Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Jackfruit Milkshake Recipe – Coconut & Jaggery Tropical Blend

Introduction

Oh, jackfruit! It’s such a wonderfully versatile fruit, isn’t it? For years, I underestimated it, but now I’m completely hooked. This Jackfruit Milkshake is my go-to on a hot day – it’s creamy, naturally sweet, and tastes like a tropical vacation in a glass. I first made this when my cousin visited from the US, and she absolutely loved it. It’s a little different from the usual fruit shakes, and that’s what makes it so special. You’ll be surprised how easily it comes together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Jackfruit Milkshake isn’t just delicious; it’s a little bit special. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the unique flavour of jackfruit, especially if you’re new to it. The combination of creamy coconut milk and the caramel notes of jaggery are just divine. Plus, it’s super quick to make – perfect when you need a refreshing treat in a hurry.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this tropical delight:

• 1.25 cup chopped ripe jackfruit (seeds removed)
• 200 ml thick coconut milk
• 2-3 tablespoons jaggery powder
• 1/4-1/2 cup water (adjust to desired consistency)
• 6-8 ice cubes
• 1-2 tablespoons finely chopped jackfruit (for garnish)
• 6-8 chopped cashews (for garnish)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients – getting these right makes all the difference!

Jackfruit: Choosing Ripe Fruit & Varieties

Choosing the right jackfruit is key. You want a ripe one that yields slightly to gentle pressure. The aroma should be fragrant and fruity. Don’t worry about the size – even smaller pods will work beautifully. I prefer the bulbous, sweet varieties, but any ripe jackfruit will do!

Coconut Milk: The Importance of Thick Coconut Milk

Thick coconut milk is essential for that creamy texture. The canned variety works best – look for one with a high fat content. Avoid the watered-down carton coconut milk; it just won’t give you the same richness. Around 200ml is perfect, but feel free to add a splash more if you love a really coconutty flavour.

Jaggery: A Traditional Sweetener & Its Benefits

Jaggery is an unrefined sugar made from sugarcane or palm sap. It has a lovely caramel flavour and is a traditional sweetener in Indian cuisine. It’s also considered healthier than refined sugar, containing trace minerals.

Regional Variations in Sweeteners

If you can’t find jaggery, you can substitute it with brown sugar or even maple syrup, though the flavour will be slightly different. In some parts of India, people also use dates for a natural sweetness.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get blending!

1. First, chop your ripe jackfruit into bite-sized pieces, making sure to remove all the seeds. About 1.25 cups should do nicely.
2. Now, add the chopped jackfruit to your blender.
3. Pour in the 200ml of thick coconut milk and 2-3 tablespoons of jaggery powder.
4. Blend everything together until it’s beautifully smooth and creamy.
5. Add 6-8 ice cubes and about ¼ cup of water. Blend again until you reach your desired consistency.
6. If you like a thinner shake, add a little more water, a tablespoon at a time, and blend.
7. Pour the milkshake into glasses.
8. Garnish with finely chopped jackfruit and a sprinkle of chopped cashews.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years:

Achieving the Perfect Consistency

The amount of water you add really depends on how thick you like your milkshake. Start with ¼ cup and add more gradually until it’s just right.

Blending Techniques for Smoothness

A high-powered blender will give you the smoothest results. If your blender struggles, blend in stages, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.

Using Frozen Jackfruit for a Thicker Shake

For an extra-thick and frosty shake, use frozen jackfruit! Just chop it and freeze it for a couple of hours before blending.

Variations

Let’s get creative!

Vegan Jackfruit Milkshake

This recipe is naturally vegan, as long as your jaggery is processed without bone char (most are!).

Spice Level Adjustment (Cardamom or Nutmeg)

My friend, Priya, loves adding a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg to her jackfruit milkshake for a warm, aromatic flavour. It’s delicious!

Festival Adaptations (Summer Coolers)

This is a perfect drink for summer festivals like Baisakhi or Onam. It’s incredibly refreshing and a welcome change from the usual sugary drinks.

Serving Suggestions

This milkshake is best enjoyed immediately. It pairs wonderfully with a light snack like khakhra or namak para. You can also serve it as a dessert after a spicy Indian meal.

Storage Instructions

Honestly, this milkshake is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The texture might change slightly, so you may need to re-blend it before serving.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Is jackfruit milkshake healthy?

Yes, it can be! Jackfruit is a good source of fiber and vitamins. Using natural sweeteners like jaggery makes it a healthier option than milkshakes loaded with refined sugar.

Can I use canned jackfruit in this recipe?

You can, but the flavour won’t be as vibrant as fresh jackfruit. If using canned jackfruit, make sure it’s packed in water or brine, not syrup. Rinse it well before using.

What can I substitute for jaggery?

Brown sugar, maple syrup, or even dates can be used as substitutes for jaggery.

How do I know when jackfruit is ripe?

A ripe jackfruit will have a fragrant aroma, yield slightly to gentle pressure, and have soft spikes.

Can this milkshake be made ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Re-blend before serving.