Moroccan Za3Za3: The Over-the-Top Avocado Milkshake-Dessert

Moroccan Za3za3 (also spelt ZaaZaa) is more than just a smoothie milkshake—it’s a cultural experience that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. This decadent, layered treat combines the creamy richness of avocado with the sweetness of banana, dried fruits, nuts, and syrup. It’s thick, indulgent, and often topped with an extravagant mix of goodies, making it both a dessert and a showstopper.

While ZaaZaa is a beloved treat year-round, it’s especially popular during Ramadan, when its high-fat and high-calorie content provides the perfect post-fasting pick-me-up. The avocado, blended with banana, milk and sweet ingredients, creates a smoothie so thick it’s eaten with a spoon. It’s a true calorie bomb, but one that fills both your belly and your heart with joy.

The name “ZaaZaa” comes from the Moroccan Arabic word TeyZa3za3 (تيزعزع), meaning “to shake things up,” which is fitting given its playful nature and how it has become a staple in Moroccan social life. With roots tied to the country’s rise as a top avocado exporter in the early 2000s, Za3za3 is now a signature item at local mahlab shops and patisseries, yet remains relatively unknown outside Morocco. So, why not shake things up in your own kitchen and try this indulgent recipe for yourself?

Ingredients Needed for Moroccan Za3za3

Ingredients for this Recipe

• 1 large ripe avocado, pitted and peeled
• 1 banana, peeled and sliced
• 500ml (2 cups) cold milk of your choice
• 3 dates, pitted and chopped
• 1 tbsp raw ground almonds
• 1 tbsp ground walnuts, (cashews & pistachios are other options).
• 1 tbsp honey, to taste (optional)
• Chocolate or caramel syrup, (optional for decorating the glasses)
• Toppings of your choice: chocolate bars, cookies, almonds, walnuts, dates, whipped cream (optional)

How to Make Moroccan Za3za3 at Home

1. Prepare the Smoothie Base:
   Pit the dates. Cut the avocado in half lengthwise around the pit. Twist the avocado halves in opposite directions to separate them. Remove the pit then use a spoon to scoop out the flesh. In a blender, combine the avocado, sliced banana, milk, dates, honey and nuts. Blend until smooth and creamy, ensuring all the nuts are fully incorporated into the mixture.
2. Decorate the Glasses (Optional):
   If desired, drizzle chocolate or caramel syrup on the inside walls of two serving glasses to create a decorative swirl effect. This adds both flavour and visual appeal. Another option is to add some cut fruit such as kiwi and strawberries to the bottom of the glass.
3. Assemble the Za3za3:
   Pour the avocado milkshake into the prepared glasses, filling them almost to the brim.
4. Add the Toppings:
   Add a generous dollop of whipped cream to the top of the smoothie and then get creative with your toppings! Popular choices include crushed chocolate bars, crumbled cookies, chopped nuts, and sliced dates. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle more syrup over the toppings.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve the Za3za3 immediately with a spoon. Enjoy this delicious avocado milkshake as a dessert, a post-fasting treat, or simply as a fun and satisfying snack.

A Taste of Morocco in Every Spoonful

Za3za3 is more than a drink—it’s a celebration of creativity and flavour. Its layered, over-the-top presentation encourages playful experimentation, making it a fun competition of extravagance between cafes and Melbana vendors. It’s a favourite for both kids and adults in Morocco where going out as a family for a milkshake, smoothie or dessert is an important part of Moroccan social life.

Whether you enjoy it on your own or share it with friends and family, this rich avocado smoothie is bound to become a memorable addition to your recipe repertoire. So, grab your blender and shake things up, za3za3 Moroccan-style!

Moroccan Za3za3 Milkshake

Moroccan ZaaZaa is more than just a smoothie—it’s a cultural experience that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. This decadent, layered treat combines the creamy richness of avocado with the sweetness of dried fruits, nuts, and syrup. It’s thick, indulgent, and often topped with an extravagant mix of goodies, making it both a dessert and a showstopper.

Servings 2

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Equipment

• 1 Blender

Ingredients

• 1 large ripe avocado pitted and peeled
• 1 banana peeled and sliced
• 500 ml 2 cups cold milk of your choice
• 3 dates pitted and chopped
• 1 tbsp raw ground almonds
• 1 tbsp ground walnuts (cashews & pistachios are other options).
• 1 tbsp honey to taste (optional)
• Chocolate or caramel syrup (optional for decorating the glasses)
• Toppings of your choice: chocolate bars cookies, almonds, walnuts, dates, whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

• Pit the dates. Cut the avocado in half lengthwise around the pit. Twist the avocado halves in opposite directions to separate them. Remove the pit then use a spoon to scoop out the flesh.
• In a blender, combine the avocado, sliced banana, milk, dates, honey and nuts. Blend until smooth and creamy, ensuring all the nuts are fully incorporated into the mixture.
• If desired, drizzle chocolate or caramel syrup on the inside walls of two serving glasses to create a decorative swirl effect. This adds both flavour and visual appeal. Another option is to add some cut fruit such as kiwi and strawberries to the bottom of the glass.
• Pour the avocado milkshake into the prepared glasses, filling them almost to the brim.
• Add a generous dollop of whipped cream to the top of the smoothie and then get creative with your toppings!
• Popular choices include crushed chocolate bars, crumbled cookies, chopped nuts, and sliced dates. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle more syrup over the toppings.
• Serve the Za3za3 immediately with a spoon. Enjoy this delicious avocado milkshake as a dessert, a post-fasting treat, or simply as a fun and satisfying snack.

Course: Beverages

Cuisine: Moroccan

Keyword: Avocado, milkshake, smoothie, sundae