Classic Vanilla Milkshake Recipe / Dreamy Sips

Classic vanilla milkshakes transport you to a nostalgic world of sweet, creamy indulgence that awakens childhood memories.

These delightful beverages blend rich, smooth flavors with a velvety texture that instantly gratifies your taste buds.

Cool and refreshing, vanilla milkshakes offer a simple yet luxurious treat for any moment of the day.

The magic lies in combining just a few quality ingredients that create an irresistibly smooth and satisfying drink.

Soft, luscious vanilla notes dance through each sip, providing a comforting and familiar sensation that feels like a warm embrace.

Crafting this timeless classic requires minimal effort but promises maximum enjoyment for anyone craving a delectable treat.

Smooth, cold, and utterly irresistible, this milkshake promises a delightful experience that will leave you craving more.

Why This Vanilla Milkshake Never Goes Out of Style

• Create Pure Comfort: This classic vanilla milkshake delivers instant nostalgia with its smooth, creamy texture that transports you back to childhood memories of sweet treats.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe offers simple adjustments for thickness, allowing you to perfect your milkshake by adding milk or ice cream until you reach the ideal consistency.
• Whip Up in Minutes: With just three basic ingredients and a quick blending process, you can enjoy a delicious dessert drink in under five minutes, making it perfect for sudden cravings or last-minute gatherings.
• Dress It Up Delightfully: Optional toppings like whipped cream and maraschino cherry transform this simple milkshake into an elegant dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

The Simple Ingredients Behind Classic Vanilla

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy base that provides rich, sweet flavor and thick texture. Choose high-quality, full-fat vanilla ice cream for best results.
• Whole Milk: Helps blend and thin the milkshake to perfect consistency. Fresh, cold milk works best.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the vanilla flavor and adds depth to the milkshake. Pure vanilla extract recommended over imitation.

• Whipped Cream: Adds light, airy texture and extra indulgence to the milkshake. Store-bought or homemade works well.
• Maraschino Cherry: Provides a classic, decorative touch and sweet burst of flavor. Bright red cherries create visual appeal.

• Tall Glass: Classic presentation vessel that showcases the milkshake's creamy texture and allows room for toppings.

How to Blend a Creamy Vanilla Milkshake

Step 1: Blend Smooth Mixture

Add all ingredients into a blender. Pulse on high speed for 30-60 seconds until the mixture transforms into a silky, luxurious consistency.

Step 2: Check Blending Consistency

Pause the blender and use a spatula to scrape down the sides, ensuring all ingredients combine perfectly.

Step 3: Adjust Milkshake Texture

• If too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time
• If too thin, incorporate additional ice cream

Blend after each adjustment until achieving ideal smoothness.

Step 4: Serve Delightful Treat

• Fresh whipped cream
• Maraschino cherry
• Sprinkle of vanilla bean

Step 5: Enjoy Immediately

Serve the milkshake right away to savor its creamy, cold perfection. Best enjoyed fresh and cold.

Tips for Ice Cream Perfection Every Time

• Chill Your Glass: Freeze the serving glass for 10-15 minutes before pouring the milkshake to keep it frosty and cold longer.
• Choose High-Quality Ice Cream: Select premium vanilla ice cream with a rich, creamy texture for the most indulgent milkshake experience.
• Control Thickness Carefully: Add milk or ice cream gradually to achieve the perfect consistency without over-blending.
• Keep Blending Time Short: Pulse the blender quickly to prevent the milkshake from becoming too warm and losing its thick, smooth texture.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Consider adding a tiny pinch of salt or a splash of vanilla bean paste to elevate the classic vanilla taste and complexity.

Best Way to Store or Re-Blend a Leftover Shake

• Refrigerate: Transfer any leftover milkshake to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The texture may slightly change, becoming less fluffy.
• Freeze: Pour the milkshake into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 week. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.
• Reblend: Before serving stored milkshake, give it a quick blend in the blender to restore its creamy consistency and break up any ice crystals that may have formed.

What to Pair with a Cool Vanilla Milkshake

• Elevate Classic Comfort: Pair this creamy vanilla milkshake with warm chocolate chip cookies for a nostalgic dessert experience that blends smooth, cold sweetness with a crisp, buttery texture.
• Boost Flavor Complexity: Serve alongside a shot of espresso or an affogato to create a sophisticated contrast between the milkshake's sweet, mellow notes and the coffee's rich, bold intensity.
• Create Indulgent Snack Combo: Match the milkshake with salty caramel popcorn or crispy bacon bits to introduce a delightful sweet-and-savory balance that keeps taste buds excited and craving more.
• Refresh with Complementary Treat: Enjoy with a light, tangy lemon bar to cut through the milkshake's richness and provide a zesty palate cleanser between creamy sips.

Creative Flavors to Add to This Classic Shake

• Chocolate Lover's Shake: Replace vanilla extract with cocoa powder and add chocolate syrup for an intense chocolate flavor. Garnish with chocolate shavings on top.
• Berry Bliss Shake: Mix in fresh strawberries or raspberries with the vanilla ice cream. Blend until smooth and top with fresh berry pieces for extra fruity goodness.
• Caramel Crunch Shake: Drizzle caramel sauce inside the glass before pouring the milkshake. Sprinkle crushed graham crackers or chopped nuts for added texture and crunch.
• Coffee Kick Shake: Add a shot of cold espresso or instant coffee powder to transform the classic shake into an energizing coffee-infused treat. Dust with cocoa powder for extra richness.

Classic Vanilla Milkshake Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Smooth, creamy classic vanilla milkshake whispers nostalgia from American diners. Cool vanilla ice cream blended with milk creates a refreshing treat you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dairy:

• 2 cups (344 g / 12.1 ounces) vanilla ice cream
• ½ cup (122 g / 4.3 ounces) whole milk

Flavoring:

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish:

• Whipped cream
• Maraschino cherry

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Instructions

1. Gather vanilla ice cream, whole milk, and vanilla extract, allowing the ice cream to soften slightly at room temperature for easier blending.
2. Transfer the softened ice cream into a blender, carefully measuring the milk and vanilla extract to ensure a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
3. Secure the blender lid and pulse on high speed, creating a smooth and velvety texture that combines all ingredients seamlessly.
4. Pause the blending process and use a spatula to scrape down the sides, ensuring no pockets of unmixed ingredients remain trapped along the blender walls.
5. Assess the milkshake’s consistency, adding small amounts of milk if the mixture appears too thick or incorporating additional ice cream if the blend seems too thin.
6. Continue blending until the milkshake reaches a luxurious, drinkable consistency with a uniform color and texture.
7. Select a tall, chilled glass to enhance the milkshake’s presentation and serving experience.
8. Gently pour the creamy mixture into the glass, allowing it to flow smoothly without splashing.
9. Optionally crown the milkshake with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a vibrant maraschino cherry for a classic finishing touch.
10. Serve immediately to enjoy the milkshake at its peak temperature and creamy perfection.

Notes

• Chill your glass beforehand to keep the milkshake frosty and delightful longer.
• Use high-quality vanilla ice cream for the richest, most authentic flavor profile.
• Adjust milk quantity carefully to achieve your perfect milkshake thickness.
• Blend in quick, short pulses to prevent over-mixing and maintain a smooth texture.
• Serve immediately after blending to enjoy maximum coldness and creamy consistency.
• Optional toppings like whipped cream and cherry can elevate the classic milkshake experience.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Drinks, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 50 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 63 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg