Ingredients
- 1 cup vanilla ice cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup key lime juice (freshly squeezed or bottled)
- 2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Optional: 1-2 drops green food coloring (for a vibrant lime color)
- Ice cubes (about 1/2 cup, for extra chill)
Equipment
- Blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Zester or fine grater
- Tall glasses for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: If using fresh key limes, juice them to get 1/4 cup and zest one lime to obtain 1 teaspoon of zest. Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a zip-top bag and rolling with a rolling pin.
- Blend the Shake: In a blender, combine the vanilla ice cream, whole milk, key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers, lime zest, vanilla extract, and ice cubes. If using food coloring, add 1-2 drops for a light green hue.
- Blend Until Smooth: Blend on high speed for 30-45 seconds or until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If the shake is too thick, add a splash more milk; if too thin, add a few more ice cubes or a scoop of ice cream.
- Serve: Pour the shake into tall glasses. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with extra graham cracker crumbs for garnish.
- Optional Garnish: Add a thin slice of lime or a sprinkle of lime zest on top of the whipped cream for an extra touch.
- Enjoy Immediately: Serve with a straw or spoon for the ultimate key lime pie experience in shake form!
Tips
- For a stronger key lime flavor, increase the key lime juice to 1/3 cup, but balance with an extra tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk to avoid excessive tartness.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut milk ice cream and coconut milk for the ice cream and milk, respectively.
- Store any leftover shake in the freezer for up to 1 hour, but stir well before serving as it may separate.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 6g
Servings: 2 shakes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes