Vanilla Milkshake Recipe

Okay so – hear me out – there’s just something timeless about a good old vanilla milkshake. I don’t mean fancy or overdone or packed with a wild parade of toppings. I mean… just cold, creamy, a little dreamy, exactly sweet enough. It reminds me of those slow, golden summer afternoons when the kitchen still smelled faintly of sunscreen and the hum of the blender was practically its own kind of music. It’s plain, but in a way that comforts you. The kind of recipe you stop measuring for once you’ve made it enough times. One sip and suddenly you’re 10 again, legs dangling off a stool and chin sticky with whipped cream.

Why You’ll Crave It

• It’s ridiculously simple – like 3 ingredients and almost no effort simple
• Velvety smooth, with that unmistakably cozy flavor of real vanilla
• Adaptable – add spice, syrup, cookies, pretty much anything
• Cools you down on hot days, warms your spirit on moody ones
• A crowd pleaser. Honestly… who turns down a milkshake?

The first time I made this for my partner, he said it tasted “like something from a little 1950s diner, in the best way” – and now it’s a regular Sunday treat in our house.

What You’ll Need

• Vanilla ice cream: 3 generous scoops (about 3 cups) – use the good stuff, rich and real-cream based for best flavor
• Whole milk: 1 cup cold, straight from the fridge is nice
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon – pure extract only, the fake stuff won’t sing
• Whipped cream: optional, but lusciously encouraged for topping
• Maraschino cherries: just one per glass makes it joyful (optional, of course)

Easy How-To

Get everything out

Grab your ingredients and set them on the counter. It sounds silly, I know, but I always forget the vanilla extract until I’ve already got the blender running. Happens every time.

Blend the basics

Scoop the vanilla ice cream into your blender – the colder and firmer, the creamier your milkshake will be. Add in the milk and vanilla extract right on top.

Don’t overthink it, just blend

Pop the lid on tight and blend for roughly 30 seconds – maybe a little more if your ice cream’s stubborn. It should look smooth and pourable, but not runny.

Taste, tweak if needed

Give it a quick taste. If it’s too thick for your mood today, splash in a bit more milk and blend again. If you want it sweeter, a tiny drizzle of honey or simple syrup does wonders.

Pour and dress it up

Divide into tall glasses – this part is oddly satisfying. Top with a swirl of whipped cream, maybe a cherry… or sprinkles? Go wild if it makes you happy.

Serve right away

No waiting. This one needs to be enjoyed before it melts into a puddle of nostalgia.

Good to Know

• If your blender’s acting sluggish, let the ice cream sit out for 4-5 minutes – just enough to soften it
• I’ve tried it with almond milk too, and while lighter, it’s unexpectedly nice – almost toasty
• Sometimes I stir in crushed graham crackers at the very end for texture and a sort of pie-like twist… just saying

Serving Ideas

• Serve with a striped paper straw and maybe a side of salty fries, diner-style (trust me… it works)

Top Tricks

• To get that thick, almost frosty-shop texture – freeze the glasses for 10 minutes before pouring the shake in

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a vanilla milkshake without ice cream?

You can! Try using frozen bananas and milk as your base, then blend in vanilla extract and even a bit of Greek yogurt for creaminess. It won’t be quite the same – but it’ll be smooth and gently sweet and really pretty nice.

How do I make my milkshake thicker?

Use more ice cream, less milk – or even add a handful of ice cubes while blending (just a few, or it gets gritty). You can also freeze the milk for 30 minutes before using it. That little bit of extra chill helps give it body.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Definitely. Go for coconut milk ice cream or oat-based ones, and use almond or oat milk. The flavor will shift a little, sure, but the texture and indulgence stay solid.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes – just make sure your blender can handle the volume. And be prepared to serve quickly… melted milkshake is a sad thing when you’re expecting silk.