Making a classic old-fashioned vanilla milkshake at home is really easy!
You only need 3 ingredients: really good vanilla ice cream, milk, and pure vanilla extract. It’s that simple.
I included my best tips and recommendations to make a vanilla milkshake at home…a REALLY good one!
Vanilla milkshakes are the quintessential summer treat. I look forward to it every summer…not that I can’t have one during winter, but it just hits different on a hot summer day!
You’ve probably had more shakes than you can count, but have you ever had a REALLY good milkshake? Most of the ones I’ve had were good, but never as good as homemade. And there isn’t really any mysterious secret to it, just really good ingredients.
This easy vanilla milkshake requires three simple ingredients: good vanilla ice cream, milk, and pure vanilla extract. And one simple step: blend everything!
Jump to:
How to the Perfect Milkshake
- Use REALLY good ice cream: This is THE most important thing to keep in mind. Great ice cream is essential. So, if possible, pick up some high-quality ice cream from the store. Stay away from those artificially flavored vanilla ice cream tubs. Trust me, it will make a HUGE difference.
- Add a touch of vanilla extract: This will really highlight the vanilla flavors from the ice cream.
- Get the consistency right: A good shake shouldn’t take much effort to drink through a straw. Use as much milk as needed to get the consistency just right. Start small and keep adding more to the blender until it’s just right to taste.
Ingredient Notes
You only need 3 ingredients to make a vanilla milkshake. Because it’s such a simple recipe, the quality of the ingredients used is super important.
Below, I included a few notes and recommendations. Quantities can be found in the recipe card down below, as always.
- High quality vanilla ice cream: I always spend a little extra on really good ice cream just to make shakes. Use your favorite brand. My favorite brands are Guernsey, Tillamook, and Haagen Dazs (not sponsored, just my own opinion).
- Milk: I use whole milk for a neutral flavor and richer consistency. The amount of milk depends on your preferred consistency.
- Vanilla extract: Use “pure” vanilla extract (not the artificially flavored, also known as “imitation vanilla”). Enhances the vanilla flavor. It’s surprising how much flavor just a little bit of this ingredient can add. To make it even better, you can use vanilla beans (just the seeds removed from their pods).
Step-by-Step
It takes just 5 minutes. Here’s how I make these!
Step 1 | Blend everything
In a large blender, combine the ice cream, milk, and pure vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more milk as needed. The consistency should be smooth and should look a bit frothy at the top. If you want it to be creamier and thicker, add more ice cream and blend until desired consistency.
Step 2 | Serve
Pour the milkshake into glasses and serve immediately. I like to use these tall old-fashioned glasses. As for straws, use thick straws like these ones to make it easier to drink.
I like to keep it simple and just pour the shake into a tall glass and call it a day. However, if you want to add a special touch, try these fun serving ideas:
- Top with whipped cream and add a cherry on top
- Other toppings for the whipped cream: funfetti or chocolate shavings.
- Top with a drizzle of salted caramel or chocolate.
- Coat the inside of the glasses with caramel or chocolate syrup.
More Ice Cream Treats
Summer is almost here, which means we get to enjoy more ice cream treats! Give these summer treats a try:
- Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
- Mango Ice Cream
- Watermelon Popsicles
- Watermelon Slushies – not really ice cream, but definitely summer-worthy
- Strawberry Milk – not ice cream, but it’s definitely a fresh treat!
Recipe FAQs
It’s really a matter of preference or personal experience. I personally really like the following brands: Guernsey, Tillamook, and Haagen Dazs.
While not strictly necessary, I think adding vanilla extract takes these vanilla milkshakes to the next level. Use “pure” vanilla extract (not the artificially flavored, also known as “imitation vanilla”).
Use a large blender. I have a Ninja blender, but you can use any blender you have at home, whether it’s a handheld or countertop one.
This recipe was originally published in 2019 and updated in May 2024 to include new photos and information.
Tips for Success
- Use high quality ice cream for best results. It can really make a huge difference in overall taste!
- Use “pure” vanilla extract. Stay away from imitation vanilla, which has an artificial flavor.
- Adjust consistency: If needed, add more milk according to your personal preferences. I like my milkshakes on the thicker side, so I use less milk. Up to you!
- For an even better experience, freeze the glasses beforehand.
I’d love to hear from you! If you loved my recipe, please consider leaving a 5-star rating and a comment down below. Sign up for my newsletter and follow along on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest
Easy Vanilla Milkshakes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 to 5 cups high quality vanilla ice cream - plus more to taste
- 1 to 1.5 cups whole milk - plus more as needed
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract - don't use imitation vanilla
Instructions
- In a blender, combine the ice cream, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Blend everything on medium speed. If you want your milkshake to be thicker, add more ice cream. Likewise, if too thick, add more milk to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Use high quality vanilla ice cream for this recipe. This is super important to achieve really good flavor.
- My favorite ice cream brands: Guernsey, Tillamook, and Haagen Dazs.
- For the vanilla extract, make sure to use “pure.” Don’t use “imitation vanilla” which has an artificial flavor.
- Pure vanilla extract: Vanilla beans.
Linda Hunt says
Yummy and simple to make!
shane says
I used unsweet almond milk amd some ice and cut recipe to 25%
Millie says
Taste is just like McDonald’s my two younger sisters and myself loved it
Maxwell Coulson says
Good milkshake
Lizy says
I added oreos and it was sooo good
Sinamon Wiskey says
Thank you for the recipe! Came out Fantastic!!
Mila Harris says
I really like it! Its so simple and fun to make! Thank you for the easy recipe.
Layth says
This was so good I doubled the recipe for my family and they loved it thanks.
Erin Ushman says
Hi this is Erin Ushman can you please tell me what kind of milk I can use for this recipe? I don’t know if I can you 2% milk or if I have to use whole milk. Please let me know as soon as possible. Thanks
Tania says
Hi Erin! It’s up to you. I use 2% and whole milk interchangeably, depending on what I have in the fridge.
nick says
so good I love it thanks
Emberly says says
It is so good you have a really good recipe.
khamae says
was great we doubled the recipe for the family and they loved it
Tania says
so glad to hear! thank you for making it!
Liz says
Perfect just like a McDonald’s milkshake-kiddos approved
Stephanie says
So good