Copycat Taco Bell Baja Blast Freeze Recipe
When you think of Taco Bell, your mind may automatically wander to black bean burritos. You can't go wrong with their tacos with pico de gallo, or their shredded chicken mini quesadilla may be more to your taste. However, it isn't just food that Taco Bell gets so right. Here's a copycat recipe for Taco Bell's Baja Blast Freeze that will cool you down in the hot summer months.
Over the years, Taco Bell has had a number of different Freezes, their version of slushies. Different flavors have come and gone, but the Taco Bell Baja Blast Freeze has stood the test of time. According to Fast Food Menu Prices, the Mountain Dew-based drink was first released in 2004 and became a permanent feature on the menu in 2013. It's now reached legendary status, and it may just be one of the chain's most beloved menu items.
If you want to try making the Baja Blast Freeze at home, Angela Latimer of Bake It With Love has developed a recipe you'll love.
Measure out your drinks and pour into ice cube trays
One of the best things about the Baja Blast Freeze is that it's totally delicious, but it's not complicated to make. To prepare one drink, you'll need to measure out half a cup of Powerade Berry Blast and one cup of Mountain Dew. If you want to make greater quantities of this Taco Bell Baja Blast Freeze, you just need to ensure you have space in your freezer and multiply the recipe by the number of drinks you want.
Once you've measured out your ingredients, you need to pour them into ice cube trays. The Powerade should create between four and five ice cubes, while the Mountain Dew should create between eight and ten.
Put the cubes in the freezer
Once your ingredients are in your ice cube trays, carefully slide the trays into your freezer until they're fully set. Ideally, don't open your freezer during this period — that will let the cold air out and prolong the freezing time.
The amount of time this process will take depends on the kind of freezer you have, its temperature, and the size of your ice cube trays. According to Food Hacks, to ensure that your drinks are fully frozen, it could take between two to four hours.
You don't have to use ice cube trays
If you don't have ice cube trays or molds, you can also use freezer bags. If you're opting for this method, all you need to do is pour the liquid into freezer bags and place the bags on a baking sheet. It would still be ideal to split the mixture up to speed up freezing time. Before you put them in the freezer, ensure that the bags are sealed and you've split up the liquid fairly equally so they freeze at the same rate.
Cool your mug or glass
You know your freezer best, and if you've ever frozen your own ice before, you'll have a general idea as to how long it takes. About halfway through this time, you can put your glasses or mug in the refrigerator or freezer. This will mean that when you go to drink your Freeze, it'll take longer to melt. That way, you can enjoy your cold, refreshing drink for even longer.
When choosing the mug or glass to drink your Freeze out of, make sure it's large enough to hold one serving of the drink and that you'll be able to hold it when it's super cold.
Pour your ice cubes into a blender
Once you're absolutely sure both of the drinks are totally frozen into delicious ice cubes, tip them into your blender. Angela Latimer explains that she uses her NutriBullet for this. However, if you don't have one, you could try using a food processor.
Add one-quarter of a cup of water to bind the mixture together and make more of a slushie texture. If you'd rather add extra flavor, you can swap out the water for extra Powerade or Mountain Dew.
Blend until reaches a slushy consistency
With the lid secured, turn your blender to medium speed, and blend the mixture until it's a slushy consistency. You don't want your drink to have large pieces of ice in it, and you want both flavors to be completely combined. If you notice that it isn't coming together after a minute or two, then turn up the speed. If the mixture is still looking a little solid, then you can add a bit more water, Mountain Dew, or Powerade.
However, be careful. You don't want to add too much liquid at this stage, as your drink will lose its frozen texture and simply become a cold mixed drink.
Drink straight away
This Taco Bell Baja Blast Freeze tastes the best when it's totally fresh. Take your glass or mug out of the refrigerator or freezer. Pour your drink into the glass, ensuring you give yourself a generous serving. Top with a straw. Due to the fact that it's a frozen treat, the Baja Blast Freeze is best served immediately. Angela Latimer writes that so long as you follow the process, you can adapt the recipe to your taste.
"Personally, I like a bit more of the Berry Blast flavor, so I use the excess Powerade for making my slushie," she says.
- ½ cup Powerade berry blast (about 4 to 5 ice cubes)
- 1 cup Mountain Dew (about 8 to 10 ice cubes)
- ¼ cup water
- Pour the Powerade and Mountain Dew into ice cube trays and freeze until fully set. You can also place the liquid in freezer bags and onto a baking sheet in thin quantities for faster freezing.
- About halfway into the freezing time, chill your glasses or mugs in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Combine frozen drink cubes and a splash of water (or additional Powerade or Mountain Dew) in your blender.
- Blend until the ice reaches a slushie consistency. Add more liquid as needed to enable your blender to break down the ice cubes.
- Transfer to chilled glasses or mugs and serve immediately.