This deliciously decadent caramel milkshake is quick and easy to make at home. You’ll just need three ingredients: vanilla ice cream, milk, and caramel–homemade or store-bought is just fine.
Hey, friend. Have some caramel sauce in your fridge and some vanilla ice cream in your freezer? You should definitely make a caramel shake right now.
The Perfect Caramel Milkshake
This caramel shake is a total sweet caramel dream, and all you need to make it is the perfect milkshake ratio (three scoops of vanilla ice cream and 1/2 cup of milk) and some caramel.
Ingredient Notes
- Caramel: If caramel sauce isn’t something you keep stocked at home, pick some up the next time you’re at the store, make my quick shortcut caramel sauce, or you can whip out a heavy-bottom pot, melt some sugar, and make some traditional caramel sauce yourself. If you have dulce de leche, you can also substitute it for the caramel and make a dulce de leche milkshake.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream pairs well with the caramel flavor in this shake. For best results, use a high-quality vanilla ice cream you enjoy.
- Milk: Any milk will work for your milkshake, but the higher fat your milk, the richer your shake will be. You can even substitute a little half and half or heavy cream for some of the milk for an extra rich and creamy shake.
How to Make a Caramel Milkshake
- Combine all your ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. If your blender is struggling to blend the shake, let everything sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before trying again. This will allow the ice cream to soften slightly and blend more easily without having to add additional milk which can water down the shake.
- Drizzle extra caramel sauce around the inside of a glass (if desired) and add the shake. Top with whipped cream and more caramel and enjoy!
Caramel Shake Variations
For more caramel shake combos, try adding some mix-in to this recipe:
- Banana Caramel Milkshake: Add 1/2 to 1 whole ripe banana before blending. Use a frozen banana for a creamier shake.
- Vanilla Bean Caramel Milkshake: Add the seeds scraped from 1/2 of a vanilla bean before blending.
- Coffee Caramel Milkshake: Replace the milk with the same amount of cold coffee.
FAQ
How can I make this a salted caramel milkshake?
If you’re craving a salted caramel shake, not a problem. You can use salted caramel if you have it in place of regular OR add a generous pinch of salt to your shake before blending. Taste the shake and add more as needed.
To be a little extra, you can also dip the rim of your cup in more caramel and sprinkle flakey sea salt over the top, but that’s totally optional.
Do I have to use vanilla ice cream for a caramel shake?
Nope. You can use whatever ice cream you have on hand as long as the flavor goes well with caramel. I just like vanilla as a base because it really lets the caramel flavor shine through and be the star of the show.
Can I make my milkshake in advance?
I don’t recommend it. Milkshakes are always best right after they’ve been made. Even when stored in the fridge, they will begin to melt and be less thick and creamy the longer they sit.
More Milkshake Recipes
- Banana Milkshake
- The Best Chocolate Milkshake
- Strawberry Milkshake
- Oreo Milkshake
- The Best Vanilla Milkshake
Recipe Notes
- This will make approximately 1 1/2 to 2 cups, enough for one restaurant-sized shake or two smaller ones.
Caramel Milkshake
Ingredients
- 1½ cups vanilla ice cream about 3 scoops
- ½ to ¾ cup milk *
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce plus optional more for drizzling
- Whipped cream optional for topping
Instructions
- In your blender, combine ice cream, milk, and caramel. Blend until caramel is incorporated and shake is pourable.
- Pour into glass(es), top with optional whipped cream and more caramel if desired. Serve and 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.
Cass says
Delicious
Joan says
Just made this for my family and they all loved it! Thank you for the recipe ♥️
Cleo says
Delicious Smoothie only thing NOT ENOGH CARAMEL
Rahul says
Mmm… heavenly. I love how easy this milkshake is and I love caramel.
Tracy says
Thanks, Rahul!! So thrilled to hear it!