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Homebody Eats » Recipes » Ice Cream

Easy Vanilla Milkshake (4 Ingredients)

Published: Jul 26, 2023 · Modified: Oct 1, 2023 by Jessica Mode · This content may include affiliate links.

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With only 4 ingredients, blend up a delicious, creamy, and thick vanilla milkshake. You'll only need 10 minutes for this easy recipe.

vanilla milkshake topped with whipped cream and sprinkles.

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Want to learn how to make the best vanilla milkshake? Look no further!

After extensive recipe testing, I can confidently say I’ve cracked the code to the perfect thick and rich vanilla shake. 

There’s no better way to cool off in the hot summer months than with a milkshake.

With this recipe, I’ll walk you through the ingredients needed for the best milkshake. You’ll learn how to make a vanilla milkshake that only requires four easy ingredients, a blender, and 10 minutes of time.

Jump to:
  • What You'll Learn In This Recipe
  • Best Homemade Ice Cream Recipes
  • Ingredients You Need
  • How To Make This Recipe
  • Expert Tips
  • Recipe FAQs
  • More Ice Cream Recipes
  • Easy Vanilla Milkshake (4 Ingredients)

What You'll Learn In This Recipe

  • The specific type of ice cream you’ll need for a tasty vanilla milkshake.
  • The secret ingredient for a rich and creamy shake. 
  • My favorite tip for keeping a milkshake super cold.

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    Ingredients You Need

    Just four simple ingredients are all it takes to enjoy the best homemade vanilla milkshake. 

    vanilla milkshake ingredients with labels.

    French vanilla ice cream: French vanilla custard-style ice cream is beloved because of its rich and silky texture. This comes from the high concentration of egg yolks in comparison to other types of vanilla ice cream which don’t have any eggs. For this milkshake, you want to choose a high-quality ice cream brand for the best end product. 

    When you're at the grocery store, this type of ice cream should be labeled as ‘French vanilla’. If you're still unsure, check the ingredient label to see if egg yolks are listed. If you want to make homemade ice cream for your milkshake, check out this French vanilla ice cream recipe. 

    Heavy Cream: This is the secret ingredient. Many vanilla milkshake recipes don’t add this ingredient, and that’s why they aren’t as great. Heavy cream adds to the rich, creamy mouthfeel of the milkshake.

    At the grocery store, this ingredient may also be labeled as whipping cream. 

    Whole milk: For the best tasting milkshake, I recommend only using whole milk. Reduced-fat milk will be less creamy and your milkshake will be more watered down in flavor and texture. The additional fat in whole milk makes for the best shake.

    Vanilla bean paste: This ingredient adds a burst of flavor. Without the vanilla bean paste, I found the milkshake to be lacking something. If you want, you can substitute the vanilla bean paste for equal parts of high-quality vanilla extract. 

    Optional toppings: You can top your milkshake with anything you want. I used whipped cream and sprinkles for mine. Toppings add an extra fun and personalized. 

    How To Make This Recipe

    In just ten minutes, you’ll be indulging in the best homemade vanilla milkshake of your life. 

    numbered photo of ice cream and cream in a blender.

    1. To begin, add the French vanilla ice cream, heavy cream, whole milk, and vanilla bean paste into the container of an electric blender. 

    numbered photo blending milkshake in a blender.

    2. Cover the blender and turn the speed on to high for about 20 seconds until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

    This milkshake does not need very long to blend. Once the consistency is thick and creamy, it's ready. If you notice that the milkshake is too thin, feel free to add an additional scoop of ice cream. 

    It really is as easy as that. Just add in the ingredients and blend. 

    numbered photo of vanilla milkshake topped with whipped cream and sprinkles.

    3. Once blended, pour the shake into a chilled 16-ounce glass. If desired, garnish with dairy whipped topping and sprinkles. 

    Garnishes are completely optional but such a fun way to add character to an otherwise plain-looking vanilla milkshake. Don’t forget to add a straw too!

    Expert Tips

    • To chill your milkshake glass, place it in the freezer for roughly 30 to 45 minutes before serving. This helps the milkshake stay super cold while you're drinking it. 
    • Only remove the ice cream from the freezer right before you're going to add it to the blender. This keeps the milkshake thick and creamy. 
    • Always measure your ingredients. While it may seem silly to do this for a milkshake, in order to achieve a perfect creamy consistency, the measurements have to be accurate. I spent lots of time testing different amounts of ice cream to liquid ingredients to find the perfect ratio. 
    • Want to spice up your milkshake? Add toppings such as whipped cream, sprinkles, chocolate or caramel sauce, or nuts. The options are endless, and completely up to what sounds good to you.

    Recipe FAQs

    Should I use ice in my milkshake?

    No, the ice will water down the milkshake and it tends not to blend in smoothly. There’s no need for ice because the ice cream is frozen.

    What is the secret of a good milkshake?

    A high-quality custard-based ice cream such as French vanilla provides a delicious and flavorful base. A hint of vanilla paste or high-quality vanilla extract adds the extra kick of flavor needed. Lastly, the right mix of heavy cream and whole milk is necessary to thin out the ice cream just enough to achieve the perfect creaminess and richness. 

    What milk is best for milkshakes?

    A mixture of whole milk and heavy cream is best. The fat content in both creates a lovely texture and nice flavor. These two combine to make a creamy and rich milkshake.

    vanilla milkshake topped with whipped cream and sprinkles.

    More Ice Cream Recipes

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      4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Whiskey Milkshake
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    vanilla milkshake topped with whipped cream and sprinkles.

    Easy Vanilla Milkshake (4 Ingredients)

    With only 4 ingredients, blend up a delicious, creamy, and thick vanilla milkshake. You'll only need 10 minutes for this easy recipe.
    Author: Jessica Mode
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Active Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 10 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1 serving (16 ounces or 475 ml)
    Calories 669 kcal

    Equipment

    • high powered blender

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 ½ cups French vanilla ice cream
    • ¼ cup heavy cream
    • ¼ cup whole milk
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
    • dairy whipped topping for garnish (optional)
    • sprinkles for garnish (optional)

    Instructions
     

    • Add ice cream, heavy cream, whole milk, and vanilla bean paste in the container of an electric blender. Cover and blend on high speed about 20 seconds, until smooth and creamy.
    • Pour into a chilled 16 ounce glass. Optionally, garnish with dairy whipped topping and sprinkles.

    Notes

    Be sure to use French vanilla (custard) ice cream for a rich and delicious vanilla milkshake.
    To chill your milkshake glass, place it in the freezer for 30 - 45 minutes before serving. This helps the milkshake stay super cold while you're drinking it.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving (without toppings)Calories: 669kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 11gFat: 45gSaturated Fat: 28gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 162mgSodium: 198mgPotassium: 542mgFiber: 1gSugar: 50gVitamin A: 1807IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 368mgIron: 0.2mg
    Have you tried this recipe?Tag @homebody.eats on Instagram so we can see your creations!

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