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This creamy, lemony smoothie tastes like cheesecake with a sunny citrus kick, but it's loaded with wholesome stuff. Thanks to coconut, it's way more fun than a plain drink. Sip it in the morning, or grab it as a sweet snack. Either way, you'll get loads of goodness and it'll feel super special every time.
The first gulp got me hooked—I had it every day for ages! Even my fussy kid thought it was dessert, but happily slurped it down for breakfast.
Luscious Ingredients
- 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar: Brings in a gentle tang, kinda like a cheesecake vibe. Go for the raw unfiltered stuff if you have it.
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup (optional): If you want a bit more sweet, real maple syrup is the tastiest choice.
- 1/4 tsp turmeric (ground): Pops in that beautiful color and a soft, warm taste. Freshly ground is extra flavorful.
- 1/8 tsp sea salt (fine): Ties all the flavors together. Pure sea salt works best.
- 1 cup light coconut milk: You get that classic creamy cheesecake feeling, just lighter and dairy-free. Unsweetened canned coconut milk makes it extra smooth.
- 1/4 cup chickpeas: Adds tons of creaminess and a good dose of plant protein. If using canned, rinse well so you get clean flavor.
- 1-2 medjool dates: Naturally sweetens and helps blend everything together. Soft ones are just right.
- 1 medium lemon: Fresh lemon juices up the tang and a pile of vitamin C. Pick one that's bright yellow and heavy for its size.
- 1/4 cup pecans (chopped): Make it extra rich and add healthy fats. Toast them a bit first if you like a deeper flavor.
- 1 cup frozen mango: Gives thickness and sweetness—ditch the banana and let mango lead the way. Ripe frozen chunks are perfect.
Easy Directions
- Zest Lemon First:
- Grab your zester or grater and get all that bright yellow zest into the blender right away. It's faster and you get tons of flavor.
- Peel and Slice Lemon:
- Cut both lemon ends off so it sits steady. Use a sharp knife to slice off the peel and white part, then toss only the juicy inside in the blender for max brightness, no bitterness.
- Load Up Blender:
- Drop in coconut milk, chickpeas, pecans, mango, dates, salt, turmeric, and apple cider vinegar. Pile it all in so it blends up nice and even.
- Blend Smooth:
- Run your blender on high 'til everything's silky and thick. Scrape down the sides if you need so it's all smooth.
- Taste and Sweeten:
- Have a sip—if you want it sweeter, add maple syrup and blend one last time. Pour, sip, and enjoy.
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Bright lemon in every sip makes this crazy fresh. My kid's first yellow mustache from this drink still makes me laugh—those big happy eyes!
Keep It Fresh
It's tastiest right after blending, but you can pop leftovers in the fridge for up to a day with a lid. If it gets extra thick, splash in coconut milk or water and stir it up. Fresh lemon doesn't keep well in the freezer, so give that a miss.
Best Substitutions
No dates? Use a little agave or honey to sweeten it up. Out of pecans? Swap in walnuts or almonds. Can't find coconut milk? Any creamy plant milk does the job, but coconut gives you that true cheesecake vibe.
Serving Ideas
Pour tall with a lemon round for breakfast or a snack. Add chopped pecans or a sprinkle of coconut on top for crunch. It's a fab light sweet after dinner too.
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Backstory
Inspired by old-school no-bake lemon cheesecakes, this drink takes those dessert flavors and gives them a healthy twist. Lemon treats are old favorites in British and American homes—blending them up brings that dessert comfort to your cup.
Common Questions
- → Can I substitute another nut for pecans?
Of course—try tossing in cashews or walnuts instead if you’re after a new nutty flavor.
- → Is there a way to make this smoothie less sweet?
If you want it less sugary, skip the maple syrup or just use one date instead of two.
- → How do chickpeas affect the smoothie?
Chickpeas add to the creamy vibe and bring a mild earthy note, but the citrus still shines through strong.
- → Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
You’ll really taste the difference if you go for fresh lemon and zest—bottled just doesn’t pop the same way.
- → Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?
Best when freshly blended, but you can chill it for a bit. If it settles, just shake or stir and drink up.
- → How can I make the texture thinner?
Blend in more coconut milk or a splash of water until it’s as runny as you want.