HOW TO MAKE A MILKSHAKE IN A BLENDER
Milkshakes create the perfect blank canvas for sweet treat experimentation. You can make this thick and creamy confection with as little as two ingredients and in a matter of minutes when you combine milk and ice cream in a blender. Use this guide to learn a basic milkshake recipe, then get ideas for unique flavors and toppings that can help you customize every sip to your taste buds. Plus, find out how to create a mouthwatering milkshake without milk or a blender.
BLENDER MILKSHAKE RECIPE
Creating a rich, thick milkshake is a breeze with the right blender by your side. KitchenAid® blenders are designed to thoroughly blend all ingredients, featuring a range of variable speeds and preset programs that make whipping up this classic sweet treat quick and easy. Keep reading to discover a simple homemade milkshake recipe you can make in minutes.
YIELDS
- 1 serving
INGREDIENTS
Whole milk (¼ to ½ cup per 3 scoops of ice cream)
Ice cream (chosen flavor)
Mix-ins (optional)
Whipped cream (garnish, optional)
Maraschino cherry (garnish, optional)
TOOLS
- A blender, like the KitchenAid® K400 Variable Speed Blender with Tamper
PREP TIME
- 4 minutes
TOTAL TIME
- 4 minutes
STEP 1: POUR MILK BASE
Start by pouring the milk base into the blender. Remember that you can easily add more milk later in the process, so start with a small amount to help you create a thick texture. For a lactose-free or vegan alternative, try using a plant-based milk like almond or soy milk with your favorite dairy-free or vegan ice cream.
STEP 2: ADD ICE CREAM & MIX-INS
Next, add mix-ins like chocolate chips, fruit pieces, brownie, cheesecake pieces or any other mix-ins of your choice, then add ice cream that’s slightly softened to a soft-serve texture. This helps eliminate the need to add extra milk for thinning that may disrupt the flavor balance.
STEP 3: BLEND & STIR
Secure the blender jar lid and set the blender to its lowest speed setting. Slowly increase the speed to high while pushing ingredients toward the blade with your blender’s tamper to help with even blending. Blend until completely smooth, or about 30 seconds. Overmixing could cause ice cream to start melting.
STEP 4: ADD FINAL MIX-INS
If you prefer chunkier mix-ins, add them to the blender jar and use a spoon to combine, or set the blender to a low speed until mix-ins are just combined.
STEP 5: GARNISH AND SERVE
Pour your milkshake into a fountain shoppe glass, mason jar or serving glass of your choice. Garnish with your favorite toppings and drizzles and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
SHOP KITCHENAID® BLENDERS FOR MAKING MILKSHAKES
WHAT ARE POPULAR MILKSHAKE FLAVORS AND TOPPINGS?
Classic milkshake flavors like chocolate, vanilla and strawberry can hit the spot when you’re craving a more traditional sweet treat, but there’s no end to creative variations of flavors, toppings and mix-ins. Incorporate fruit flavors outside of classic strawberry with a raspberry cheesecake milkshake or a frosty berry cream milkshake, or try banana, orange creamsicle, pineapple or peach flavored milkshakes. You can incorporate comfort food or drink flavors with peanut butter or coffee-based milkshakes. Add finishing touches with classic toppings like sprinkles, chocolate chips and drizzles of hot fudge or caramel, or mix it up with toasted nuts, cookie or cake crumbles, coconut or fresh fruit toppings.
WHY IS MY MILKSHAKE WATERY?
A thin or watery milkshake can result from a handful of factors. If the ratio of ice cream to a liquid additive like milk, coconut milk or almond milk is off, your milkshake may come out runny. Likewise, putting crushed ice in your milkshake can lead to a watery consistency as bits of ice melt. If your ice cream to liquid ratio is spot on, you may be blending your milkshake too long. Overmixing can introduce too much heat into the mixture and cause ice cream to start melting.
WHAT IS THE ICE CREAM TO MILK RATIO FOR A MILKSHAKE?
The ideal milk to ice cream ratio ultimately depends on how thick you prefer your milkshake, but recipes most commonly call for anywhere from ¼ to ½ cup of milk for every 3 scoops of ice cream. Keep in mind that you can always add extra milk later in the blending process, so it’s best to start blending with less and add more until you reach your desired consistency.
CAN I MAKE A MILKSHAKE WITHOUT MILK?
Plant-based options like soy, almond, coconut or rice milk provide lactose-free alternatives that can help you accomplish a thick and creamy milkshake texture while introducing unique flavor profiles. If you simply don’t have milk on hand or are looking to experiment with milk alternatives, you can also try ground oats, Greek yogurt or avocado to achieve a velvety milkshake texture. You can add a small amount of water as needed to achieve your perfect consistency.
CAN I MAKE A MILKSHAKE WITHOUT A BLENDER?
A blender or hand blender is the best way to achieve a thick, consistent milkshake texture, but you can still whip up a hand-blended milkshake quickly without one in just a few quick steps. First, allow ice cream to thaw slightly or heat it briefly in the microwave using a microwave-safe dish until it’s soft enough to squish with a spoon. Next, add ice cream, milk and mix-ins to a jar, secure the lid and shake vigorously until ingredients are well combined. Remove the lid and stir any remaining chunks of ice cream into the milkshake, pressing them against the side of the jar to help incorporate them into the mixture.
SHOP KITCHENAID®BLENDERS
KitchenAid® blenders and hand blenders can help you satisfy your sweet tooth, take your soup game to the next level, experiment with new sauce recipes and more. You can tackle tough ingredients with the Intelli-Speed® Motor Control on select models that senses contents and maintains the optimal speed to thoroughly blend ingredients, or heat contents with the Thermal Control Jar on select models. Plus, blenders from KitchenAid brand are available in a wide variety of colors so you can express your style alongside your culinary creativity.
