Learn how to make a vanilla milkshake recipe that’s rich, creamy, and irresistibly smooth! This easy milkshake recipe is a family favorite just like Affogato Coffee with Caramel
— made in minutes with just milk, ice cream, and your favorite toppings.
With only two main ingredients and a blender, you can whip up a thick, creamy treat in minutes. It’s smooth, nostalgic, and endlessly customizable — the perfect base for a delicious vanilla shake, ideal for family dessert nights, weekend treats, or hot summer afternoons. A classic vanilla milkshake can be made easily and customized to your taste.
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Why This Recipe Works
- Easy to customize with different mix-ins
- Ready in 5 minutes or less
- Uses simple ingredients
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
Ingredients You’ll Need for Vanilla Milkshake Recipe
- Whipped cream (optional) – For that picture-perfect finish.
- Milk – Use whole milk for the richest flavor, or any milk you prefer.
- Vanilla ice cream – The base of your milkshake! Choose a creamy, good-quality ice cream for the best texture or make a homemade vanilla bean ice cream.
- Caramel sauce (optional) – For drizzling inside the glass or over the top.
See the recipe card for the full information on recipe ingredients and quantities, especially when preparing the ultimate vanilla milkshake recipe to perfection.
How to Make a Vanilla Milkshake
Step 1 – Blend: Add the ice cream and milk into your blender. For an impeccable homemade vanilla milkshake, blend until smooth, creamy, and well combined.
Step 2 – Pour & Garnish: Pour the milkshake into a chilled glass. Top with whipped cream and drizzle caramel sauce on top, if desired. Creating this vanilla milkshake recipe is straightforward and rewarding.
Step 3 – Enjoy: Serve immediately with a straw or long spoon — and sip your way to pure nostalgia!
Expert Notes & Tips
- For a thicker milkshake: Add more ice cream or reduce the milk slightly, perfecting the recipe of vanilla milkshake.
- For a thinner consistency: Add a splash more milk until you reach your perfect texture.
- Flavor upgrades: Mix in chocolate syrup, peanut butter, strawberries, or crushed cookies for fun variations.
- Dairy-free option: Swap for almond, oat, or coconut milk and a dairy-free ice cream.
- Pro presentation tip: Chill your glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before pouring for that frosty, café-style look.
Flavor Variations to Try
- Salted Caramel Twist: Use caramel ice cream and sprinkle sea salt on top.
- Chocolate Milkshake: Use chocolate ice cream or blend in cocoa powder and chocolate syrup.
- Strawberry Milkshake: Blend in a handful of fresh strawberries or strawberry jam.
- Cookies & Cream: Add a few crushed Oreo cookies before blending to add flavor to the vanilla milkshake recipe.
What to Serve with a Vanilla Milkshake
A creamy vanilla milkshake pairs perfectly with just about anything — from savory comfort foods to sweet bakery treats. Here are some of our family favorites to enjoy alongside your shake:
Classic Pairings
- Chicken Smash Burgers and French Fries: Nothing beats the classic diner combo! Dip your fries right into your milkshake for that salty-sweet magic.
- Grilled Cheese or Tuna Melt: The rich, melty cheese balances beautifully with the cool vanilla flavor.
- Crispy Chicken Wings: Crispy, golden, and kid-approved — they make a fun family dinner with milkshakes on the side.
Sweet Treat Pairings
- Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies: Chocolate chip, snickerdoodle, or peanut butter cookies make a delicious dunking partner.
- Cheesecake Chocolate Brownies or Blondies: The dense, fudgy texture pairs perfectly with the creamy, cold shake.
- Freshly Baked Donuts or Churros: A sweet café-style combo that feels like dessert at a fair!
For a Cozy Twist
- Serve with a warm dessert like an easy apple cobbler or banana bread for that “à la mode” experience in a glass.
- Or turn it into a dessert float by adding a splash of cold brew coffee or root beer for something playful and nostalgic.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! If you don’t have a blender, let the ice cream soften for a few minutes, then whisk it together with the milk in a large bowl or shake it in a mason jar until creamy. It won’t be as smooth but still tastes delicious.
Whole milk gives the richest flavor and creamiest texture. However, you can use any milk you prefer — 2%, skim, or even plant-based options like oat or almond milk for a dairy-free version.
Use reduced-fat milk, light ice cream, or frozen yogurt. You can also add a banana or a scoop of protein powder for extra nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
Milkshakes are best enjoyed right away while cold and creamy. If you need to make it ahead, blend it and freeze in a sealed container for up to 30 minutes. Re-blend before
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📖 Recipe
Vanilla Milkshake Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- caramel for drizzle, optional
- whipping cream for garnish, ooptional
Instructions
- Add to blender: Place the vanilla ice cream and milk into a blender.
- Blend: Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well combined.
- Serve: Pour the milkshake into chilled glasses.
- Garnish: Top with a swirl of whipped cream and a generous drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately while cold and creamy!
Notes
- Make it extra thick: For that classic diner-style texture, use a little more ice cream or cut back on the milk.
- Prefer it lighter? Add a splash of milk at a time until you reach your ideal creaminess.
- Play with flavors: Turn your milkshake into something new — blend in chocolate syrup, peanut butter, fresh strawberries, or crushed cookies for a fun twist.
- Go dairy-free: Use your favorite plant-based milk (like oat, almond, or coconut) and a dairy-free ice cream for a delicious vegan version.
- Serve it like a pro: Chill your glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before pouring. It keeps the milkshake frosty and gives that picture-perfect, café-style finish.
Nutrition
Quote of the Day
Hannah Schlachter
Oh, that looks delicious. I love milkshakes. I'd like to invite you to join the Handmade & Otherwise weekly link party. It opens at 8am on Fridays and closes at 8pm on Mondays. I hope you stop by. https://handmadeweekly.com/handmade-otherwise-link-party-week-5/
Mother of 3
That looks delicious! We love making homemade milkshakes.
Jean | Delightful Repast
A homemade milkshake is the only kind I'll have! I use organic milk and ice cream, and there's none of the "funny" stuff that's in fast food milkshakes. Beautiful photos! And, yes, just a tiny drizzle of caramel for me, please. Pinning. #PrettyPintastic
Mavis Poppe
This is mouthwatering. I love making milkshakes at home and I'll make sure to try this one!
Lorraine
I'm not into milkshakes. But this post makes me wonder if I could love it. I guess, I should try this. Thanks for the recipe.
Munchkin Time
Thank you Lorraine! I hope this recipe will make you fall in love with this milkshake:)