Vanilla Milkshake (3 Ingredients) (2024)

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!

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

This recipe was originally published in 2019 and updated in May 2024 to include new photos and information.

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