brownie. Also check the labels on ice cream and chocolate to ensure they meet your dietary requirements (dairy free, gluten free, vegan, paleo, etc.). If you’re not strict about those details and simply want a decadent dessert, feel free to use your preferred ice cream and chocolate.
Print Recipe
Healthy Freak Shake
Ingredients
- 4-5 Scoops Ice Cream, Dairy Free, Vegan, Paleo
- ½ Cup Coconut Cream
- ¼ Cup Almonds
- ¼ Cup Macadamias
- ¼ Cup Runny Honey, or maple syrup
- 3 Pieces of my Paleo Brownies, or other brownies
- 4 Macadamias and almonds for garnish
Chocolate Sauce;
- 125 g Dark Chocolate
- ½ Cup Coconut Cream
Instructions
Chocolate Sauce;
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Melt the dark chocolate and coconut cream together until smooth.
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Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature.
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Chop two of the brownies into small cubes for layering.
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Crush the almonds and macadamias until finely ground.
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Mix the ice cream and coconut cream together if you prefer a blended shake, or layer them in the glass to let them meld as you assemble.
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Line the inside of a large glass with 2–3 tablespoons of chocolate sauce. Place two scoops of ice cream (or half the ice cream mixture) on top.
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Add the brownie cubes, half the honey or maple syrup, half the crushed nuts and some of the remaining chocolate sauce.
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Top with another 2–3 scoops of ice cream (or the remaining ice cream mixture) so the glass is full.
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Pour the remaining coconut cream over the top.
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Finish with the remaining crushed nuts, honey or maple syrup, and chocolate sauce.
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Garnish with whole almonds and macadamias and a full piece of brownie.