How to Make a Milkshake

3 easy milkshake recipes plus tons of options for add ins to make them extra special! Step by step video showing you how to make a milkshake.

In my opinion, everyone should know how to make a milkshake. It’s a classic summertime treat that everyone loves!

All you need for a good, basic milkshake is vanilla ice cream and milk — once you have those basic components the sky’s the limit when it comes to flavors.

I’m going to teach you how to make three basic milkshakes: a chocolate milkshake, a banana milkshake, and a strawberry milkshake. 

Seriously, it’s so easy.

You’ll wonder why you ever spent $6 on a store-bought milkshake to begin with (or even more! Is it just me, or are milkshake prices through the roof these days?). 

This recipe makes one big milkshake, but if you’re feeling generous it could be shared between two people. 

The best part of this milkshake recipe?

It’s basically a template, which means you can add any flavors or mix ins you like — I’ve provided you with plenty of variations to get you started in the section below. 

Even if you’re a milkshake-making whiz, you’ll find a useful tip or two in this do-it-yourself guide. 

Are you ready for an ice-cold, super-thick shake in under 5 minutes?

Let’s make a milkshake!

 If you’re interested in making other DIY drinks at home, get started by learning How to Make Cold Brew Coffee and trying out a version of my Frozen Hot Chocolate! 

How to make a milkshake:

• For easy-to-scoop ice cream, remove from the freezer 10 minutes before using. If you’re using real cream ice cream, it is usually easily scooped straight out of the freezer.
• Add ingredients from softest to firmest for easy blending and best results — blend until creamy and smooth.
• Pour milkshake into a tall glass (or two smaller glasses) and garnish with whipped cream, sprinkles, and a maraschino cherry (optional). 
• Couldn’t finish your milkshake? Totally fine! Place your glass in the freezer to enjoy later. When you’re ready, leave out for 15-30 minutes and then stir and enjoy.

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Tips for making the best milkshakes:

• Choose the best quality ice cream you can afford. It really does make a difference here!
• Full-fat ice cream will yield the thickest and creamiest milkshakes, but real cream ice cream also melts faster. If you want to prolong the life of your milkshake, try blending in a couple of ice cubes or serving in a chilled glass.
• Low fat and/or low calorie ice cream can still be used, but won’t produce the same thick and creamy texture. It will, however, stay cold longer due to the higher water content.
• Use heavy cream in place of milk for an ultra-fluffy and rich tasting milkshake.

Chocolate milkshake variations:

• Make a cocoa-flavored chocolate milkshake. No fudge sauce? No problem! Substitute 1-2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa, and add sugar to taste if you find the chocolate flavor too dark. Add the cocoa powder in the bottom with the milk so it blends in evenly.
• Add melted chocolate in place of fudge sauce. Carefully melt a few squares of chocolate or a handful of chocolate chips in the microwave and use it in place of hot fudge sauce. Depending on your family’s preferences you can experiment with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and mint chocolate.
• Optional chocolate milkshake add-ins:
  • a spoonful of peanut butter of almond butter
  • instant coffee or espresso powder
  • marshmallow topping
  • caramel sauce
  • a few frozen bananas or strawberries
  • a couple drops of mint extract

Banana milkshake variations:

• Use frozen banana slices for an even thicker banana milkshake. Cut bananas into slices and freeze in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking tray. Once the banana slices are frozen transfer them to a resealable freezer bag and use as needed for milkshakes and smoothies. Use up extra frozen banana slices the next time you make my Strawberry Banana Smoothie Recipe!
• Make a tropical banana milkshake. Substitute ¼ cup of canned coconut milk for the dairy milk and add 2 tablespoons of canned crushed pineapple.
• Optional banana milkshake add-ins:
  • a spoonful of cocoa powder
  • a dollop of peanut butter
  • a spoonful of dulce de leche for a banoffee spin

Strawberry milkshake variations:

• Sweeten up out-of-season strawberries. Boost the natural sweetness of strawberries by tossing the slices in ½ a teaspoon of white granulated sugar. Refrigerate the sugar-coated strawberries for an hour before adding them to the milkshake (along with any accumulated juices).
• Blend in a tablespoon of strawberry preserves for an extra punch of berry flavor. Make a mixed berry milkshake by adding raspberry, blueberry, or blackberry preserves in place of the strawberry. 
• Use strawberry ice cream. Double up on strawberry flavor by substituting strawberry ice cream for the vanilla. 
• Optional strawberry milkshake add-ins;
  • additional berries like raspberries or blackberries for a mixed-berry milkshake
  • use coconut milk in place of the dairy milk for a fun twist
  • a teaspoon of cocoa powder for a chocolate covered strawberry milkshake
  • a tablespoon of peanut butter for a PB&J inspired milkshake

Give these other summertime treats a try!

• Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake
• Banana Split Pudding Pops
• Berry Lime Slush Recipe
• Sensational Strawberry Lemon Slush  

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Easy Milkshake Recipe

written by Ashley Fehr

5 from 5 votes

3 easy milkshake recipes plus tons of options for add ins to make them extra special! Step by step video showing you how to make a milkshake.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Cuisine American

Course Dessert

Servings 1 milkshake

Calories 515cal

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 3/4 cups vanilla ice cream
• ▢ 1/4 cup milk

Chocolate milkshake

• ▢ 1/3 cup hot fudge sauce

Banana Milkshake

• ▢ 1/2-1 banana sliced

Strawberry milkshake

• ▢ 4 large strawberries sliced

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Instructions

• Place ingredients in blender in order listed, or from softest to firmest (if using frozen fruit, it will go at the top, otherwise, the ice cream goes at the top).
• Blend until smooth and serve, garnishing with whipped cream, sprinkles and maraschino cherries if desired.

Notes

*This recipe makes one large milkshake (roughly the size shown) or two smaller milkshakes. 

Nutrition Information

Calories: 515cal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Cholesterol: 108mg | Sodium: 211mg | Potassium: 540mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 52g | Vitamin A: 1071IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 365mg | Iron: 1mg

Keywords how to make a milkshake, milkshake recipe

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