Name: Skinny Remake of Coffee Bean’s Fabulous Ice Blended Vanilla Drink
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: ⅓ cup double-strength regular or decaf coffee, chilled, (see prep tip); ⅓ cup nonfat milk; 1 tablespoon Jello instant vanilla pudding ((the dry pudding mix in a box)); 2 packages Stevia, Truvia, Splenda or Equal (or your favorite sugar substitute); 1 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1⅓ cups ice; ¼ cup fat-free whipped cream ((from a can))

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Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf was the first company back in the 1980s to create these amazing ice-blended drinks. Now they’re all the rage…Sweet, rich-tasting, icy cold, and very refreshing! It’s a sophisticated grown-up milkshake, where you can get a jolt of caffeine in every cup. I especially love their vanilla one. My skinny remake has 97 calories and 2 grams of fat. Have fun skinny sipping!!!

Why You Will Love My Skinny Remake of Coffee Bean’s Fabulous Ice Blended Vanilla Drink

You're going to love this recipe because it brings the joy of a Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf's Fabulous Ice Blended Vanilla right into your own kitchen, but with a skinny twist! We all know that drive-thru drinks can be loaded with sugar and calories, but my version slashes all that without sacrificing any of the creamy, dreamy flavor. This drink is a lifesaver for those moments when you're craving a sweet, frosty treat but want to stick to your healthy eating goals. It’s incredibly easy to make, and with just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a guilt-free indulgence that tastes just as good, if not better, than the original. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite skinny iced blended drink!

The Skinny on the Ingredients

Double-Strength Coffee

Using a double-strength brew is the secret sauce to this recipe! By brewing your coffee to be more concentrated, you ensure that the rich, bold flavor of the coffee doesn't get lost when it's blended with ice and milk. Think of it as a flavor foundation—it's what makes this drink taste like a genuine coffee shop treat, not just a watery, sweet concoction. You can easily make this by using twice the amount of coffee grounds for the same amount of water you'd normally use. The best part? You can choose either regular coffee for a morning or afternoon pick-me-up, or decaf for a relaxing, evening indulgence.

Nonfat Milk

We're all about smart swaps that don't sacrifice flavor, and nonfat milk is a prime example. While a coffee shop version might use whole milk or even cream, we’re using nonfat milk to dramatically cut down on calories and fat. The good news is, you won't miss a thing! Nonfat milk still provides that creamy, smooth texture that gives this ice blended drink its body and mouthfeel, making it feel just as luxurious as the original. It’s a simple ingredient that makes a big difference in "skinnifying" this classic.

Jello Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix

Here's my little secret for that perfect coffee shop consistency: a spoonful of Jello instant vanilla pudding mix! The dry mix acts as a brilliant thickening agent, creating that wonderfully thick, milkshake-like texture without the need for heavy cream or high-calorie syrups. It also boosts the vanilla flavor, adding an extra layer of deliciousness and aroma. It's a key player in making this homemade drink feel just as rich and satisfying as a store-bought version, but with a fraction of the guilt.

Sugar Substitute

To keep this drink wonderfully sweet without the sugar rush (or the calories!), we're using your favorite sugar substitute like Stevia, Truvia, Splenda, or Equal. This is a crucial step in making the recipe "skinny." You get all the lovely sweetness that complements the coffee and vanilla flavors, but none of the added sugar. This means you can indulge in this frosty treat whenever a craving strikes, knowing you're sticking to your healthy goals.

Vanilla Extract

A touch of vanilla extract might seem small, but it plays a huge role in the final flavor. It elevates the vanilla from the pudding mix, making the overall taste more complex, fragrant, and authentic. It’s that little extra something that makes this drink taste polished and professional, as if it came from your favorite barista.

Ice

The ice is what makes this a true ice blended drink! The right amount of ice is essential for achieving that perfect frosty, slushy, and thick texture. We're using a good amount to ensure the final product is thick and incredibly refreshing, not just a watery mix. Blending the ice properly is the key to creating that wonderful, smooth consistency that is so satisfying on a warm day.

Fat-Free Whipped Cream

For the perfect finishing touch, we’re topping our drink with fat-free whipped cream from a can. This gives you the visual appeal and the delightful, airy texture of a traditional gourmet drink topping, but with almost no fat or calories. It's the crown jewel of this skinny remake, providing that final note of indulgence without derailing your healthy eating plan. It’s the perfect way to feel like you’re treating yourself without any of the guilt!

Instructions for a Perfect Skinny Ice Blended Drink

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients in the Blender

Let's get this deliciousness started! First, grab your blender—a good, strong one will make all the difference. The key to a perfectly blended drink is to add the liquid and dry ingredients first. Pour in your chilled double-strength coffee followed by the nonfat milk. This liquid base will help the blender get a head start. Next, add the secret ingredient for that thick, creamy texture: the Jello instant vanilla pudding mix. Sprinkle in your favorite sugar substitute and a dash of vanilla extract. Putting these in first allows them to mix thoroughly before we add the ice. This simple starting order ensures you get a smooth, flavorful base that’s ready for its frosty finish.

Step 2: Blend Until Smooth

Now for the magic! After you've added all your ingredients except the ice, it’s time for the blending. Add the ice to the blender. Make sure the lid is on tight! Begin blending on high speed. The goal here is to completely crush the ice and integrate it with the other ingredients, creating a velvety smooth, thick consistency. Don't be afraid to give your blender a little love! Sometimes, the mixture can get stuck, so if you notice the blades spinning but the contents aren't moving, simply turn off the blender, use a spoon or spatula to push the mixture down toward the blades, and then continue blending. A little pause and mix is all it takes to get that perfect, slushy texture.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy!

You've done it! Your skinny ice blended vanilla drink is ready to be enjoyed. Carefully pour the thick, frosty mixture into your favorite glass. For the perfect finishing touch, grab your can of fat-free whipped cream. A generous dollop on top adds a lovely, airy texture and that classic coffee shop look without any of the guilt. You can serve it immediately with or without a straw. This drink is at its best when it's still icy and fresh, so don't wait too long to take that first delicious, guilt-free sip! Enjoy your homemade skinny remake—it's the perfect treat to satisfy your cravings while keeping you on track.

Helpful Tips About this Recipe

Makes 1 (1½ cups) serving

Food Facts
In the 1980s the world’s first cold blended coffee drink (as opposed to shaken, stirred, or served over ice) was created at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®. It was created by some of its employees. Company founder, Herbert B. Hyman, perfected it. It was an instant hit and the rest, as they say, is history!

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® has over 250 company-owned stores and numerous franchises.

Prep Tips
Make double-strength regular or decaf coffee by brewing with twice the coffee required by your coffee maker. Use 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per each cup of coffee. Chill before using. Make extra, if desired, to keep on hand in the refrigerator.

WW FreestyleSmartPoints-4 Blue (with ¼ cup fat-free whipped cream)
WW SmartPoints 4-Green (with ¼ cup fat-free whipped cream)
WW POINTS PLUS 3 (with ¼ cup fat-free whipped cream)

SKINNY FACTS: for 1 drink (1½ cups) with ¼ cup fat-free whipped cream
97 calories, 0g fat, 0g sat. fat, 3g protein,19g carbs, 0g fiber,198mg sodium, 15g sugar