Name: McDonald’s Shamrock Shake Made Easy and Skinnyfied!
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: ¾ cup fat-free frozen vanilla yogurt or ice cream (see shopping tips); ½ cup fat-free milk; ⅛ teaspoon peppermint extract or mint extract; 5 drops green food coloring; 2 packets Truvia, Stevia, Splenda or your favorite sugar substitute; 3-4 ice cubes; Fat-free or Light whipped cream, (optional)

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Happy St. Patrick's Day Everyone!

McDonald’s super yummy Shamrock Shake has been back since the end of February and so has my skinny version! It’s available at McDonald’s every year for a limited time through March. Get ready to enjoy every sip of my dreamy, minty, milkshake…Guilt-free!!! You’ll be completely amazed how much it tastes like the real thing but it’s completely fat-free. No need to make it just once a year. I hope you get a chance to try it soon! Each skinny shake (1½ cups) has 184 calories and 0 fat.

Have fun skinny sipping!

McDonald’s Shamrock Shake Made Skinny and Fat-Free

Why You'll Love My Skinnyfied McDonald's Shamrock Shake

Craving the iconic minty freshness of a Shamrock Shake but seeking a lighter, more convenient option? My Skinnyfied McDonald's Shamrock Shake offers the perfect solution. This version typically focuses on replicating the classic flavor profile with fewer calories and less sugar, appealing to health-conscious individuals and those looking for a quick, at-home treat. By utilizing ingredients like low-fat ice cream, sugar substitutes, and extracts, you can enjoy the familiar creamy texture and vibrant peppermint taste without the guilt. Whether you're avoiding long drive-thru lines, watching your calorie intake, or simply prefer a customizable recipe, this "skinnyfied" approach allows you to indulge in a seasonal favorite whenever the craving strikes, making it a delightful and practical choice for any Shamrock Shake enthusiast.

Ingredients For Skinnyfied Shamrock Shake

Fat-free frozen vanilla yogurt or ice cream:

Texture and Foundation: This is the core of the shake, providing the thick, creamy texture we associate with a milkshake. Fat-free versions are crucial for cutting calories and fat.
Flavor Base: Vanilla acts as a neutral base, allowing the peppermint extract to shine. The "frozen" aspect is essential for a cold, refreshing drink.
Healthier Alternative: Compared to regular ice cream, fat-free options significantly reduce saturated fat and calories, making it a more diet-friendly choice.
Variations exist amongst fat-free frozen yogurts and ice creams. Some have better texture or sweetness than others.

Fat-free milk:

Consistency Control: Milk thins out the frozen yogurt or ice cream, creating the desired drinkable consistency. The amount can be adjusted for a thicker or thinner shake.
Calorie Reduction: Choosing fat-free milk over whole or 2% milk dramatically reduces the fat and calorie content.
Lactose Considerations: For those with lactose intolerance, alternatives like unsweetened almond or oat milk can be used, though they might slightly alter the texture and flavor.

Peppermint extract or mint extract:

Signature Flavor: This is the defining ingredient, providing the cool, refreshing minty taste characteristic of a Shamrock Shake.
Potency: Extracts are highly concentrated, so a small amount delivers a strong flavor, preventing the need for excessive sugar or other additives.
Aroma: The extract's aroma enhances the overall sensory experience.
Differentiation: Peppermint and Mint extracts have slightly different flavor profiles. Peppermint is usually stronger.

Green food coloring:

Visual Appeal: This ingredient is purely for aesthetics, replicating the iconic green color of a traditional Shamrock Shake.
Emotional Connection: The color evokes a sense of nostalgia and seasonal enjoyment.
Minimal Impact: Food coloring has virtually no impact on the taste or nutritional value of the shake.
Natural Alternatives: Some people prefer using natural green food colorings, such as spirulina or spinach powder, although these may slightly alter the flavor or color vibrancy.

Truvia, Stevia, Splenda, or your favorite sugar substitute:

Sweetness without Calories: These sweeteners provide the desired sweetness without the added calories of sugar, making the shake a guilt-free treat.
Blood Sugar Management: Sugar substitutes are beneficial for individuals managing blood sugar levels.
Variety of Options: Different sugar substitutes have varying sweetness levels and aftertastes, allowing for personal preference.
Concentration: Sugar substitutes are very concentrated, so use small amounts.

Ice cubes:

Coldness and Thickness: Ice cubes chill the shake and add a slightly thicker consistency.
Volume without Calories: They add volume to the shake without contributing to the calorie count.
Texture Enhancement: Blending ice cubes creates a frosty, refreshing texture.
Blending Aid: They aid in the blending process, ensuring a smooth and consistent shake.

Fat-free or Light whipped cream (optional):

Indulgent Topping: Whipped cream adds a touch of decadence and visual appeal to the shake.
Calorie Control: Choosing fat-free or light whipped cream minimizes the added calories and fat.
Texture Contrast: It provides a light and airy contrast to the creamy shake.
Presentation: It enhances the overall presentation of the shake, making it more visually appealing.

How to Make a Skinny Shamrock Shake: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients: ¾ cup fat-free frozen vanilla yogurt or ice cream, ½ cup fat-free milk, ⅛ teaspoon peppermint extract or mint extract, 5 drops green food coloring, 2 packets of your preferred sugar substitute (Truvia, Stevia, or Splenda), and 3-4 ice cubes. Optional: fat-free or light whipped cream for topping.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Blender

This is where the magic happens! Add all the shake ingredients—the fat-free frozen yogurt/ice cream, fat-free milk, peppermint extract, green food coloring, sugar substitute, and ice cubes—into a high-powered blender. The order isn't crucial, but starting with the liquid ingredients can help ensure a smoother blend.

Step 3: Blend at High Speed

Secure the blender lid and blend on high speed. This initial blend will break down the frozen yogurt/ice cream and ice cubes, creating a smooth base. Blend for approximately 30-60 seconds, or until the mixture appears uniformly smooth.

Step 4: Stop and Stir (The Key to Smoothness)

This step is crucial for achieving that perfectly smooth Shamrock Shake texture. Stop the blender and use a long-handled spoon or spatula to stir the mixture. This helps to dislodge any frozen chunks that may have adhered to the sides of the blender or become trapped beneath the blades. This ensures a consistent blend throughout.

Step 5: Blend Again for a Few Seconds

After stirring, replace the lid and blend for another 10-15 seconds. This final blend will incorporate any remaining chunks and create a perfectly smooth, creamy texture.

Step 6: Pour and Serve Immediately

Pour the Shamrock Shake into a chilled glass. Serving it immediately prevents the shake from melting and losing its frosty texture.

Step 7: Top with Whipped Cream (Optional)

For an extra touch of indulgence, top your shake with fat-free or light whipped cream. While it adds a beautiful finishing touch, the shake is delicious on its own, making it a truly guilt-free treat.

Why This Recipe Works:

Fat-Free Focus: Using fat-free frozen yogurt/ice cream and fat-free milk significantly reduces the calorie and fat content, making it a healthier alternative.
Sugar Substitute Savvy: Replacing sugar with sugar substitutes like Truvia, Stevia, or Splenda minimizes sugar intake without sacrificing sweetness.
Extract Excellence: Peppermint extract provides the signature Shamrock Shake flavor without adding unnecessary calories or sugar.
Blending Technique: The combination of high-speed blending and stirring ensures a smooth, consistent texture, mimicking the original Shamrock Shake experience.
Customization: You can adjust the amount of peppermint extract or sugar substitute to your liking, creating a personalized Shamrock Shake.

Helpful Tips About this Recipe

Makes 1 (1½ cups) serving

Food Facts
First introduced in 1970, the Shamrock Shake, McDonald’s minty, St. Patrick’s Day treat, is back and available all over the country. You’ll be able to sip the green dessert drink until the end of March and then it will be gone until next year.

Shopping Tips
Buy fat-free frozen vanilla yogurt found at your local yogurt shop or Edy’s (Dreyer's) fat-free frozen vanilla yogurt. This brand is available in most supermarkets or uses your favorite fat-free frozen vanilla yogurt. Edy’s and Dreyer’s are the same company but are named differently in different areas. It’s called Edy’s in the East, Midwest, and South, and Dreyer’s in the Western US.

If you can't find fat-free frozen yogurt or ice cream look for a low -fat brand.

Prep Tips
If you buy frozen yogurt from your local yogurt shop, place in the freezer until very firm, before using. This should take about an hour.

WW Freestyle SmartPoints 6-Blue
WW SmartPoints 8-Green

SKINNY FACTS: for 1 serving (1½ cups) (not including whipped cream)
184 calories, 0g fat, 0g sat. fat, 2.5mg chol, 9g protein, 36g carbs, 0g fiber, 132mg sodium, 27g sugar

FACTS: for Freestyle SmartPoints
135 calories, 0 sat. fat, 5g protein, 21g sugar