Easy Vanilla Milkshake (4 Ingredients)

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.

• 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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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. 

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. 

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!