Homemade Milkshakes (3 easy milkshake recipes)

These homemade milkshake recipes are sure to be a hit this summer! With just 3 simple ingredients, you can make the perfect thick and creamy milkshakes at home. The best part about this recipe is that you can use it as the base to make any of your favorite milkshake flavors! 

What’s more classic than a cold old-fashioned milkshake on a hot summer day? Well, to answer simply, not much. And I think it’s safe to say most of us have been enjoying some form of milkshake during the summer ever since we were little.

For most of my life, milkshakes were something I only got as a treat when we would go out to eat or out for ice cream. I don’t know why we never bothered to make them at home.

I guess on the one hand, we didn’t see the point. After all, we didn’t drink shakes every day, so why not just buy them?

Man, does a lot change when you move to the middle of nowhere, and suddenly it isn’t just about buying the shake but also making a full trip to go get one. Needless to say, one summer I decided it was high time I learned how to make the perfect milkshake at home.

And once I did, there was no going back. Not only are homemade milkshakes cheaper than takeout ones, but they also taste way better, and you can make them in any flavor you want!

Today I’m going to share not one but three easy homemade milkshake recipes: classic, extra creamy, and creamy with extra add-ins!

These milkshakes can be made with any of your favorite ice creams and candies, you can also use both regular and non-dairy milk options, and you can create fun and unique flavors to enjoy all summer long!

Homemade Milkshakes Recipe

I simply put the flavors of ice cream I used for each shake I made, but these recipes can be made with any kind/flavor of ice cream you want! Vanilla ice cream, chocolate ice cream, strawberry ice cream, full-fat ice cream, and even vegan ice cream will all work. You can also use homemade whipped cream or pre-made whipped cream for the extra creamy shakes. See the recipe notes for my quick and easy homemade whipped cream recipe. 

Classic milkshake

• chocolate ice cream, softened slightly
• whole milk, or any type of milk
• whipped cream for topping, optional

Extra Creamy Milkshake

• vanilla ice cream, softened slightly
• whole milk, or any type of milk
• whipped cream
• whipped cream and a Maraschino cherry for topping, optional

Milkshake with mix-ins

• vanilla ice cream, softened slightly
• whole milk, or any type of milk
• whipped cream, optional. You can make these milkshakes classic or extra creamy
• candy of choice, I used Kit Kats and Reese’s peanut butter cups, both roughly chopped.
• whipped cream and candy pieces for topping, optional

Milkshake mix-ins/topping ideas 

• chocolate syrup
• fresh fruit
• chocolate chips
• caramel sauce
• strawberry syrup
• fresh strawberries
• cookie dough
• crushed chocolate chip cookies
• Maraschino cherry
• hot fudge
• Curshed thin mints
• nut butters
• any of your favorite candy bars

How To Make Homemade Milkshakes (3 ways!)

To make a classic milkshake

Place your chocolate ice cream in an upright blender, add a splash of milk, and blend on high, adding more milk as needed, until you have reached your desired consistency. Pour into a tall glass, top with whipped cream, and enjoy!

To make an extra creamy milkshake

Place your vanilla ice cream in an upright blender, add a splash of milk, and your whipped cream. Blend on high, adding more milk if needed, until you have reached your desired consistency. Pour into a tall glass, top with whipped cream and a Maraschino cherry, and enjoy!

To make a milkshake with mix-ins

Place your vanilla ice cream in an upright blender, add a splash of milk, followed by the whipped cream if using. Blend on high, adding more milk as needed, until you reach your desired consistency. Add your candy(or mix-ins of choice) and pulse just until combined. Pour into a tall glass, and top with whipped cream and candy pieces. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

You can use any of the homemade milkshakes above as a base to create any of your favorite milkshakes. You can make a chocolate milkshake(just use chocolate ice cream), a strawberry milkshake(use strawberry ice cream and/or fresh strawberries or strawberry syrup). A banana milkshake(add a fresh banana or banana extract). A mint milkshake (use mint ice cream and add crushed thin mints or mint Oreos)   

Easy Homemade Whipped Cream Recipe 

Combine 1 cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, and 3 teaspoons vanilla extract in a large bowl. Beat using an electric mixer at high speed until stiff peaks form. Enjoy!

You can easily turn any of these homemade milkshakes into homemade malts, simply add a few tablespoons of malted milk powder or chocolate malt powder before blending your shake!

Be sure to check out these delicious shakes, too!

Shamrock Shake Recipe

Homemade Espresso Milkshake Recipe

Twist Milkshake Recipe (vanilla & chocolate shake)