Creamy Cranberry Shake
A creamy, tangy cranberry shake perfect for festive occasions or a refreshing treat, blending smooth ice cream, tart cranberry sauce, and rich cream cheese for a luscious flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place half of the milk and half of the cream cheese in a blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Add half of the ice cream and half of the cranberry sauce to the blender.
- Blend until combined and smooth.
- Scrape down the sides of the blender container if needed.
- Pour the mixture into a large pitcher.
- Repeat with the remaining ingredients and blend again.
- Pour the second mixture into the pitcher with the first.
- Stir to combine well.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before blending. You can substitute the milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version. If you want to add a twist, try incorporating a splash of vanilla extract or a handful of fresh cranberries for added flavor. This shake also pairs beautifully with the Caramel Walnut Tart for a delightful dessert experience.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy cranberry shake in chilled glasses for an extra refreshing treat. Garnish with a few cranberries or a dollop of whipped cream for a festive touch. It makes a great dessert on its own or as a delightful pairing with American recipes like Banana-Nut Pudding for a satisfying end to any meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover shake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The shake may thicken over time, so stir it well before serving. For best results, consume fresh, but if needed, you can re-blend it with a splash of milk to restore its creamy consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Cranberry Shake contains roughly 715 calories, with 15g protein, 127g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (44% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and calcium (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 572mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of jellied cranberry sauce?
While fresh cranberries can be used, they are quite tart and may not yield the same sweetness and texture as jellied cranberry sauce. If you prefer using fresh cranberries, consider blending them with sugar to taste and adding additional sweetener to achieve the desired flavor profile.
How can I make this shake healthier?
To make a healthier version, consider using low-fat cream cheese and reducing the amount of ice cream. You can also add Greek yogurt for creaminess while boosting protein content. Additionally, using unsweetened almond milk can lower calories without sacrificing flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this creamy cranberry shake is suitable for vegetarians as it contains dairy products and no meat or fish ingredients. However, be sure to check the labels of the ice cream and cream cheese for any non-vegetarian additives to ensure they meet your dietary preferences.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).