Ultimate Mango Shake Recipe – Cardamom & Vanilla Ice Cream Delight

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Ultimate Mango Shake Recipe – Cardamom & Vanilla Ice Cream Delight

Hey everyone! If sunshine had a flavor, it would definitely be this mango shake. Seriously, this isn’t just a drink; it’s a little slice of summer happiness in a glass. I remember making this for my little cousin when she visited last year, and her face just lit up – pure joy! It’s become a family favorite ever since, and I’m so excited to share it with you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This mango shake is unbelievably easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and a blender. It’s the perfect way to beat the heat, satisfy your sweet tooth, or simply enjoy the incredible flavor of mangoes. The addition of cardamom and vanilla ice cream takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness – trust me on this one! It’s creamy, dreamy, and utterly irresistible.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful mango shake:

• 2-3 mangoes (very large or medium)
• 1 cup chilled whole milk (about 240ml)
• 5-6 ice cubes
• 2 tablespoons sugar (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder
• 4 scoops vanilla ice cream
• 2 tablespoons chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios)
• 2 tablespoons tutti frutti
• 2 glazed cherries
• Few mango pieces for garnish

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference.

• Mangoes: The star of the show! We’ll get into varieties in a sec.
• Milk: Whole milk gives the richest, creamiest shake. But you can use any milk you prefer – almond, soy, or even oat milk work beautifully.
• Sugar: Adjust this to your liking. Mangoes vary in sweetness, so taste as you go!
• Cardamom: Don’t skip this! It adds such a lovely, fragrant warmth.
• Ice Cream: Vanilla is classic, but feel free to experiment (more on that later!).

Mango Varieties for the Best Flavor

Choosing the right mango makes all the difference. Alphonso mangoes are the gold standard – incredibly sweet and fragrant. But if you can’t find them, Kesar, Dasheri, or even Tommy Atkins mangoes will work well. Really, any ripe, sweet mango will do!

The Importance of Chilled Milk

Seriously, don’t skip chilling the milk! It helps keep the shake cold and thick without needing too much ice, which can dilute the flavor. I usually just pop the milk in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes before I start.

Cardamom: The Queen of Spices

Cardamom isn’t just a flavor; it’s an experience! It adds a beautiful floral, slightly citrusy note that complements the mango perfectly. A little goes a long way, so ¼ teaspoon is usually perfect. You can use ground cardamom or, if you’re feeling fancy, lightly crush a few cardamom pods and add them to the blender.

Choosing Your Ice Cream – Vanilla & Beyond

Vanilla ice cream is the classic pairing, and for good reason. It enhances the mango flavor without overpowering it. But don’t be afraid to get creative! Mango ice cream would be amazing, or even a swirl of coconut or pistachio.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get shaking!

1. First, peel and pit your mangoes. You want to get all that gorgeous, golden pulp.
2. Now, into your blender goes the mango pulp, chilled milk, ice cubes, sugar, and cardamom powder.
3. Blend, blend, blend! Keep going until everything is beautifully smooth and creamy.
4. Pour the shake into serving glasses, filling them about ¾ full. This leaves room for the fun stuff!
5. Add two scoops of vanilla ice cream to each glass.
6. Time for the toppings! Sprinkle with chopped nuts, tutti frutti, and a few pieces of mango. Don’t forget a glazed cherry on top for that extra touch of sweetness.
7. Serve immediately with a spoon and a straw. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

A few little secrets to make your mango shake even better:

Achieving the Perfect Shake Consistency

Want a thicker shake? Add more ice cream or a few more frozen mango chunks. For a thinner shake, add a splash more milk.

Blending Techniques for a Smooth Texture

Start blending on low speed and gradually increase to high. This helps prevent splattering and ensures everything is blended evenly.

Preventing Ice Crystal Formation

If you’re not drinking the shake right away, store it in an airtight container in the freezer. This will help prevent ice crystals from forming.

Variations

Let’s get creative!

Vegan Mango Shake

Swap the whole milk for your favorite plant-based milk (almond, soy, or coconut work great) and use vegan vanilla ice cream.

Gluten-Free Mango Shake

This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check that your tutti frutti and ice cream are also gluten-free.

Adjusting the Sweetness

My friend, Priya, always adds a touch of honey instead of sugar – she loves the floral notes. Feel free to experiment with different sweeteners!

Spice Level – A Pinch of Ginger or Saffron?

My grandmother used to add a tiny pinch of grated ginger to her mango shakes for a little zing. Or, for a truly luxurious treat, try a few strands of saffron soaked in a tablespoon of warm milk.

Mango Lassi Adaptation (Yogurt Based)

For a mango lassi twist, replace half the milk with plain yogurt. It adds a lovely tanginess!

Festival Adaptations – Holi & Summer Celebrations

During Holi, I like to add a pinch of turmeric for a vibrant yellow color. It’s perfect for celebrating the festival of colors!

Serving Suggestions

This mango shake is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with:

• Light snacks like biscuits or cookies
• A slice of mango cake
• A refreshing fruit salad

Storage Instructions

Mango shake is best enjoyed immediately. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 hours. Be sure to give it a good stir before serving, as it may separate.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Can I use frozen mango pulp instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen mango pulp is a great option, especially when mangoes aren’t in season. Just make sure to thaw it slightly before blending.

What’s the best way to peel and cube a mango?

There are tons of tutorials online, but my favorite method is to slice off the sides of the mango, score the flesh in a grid pattern, and then scoop it out with a spoon.

Can I make this shake ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can blend the mango pulp, milk, sugar, and cardamom ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a few hours. Then, just add the ice cream and blend again when you’re ready to serve.

How can I adjust the thickness of the shake?

More ice cream = thicker shake. More milk = thinner shake. Simple as that!

What are some other toppings I can use?

Get creative! Shredded coconut, chocolate shavings, a drizzle of honey, or even a sprinkle of chili powder (for a spicy kick!) are all great options.

Is cardamom essential for this recipe?

While it’s highly recommended, you can leave it out if you’re not a fan. But honestly, it really elevates the flavor!