This recipe for a Caramel Milkshake is simple yet so delicious! If you are searching for an easy dessert recipe to please party guests or kids, this is one you shouldn’t skip. I like to make this on a cozy Sunday with cheeseburgers or as a cold treat after a hot summer day. However you choose to serve it, I promise no one will be disappointed. Every sip is pure heaven!
The ice cream adds the perfect rich and creamy texture to create the perfect homemade milkshake. Caramel sauce takes it up a notch with its buttery sweet notes for a dessert that's a homerun every time.
If you like easy milkshake recipes, you have to try my Nutella Milkshake and Strawberry Banana Milkshake next!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick to make: It will only take you about 5 minutes to combine and blend the ingredients into a craveable caramel shake.
- It’s an inexpensive recipe: The items used in this recipe are super cheap! It goes to show that you can enjoy an amazing dessert without breaking the bank.
- It’s only 3 ingredients: You need just 3 ingredients to make this milkshake at home. It couldn’t be simpler!
Ingredients
These are the only items you’ll need for this caramel shake recipe. It’s an uncomplicated dessert that you’ll want over and over again. Plus, it’s super easy to have these ingredients on hand to make a shake whenever you have a craving.
- Vanilla ice cream: Feel free to use any brand and variety of vanilla ice cream that you want. Vanilla bean is one of my favorites because it has a very prominent vanilla flavor. French vanilla or original are both great options as well.
- Caramel sauce: Any variety of caramel sauce will work great. I don’t recommend using caramel syrup because it doesn’t typically have the same flavor or texture. Choose a jarred variety with the ice cream toppings for best results.
- Milk: I add a splash of milk to achieve the perfect drinking consistency. I like whole milk to keep it creamy, but 2% or even oat milk works fine, too.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Salted caramel milkshake: Add a little sea salt to the milkshake ingredients before you blend them, and then flaky or coarse salt on top for a salted caramel flavor.
- Chocolate caramel milkshake: Try making this recipe with chocolate ice cream for an extra rich version.
- Add coffee: Swap the milk for brewed coffee for a bold twist!
- Vegan milkshake: Use a non-dairy ice cream and non-dairy milk like almond or oat to make this recipe vegan. Also, ensure the caramel sauce is dairy-free as well!
How to Make a Caramel Milkshake
Here are the instructions on how to make this caramel milkshake recipe. Measure your ingredients ahead to make the process even quicker and easier.
Step 1: Combine the ingredients. Add the vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, and milk to your blender.
Step 2: Blend. Cover and blend the ingredients for about 15-25 seconds or until they are well combined and silky smooth.
Step 3: Pour into the glasses. Line your glasses with extra caramel sauce and pour in your milkshake.
Step 4: Garnish and serve. Finish each milkshake with whipped cream and a healthy drizzle of even more caramel. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Storage directions: I don’t recommend saving milkshake leftovers. They will become thin in the refrigerator but too icy in the freezer. Prepare them to order and enjoy them immediately for the best results!
- Chill the glasses: Place your glasses in the freezer or refrigerator for a bit before you make the milkshakes. This will keep your shake colder for longer.
- Adjust for consistency: Depending on how you like your shake as well as the thickness of the ice cream and caramel you use, you may add more or less milk to get to the consistency you prefer.
- Add ice cubes: If you like your shake a little frosty, pop a couple of ice cubes into the blender!
If you love recipes like this caramel drink, you may also enjoy this boozy Caramel Apple Milkshake.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this caramel milkshake with a burger or hot dog for dinner. Some of my favorite recipes are brunch burgers and hot dog burnt ends if you would like something a little more unique.
- Why not pair a dessert with your drink? S’mores monkey bread and chocolate chip brownies pair well with the shake. You can’t go wrong with caramel and chocolate!
- These homemade Twix bites would make a great garnish on the milkshake. Keep them whole or chop them up and sprinkle them on top!
Recipe FAQs
Ice cream straight from the freezer might be difficult to blend, depending on the power of your blender. Let it sit on your counter for about 10-15 minutes to soften so it’s easy to blend into the milkshake. Don’t let it sit for too long because you don’t want it to thaw!
Sure! You may use homemade or store-bought vanilla ice cream in this milkshake. Use your favorite recipe or try a different flavor and use one of these Ice Cream Recipes!
Of course. Add a little more ice cream to the shake to help thicken it a bit. If you blend it for too long or if your ingredients aren’t super cold, it can cause the shake to be thin.
Room-temperature caramel sauce is much easier to work with. Don’t worry, it won’t make your milkshake warm! It also helps so you can drizzle it into the glass and on top!
More Delicious Caramel Dessert Recipes
Do you like the flavors of caramel? Here are some recipes you may also like to try!
If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section, I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!
Caramel Milkshake
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cups Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
- ¼ cup Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup Milk cold
Toppings
- Caramel Sauce
- Whipped Cream
Instructions
- Add the ice cream, caramel, and milk into your blender.
- Blend for 15 to 25 seconds, or until everything is combined well.
- Drizzle caramel inside of your cups and then pour your milkshakes.
- Top with whipped cream and more caramel before enjoying!
Notes
- Prepare your caramel milkshake when you’re ready to enjoy it! The refrigerator and freezer don’t do a great job of preserving the texture.
- Leave your ice cream at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften to make your milkshake easier to blend.
- Try this recipe with homemade ice cream or your favorite store-bought. It will be delicious either way!
- To keep your milkshake colder longer, place your glasses in the freezer for 5-10 minutes to chill them.
Nutrition
This post was originally published in January 2022. It's been updated with new content and images.
Ky says
Great recipe. I didn’t put caramel on outside of my glass I drizzled it on the inside. Otherwise it’s too messy. Tasted great. TFS
Karin and Ken says
I do the exact same thing. The caramel looks great on the outside of the glass in the pictures! Well I think so. Glad you enjoyed this milkshake! All the best. Karin
Cassandra says
Holy cow. I'm in love with this. I don't do caramel most of the time but this is one hell of a milkshake! I made it for a few friends and I totally looked like I knew what I was doing. Yummy. Thanks 😊
Karin and Ken says
You just made my day. All the best. Karin