If you think vanilla is boring, you need to try this easy vanilla milkshake recipe. It’s thick, creamy, and so rich, it’ll knock your socks off.
All that and it only needs three simple ingredients! Can you believe it?
Add some whipped cream and cherries on top, and this will soon become your new go-to late-night snack.
Classic Vanilla Milkshake Ingredients
Classic vanilla milkshake recipes shine in their simplicity. And this one is no exception.
You only need three ingredients to make it, and it’s perfect every time.
Here’s everything you’ll need:
- Vanilla Ice Cream. Since it’s the star of the dish, splurge on a brand you love. I’m a little obsessed with Graeter’s vanilla ice cream because it is so rich and creamy. But Häagen-Dazs is my next choice.
- Cold Milk. Ensure the milk is super cold before adding it to the blender. Use whatever you like, but remember that whole milk gives the thickest texture and most decadent flavor.
- Vanilla Bean Paste. If you’re a baker, you’ll know that vanilla paste is the next best thing to vanilla beans. It’s thicker than extract and has all those glorious little black flecks that make the drink so pretty.
- Garnishes. Don’t be afraid to add some special garnishes like cherries or whipped cream.
In the image above, I added malted milk powder. It adds a beautiful depth of flavor and a certain je ne sais quoi I know you’ll adore.
See the notes in the recipe card for more info.
How to Make a Vanilla Milkshake
Fire up those blenders – it’s milkshake time!
Check out how easily this classic vanilla dessert comes together.
1. Fill the blender. Add milk first, then the ice cream, and vanilla paste. Pulse until everything is smooth.
2. Thin it down. If the shake is too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches the desired consistency.
3. Pour. Pour milkshakes into glasses, garnish with whipped cream and cherries, and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Milkshake
My favorite thing about vanilla shakes it how versatile they are.
For example, you can add colorful sprinkles, like you see above, to make the most dreamy birthday treats ever!
Or how about swirling in some chocolate or caramel sauce? Yum!
Whatever you decide, here are some great tips for the best vanilla milkshake in town!
- Use quality ice cream. The milk and vanilla bean paste can only do so much in this recipe. And if you start with sub-par vanilla ice cream, the shake won’t taste as good.
- Don’t blend too long. Blenders warm up as they work, which can melt the ice cream. That’s why it’s best to pulse the mix and don’t leave it running for too long.
- Chill the glasses. The key to a vanilla milkshake is keeping everything nice and cold. So, stick your milkshake glasses in the freezer for a few hours before serving. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.
- Never add ice. If your milkshake is suddenly too thin, resist the urge to add ice. That will just dilute it. Instead, add more ice cream. Or, try some frozen banana slices.
- Add malted milk powder. This gem of an ingredient is a must for milkshake lovers. It’s hard to explain, but a couple of spoonfuls will take your shake from great to phenomenal.
More Milkshake Recipes
Fresh Strawberry Milkshake
Peanut Butter Milkshake
Pumpkin Milkshake
Frozen Mudslide
Vanilla Milkshake Without Ice Cream
Vanilla Milkshake
2
servings5
minutes470
kcalIf you think vanilla is boring, you need to try this easy vanilla milkshake recipe. It’s thick, creamy, and so rich, it’ll knock your socks off.
Ingredients
2 cups vanilla ice cream (about 3-4 large scoops)
1/2 -1 cup cold milk
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or pure vanilla extract)
whipped cream, maraschino cherry for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Combine the vanilla ice cream, 1/2 cup of milk, and vanilla paste in a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Add more milk as needed until the desired consistency is reached.
- Pour the vanilla milkshakes into 2 chilled glasses. Serve immediately with whipped cream and cherries, and enjoy!
Notes
- Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of malted milk powder for more depth of flavor.
- Since vanilla is the primary flavor, be sure to use top-quality ice cream.
