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My chocolate milkshake recipe makes perfectly decadent shakes every time! Learn how to easily make a diner-worthy milkshake at home with my expert tips, then kick back and sip. It’s like an easy chocolate cake in liquid form.
You won’t be surprised to hear that my kids beg me to make them a chocolate milkshake almost on the daily! But, low key, we parents love it, too! Rich and creamy, cool and smooth, this is your classic chocolate milkshake elevated with good-quality cocoa powder and hot fudge sauce. You can keep it simple and add a little whipped cream to finish, or add more toppings like fresh fruit, chocolate shavings, and/or caramel sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Classic Chocolate Milkshake
- 5 minutes to go time. Yes, you read that right! It takes just 5 minutes to make chocolate milkshakes!
- Better homemade. When you have a craving for a diner milkshake, turn to your kitchen and whip one up with no need to leave the house. And when you make it yourself, you can dress it up any way you like. Such as a drizzle of the chocolate sauce from my Homemade Churros with Chocolate Sauce.
- So thick and creamy. This is a no fooling around chocolate milkshake! It’s lusciously creamy and as thick as you’d like it to be. When you make it yourself, you can adjust the amount of added milk to suit your preference.
Recipe Ingredients
Simple ingredients come together to make a homemade milkshake. I suggest using a high-quality ice cream brand for the richest results. Find the full ingredient amounts in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Ice Cream – Plain vanilla or chocolate ice cream of your choice is best here. Don’t choose an ice cream with any added mix-ins because this could keep the shake from blending easily.
- Heavy Cream – For a super-rich shake, use heavy cream. Whole milk also works well if you don’t want it to be quite as heavy.
- Cocoa Powder – I use unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
- Chocolate Sauce – Use hot fudge sauce or chocolate syrup.
- Optional Toppings – Sweetened whipped cream, chocolate shavings, fresh strawberries, and chocolate sauce.
Tips for a Perfect Milkshake
- Soften the ice cream first. You’ll thank me later! Let the ice cream soften up a bit on the counter for 10-15 minutes before blending the shakes. This will help them to be super creamy.
- Layer up. Place the milk in the blender first, then the ice cream on top of it. The liquid in the milk will help the ice cream blend more easily.
- Start slow. Make sure to start blending on low speed, then increase to medium as things combine. Scrape down the sides of the blender as you go if needed. You’ll blend for about 1 minute.
- What if I don’t have a blender? That’s OK, you can still make a milkshake! Let the ice cream soften slightly, then whisk all ingredients together in a large bowl until smooth.
- Chill your glasses. I love how diner milkshakes are served in frosty glasses! You can also do this by placing your glasses in the freezer while you prepare the shake.
- Can I make it ahead? While best enjoyed fresh, you can store any leftover milkshake in the freezer for a few hours. Then, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before drinking.
Topping & Variation Ideas
You can use this method to make any flavor of milkshake, and don’t skimp on the extras! Here are a few suggestions you may want to try:
- Strawberry chocolate milkshake – Swap the chocolate ice cream for strawberry ice cream, but leave in the cocoa powder so you have a chocolatey, fruity shake!
- Make it a mocha – Add a shot of cooled espresso or strong coffee to the blender for a mocha twist. Or, use coffee ice cream rather than vanilla or chocolate ice cream.
- PB and chocolate shake – Blend in 1/4 cup of peanut butter for a peanut butter and chocolate milkshake.
- Go dairy-free – For a vegan variation, use dairy-free ice cream and plant-based milk alternatives to create a vegan-friendly milkshake.
- Topping ideas – Try chocolate shavings, mini chocolate chips, raspberries, sprinkles, mini marshmallows, and a cherry!
Chocolate Milkshake Recipe
My chocolate milkshake recipe makes perfectly decadent shakes every time! Learn how to make a diner-worthy milkshake at home.
Ingredients
- 4 cups vanilla ice cream, or chocolate ice cream
- ¼-½ cup heavy cream, or whole milk
- 1½ tablespoons Dutch-processed cocoa powder, or regular cocoa powder
- ⅓ cup hot fudge sauce, or chocolate syrup
- Optional toppings: sweetened whipped cream, chocolate shavings, fresh strawberries, chocolate sauce
Instructions
- Clean the blender. Ensure your blender is clean and dry before starting.
- Combine. Scoop vanilla or chocolate ice cream into the blender. Chocolate ice cream yields a richer chocolate flavor, while vanilla provides a milder base. Add cocoa powder to the blender to enhance the chocolate taste. Then, add in hot fudge sauce or chocolate syrup. For a more intense flavor, opt for hot fudge sauce. Pour in the heavy cream or whole milk; start with a smaller amount, and you can adjust the thickness later.
- Blend. Secure the blender lid and blend on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If the milkshake is too thick, add more cream or milk, a tablespoon at a time, blending after each addition until you reach the desired consistency.
- Taste test. Taste the milkshake and adjust. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add a bit more chocolate sauce and blend again.
- Serve. Pour the milkshake into chilled glasses. Top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, fresh strawberries, or an extra drizzle of chocolate sauce, as desired. Serve immediately with a straw or spoon and enjoy your homemade chocolate milkshake!
Equipment
Nutrition
Calories: 834kcal | Carbohydrates: 97g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 45g | Saturated Fat: 27g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 150mg | Sodium: 395mg | Potassium: 755mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 75g | Vitamin A: 1550IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 387mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
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How to Make a Chocolate Milkshake
- Place the ingredients in a blender. Add all of the ingredients to your blender in this order: Ice cream, cocoa powder, chocolate syrup, and cream or whole milk.
- Blend. Mix the shakes on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Add to glasses. Pour the milkshake into chilled glasses.
- Serve! Top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, fresh strawberries, or an extra drizzle of chocolate sauce.
