How to make a milkshake without a blender that’s still thick, creamy and so quick to make! Using just 3 simple ingredients, this old fashioned treat is perfect for hot summer days and quick cravings. Top it off with whipped cream for an easy no bake dessert that the whole family will love!
We’re officially in the “dog days” of summer. Around here that means homemade vanilla milkshakes, easy chocolate milkshakes, strawberry milkshakes and creamy pineapple milkshakes. Milkshakes are so easy to make at home!
I usually make homemade milkshakes with a blender, but recently it occurred to me that not everybody has a blender in their kitchen cabinet. And sometimes you really just don’t feel like dealing with all of the cleanup that a blender entails. So today I’m going to show you how to make a milkshake without a blender– It’s so much easier than you might think!
Ingredients & Substitutions Notes
- Ice Cream – First, you’ll need to decide which flavor milkshake you want to make. I just decided to use vanilla ice cream to make a homemade vanilla milkshake, but you can use any flavor ice cream you want.
- Whole Milk – Next, you’ll need whole milk. You can use 2% milk or even skim milk, but just keep in mind that it might not be quite as thick.
- Vanilla Extract – I add a little bit of vanilla extract to my milkshake no matter the flavor! Lately I’ve really been enjoying this Mexican vanilla…
- Toppings – Think whipped cream, sprinkles, maraschino cherries, Oreo cookie pieces, caramel syrup or even chocolate syrup. I also like mini chocolate chips, brownies bites, crushed graham crackers, toffee bits, caramel chips, chopped peanuts, chopped fresh fruit, and even malted milk powder for old fashioned soda fountain flavor. Be creative!
How to Make a Milkshake Without a Blender
Before getting started, I recommend placing your milkshake cup or glass in the freezer so that it’ll be nice and cold for the milkshake later. This will help to keep the ice cream from melting too much.
How to Make a Milkshake Without a Blender Using the Shake Method
- Use an ice cream scoop to scoop the vanilla ice cream into a quart-sized mason jar; let it sit and soften for about 10-15 minutes.
- Add the milk and vanilla extract to the ice cream in the jar.
- Place and tighten the lid on the jar, and shake for 2-3 minutes.
- Open the jar, give the mixture a stir, and add any mix-ins you may want.
- Pour the mixture into your pre-frozen glass or cup, serve and enjoy!
Making a Homemade Milkshake with a Whisk
- To make a homemade milkshake using a whisk, start by scooping the vanilla ice cream into a large mixing bowl. Let it sit and soften for about 10-15 minutes.
- Add the milk and vanilla extract to the ice cream in the bowl.
- Whisk the ice cream mixture ’til everything is blended well, and it’s the milkshake consistency you want.
- Pour the mixture into your pre-frozen glass or cup. Now you’re all ready to add your toppings and serve!
How to Serve Your Homemade Milkshake
Once you’ve poured your milkshake into a milkshake glass, you can go ahead and add the toppings. Then I like to add a big dollop of whipped cream to my no blender milkshake, and sometimes I’ll top that off with sprinkles.
The great thing about this easy milkshake without a blender is that you can make it any way you like! Not only can you use a different flavor ice cream to make a different flavor milkshake, but you can top it with whatever you like– Think maraschino cherries, mini Oreo cookie pieces, caramel syrup or even chocolate syrup. Be creative, and have fun!
Expert Tips and Recipe FAQ’s
Yes, you can make dairy free milkshakes without a blender. First, you’ll need to use a dairy free ice cream. Then, swap out the whole milk for a dairy free milk, like almond milk, cashew milk or oat milk. So long as the other ingredients are dairy free, that should be all.
Unfortunately, homemade milkshakes don’t store well. Instead, they tend to freeze into rock solid chunks of flavored ice. This recipe is so easy to make that I only recommend making it right before you’re ready to enjoy it!
Optional Add-Ins & Variations
Looking for some interesting flavor combos? Here are a few of my favorite flavor combinations…
- I just love chocolate ice cream with a little peanut butter mixed in! Drizzle on some chocolate syrup for a little extra “oomph”…
- Make a mint chocolate chip milkshake with vanilla ice cream, chocolate chips and peppermint extract.
- Mix cold coffee into your homemade milkshake with chocolate ice cream for the ultimate mocha milkshake!
- Instead of whole milk, try coconut milk with vanilla ice cream and pineapple bits for the ultimate tropical milkshake.
More Favorite Ice Cream Recipes
- Creamy Caramel Apple Milkshake
- Old Fashioned Ice Cream With Raw Eggs
- Homemade Banana Ice Cream
- Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream
- Peach Ice Cream in an Old Fashioned Ice Cream Maker
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How to Make a Milkshake without a Blender
Ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whipped cream optional
- 1 tablespoon sprinkles optional
Instructions
- Place your milkshake glass or cup in the freezer.
Shake Method –
- Scoop the vanilla ice cream into a quart-sized mason jar; let it sit and soften for about 10-15 minutes.
- Add the milk and vanilla extract to the ice cream in the jar.
- Place and tighten the lid on the jar, and shake for 2-3 minutes.
- Open the jar, give the mixture and stir, and add any mix-ins you may want.
- Pour the mixture into your pre-frozen glass or cup, and top with whipped cream and sprinkles.
Whisk Method –
- Scoop the vanilla ice cream into a large mixing bowl; let it sit and soften for about 10-15 minutes.
- Add the milk and vanilla extract to the ice cream in the bowl.
- Whisk the ice cream mixture 'til everything is blended well, and it's the milkshake consistency you want.
- Pour the mixture into your pre-frozen glass or cup, and top with whipped cream and sprinkles.
This is brilliant! The whisk was is my favorite and the shakes are delicious!!!
This is brilliant! The whisk is my favorite and the milkshakes are perfect