Classic Vanilla Milkshake
Cold ice cream and just enough milk create a thick, spoonable shake, with extra vanilla adding the familiar soda-fountain aroma.
Non-alcoholicMake it like a pro.
- 01
Add milk, vanilla, salt, and ice cream to a blender.
- 02
Blend on low, then high for 20 to 25 seconds, stopping as soon as smooth.
- 03
Divide between two chilled glasses and finish with the whipped cream.
Tools for This Recipe
Helpful equipment for making this recipe at home.
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Easy swaps
- Use less milk for a thicker shake.
- For a fully plant-based version, replace the ice cream with dairy-free vanilla frozen dessert, the milk with unsweetened oat milk, and the whipped cream with dairy-free whipped topping; check all labels because nutrition changes.
Mixpert tips
- Let very hard ice cream sit for three minutes before blending.
- Overblending warms the ice cream and makes the shake thin.
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Classic Vanilla Milkshake FAQs
Can I make this vanilla milkshake without whipped cream?
Yes. The whipped cream is a finishing topping; the vanilla ice cream, cold milk, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt form the milkshake itself. Leave the topping off and serve immediately. The published nutrition includes the measured whipped cream, so the untopped drink will differ.
How do I make a vanilla milkshake thicker?
Use firm vanilla ice cream and hold back some of the milk until after the first blend. The vanilla extract and salt add flavor but do not thicken it. Stop the blender as soon as the shake is smooth, then serve before it warms.
Can I make a milkshake without a blender?
Yes. Soften the ice cream slightly and whisk it vigorously with milk in a chilled bowl or sealed jar.