This Vanilla Milkshake is a classic treat with a rich and creamy texture, served in a tall glass and topped with homemade whipped cream and a cherry on top! I hope it brings back cherished memories or inspires the creation of new ones! Plus, it is easy to customize and add your favorite mix-ins and toppings. It all starts with my no-churn ice cream, which you will love on its own, too!

Vanilla Milkshake on a wooden table with whipped cream and cherries.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ice Cream: Look for vanilla ice cream for a vanilla milkshake. (Makes sense, huh?😉). Let it soften a bit before adding it to the blender. For a lighter version, you could use vanilla frozen yogurt.
Milk: For the creamiest milkshake, use whole milk. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use low-fat or skim milk instead of whole milk. Alternatively, for a richer texture, you can use heavy cream or half-and-half. You could also substitute almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk.
Vanilla Extract: While vanilla extract is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other extracts such as almond or caramel for a different flavor profile.
Toppings: For the traditional toppings, add homemade whipped cream (store-bought would also work) and a cherry on top!

Two Vanilla Milkshakes on a wooden table with whipped cream and cherries.

Can I Make A Milkshake Without A Blender?

Yes, if you don’t have a blender, you can still enjoy this milkshake using a few different methods. If you have a food processor, that will work like a blender. Just add the ingredients and blend. You can also mix the ingredients by hand (with a sturdy whisk or spoon), but let the ice cream get pretty soft first. Or, work your arm muscles and shake the ingredients together in a mason jar…make sure the jar has a tight-fitting lid!

Customize Your Vanilla Milkshake: Best Mix-Ins and Toppings

A vanilla milkshake is delicious, but it is also the perfect base to create your new favorite milkshake! Here are some popular options that can be mixed in, used as toppings, or both:

Fruits like fresh or frozen berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries), bananas, mango chunks, or pineapple
Syrups or sauces like chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, strawberry sauce, or peanut butter
Flavorings like coffee, espresso, mint extract, almond extract, or cinnamon
Cookies or candies like Oreos, M&M’s, edible cookie dough, or chocolate chips
Pieces of graham crackers
Swirl in marshmallow fluff

How Long Can You Store A Vanilla Milkshake?

It is best to enjoy the milkshake immediately. However, you can store it in the refrigerator or freezer if you need to store it for a bit longer.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Shake or stir well before drinking to recombine any separated ingredients.
Freezer: Store the milkshake in an airtight container for up to a week. When ready to drink, let it thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or at room temperature for 15-30 minutes. Then, blend or stir to restore the creamy texture.

Vanilla Milkshake

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

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Ingredients

▢ 2 cups (344 g) vanilla ice cream, softened slightly
▢ ½ cup (122 g) whole milk
▢ ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
▢ whipped cream, optional, for topping
▢ maraschino cherry, optional, for topping

Instructions

Place the softened vanilla ice cream, whole milk, and vanilla into a blender. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy (about 30-60 seconds). Scrape down the sides of the blender if necessary to ensure everything is well-mixed.
If the milkshake is too thick, add a little more milk (a tablespoon at a time) and blend again until you reach your desired consistency. If it's too thin, add a little more ice cream and blend again.
Pour the milkshake into a tall glass. Top with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry. Serve immediately.

Did you make this recipe?

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