While I don’t drink much coffee these days, when I do, it’s decaf cold brew as it’s less acidic and lower caffeine, making it easier on the nervous system and stomach.
In a quest to find a more decadent way to enjoy cold brew, we created this show-stopping 5-ingredient smoothie that’s naturally sweetened, customizable, and reminiscent of a chocolate coffee milkshake. Swoon! Let us show you how it’s done.
It starts with freezing coconut milk into ice cubes. This helps give the smoothie a thick, luxurious texture.
The cold brew coffee can also be made in advance to save time. Or opt for store-bought cold brew for an even quicker shortcut!
Once the coconut milk ice cubes are frozen, they are added to a high-speed blender along with the coffee.
Banana is added for sweetness and a creamy texture, but avoid adding too much as it can make the banana flavor too overwhelming. The coffee should be the prominent flavor here.
Cacao powder adds a hint of mocha flavor and maple syrup enhances the sweetness of the banana while balancing the bitterness of the coffee and cacao.
For serving, we like to sprinkle with cacao nibs for a little crunch. Coconut whipped cream would be another delicious option!
We hope you LOVE this smoothie! It’s:
Creamy
Naturally sweet
Coffee-infused
Chocolaty
Customizable
& Super delicious!
It’s the perfect afternoon pick-me-up, indulgent snack, or healthier dessert (we recommend decaf or Dandy Blend if enjoying later in the day).
If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo #minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!
Creamy Cold Brew Coffee Smoothie
Ingredients
COCONUT MILK ICE CUBES
- 2/3 cup coconut milk, frozen into standard ice cubes (use light for lower fat // use coconut cream or full fat for richer, creamier smoothie // freeze extra for future use!)
SMOOTHIE
- 1/2 cup cold brew coffee (decaf as needed // if avoiding coffee, sub 1-2 tsp Dandy Blend as original recipe is written — adjust amount as needed)
- 1 small ripe banana, previously peeled, sliced, and frozen (make sure not to add too much or the banana flavor can be overwhelming)
- 5-6 standard-size coconut milk ice cubes (see instructions above)
- 1 ½ tsp cacao powder
- 1-2 tsp maple syrup (or sub other sweetener to taste)
FOR SERVING optional
Instructions
- DAY BEFORE: Begin by pouring coconut milk of choice into an ice cube tray and freezing until firm (about 6 hours or overnight). Also be sure to peel, thinly slice, and freeze bananas on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate the night before as well.Also prep your cold brew coffee the day before. Do so by grinding 1 cup of coffee into a semi-coarse texture (about the texture of sea salt) and topping with 2 cups of cool filtered water. Cover and refrigerate for 12 hours (or overnight).
- THE DAY OF: Strain coffee through a coffee filter or very fine sieve (we prefer using a Chemex coffee brewer and paper cone filter).
- To prepare smoothie, add (filtered) cold brew coffee, frozen banana, coconut milk ice cubes, cacao powder, and maple syrup (start with smaller amount and work your way up) to a high-speed blender.
- Blend on high until creamy and smooth, adding more coffee or some coconut milk if it has trouble blending, being careful not to get too thin.
- Taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more maple syrup for sweetness, coffee for stronger coffee flavor, coconut ice cubes for thicker/creamier texture, or cacao powder for stronger chocolate flavor. Top with cacao nibs (optional) and serve. Best when fresh. To save leftovers, store covered in the freezer and let thaw before eating.
Video
Notes
*Prep time includes freezing bananas, preparing cold brew, and making coconut milk ice cubes.
*Inspired by the Queen Bae smoothie at Joule Cafe in Portland, OR.
Lorena says
Hi, I’m new to freezing coconut milk. It is usually separated in the cans that I buy. Should I blend it all first or just freeze the liquid from the can?
Thank you.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi Lorena, good question! Give the can a good shake (or blend it) before freezing.
Brittney says
Oh this is so yummy and the coconut milk ice cubes are a perfect solution for leftover coconut milk! Very quick and easy to make!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Yay! We’re so glad you enjoy it, Brittney! xoxo
Keely says
I used refrigerated coconut milk for my cubes and a little honey and a little agave. It was delicious 😋
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Amazing! Thank you for sharing, Keely! xo
Nicole says
Loooved this. It’s amazing how strong the coffee taste comes through for only half a cup.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Right?! Thank you for the lovely review, Nicole! xo
Kat says
Hi. Can I use cocoa powder instead of cacao? Thanks !
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Yes!
Jon says
Freezing coconut milk into cubes…GENIUS!!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Thanks, Jon!
Kendall Stark says
Could I substitute the banana for frozen avocado?
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Hi Kendall, perhaps a small amount of it if you increased the maple syrup.
Steph says
Is this supposed to be canned coconut milk?
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Yes!
Rene says
I could try it without the coffee. I don’t drink it.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
You could try subbing dandy blend for a coffee-esque flavor without coffee. Hope that helps!
Kerry says
This smoothie is unbelievable! It reminds me so much of the indulgence of Vietnamese coconut coffee but fortunately with WAY less fat and sugar than an authentic version. I have been making this for a couple of years and following the recipe exactly is very good.
I am pregnant now and looking for ways to add more calcium (for bone health) and dates (to prep for labor) to my diet, so I altered the recipe a bit to suit those needs and it tastes about the same: I do 6 dates in place of the maple syrup, and instead of cold brew I mix decaf instant coffee powder with milk. These substitutions are totally not needed because the flavor is great either way, but it just goes to show how customizable the recipe is!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Love the idea of adding dates, yum! Thanks so much for the lovely review and for sharing your experience, Kerry!
Stephen Craft says
I have been making these smoothies for some time now, and always have a couple bananas, too ripe to eat that get cut up and put in the freezer. Well, I grabbed a bag that I thought was cut up frozen bananas and threw more in. Turns out, it was ginger that I keep in the freezer. The smoothie had a little zing at first until I realized it was a cold brew coconut banana and ginger smoothie. Not bad, actually great!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
We’re so glad you enjoy this recipe, Stephen! That’s amazing that it even worked with the ginger. Thank you for sharing! xo
LeeAnn says
Thank you so much for this recipe. So easy and refreshing. It will be in my summer rotation for sure. I have been a big fan of yours for years now.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Aw, we’re so glad to hear it, LeeAnn! Thank you for the lovely review! xo
Jen says
Awesome!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Thanks for sharing, Jen!
Laura says
Made a maple syrup-free variation of this using a whole banana for one serving and adding oats for a more solid breakfast. I eyeballed the quantities and it turned out a bit liquidy but delicious! Love the idea of freezing coconut milk to use in smoothies, I will be doing that more :) Thank you for the recipe!!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Laura! Thanks so much for sharing! xo
Anika says
Excited to try this! Could you substitute avocado for the banana?
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
Perhaps? It won’t be as sweet though so you’ll need to compensate with something else. Perhaps more dates or some stevia if you’re avoiding sugar?
Anika says
I made the recipe as original – delicious!!
And made one more omitting banana and maple syrup swapping it for 1/4 cup frozen avocado chunks and two small medjool dates. Also left out the cacao. It turned into a delicious coffee caramel smoothie. Added a touch of caramel syrup to enhance the caramel. Did have to add extra coffee/coconut milk to blend though. But delicious too!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Woah- love the creativity, Anika! Sounds incredible! Thanks so much for the lovely review =)
SJ says
Just made this! Delicious!!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Yay! Thanks for sharing, SJ!
Olivia T. says
Can you use freshley made espresso (like two pods for a Nespresso machine)?
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Sure! Just let it cool before adding to the blender.
Kat says
Hi. Can I use almond milk or oat milk? Also for the cold brew, does it have to be diluted or can it be the pure one (I get from Trader Joe’s) love all your recipes. Tonight, I literally made quinoa brittle, almond no bake cookies, and your granola. Love everything you create !! Thanks !!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Whoop! We’re so glad you enjoy our recipes, Kat! This one is best with coconut milk because that’s what makes it thick and creamy. But it’s okay with other milks. We’re not familiar with the different cold brews you are mentioning, but it sounds like it might be the right thing!
Elizabeth Johnson says
So — I detest bananas. Would dates work for as a substitution? Because I really cannot abide bananas at all.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
We haven’t tried it, but maybe! We’d say starting with 2-3 would be best. Let us know if you try it!
Sophia says
Delicious! When making for two people I double the recipe and add a little more cold brew!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Great idea! Thanks for sharing, Sophia!
Elena says
Do you know of any good ways to freeze the coconut milk if I don’t have an ice cube tray. Could little cups work?
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Another reader suggested a mini muffin tray! Little cups could also work.
Cali West says
Hello! I thoroughly enjoyed this. I did have to add a bit more of everything and loosen it up with Almond milk. But, this was a genius smoothie and one that I’ll definitely make again. Thank you! 😊
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Cali! Thanks for sharing!
Ingrid says
LOVE this! I am not a smoothie person at all but this really called to me. I’m a big coffee drinker so I used my cold brew concentrate and love how effectively caffeinated I feel after drinking this. Perfect for summer mornings – thank you!
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
Thanks for the kind review, Ingrid!
Heather R says
I loved this! I don’t drink coffee so I used Pero. It still had great flavor and worked perfectly! I was worried about the banana being overpowering, so I used half of a banana instead of the whole banana. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
Lovely! Thanks for sharing, Heather!
Mickala says
Ok, I am the worst at making smoothies when it comes to texture–which like should be easy? haha This recipe worked great though! Only thing is next time i think I would want to add a bit more of the cold brew since I’m a crazy coffee person but otherwise it was a great change up for a morning treat!
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
Thanks for sharing, Mickala!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
On it! Thanks for letting us know, Justin!
Justin Lewis says
You’re most welcome!
Michelle says
Just tried this out and loved it. Used decaf cool brew and froze coconut milk in a mini muffin tray. I ended up adding a little bit extra cacao powder.
Lenore says
This is an amazing morning treat! I substituted honey instead of maple syrup. Seriously delicious!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Lenore! Thanks so much for the lovely review!
Heather says
Seriously yummy! I only had homemade cashew milk, but it worked great! I’m sure the coconut would be a bit more creamy but I’m totally satisfied. Thanks for this awesome recipe!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Whoop! Thanks so much for sharing, Heather! xo
Ashley says
Just made this and it is SO good. I added collagen powder, maca, and mushroom extract. Definitely a new fave 😋
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Yay! We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Ashley! Thanks for sharing!
Nikki says
Another success from your blog. Thank you! I just made it this morning& my partner & I both loved it. I’ll be making more coconut milk ice cubes to make this again tomorrow. It’s such a treat & so easy! Thanks again!!
In case anyone is looking for another cold brew method, we make cold brew using our French press (preparing it the night before & pressing it to “filter” out the grounds in the morning). Super easy.
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
We’re so glad you both enjoyed it, Nikki! Thanks so much for the lovely review and cold brew tip!
Marie says
I was not a fan of this maybe because I subbed cacao powder for cocoa powder and because I am a coffee purist so do not usually add a lot of flavouring and have my coffee black or with oat milk. I do like the idea of freezing the milk as ice cubes so will do that when I make myself iced lattes. Thanks for the tip.
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
Thanks for the honest feedback, Marie!
Perrin says
Pretty good! I let my coffee brew for 16 hours before I made this and I felt it was too weak. I’m going to do at least 48 next time and it will hopefully cover the banana flavor even though it was subtle. I doubled this recipe with cows milk, had one medium banana and had only 1 tsp of syrup and it plenty sweet for my taste. I’m going to keep trying to modify this to get it perfect but coffee is definitely one of those things that people like a certain way so if you make this just and don’t love it, just keep tweekin it!
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
Lovely! Thanks for sharing, Perrin!
Francesca ~ ♥ says
Wow! I’m not the biggest coffee drinker, and if i do drink it’s cold brew but this is great. Thanks for all your great scratch that AWESOME Recipes! I wish there was a way to donate….maybe you’ll add that feature.
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
xoxo!
bdubadubz says
This is so good! I’ve been freezing oat milk for cold brew smoothies but adding in a ‘nana and cacao just kicks it up a notch – thanks :)
PSA – I froze some cold brew to add to my normal fruit smoothies and while they freeze just ok, there’s some kind of weird sticky thing that happens + they come out pretty weak. Everyone, don’t do that. Stick with freezing the milk instead.
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
So lovely! Thanks for sharing!
Hallel says
This recipe was so delicious, simple and healthy! I love it!
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
Thanks for sharing, Hallel!
Libby says
I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for making sure that people have actually made your recipes before they rate them! It is so maddening to see tons of ratings with comments like “can’t wait to make this!” or “looks delicious!” on other blogs. I know I can trust your star ratings. You are a goddess!
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
xoxo!
jen says
I wondering if Macadamia milk can be frozen in place of the Coconut Milk? Sadly, I’m allergic to coconut so this is the best sub for me. I found out the hard way that Almond milk cannot be frozen, when defrosted it curdles. Thanks!
P.S. I LOVE YOUR RECIPES!
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
I actually think that would be one of the best substitutes.
Jen says
Wonderful! Thanks for your reply.
I so love your recipes, I have made many and they are always fab!! Thanks Dana.
Mike says
Hello! A question: should the coconut milk be unsweetened? Thanks!
Support @ Minimalist Baker says
Yes, we used unsweetened. If you prefer it to be sweeter though, you could use sweetened.
Marilyn says
Is there any substitute for banana? I’m not a fan. In other smoothies, I just add more frozen fruit but I’m not sure they would leave me with the desired taste for this one.
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
Someone else actually suggested dates which I think is a good idea. I’d say starting with 2-3 would be best. Otherwise, I’m not sure.
Felicia Gardner says
Great recipe. Love the wood measuring spoon. Where can I find it?
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
I believe it’s from the brand, Magnolia!
Aggie Chrismer says
Can you use madjool dates in place of the banana? If so how many would you use?
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
Hmm, perhaps! I’d say start with 2-3 and work your way up.
Julie says
What type of coconut milk do you use? From a can or a carton?
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
We use canned!
Hallel says
Can I use oat milk instead?
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
That should work well!
Nayna Lal says
Very cool recipe
Easy too
Elyse K says
Do you think you could sub in a date instead of the banana here to help with sweetness?
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
I do! Let us know how it goes!
Kimberly Delost says
We’re on Keto so I subbed the banana for avocado and the maple for a few drops of stevia. Delish!!!!
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
Smart! Thanks for sharing!
Pamela Wrona says
Does using the coconut milk empart any coconut flavor to the smoothie? (I am not a fan). If so, is there another milk you could recommend to use?
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
Others have suggested oat! I also think almond would work well. I just prefer coconut because it’s higher in fat and adds more creaminess.
jill says
This looks yummy! Can I save my morning brewed left over coffee for this recipe?
Also, I believe Dandy is not Gluten Free, as it was reported to FDA for having Gluten so if you’re allergic please be aware. :)
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
Ok great tip on the dandy blend. And yes! Leftover brewed coffee will work fine.
Tiffany Gross says
Hi Dana!
I recently purchased your book and I love it! The Thai sweet potatoes are my fav.
I’m really excited about this new recipe but I’m wondering if you can suggest substitutions for the cacao and the banana?
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
Carob and dates!
VL says
What do you suggest in place of the banana? I am allergic to bananas, but would love to try this recipe.
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
Others have suggested dates!
Laurel says
BEST drink in the world. How do I know? I keep my freezer stocked with this stuff including frozen coffee cubes so I know it can be started with either coconut milk or coffee whatever’s available. Sooooo good and creamy and makes you feel so spoiled plus, whenever possible cinnamon because mainly well, cinnamon. :-)
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
Smart! Thanks for sharing, Laurel.
Robyn says
Substitute for bananas?? I real dislike for them. Thanks This is not a duplicate?
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
Others have suggested dates!
Robyn says
Substitute for bananas?? I real dislike for them. Thanks
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
Others have suggested dates!
Irene says
can i use other milk? like almond?
Dana @ Minimalist Baker says
Almond should work!