Copycat Zaxby’s Banana Pudding Milkshake Recipe

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If you’ve ever savored the perfect blend of creamy banana pudding flavor, crunchy vanilla wafer pieces, and the irresistible combo of whipped cream and a cherry on top, you know exactly why this Zaxby’s Banana Pudding Milkshake holds a special place in our dessert-loving hearts. But what if I told you that you don’t need to wait for Zaxby’s seasonal menu or even leave your house to enjoy this iconic treat?

How to make Zaxby’s Banana Pudding Milkshake

The Zaxby’s Banana Pudding Milkshake is a limited-time dessert milkshake from Zaxby’s that blends a creamy vanilla-style shake with banana pudding flavor and crushed vanilla wafer cookies, topped with whipped cream. It’s designed to taste like traditional Southern banana pudding in drink form.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to recreate this delicious Zaxby’s Banana Pudding Milkshake:

For the Milkshake:

• 2 ripe bananas (the riper, the sweeter and more flavorful the milkshake will be!)
• 2 cups vanilla ice cream (premium ice cream works best for a creamy texture)
• 1 cup whole milk (or adjust to your desired consistency)
• 1/4 cup vanilla pudding mix (optional, but it adds that signature banana pudding flavor)
• 1/2 cup crushed vanilla wafers (plus extra for topping)

For Toppings:

• Whipped cream (you can use store-bought or make your own, depending on your preference)
• Vanilla wafer pieces (for crunch and visual appeal)
• Maraschino cherry (the classic finishing touch)

Instructions

1. Peel the bananas and cut them into small slices. This will help them blend more easily and evenly with the other ingredients.
2. In a blender, combine the sliced bananas, vanilla ice cream, milk, and vanilla pudding mix (if using). Blend on medium to high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Add the crushed vanilla wafers to the blender. Pulse just a couple of times to mix them in—this way, you keep some texture and crunch in the milkshake.
4. Pour the milkshake into a tall glass. Top with whipped cream, more crushed vanilla wafers, and a maraschino cherry for that picture-perfect touch.
5. Serve immediately while it’s still cold, creamy, and delicious. Grab a thick straw or a long spoon and dive right in!

Tips for the Best Banana Pudding Milkshake

• Use ripe bananas: For the best flavour, your bananas should be soft and speckled with brown spots. They’ll add natural sweetness and give your shake that rich, banana-forward flavor.
• Chill Your Glasses: For an extra-special touch, chill your serving glasses in the freezer for 15–20 minutes before pouring in the milkshake. It’ll keep your shake colder for longer.
• Control the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker milkshake, add more ice cream. For a thinner shake, pour in a bit more milk. Adjust until you find the texture you love.
• Experiment with Mix-Ins: Want to get creative? Add a drizzle of caramel sauce or a few spoonfuls of actual banana pudding to the blender for a richer, indulgent flavor.
• Make-Ahead Tip: If you’re hosting guests and want to serve multiple shakes, you can blend the milkshake base (without the crushed wafers) in advance. When it’s time to serve, pulse the wafers into the blend and garnish fresh!

What to serve with

The Zaxby’s Banana Pudding Milkshake is decadently creamy, packed with bold banana flavors, and a nostalgic treat that feels like dessert in a glass.

– Fried Chicken or Chicken Tenders: The crispy, golden texture of fried chicken (or Zaxby ’s-style chicken tenders) is a perfect contrast to the creamy milkshake. The mild saltiness of the chicken balances the sweetness of the shake, creating a perfectly satisfying mix of flavors.

– Crinkle-Cut Fries: Lightly salted crinkle-cut fries or sweet potato fries are perfect for dipping into the milkshake—you get that coveted sweet-and-savory combo that’s irresistibly good. This nostalgic pairing is an absolute winner.

– Sliders or Mini Burgers: Pair the milkshake with sliders made from juicy beef, crispy fried chicken, or even pulled pork. Think of it as fast food, elevated. You could even get creative with toppings like caramelized onions or spicy aioli for a zesty kick.

Ingredients Substitutes

Sometimes, you might not have all the ingredients on hand, or you may want to make the recipe fit dietary restrictions or personal preferences. The good news is that there are plenty of substitutions you can make to recreate the delicious Zaxby’s Banana Pudding Milkshake while still keeping its essence intact.

1. Ripe Bananas Substitute

Bananas are the star ingredient in this milkshake, but if you’re looking for alternatives, here are a few suggestions:

• Frozen Bananas: If you have overripe bananas lying around but don’t want them to go bad, peel and freeze them ahead of time! Frozen bananas also add an icy, creamier texture, perfect for milkshakes.
• Banana Extract: If you don’t have fresh bananas, banana extract can provide a similar flavor. Start with ½ teaspoon of banana extract per banana and adjust to taste.
• Banana-Flavored Yogurt: Swap out the fresh bananas for banana-flavored yogurt, which adds both the banana flavor and an extra layer of creaminess.
• Mashed Sweet Potato or Pumpkin (for a twist): Though unconventional, mashed sweet potato or pumpkin can stand in for bananas in terms of texture. You might need to add ½ teaspoon of banana extract to mimic the banana flavor.

2. Vanilla Ice Cream Substitutes

Vanilla ice cream provides a creamy, sweet base, but you can replace it with these options if needed:

• Non-Dairy Vanilla Ice Cream: For a vegan or dairy-free version, use non-dairy vanilla ice cream made from almond, oat, or coconut milk. Many brands offer alternatives that are just as rich and creamy.
• Frozen Yogurt: Vanilla frozen yogurt makes a slightly tangier but healthier alternative. It works great if you enjoy a lighter milkshake with fewer calories.
• Homemade Ice Cream: If you like making things from scratch, whip up your own vanilla ice cream using simple ingredients like cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Bonus: you can control the sweetness level!
• Frozen Banana Cream as the Base: Blend frozen bananas with a splash of milk or non-dairy milk to create a banana “nice cream” as a substitute for both the bananas and ice cream.

3. Vanilla Wafers Substitute

Vanilla wafers add crunch and a classic banana pudding element, but other options can create similar textures or flavors:

• Graham Crackers (Crushed): Use crushed graham crackers as a buttery, crunchy substitute for vanilla wafers. They are widely available and pair well with the banana flavor.
• Digestive Biscuits: These classic cookies are slightly sweet and mildly spiced, making them a great replacement.
• Ladyfingers: If you want to take inspiration from tiramisu, ladyfingers are another light, crispy option that works well in milkshakes.
• Gluten-Free Biscuits: If you need a gluten-free version, opt for gluten-free shortbread cookies or vanilla-flavored wafers. Many brands have excellent alternatives that taste just as good.

4. Milk Substitutes

Milk is critical for creating the right consistency for a milkshake. Depending on your dietary needs or personal taste, here are some great substitutes:

• Non-Dairy Milk: Almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk are all excellent non-dairy options. Oat milk, in particular, has a creamy consistency that mimics whole milk.
• Cashew Milk: If you prefer a rich, creamy flavor without dairy, cashew milk is a great alternative.
• Condensed Milk or Evaporated Milk: For an ultra-rich milkshake, you can substitute condensed or evaporated milk. Be mindful of sweetness since condensed milk is sweetened.
• Heavy Cream (Thinned): For extra creaminess, you can thin heavy cream with a little water or milk and use it instead of whole milk.

Final Thoughts

The Zaxby’s Banana Pudding Milkshake is already a dessert in itself, but serving it with the right foods truly makes it an occasion. By mixing and matching savory, sweet, or light dishes with the milkshake, you can transform it into the centerpiece of a meal, brunch, or movie night.

More Shake Recipes:

• Copycat Dairy Queen Fruity Pebbles Shake Recipe