- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Total
- 5 min
- Serves
- 2
Ingredients
What you’ll need — tap to tick off as you go
- 300 g
- 120 ml
- 1 tsp
- 1 tbsp
- 60 ml
Process
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Add 300 g vanilla ice cream, 120 ml cold whole milk, and 1 tsp vanilla extract to a blender.
If using, add 1 tbsp sugar.
Blend on medium speed for 20–30 seconds, until smooth and thick. Do not over-blend or it will become thin.
Pour into two chilled glasses.
Top with whipped cream, if desired, and serve immediately with a straw.
Kitchen notes
Kitchen notes
- Use ice cream that is slightly softened but still cold; rock-hard ice cream will strain the blender and give a gritty texture.
- Blend just until combined. Over-blending melts the ice cream and makes a thin shake.
- For a thicker shake, use less milk; for a thinner one, add more milk 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Chill your glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before pouring to keep the shake frosty longer.
Substitutions
- whole milk→oat milk or almond milk for a dairy-free version
- vanilla ice cream→frozen yogurt or dairy-free vanilla ice cream
- sugar→honey or maple syrup
Storage & reheating
Milkshakes are best enjoyed immediately. If you must store, pour into an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 week. To serve, let it soften slightly at room temperature for 5-10 minutes, then re-blend with a splash of milk until smooth. Do not store in the refrigerator as it will separate and become watery.
FAQ
The questions we get asked most
Why did my milkshake turn out thin?
Thin milkshakes usually happen from adding too much milk or over-blending. Start with the recommended 120 ml milk and blend just until smooth. If it is still too thin, add more ice cream, not less milk.
Can I make this without a blender?
Yes, you can make it in a mason jar with a tight lid. Add all ingredients, shake vigorously for 1-2 minutes until combined, and pour. The texture will be slightly less smooth but still enjoyable.
How do I make a dairy-free vanilla milkshake?
Use dairy-free vanilla ice cream (such as coconut, almond, or oat milk-based) and replace the whole milk with oat milk or almond milk. The taste and texture will be slightly different but still creamy.
Can I use vanilla bean paste instead of vanilla extract?
Yes, use 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste in place of the extract. It will add little specks of vanilla bean and a slightly more intense flavor.
How do I keep my milkshake cold and thick?
Chill your glasses in the freezer for at least 10 minutes before pouring. Also, make sure your milk and ice cream are very cold. Serve immediately after blending.
Can I add other flavors to this milkshake?
Absolutely. You can add 1-2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup, a spoonful of peanut butter, or a handful of fresh or frozen berries. Blend them in with the other ingredients.
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