Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup frozen blueberries (or fresh blueberries + ice)
- 2½ cups premium vanilla ice cream (about 5 scoops), slightly softened
- ¾ cup whole milk (adjust for desired thickness)
- 1-2 tablespoons honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional but recommended)
- Pinch of salt (enhances berry flavor)
For Serving (Optional):
- Whipped cream
- Fresh blueberries for garnish
- Lemon zest
- Mint leaves
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients – If using fresh blueberries (not frozen), rinse and pat them dry. If using frozen, you can use them straight from the freezer – no need to thaw! Remove ice cream from freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 3-5 minutes until soft enough to scoop easily but still very cold and firm.
- Add Ingredients to Blender in Order – Layer strategically for best blending: milk first (helps blender blades move freely), then frozen blueberries, slightly softened ice cream scoops, 1 tablespoon honey (add more after tasting), vanilla extract, lemon juice if using, and a pinch of salt.
- Start Blending on Low Speed – Secure the blender lid tightly. Start on the lowest speed setting for 10-15 seconds to break down the blueberries and begin combining everything. This prevents frozen berries from flying around and protects your motor.
- Increase to Medium-High Speed – Once ingredients start moving and combining, gradually increase to medium-high speed. Blend for 30-45 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth and uniformly purple with no blueberry chunks remaining. Use your blender’s tamper if you have one to push ingredients toward the blades.
- Stop and Scrape Down Sides – Turn off the blender and use a spatula to scrape down any ingredients stuck to the sides. This ensures everything blends evenly and you get that gorgeous uniform purple color throughout.
- Blend Again Briefly – Give it one more 10-15 second blend to ensure perfect smoothness and consistent color.
- Check Consistency – Your shake should be thick and creamy but still pourable – think soft-serve consistency. If it’s too thick and won’t blend, add 2-3 tablespoons more milk and pulse briefly. If it’s too thin, add another scoop of ice cream or a handful more frozen blueberries.
- Taste and Adjust Sweetness – This is crucial! Give it a taste. If it needs more sweetness (depends on berry ripeness), add another tablespoon of honey and blend for 10 seconds. If you want stronger blueberry flavor, add a few more berries. If it tastes flat, add another squeeze of lemon juice to brighten it.
- Serve Immediately – Pour into tall, chilled glasses (pre-chilling glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes keeps shakes colder longer). The gorgeous purple color looks stunning in clear glasses! Top with whipped cream and fresh blueberries if desired. Serve with a straw or spoon and enjoy immediately while perfectly cold and thick!
Notes
- Frozen vs. Fresh Berries: Frozen blueberries create better texture and are sweeter. If using fresh, add ½ cup ice cubes for thickness.
- Sweetness Level: Frozen berries are often quite sweet and may need minimal added sweetener. Taste before adding all the honey!
- Color: The gorgeous purple color is completely natural from blueberries – no food coloring needed!
- Lemon Juice: Don’t skip this! Just 1 teaspoon dramatically brightens and enhances the blueberry flavor.
- Milk Amount: Start with ½ cup and add more only if needed. Less liquid = thicker shake!
- Ice Cream Quality: Premium ice cream makes a huge difference in creaminess and flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 milkshake (approximately 14 oz)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 48g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 60mg