
You’ll get all the creamy zing of a lemon cheesecake in this smoothie, but it’s made with fresh, feel-good stuff. With a sunny citrus kick and some coconut flair, it’s way more exciting than a plain smoothie. Drink it for breakfast or a sweet pick-me-up—you’ll still be loading up on good-for-you ingredients, and it feels totally over the top.
I was hooked after the first sip—I made it for days on end! Even my pickiest kid thought of it as dessert but ate it for breakfast.
Dreamy Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen mango: Makes it thick and naturally sweet—skip the banana and let mango do the magic. Use super ripe frozen pieces if you can.
- 1/4 cup pecans (chopped): Adds smooth richness and good fats. Toast ’em first for extra oomph.
- 1 medium lemon: Fresh lemon brings bold tang and plenty of vitamin C. Pick one that feels heavy and looks bright yellow.
- 1-2 medjool dates: Give natural sweetness and help everything blend together. Squishy dates are best.
- 1/4 cup chickpeas: They make everything super creamy and add plant power. Rinse canned ones really well to get rid of the can taste.
- 1 cup light coconut milk: For that classic cheesecake feeling, but lighter and dairy free. Unsweetened canned coconut milk is best for a creamy texture.
- 1/8 tsp sea salt (fine): Brings all the flavors to life. Use pure sea salt if you can.
- 1/4 tsp turmeric (ground): For that super sunny color and a warm little kick. Grab fresh-ground turmeric for brighter flavor.
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup (optional): Sweeten it up if you need—real maple syrup has the best flavor.
- 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that mimics cheesecake. Choose raw unfiltered for extra goodness.
Simple Steps
- Sweeten and Finish:
- Give it a taste—if you want more sweetness, blend in maple syrup. Pour up and get sippin’.
- Blend Until Super Smooth:
- Crank the blender on high so everything’s thick and creamy, no bits left. You might need to scrape the sides so everything gets smooth.
- Add Everything to Your Blender:
- Dump in the coconut milk, chickpeas, pecans, frozen mango, dates, salt, turmeric, and apple cider vinegar. Pile everything in so it blends evenly.
- Peel and Cut Up Lemon:
- Saw off both tips so the lemon stands flat. Use a sharp knife to slice off peel plus the white stuff. Toss just the juicy flesh in your blender to keep things nice and bright, not bitter.
- Zest the Lemon Right In:
- Use your zester or grater to get all that punchy yellow zest into the blender before you peel it—easier that way and you’ll catch loads of flavor.

Fresh lemon makes every sip crazy refreshing—I still remember my little one’s first bright yellow mustache from gulping this down, eyes wide as can be.
Storage Ideas
Drink it fresh for the best taste, but if you have a bit left, cover and stick it in the fridge for up to a day. If it thickens up, just splash in more coconut milk or water and stir. Fresh citrus doesn’t freeze well, so skip the freezer.
Swaps
No dates in the pantry? A spoonful of honey or agave gets it sweet. Out of pecans? Walnuts or almonds will do the job. If you’re missing coconut milk, any creamy plant milk works, but coconut is the trick for that cheesecake punch.
How to Serve
Pour it tall with a lemon slice at breakfast or snack time. Try chopped pecans or sprinkle coconut for crunch—makes a great light after-dinner sweet too.

Origins and Inspiration
Taking after classic no-bake lemon cheesecakes, this drink brings those dessert flavors into a fresh, drinkable treat. Lemon goodies are a long-time favorite in American and British kitchens—blending them up means dessert vibes meet healthy habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I substitute another nut for pecans?
Totally—try swapping in walnuts or cashews for an equally smooth, nutty twist.
- → Is there a way to make this smoothie less sweet?
If you want less sweetness, skip the maple syrup or just toss in one date instead of two.
- → How do chickpeas affect the smoothie?
Chickpeas help make the drink creamier and give it a gentle, earthy base, but the citrus flavor still pops through.
- → Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
You'll get way more brightness and real lemon vibes from fresh lemon and zest—bottled juice doesn't quite match up.
- → Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?
It's best right after blending, but you can chill it for a bit. Just give it a shake if it settles.
- → How can I make the texture thinner?
Pour in a little more coconut milk or some water, then blend again until it's just how you like it.