This easy Chocolate Milkshake made with homemade chocolate syrup is thick and creamy with a killer chocolate flavor.
Hey, friends, it’s time for another milkshake recipe in my how to make a milkshake series. Today we’re tackling the perfect, the amazing classic Chocolate Milkshake.
The Secret to the Best Chocolate Milkshake
I’m pretty picky about my chocolate milkshakes. They must be thick, they must be creamy, and they must have a killer chocolate flavor. This chocolate shake absolutely fits all those bills, and might just be my favorite chocolate shake in all the world.
And want to know the secret to making the best chocolate milkshake?
Start with vanilla ice cream.
I know, I know. It sounds counterintuitive, but the best chocolate shakes are made with a combo of vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce.
Why You Should Use Chocolate Sauce to Make a Chocolate Shake
The best chocolate shakes are made with vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup because that allows you to control the level of chocolate flavor and make sure your shake is packed with it.
Blending chocolate ice cream with milk creates a good shake, but the milk is going to dilute the chocolate flavor, and it’s just not going to pack the same chocolate punch as a shake made with plenty of chocolate sauce.
This recipe includes my favorite fudge sauce recipe, so you can make a chocolate shake even if you don’t have any chocolate syrup in your fridge, but if you do have some, feel free to use the sauce you have on hand.
How do you make a chocolate milkshake from scratch?
- Start by making your chocolate syrup, simmering together butter, milk, cocoa powder, and sugar.
- Once the sauce is complete, combine ice cream, milk, and some of the sauce and blend until smooth.
- Pour into a chilled glass, top with whipped cream, and drizzle with remaining fudge sauce.
How to Make a Chocolate Shake Without a Blender
No blender? That’s not a problem. Make the chocolate sauce as described in the recipe and then scoop your ice cream into a mason jar (preferably a quart-size jar). Microwave ice cream for 15 to 30 seconds, until the ice cream begins to melt, but don’t melt it all the way.
Add milk and chocolate syrup, put a lid on the jar, and shake until blended. If you have any stubborn ice cream lumps at the bottom, use a spoon to help them mix.
Then pour into a glass and drink! If you want to see a more in-depth post on this, go check out my post How to Make a Milkshake Without a Blender.
More Chocolate Milkshake Recipes
Want some more Chocolate Shake combos? Add some of these mix-ins to the base chocolate shake recipe to make something new.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Shake: Add 1 slightly heaping tablespoon of peanut butter before blending.
- Chocolate Oreo Shake: Blend in 3 Oreos. Break an additional Oreo into pieces and drop crumbs over the top of the finished shake.
- Chocolate Banana Shake: Add 1/2 to a whole banana, broken into pieces, to the shake before blending. Using frozen bananas will create an extra creamy shake.
FAQ
Are chocolate milk and chocolate milkshakes the same?
No, chocolate milk and chocolate milkshakes are not the same thing. Chocolate milk is made with milk and chocolate syrup (usually made with cocoa powder, sugar, and a bit of water) and a chocolate milkshake is made with milk, chocolate syrup, and ice cream, so it’s much richer, thicker, and frostier.
How do I thicken a chocolate milkshake?
For a thicker milkshake, start by using less milk, 1/2 cup instead of 3/4, and don’t over-blend, especially if you have a really powerful blender like a Vitamix or Blendtec. If the shake is still not as thick as you’d like, add more ice cream until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I make a chocolate milkshake without ice cream?
You cannot make *this* milkshake recipe without ice cream. But if you want to make a chocolate milkshake without ice cream, either go try my Banana Milkshake Without Ice Cream recipe and make the chocolate version or check out my Frozen Hot Chocolate recipe.
Even though it’s called “frozen hot chocolate,” if I were going to make a non-ice-cream-based chocolate shake, this is exactly how I would do it, with sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and ice. It’s not as rich as a real chocolate milkshake, but it’s very good!
Can I make a chocolate milkshake with chocolate ice cream?
Sure. If all you have is chocolate ice cream, you can still use it to make a milkshake. Just follow the recipe below and either omit the chocolate sauce for a less chocolatey (but quicker) shake. Or use about half the chocolate sauce and then add more to taste if necessary.
More Chocolate Recipes
More Milkshake Recipes
Or check out my Milkshake Recipes Cheat Sheet.
The Best Chocolate Milkshake
Ingredients
Fudge Sauce
- 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
- 1 heaping tablespoon (8g) cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon (14g) butter
- 2 tablespoons milk any percentage
- 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
Chocolate Milkshake
- 1 1/2 cup vanilla ice cream* about 3 scoops
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup milk any percentage
- Whipped cream optional
Instructions
Fudge Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine sugar and cocoa powder. Stir together and set aside.
- In a small saucepan, over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in milk followed by the sugar and cocoa powder mixture. Whisk continuously, beating out any lumps as they form, until mixture begins to thicken and bubble 1-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and whisk for 30 seconds to whisk some of the heat out of the sauce. Stir in optional vanilla and allow sauce to sit at room temperature to continue to cool slightly as you assemble the rest of your ingredients.
Chocolate Milkshake
- Combine ice cream, milk, and 3 tablespoons* of the sauce in your blender and blend until well-mixed and pourable.
- Pour into a glass, top with optional whipped cream and drizzle the remaining fudge sauce over the top. Enjoy!
Notes
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission if you make a purchase using them. There is absolutely no additional cost to you.
Patricia says
I thought the balance of ingredients for the chocolate syrup was great, although I did add a pinch of salt. I used King Arthur Bensdorp Cocoa which, IMO, has outstanding flavor (think “liquid-brownie”!). Regarding the recipe for the milkshake, I used Talenti Vanilla Bean Gelato and 1% milk; I found the chocolate syrup proportion was not enough, so I doubled it. Hubby liked it and said the chocolate flavor came through and was delicious, although, for me, I’d triple the chocolate syrup next time. Overall, great recipe for both chocolate syrup and milkshake….it’s a keeper!
Kandys says
Not going to lie, I kind of rolled my eyes about making my own chocolate fudgey syrup…SO WORTH IT. I’m not usually a huge desert person but I made this for my fiancé…amazing.
Lily says
Absolutely wonderful chocolate syrup recipe. I have used this both in a shake mix and as a drizzle and it was delightful. I did make this with almond milk and made a larger batch than necessary but I found that it refrigerates and reheats quite well. Thank you for this recipe Tracy!
Tracy says
Thanks, Lily! So thrilled to hear it!
Patricia says
Thanks for including alt-milk experiment….good to know. I agree….wonderful chocolate syrup recipe!
Ali says
My child said this was the best shake heMd ever had. Thank you!
emma says
SOO good!!!!!
Meg says
This fudge sauce is delicious. Made chocolate milkshakes tonight with this and my family LOVED them! Thanks so much for the recipe 🙂
Tracy says
So glad to hear it, Meg!!
Patricia J Gonzalez says
I stumbled across this recipe and have literally made shakes for my kids every other week now. The chocolate syrup in a bottle doesn’t compare. These really are the best chocolate milkshakes!!
Tracy says
Thanks, Patricia! I’m so glad that the kiddos have been enjoying it!!