Vanilla Milkshake (3 Ingredients) - Cooking For My Soul - Foodie's Table

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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!

three vanilla milkshakes made with good ice cream

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 , 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 . As for straws, use 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.

top view of one vanilla milkshake with pink straw

More Ice Cream Treats

Summer is almost here, which means we get to enjoy more ice cream treats! Give these summer treats a try:

– not really ice cream, but definitely summer-worthy
– not ice cream, but it’s definitely a fresh treat!

Recipe FAQs

How do I know if the ice cream is of good quality?

It’s really a matter of preference or personal experience. I personally really like the following brands: Guernsey, Tillamook, and Haagen Dazs.

Is it necessary to use vanilla extract?

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”).

Any blenders you would recommend?

Use a large blender. I have a , 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 2026 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 and follow along on , , or

5 from 21 votes

Easy Vanilla Milkshakes

Making amazing old-fashioned vanilla milkshakes at home is easier than you think! All you need are 3 ingredients. Ready in just 5 minutes. Course Drinks Cuisine American Prep Time 5 minutes minutes Cook Time 0 minutes minutes Total Time 5 minutes minutes Servings 3 people Calories 415kcal Author

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.

Substitutions and variations:

Pure vanilla extract: Vanilla beans.

Disclaimer: Nutritional values (per serving) are approximates only.

Nutrition

More Drinks and Beverages

Reader Interactions

Comments

Yummy and simple to make!
I used unsweet almond milk amd some ice and cut recipe to 25%
Taste is just like McDonald’s my two younger sisters and myself loved it
Good milkshake
I added oreos and it was sooo good
Thank you for the recipe! Came out Fantastic!!
I really like it! Its so simple and fun to make! Thank you for the easy recipe.
This was so good I doubled the recipe for my family and they loved it thanks.
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
- Hi Erin! It’s up to you. I use 2% and whole milk interchangeably, depending on what I have in the fridge.
so good I love it thanks
It is so good you have a really good recipe.
was great we doubled the recipe for the family and they loved it
- so glad to hear! thank you for making it!
Perfect just like a McDonald’s milkshake-kiddos approved
So good

5 from 21 votes ()

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Vanilla Milkshake (3 Ingredients) - Cooking For My Soul