Easy Vanilla Milkshake Recipe (Just 3 Ingredients)

This classic Vanilla milkshake recipe is SO good, you won’t believe that it only has three ingredients! Smooth and creamy and ready in minutes, you’ll get a perfect milkshake every time!

Originally published January 2021 – Updated March 2026

Who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned homemade milkshake, right? They’re such a fun treat, and extra refreshing when that sun is beating down in the middle of summer time. The best part is that you can make this classic recipe in just 5 minutes!

There are so many delicious recipes you can make too, from Nutella Milkshakes to Creamsicle milkshakes (one of the top recipes on my blog for years). Until recently though, we’d been so busy with the fancy versions that we never made a classic vanilla shake. That’s when I discovered that we’re really been missing out!

Smooth, creamy, and perfectly sweet, this vanilla milkshake is everything a classic shake should be. And once you see how easy it is to make, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Ingredients

• Vanilla Ice Cream
• Milk
• Vanilla Extract
• Whipped cream, sprinkles and cherries (optional)

How To Make A Vanilla Milkshake

If you like easy recipes, you’re going to love this. Even my eight year old can make this recipe completely on her own.

Step 1. Scoop four large scoops of vanilla ice cream (approximately 2 cups) into a blender.

Step 2. Next, add 1/2 cup whole milk and 1/8 teaspoon of vanilla extract (the vanilla extract is optional but it gives your milkshake a richer flavor).

Step 3. Blend the ingredients together until you have a thick, creamy consistency, about 10-20 seconds.

Step 4. Pour into tall glasses and serve with your choice of toppings. We love a little whipped cream, sprinkles and a cherry. This recipe makes one large milkshake or two smaller ones.

Tips & Tricks

• I like to freeze my glass for about 15 minutes before making this shake. It makes the glass all frosty and cold and the shake stays thick for a little longer.
• For the best flavor, use a higher quality ice cream. The kids may not notice the difference but you will.
• I used whole milk for this recipe but 2% milk will work too. I just wouldn’t use 1% or skim because your shake won’t be as rich and creamy.
• Don’t overblend or your shake may turn out too thin.
• Sometimes we’ll even take it up a notch by drizzling our shakes with a little chocolate or caramel…but honestly, we usually love them just as they are!

How To Make A Thick Vanilla Milkshake

This milkshake was on the thick side but not so thick that it couldn’t be sipped through a straw. If you like yours so thick that you have to eat it with a spoon, just add more ice cream or less milk (or both).

More Mouthwatering Milkshake Recipes

Love this homemade vanilla shake? You may want to check out these milkshake recipes too:

• Raspberry Milkshake
• Lemon Milkshake
• Strawberry Milkshake
• Kit Kat Milkshake
• Copycat Chick-Fil-A Peppermint Milkshake
• Oreo Milkshake
• Peanut Butter Milkshake
• Chocolate Milkshake
• Birthday Cake Milkshake (a little over the top but SO good!)
• Disney Cruise Blue Milkshake