See how to make the perfect vanilla milkshake with just 3 ingredients. The recipe is delicious, simple, and ready in just 3 minutes.
Homemade Vanilla Milkshake
A vanilla milkshake is a thick ice cream-based drink prepared in a blender. It’s made with three simple ingredients: milk, vanilla extract, and vanilla ice cream.
The best vanilla milkshake recipe uses the perfect ratio of vanilla ice cream and milk. This ensures the milkshake is thick but still drinkable.
Any vanilla ice cream or gelato works for this milkshake, but it’s a good idea to use whole milk to make it extra creamy.
RELATED: Strawberry Milkshake
Recipe Highlights
- A vanilla milkshake is a creamy and cold treat that’s perfect on hot days.
- Made by blending milk, vanilla extract, and vanilla ice cream until smooth.
- By making a vanilla milkshake at home, you can adjust the flavor and texture according to your liking.
- This recipe makes a single 16-ounce drink, which is about 2 cups.
RELATED: Mint Chocolate Chip Milkshake
Ingredient Notes
- Vanilla ice cream: For a classic vanilla milkshake, use plain vanilla ice cream or gelato. You can also use vanilla bean ice cream.
- Milk: Any type of milk will work but whole milk will create a creamier drink.
- Vanilla extract: Use a high-quality vanilla extract. It will emphasize the flavor of the drink.
For full ingredients and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Variations
Whipped cream: Top the drink with a dollop of whipped cream. Homemade whipped cream can be made by whisking together ¼ cup heavy cream and heavy cream and 2 teaspoons of sugar using a handheld milk frother.
Rainbow sprinkles: Make it fun and decorate the drink with rainbow pearl sprinkles. To line the top of the cup with rainbow sprinkles, coat the top of the cup with a thin layer of whipped cream and dip into sprinkles.
Sauce: Before pouring the milkshake, drizzle chocolate sauce or caramel sauce into the cup. It will add flavor and make your milkshake look delicious.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Load milk and vanilla extract into the blender.
Starting with liquids will ensure the smoothest blend possible.
Step 2: Add vanilla ice cream.
Step 3: Blend on low speed, then quickly increase to high speed.
Step 4: Pour milkshake into a glass. Serve immediately.
Add whipped cream and sprinkles as optional garnish.
Photo Credit: amazon.com
Expert Tips
- Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes before putting it in the blender. This will make it easier to scoop and blend.
- When loading ingredients in the blender, the liquid should be the first to go in. The heaviest and hardest ingredients should go in last.
- If you need to thin your milkshake, add a bit of milk and blend for 10 seconds
- Add more ice cream if you want a thicker milkshake.
- Enjoy the milkshake as soon as you make it. If you store it in the refrigerator, it will melt and become too watery.
Questions You May Have
A classic vanilla milkshake is made by combining milk, vanilla extract, and vanilla ice cream in a blender.
For a 16-ounce milkshake, the perfect formula is 2 ½ cups ice cream for every ¾ of milk.
If you prefer thick milkshakes, use a bit more ice cream than the recipe calls for. Avoid adding ice because it will water down the texture and flavor.
Related
- Banana Milkshake
- Peanut Butter Milkshake
- Homemade Vanilla Syrup
- Iced Vanilla Latte
- Starbucks Vanilla Latte Copycat
- Starbucks Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Brew Copycat
- Starbucks Vanilla Sweet Cream Cold Foam Copycat
If you tried this Vanilla Milkshake recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star rating and let me know how you like it in the comments below.
Vanilla Milkshake
INGREDIENTS
- ¾ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups vanilla ice cream
INSTRUCTIONS
- Load milk, vanilla extract, and vanilla ice cream into a blender. Put the lid on and secure.Add ingredients to the blender, following the order listed.
- Puree until combined.Turn on the blender, starting at LOW speed for 10 seconds. Increase speed to HIGH for 30 seconds.
- Pour milkshake into a cup. Drink immediately.
EQUIPMENT
NOTES
- Optional: Top the drink with a dollop of whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles. Homemade whipped cream can be made by whisking together ¼ cup heavy cream and heavy cream and 2 teaspoons of sugar using a handheld milk frother.
- To line the top of the cup with rainbow sprinkles, coat the top of the cup with a thin layer of whipped cream and dip into sprinkles.
- Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes before putting it in the blender. This will make it easier to scoop and blend.
- When loading ingredients in the blender, the liquid should be the first to go in. The heaviest and hardest ingredients should go in last.
- If you need thin your milkshake, add a bit of milk and blend of 10 seconds.
- Add more ice cream if you want a thicker milkshake.
- Enjoy the milkshake as soon as you make it. If you store it in the refrigerator, it will melt and become too watery.
- The perfect milkshake formula is 2 ½ cups ice cream for every ¾ cup of milk.