How To Make A Milkshake

September 10, 2024

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This homemade milkshake recipe is the perfect blend of creamy sweet goodness and you only need two simple ingredients to make a classic milkshake at home. While it’s only two ingredients, the right ratio of ice cream to milk is the key to getting the perfect drinkability every time.

Whether you are trying to cool off in the summer, or just want an indulgent late night snack, this milkshake recipe will satisfy your sweet tooth and you can customize it endless ways with different ice cream flavors and toppings.

Ingredients for a Milkshake:

Ice Cream: You’ll want to choose a quality high-fat ice cream to make the best tasting milkshake, so skip the low-fat versions unless calories are really a concern for you. You also want ice cream made with real milk, so check the ingredients rather than getting a “frozen dessert” ice cream made with mostly oils.
Milk: The higher the fat content in your milk, the creamier your milkshake will be, so choose a whole milk if possible (although a lower fat milk will work if that’s what you have on hand).

While you can use any tall glass you have on hand, it’s so fun to serve these in their own milkshake glass! Use a straw or tall spoon to eat.

Looking to make a non-dairy or vegan milkshake?

No problem! Although non-dairy milkshakes aren’t as quite as creamy without the real milk, you can always choose a non-dairy or vegan ice cream and non-dairy or vegan milk (like oat milk or almond milk) for your milkshake. It will still be delicious!

Tips for Making a Milkshake:

You can also use heavy cream in place of milk to make the creamiest milkshake.
Let the ice cream sit out on the counter for 5-10 minutes before scooping to make it easier to scoop.
Chill your milkshake glasses in the freezer before pouring in your milkshake to keep your drink cold longer.
Add a little vanilla extract to your milkshake (1/2-1 teaspoon) to pump up the vanilla flavor.
Try making your own homemade whipped cream as well as your own ice cream for your milkshake!
Ice creams that already have chunks in them, like cookie dough, can be blended longer to pulverize those bits, or you can pulse the ice cream just a little bit and eat with a spoon rather than a straw.
Don’t add ice to your milkshake! This will water down the drink as it melts.

Want to make a malted milkshake?

To make a classic malted milkshake (a key ingredient in old-fashioned-style milkshakes), add a tablespoon of malted milk powder to your blender with your ice cream and milk. The malted milk powder will add a toasted nutty flavor that gives a layer of depth to any flavor of milkshake.

How to Make a Milkshake:

Add ice cream to blender: Choose your favorite ice cream flavor and add to a blender or food processor.

Add milk: Pour in your milk of choice (you can use chocolate milk as well!).

Blend and serve! Blend on low until smooth and creamy and pour into your serving cup! Add toppings and enjoy!

How to Make Different Flavored Milkshakes:

It’s simple to make endless variations of different flavored milkshakes with just a few tweaks to your ingredients. Try different flavors of ice cream as the base to change the flavor or split the ice cream amount into two flavors to make a unique flavor combination (like strawberry vanilla, or a mint chocolate shake, etc.).

You can also add syrups like chocolate, hot fudge, butterscotch, or strawberry syrup into the blender to layer flavors, add cocoa powder, or add some peanut butter for a nutty twist (add a little more milk if you add in a nut butter).

For a Blizzard or Flurry-type shake, pulse in your favorite mix-ins after blending the milk and vanilla ice cream: try some crushed up cookies like Oreos or Thin Mints or candies like M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, or mini peanut butter cups right before you pour it into your glass. Add a cherry and you’re done!

The Best Milkshake Topping Ideas:

While a “plain” milkshake like vanilla or chocolate is delicious enough, try topping it with some of these delicious flavors and mix and match to find your favorites!

Whipped cream
Maraschino cherries
Chocolate syrup
Chopped nuts like peanuts or almonds
Caramel sauce or butterscotch syrup
Sprinkles
Mini chocolate chips
Crushed Oreos or brownie pieces
Crushed vanilla wafers
Chopped fruit like bananas or strawberries
Shredded coconut

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make a milkshake in a food processor?

Yes! If you don’t have a blender, you can make a milkshake in a food processor as well. You can also use an immersion blender or a whisk if you put the ingredients in a large bowl.

Can you store a milkshake for later?

Milkshakes are always best enjoyed right away, so while it is possible to put it in the freezer for later, it won’t be the same consistency when it comes back out of the freezer.

How do you make a classic chocolate milkshake?

A chocolate milkshake recipe is just using 2 cups of chocolate ice cream and 1/2 cup of whole milk (or chocolate milk to make it extra chocolate!).

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The best creamy homemade milkshake with your choice of ice cream flavor!

Cost $2

Yield 1

Prep 5 minutes

Total 5 minutes

Instructions

Add the ice cream to a blender.
Add in milk and blend on low until smooth.
Pour into cup and add toppings. Enjoy!

Notes

Can you make a milkshake in a food processor? Yes! If you don’t have a blender, you can make a milkshake in a food processor as well.

Can you store a milkshake for later? Milkshakes are always best enjoyed right away, so while it is possible to put it in the freezer for later, it won’t be the same consistency when it comes back out of the freezer.