Creamy Pineapple Vanilla Yogurt Shake

Quick Recipe Version (TL;DR)

• Yield: 2 servings (about 3 cups / 720 ml total)
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes

Quick Ingredients

• 2 cups (about 300 g) frozen pineapple chunks
• 1 cup (245 g) vanilla yogurt (regular or Greek)
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) cold milk (dairy or unsweetened non-dairy)
• 1–2 tbsp honey or sugar, to taste (optional)
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract (optional, for extra vanilla)
• Pinch of fine salt (optional, enhances flavor)
• Ice cubes, only if needed to thicken

Do This

• 1. Add frozen pineapple, vanilla yogurt, and milk to a blender.
• 2. Add honey (if using), vanilla extract, and a tiny pinch of salt.
• 3. Blend on low to start breaking up the pineapple, then increase to high.
• 4. Blend 30–60 seconds until completely smooth, thick, and frothy.
• 5. Check thickness: add a splash more milk if too thick, or a few ice cubes if too thin.
• 6. Taste and adjust sweetness, blending briefly to combine.
• 7. Pour into 2 chilled glasses and serve immediately, with a straw or spoon.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Uses simple, everyday ingredients but tastes like a tropical dessert from a café.
• Ready in about 5 minutes with no cooking required.
• Thick, frothy, and creamy without needing ice cream.
• Easily customizable: adjust sweetness, thickness, and dairy-free options.

Grocery List

• Produce: Frozen pineapple chunks (or fresh pineapple to freeze yourself), optional lime (for zest or juice), optional fresh pineapple wedges for garnish.
• Dairy: Vanilla yogurt (regular or Greek), milk (any kind: whole, 2%, or non-dairy), optional whipped cream.
• Pantry: Honey or sugar, pure vanilla extract, fine salt, optional shredded coconut for garnish.

Full Ingredients

For the Pineapple-Vanilla Shake

• 2 cups (about 300 g) frozen pineapple chunks
• 1 cup (245 g) vanilla yogurt (Greek for extra thick, or regular)
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) cold milk (dairy or unsweetened non-dairy)
• 1–2 tbsp honey or granulated sugar, to taste (optional, adjust based on yogurt sweetness)
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract (optional, deepens the vanilla flavor)
• 1 small pinch fine salt (about 1/16 tsp, optional but recommended)
• 2–4 ice cubes, only if needed to thicken or chill more

Optional Garnishes

• 2 tbsp whipped cream
• 1–2 tbsp toasted shredded coconut
• 2 small pineapple wedges or spears
• Very fine lime zest or a few drops of lime juice, to brighten (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Get your ingredients cold and ready

For the best frothy, creamy texture, make sure your pineapple chunks are fully frozen and your yogurt and milk are well-chilled. If your pineapple is fresh, cut it into chunks and freeze in a single layer on a tray for at least 2–3 hours (or overnight). Measure out the frozen pineapple, vanilla yogurt, and milk. Have your honey (or sugar), vanilla extract, and salt nearby so you can add them quickly. If you like fancy presentation, chill your serving glasses in the freezer while you blend.

Step 2: Load the blender in the right order

Add the liquids and softer ingredients first so the blender can catch everything easily. Pour the milk into the blender jar, then add the vanilla yogurt. Spoon in the honey (or sugar), vanilla extract, and a tiny pinch of salt. Finally, add the frozen pineapple chunks on top. This order helps prevent the blades from getting stuck under heavy frozen fruit.

Step 3: Start blending low, then go high until frothy

Place the lid on securely. Start blending on low speed for 10–15 seconds to begin breaking up the frozen pineapple. Then increase to high speed and blend for 30–60 seconds, or until the mixture looks completely smooth, thick, and pale yellow, with small bubbles on top. The shake should look creamy and slightly fluffy, not icy or chunky. If your blender struggles, pause and use a spatula to gently push ingredients toward the blades, then blend again.

Step 4: Adjust the thickness and sweetness

Pause and check the consistency. For a thicker shake (more like a soft-serve smoothie), add 1–2 ice cubes or a spoonful more frozen pineapple, then blend again. For a thinner, sippable shake, add 1–2 tbsp more milk at a time and briefly blend. Taste carefully. If you want it sweeter, add a little more honey or sugar and blend just until mixed. This is your chance to fine-tune it exactly how you like it.

Step 5: Garnish and serve immediately

Remove your chilled glasses from the freezer, if using. Pour the pineapple-vanilla shake evenly into 2 glasses. If you like, top each with a small swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted shredded coconut. Perch a pineapple wedge on the rim and add a straw or a spoon. A tiny pinch of lime zest or a few drops of lime juice on top can add a bright, fresh aroma that balances the sweetness. Serve right away while the shake is at its frothiest.

Step 6: Quick cleanup

To make cleanup painless, rinse the blender jar immediately after pouring the shakes. Add warm water and a drop of dish soap, blend on high for 10–15 seconds, then rinse well. This keeps sticky pineapple sugars and dairy from drying on the sides and makes your next shake even quicker to prepare.

Pro Tips

• Use fully frozen pineapple: Partially thawed fruit will give you a thinner shake. Keep pineapple in a freezer bag so you are always ready for a quick treat.
• Balance sweet and tangy: Different brands of yogurt and pineapple vary in sweetness. Always taste and adjust with a little extra honey or a squeeze of lime.
• Go Greek for extra creaminess: Greek vanilla yogurt makes the shake thicker and more indulgent, almost like a light milkshake.
• Do not over-dilute: Add milk a tablespoon at a time when adjusting thickness; too much liquid will turn your shake into just a drinkable juice.
• Chill everything: Cold ingredients (and even a chilled glass) help keep the shake thick and frosty without needing lots of added ice.

Variations

• Coconut-Pineapple Shake: Swap half (or all) of the milk for canned coconut milk or coconut beverage. Top with extra toasted coconut for a piña-colada style twist (without alcohol).
• Protein Boost: Add 1 small scoop (about 20–25 g) vanilla protein powder and a splash more milk. This turns the shake into a more filling breakfast or post-workout snack.
• Banana-Pineapple Cream: Blend in 1/2 frozen banana for extra creaminess and natural sweetness; you may not need any added honey or sugar.

Storage & Make-Ahead

This pineapple-vanilla shake is best enjoyed immediately, while it is thick and frothy. If you need to make it slightly ahead, you can blend it up to 30 minutes in advance and keep it in the coldest part of your refrigerator. Give it a quick whisk or blend before serving, as it may separate slightly. For longer prep-ahead, portion the frozen pineapple, yogurt, and optional banana into freezer-safe bags as “smoothie packs.” Then, when you are ready to drink, just add milk and blend. Avoid freezing the finished shake, as the texture can become icy and grainy once thawed.

Nutrition (per serving)

Approximate values for 1 of 2 servings, made with 2% milk, vanilla Greek yogurt, and 1 tbsp honey total:

Calories: ~240 kcal; Protein: ~10 g; Carbohydrates: ~38 g; Sugars: ~32 g; Fat: ~5 g; Saturated Fat: ~3 g; Fiber: ~2 g; Sodium: ~80 mg. Values will vary based on the exact yogurt, milk, and sweetener you use.