How to make a vanilla milkshake, with tips and tricks for making the best shake possible.
Vanilla milkshakes sometimes get a bad rap as being a little boring, a little, shall we say, vanilla. But you know what?
A good vanilla milkshake is a thing of beauty, and today we’re going to make a really good vanilla milkshake.
A Really Good Vanilla Milkshake Recipe
There are three things we’re going to do to make the best vanilla milkshake possible:
1. Start with good-quality ice cream. I’m usually team cheap ice cream for milkshakes, but since we’re not adding other flavors here, you really want a good base.
That chemically artificial vanilla taste you get with some cheap vanilla ice creams is not the foundation we want to build our shake upon.
2. Ramp up the vanilla flavor. This is the secret for the best vanilla shake: adding the seeds scraped from half a vanilla bean or a couple drops of vanilla extract can really put that vanilla flavor over the top. If you don’t have vanilla beans/extract, you can totally skip this step, but if you have them, use them!
3. Use the right ratio of milk to ice cream. I talk about this in every milkshake post, but this is how to make a milkshake 101. The right ice cream to milk ratio (which is 3 scoops ice cream to 1/2 to 3/4 cup milk) can make or break your shake.
More Vanilla Shake Flavor Combos
Want something a little different? Try the following combos:
- Banana Vanilla Bean Milkshake: Add 1/2 to 1 whole overripe banana before blending (check out this post on ripening bananas quickly if your bananas aren’t quite brown enough). For a thicker shake, use a frozen banana.
- Bourbon Vanilla Bean Shake: Replace 2 tablespoons of the milk in the recipe with 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of bourbon.
More Milkshake Recipes
Recipe Notes
- To make this milkshake without a blender, simply microwave ice cream in a quart-size mason jar for 15 to 30 seconds, until softened, but not completely melted. Then add milk and vanilla beans, screw the lid on tightly and shake until well-mixed. If there are any bits of ice cream that did not mix in, use a spoon to stir them against the sides of the jar so they mix. Then pour into a glass or two and enjoy!
The Best Vanilla Milkshake
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups good-quality vanilla ice cream about 3 scoops, slightly softened
- Scraped seeds from 1/2 vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon real vanilla extract
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup milk * any percentage
- Whipped cream optional for topping
Instructions
- In a blender, combine ice cream, vanilla bean seeds (or extract), and milk, and blend until pourable.
- Pour into a glass, top with whipped cream if desired, 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.
Aymer says
I LOVE IT. THICK CREAMY VANILLA ICE CREAM MELTING IN YOUR MOUTH WITH JUST A HINT OF MILK SPLASHING OUT!
Jim says
I like a little crushed ic in it for a bit of crunch. Not enough to thin the shake though.
Marianne says
Haag n Dazs vanilla ice cream with whole milk ratio 3 to 1. Vanilla bean paste. Blend. Best one I’ve had.
Annelissa says
Super Yummy!
Cara says
My daughter is having a bone graft and will be on a blend3d diet for several weeks. I can’t wait to try this recipe! Would I need to change the proportions by adding a scoop of vanilla protein powder?
Mark Thalken says
The best vanilla milkshake I ever had was in St Andrews, Scotland. They mentioned a “secret” ingredient. I don’t know what it was but it was a WAY GOOD milkshake. I’d like to know what that ingredient was. Malt has been suggested. Any Ideas?
Tracy says
Ooo, without tasting it, I could only guess. I’d say malt or just actual vanilla beans would be my first thought. Maybe some bourbon if it’s that sort of establishment. LOL.
Alex says
Malt is a powder. It’s label will read Malted Milk Powder.
JoanieJones says
Then, in the Midwest, we’d have called it a malt vs a milkshake. 2 different products. Any comments? Now I’m an Arizona loyal and just love it. You get used to the heat.. stay in the pool when possible. And the mild winters..what winters??..make it so much more livable. No shoveling yourself out of your driveway, only to have the street crews come by and cause you to have to re-shovel all over. No thanks! But you make the most of every blessing, no matter what the environmental location. God bless.
Sean says
2 oz of Johnny Walker Blue Label
Nancy says
Yummy milkshake, my kids is love & enjoy the milkshakes.