HOW TO MAKE A MILKSHAKE IN A BLENDER
Milkshakes are a creamy and refreshing dessert beverage that give you the creative licence to experiment with different thicknesses, flavours and toppings. You can enjoy this mouthwatering confection whenever you want. All you need is a blender and two ingredients, milk and ice cream.
This guide will introduce you to a basic milkshake recipe and give you some ideas for unique flavours as well as toppings that can tailor every sip to your liking.
RECIPE FOR A BLENDER MILKSHAKE
With the right blender, making a milkshake is easy and takes very little time. KitchenAid® Blenders can thoroughly blend all ingredients and have variable speed options as well as preset programs that make whipping up a milkshake a breeze.
YIELDS
1 serving
INGREDIENTS
Whole milk (¼ cup (59 ml) to ½ cup (118 ml) per 3 scoops of ice cream)
Ice cream (chosen flavour)
Mix-ins (optional)
Whipped cream (garnish, optional)
Maraschino cherry (garnish, optional)
TOOLS
A blender, like the KitchenAid® K400 Variable Speed Blender
PREP TIME
4 minutes
TOTAL TIME
4 minutes
STEP 1: ADD THE MILK BASE TO A BLENDER
The first step is to pour milk into a blender as this will act as the base for your milkshake. Start with a small amount because you can add more milk later in the process to achieve a thicker texture.
If you’re a vegan or on a lactose-free diet, you can use a non-dairy alternative (almond or soy milk, for instance) and a vegan ice cream.
STEP 2: ADD MIX-INS & ICE CREAM
Now is the perfect time to add your mix-ins to the milk base. Chocolate chips or brownie bits are fantastic options for those with a sweet tooth and coconut shavings can help give your milkshake a touch of tropical flavouring.
The next step is to add slightly softened ice cream. By using slightly-softened ice cream, you can avoid having to add more milk later as a thinning agent.
STEP 3: BLEND AND STIR THE MIXTURE
Secure the blender jar lid and turn on the blender to its lowest speed. Gradually increase the speed to high while pushing the ingredients toward the blade using the blender’s tamper. This will help produce an even blending.
Lastly, blend the mixture until it’s completely smooth, which usually takes about 30 seconds. Remember, overmixing could result in the ice cream melting.
STEP 4: ADD THE LAST ROUND OF MIX-INS (OPTIONAL)
If you’re a fan of chunkier mix-ins, you should add them to the blender jar at this point. Combine with a spoon or set the blender to a low speed and blend until the mix-ins have started to combine with the other ingredients.
STEP 5: GARNISH, SERVE & ENJOY
Time to enjoy your creation! Pour the milkshake into a serving glass or mason jar. Top with your favourite garnishes and then finish it off with a drizzle of caramel or hot fudge and serve immediately so you can enjoy your milkshake at its ideal taste and texture.
SHOP KITCHENAID® BLENDERS FOR MAKING MILKSHAKES
POPULAR MILKSHAKE FLAVOURS AND TOPPINGS
If you’ve ever been to an ice cream parlour, you’ve probably tried a classic milkshake flavour like strawberry. If you like strawberry or fruit-based milkshakes, try banana, orange creamsicle, pineapple or peach flavoured milkshakes. You can also add a touch of saltiness or richness to your milkshakes with peanut butter or coffee. Some popular finishing touches include sprinkles, chocolate chips and a drizzle of a flavoured syrup, or mix it up with cookie crumbles, toasted nuts, coconut, fresh fruit toppings or cake pieces.
WHAT IS THE RIGHT RATIO FOR ICE CREAM TO MILK FOR A MILKSHAKE?
The ideal milk to ice cream ratio is based on how thick you want your milkshake to be. Most milkshake recipes call for anywhere from ¼ cup (59 ml) to ½ cup (118 ml) of milk for every 3 scoops of ice cream. Remember, you can always add more milk later in the blending process, so start with less and add more, if needed, until the blend reaches your desired consistency.
WHY IS MY MILKSHAKE WATERY?
A watery milkshake is the result of several factors. It could be that the ratio of ice cream to a liquid additive like milk, coconut milk or almond milk is off. Also, putting crushed ice in your milk and ice cream blend can produce a watery consistency as the ice shards will melt. If your ice cream to liquid ratio is spot on, you may be over blending your milkshake. This can introduce too much heat into the mixture and cause ice cream to melt.
DO ALL MILKSHAKES NEED MILK?
Despite its name, you can make a milkshake without dairy-based milk. There are plant-based options like soy, almond, coconut or rice milk and each provides a lactose-free alternative, a unique flavour profile, and the ability to achieve a thick and creamy texture. If you want to experiment with milk alternatives but don’t want to sacrifice a velvety milkshake texture, try ground oats, Greek yogurt or avocado. If you find that the consistency is still a little off, you can add a small amount of water.
HOW TO MAKE A MILKSHAKE WITHOUT A BLENDER
A blender or hand blender is the best tool to achieve the classic milkshake texture. If you don’t have either on hand, you can still quickly make a hand-blended milkshake in only a few simple steps.
First, slightly thaw some ice cream by removing it from the freezer or heating it for a few seconds in the microwave using a microwave-safe dish. You’ll know it’s done when it’s soft enough to squish with a spoon. Then, add the ice cream along with some milk and mix-ins to a jar, secure the lid and shake well until everything is combined. The last step is to remove the lid and stir any remaining ice cream chunks into the milkshake, pressing them against the side of the jar so that they mix into the milkshake.
If you’re excited about making classic milkshakes at home, then you need to have a powerful and dependable blender at your disposal. Shop KitchenAid® Blenders to find the right model for your needs.
