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Caramel Milkshake Recipe

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This decadent Caramel Milkshake is thick, rich, and absolutely delicious! Made with premium vanilla ice cream, luscious caramel sauce, milk, and vanilla extract, it tastes like it came from a gourmet ice cream shop. Ready in just 5 minutes for the ultimate indulgent treat!

  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups premium vanilla ice cream (about 6 scoops), slightly softened
  • 6 tablespoons caramel sauce, divided (use quality sauce, not syrup)
  • ¾ cup whole milk (adjust for desired thickness)
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of sea salt (optional, enhances caramel flavor)
  • Extra caramel sauce for drizzling (about 2-3 tablespoons)

For Serving (Optional):

  • Fresh whipped cream
  • Extra caramel drizzle
  • Sea salt flakes (for salted caramel version)
  • Crushed toffee or caramel candies
  • Vanilla wafer cookies

Instructions

  1. Prepare Glasses (Optional but Recommended) – For that gorgeous Instagram-worthy presentation, drizzle caramel sauce inside your serving glasses before making the shake. Use a squeeze bottle or spoon to create swirls down the inside of the glass, then place glasses in the freezer while you make the shake. This keeps the caramel visible and the shake colder longer.
  2. Soften Ice Cream Slightly – Remove vanilla ice cream from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 3-5 minutes. It should be soft enough to scoop easily but still very cold and firm, not melting or drippy. This makes blending easier and protects your blender motor from straining.
  3. Add Ingredients to Blender in Order – This layering matters! Start with milk at the bottom (helps blender blades move freely), then add 4 tablespoons of caramel sauce, the slightly softened ice cream scoops, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt if using. Save 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce for swirling in later.
  4. Start Blending on Low Speed – Secure the blender lid tightly. Start on the lowest speed setting for about 10-15 seconds to break down the ice cream and begin incorporating everything. This prevents chunks from flying around and ensures even blending without straining the motor.
  5. Increase to Medium Speed – Once ingredients start moving and combining, gradually increase to medium speed. Blend for 20-30 seconds, using your blender’s tamper if you have one to push ingredients toward the blades. Stop and scrape down the sides with a spatula if needed.
  6. Add Reserved Caramel for Swirl Effect – Stop the blender and drizzle in the remaining 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce. Pulse 2-3 times (about 2 seconds each) to create caramel swirls throughout the shake without fully incorporating it. This creates beautiful ribbons of caramel and pockets of intense caramel flavor!
  7. Check Consistency – Your milkshake should be thick and creamy but still pourable – similar to soft-serve ice cream. If it’s too thick and the blender is struggling, add 2-3 tablespoons more milk and blend briefly. If it’s too thin, add 1-2 more scoops of ice cream and blend again.
  8. Taste and Adjust – Give it a quick taste! If you want stronger caramel flavor, add another tablespoon of caramel sauce and blend for 10 seconds. If it’s too sweet, add a tiny pinch more salt to balance. Remember, you can always add more but can’t take it away!
  9. Pour and Serve Immediately – Pour the thick, luscious milkshake into your prepared glasses (the ones with caramel drizzle on the sides). Pour slowly to maintain the beautiful swirled appearance. The shake should cascade down in thick ribbons.
  10. Add Toppings and Serve – Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream, drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top, and add a sprinkle of sea salt flakes if making salted caramel version. Add a thick straw or long spoon and serve immediately while perfectly cold and thick!

Notes

  • Caramel Quality: Use real caramel sauce, not caramel-flavored syrup. Check ingredients – it should contain sugar, cream, and butter.
  • Ice Cream Temperature: Don’t let ice cream get too soft or melted, or your shake will be thin. It should still be quite firm but scoopable.
  • Milk Amount: Start with ½ cup and add more only if needed. Easier to thin than thicken!
  • Blending Time: Don’t over-blend! 30-45 seconds total is usually enough. Over-blending warms the shake and makes it thin.
  • Caramel Swirl: Pulse rather than fully blend the final caramel addition for beautiful swirls.
  • Salted Caramel: Add ⅛ teaspoon sea salt or use salted caramel sauce for trendy salted caramel flavor.

  • Author: Amiyah Weaver
  • 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: 520
  • Sugar: 68g
  • Sodium: 280mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 75g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Find it online: https://5mincook.com/caramel-milkshake-recipe/