The vanilla milkshake is a timeless classic—smooth, creamy, and beautifully simple. It’s the perfect base for countless flavor variations and stands strong on its own with its sweet, delicate taste. Whether you’re enjoying it on a sunny afternoon, pairing it with a burger, or indulging after dinner, this milkshake is an all-American favorite that never goes out of style.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Just a few ingredients deliver a rich, creamy milkshake.
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Endlessly Versatile: A perfect blank canvas for adding syrups, spices, or mix-ins.
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Ready in Minutes: You only need 5 minutes and a blender.
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Family Favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike for its nostalgic, sweet taste.
Ingredients List
Below are the ingredients you need to make a traditional vanilla milkshake:
Basic Ingredients
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2 cups vanilla ice cream (premium quality preferred)
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¾ cup whole milk (or adjust for preferred thickness)
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1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
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Whipped cream (for topping)
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Maraschino cherry (optional garnish)
Optional Add-ins
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1 tablespoon sugar or honey (if you want it sweeter)
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1 pinch of salt (enhances flavor)
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Crushed ice (for extra chill)
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1 tablespoon malted milk powder (for a vintage-style malt)
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Dash of cinnamon or nutmeg (for warmth)
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cook Time: None
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Total Time: 5 minutes
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Servings: 2 glasses
Step-by-Step Instructions for Vanilla Milkshake
Step 1: Scoop the Ice Cream
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Add 2 cups of vanilla ice cream to your blender.
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Use high-quality ice cream for the creamiest and most flavorful results.
Step 2: Add the Milk and Vanilla
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Pour in ¾ cup of cold milk.
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Add the vanilla extract. This enhances the ice cream’s flavor and adds aromatic depth.
Step 3: Blend Until Smooth
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Blend for about 30–45 seconds until creamy and smooth.
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Adjust consistency by adding more milk (for thinner) or more ice cream (for thicker).
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
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Give your shake a quick taste.
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If desired, blend in a small amount of sugar, honey, or a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
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Pour into tall, chilled glasses.
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Top with whipped cream and garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Tips for the Best Vanilla Milkshake
Use Premium Ice Cream
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The ice cream is the star. Choose one with real vanilla beans or natural vanilla flavor.
Chill the Glasses
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Place your serving glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before pouring.
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This keeps your shake extra cold and creamy.
Don’t Over-Blend
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Blend just until smooth. Over-blending can cause the shake to become too thin and foamy.
Add a Pinch of Salt
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Just a touch of salt enhances the vanilla and balances sweetness.
Variations to Try
Vanilla Bean Milkshake
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Use vanilla bean ice cream or scrape in seeds from a fresh vanilla pod.
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Richer flavor and visible flecks make it extra special.
Malted Vanilla Milkshake
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Add 1 tablespoon of malted milk powder.
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Gives a nostalgic, diner-style flavor.
Spiced Vanilla Shake
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Blend in a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg.
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Great for fall or holiday versions of the classic.
Vanilla Protein Milkshake
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Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder.
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Perfect post-workout drink that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Boozy Vanilla Shake (Adults Only)
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Add a splash of bourbon, Kahlua, or Bailey’s Irish Cream.
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A fun and indulgent adult twist.
Serving Suggestions
Classic Diner Style
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Serve in a tall milkshake glass with a striped straw and cherry on top.
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Pair with a cheeseburger and fries for a retro experience.
For Dessert
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Top with sprinkles, caramel drizzle, or crushed cookies.
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Serve with cake or brownies for a sweet finish to a meal.
Kid-Friendly Treat
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Use mini glasses and add fun toppings like gummy bears or chocolate chips.
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Great for birthdays or after-school snacks.
Make It Vegan or Dairy-Free
Ice Cream Alternatives
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Use coconut, almond, or oat milk-based vanilla ice cream.
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Choose one with real vanilla flavor for best results.
Milk Substitutes
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Almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk all work well.
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Ensure they’re unsweetened if you’re controlling sugar levels.
Vegan Whipped Topping
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Use coconut whipped cream or any store-bought dairy-free version for topping.
Nutritional Overview (Approximate)
Per serving (based on 2 servings):
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Calories: 280
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Fat: 12g
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Carbohydrates: 36g
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Sugar: 30g
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Protein: 6g
Note: Values may vary depending on ingredients and toppings.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Can You Make It in Advance?
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Vanilla milkshakes are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep some ingredients.
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Pre-scoop the ice cream and store it in the freezer for quick access.
Storing Leftovers
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Store in the fridge for up to 2 hours if necessary.
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Re-blend or stir before serving to restore texture.
Freezing Milkshake Pops
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Pour into popsicle molds and freeze for vanilla milkshake ice pops.
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A fun and refreshing frozen treat!
FAQs
What makes a vanilla milkshake thick?
Using less milk and more ice cream will create a thicker shake. You can also add frozen banana or a handful of crushed ice.
How do I make it without a blender?
Soften the ice cream slightly and use a whisk or hand mixer to blend with milk until smooth.
Can I use frozen milk cubes?
Yes! Freeze milk in ice cube trays and use in place of some liquid milk for extra chill and thickness.
What’s the best vanilla extract to use?
Pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste will give the best flavor—avoid imitation extracts if possible.
Can I turn this into a smoothie?
Yes, swap out ice cream for yogurt and add a frozen banana to create a vanilla banana smoothie.
Conclusion
The vanilla milkshake may be simple, but it’s a true classic that brings pure comfort and joy. With just a few ingredients and minutes of your time, you can create a smooth, sweet, and satisfying shake that’s great for any occasion. Whether you keep it plain, dress it up with toppings, or turn it into a new variation, vanilla milkshake is a base you’ll come back to again and again. It’s a celebration of simplicity—and sometimes, simple is best.