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Vanilla Bean Milkshake Recipe

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This elegant Vanilla Bean Milkshake uses real vanilla beans to create the most luxurious, aromatic vanilla shake you’ve ever tasted! With premium vanilla ice cream, milk, and those gorgeous vanilla bean specks throughout, it’s pure perfection in a glass. Ready in just 5 minutes!

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

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole vanilla bean (Madagascar/Bourbon vanilla recommended)
  • 3 cups premium vanilla ice cream (about 6 scoops), slightly softened
  • ¾ cup whole milk (adjust for desired thickness)
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1-2 teaspoons sugar (optional, usually not needed)
  • Pinch of salt (enhances vanilla flavor)

For Serving (Optional):

  • Fresh whipped cream
  • Extra vanilla bean seeds for garnish
  • Vanilla wafer cookie
  • Chocolate or caramel drizzle

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vanilla Bean – This is the most important step! Place the vanilla bean on a cutting board. Using a sharp paring knife, slice the bean lengthwise down the middle, keeping one end intact. Open the bean like a book. Use the back of your knife to scrape out all the tiny black seeds (vanilla caviar) from both sides of the bean. You should get about ½-1 teaspoon of seeds from one bean. Save the scraped pod – it still has flavor! You can add it to a container of sugar to make vanilla sugar, or steep it in milk or cream for other recipes.
  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 creates the perfect texture.
  3. Add Ingredients to Blender in Order – Layer strategically for best results: milk first (helps blender blades move freely), then all those precious vanilla bean seeds, slightly softened ice cream scoops, pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. If your ice cream isn’t very sweet, add 1-2 teaspoons of sugar now.
  4. Start Blending on Low Speed – Secure the blender lid tightly. Start on the lowest speed setting for 10-15 seconds to begin combining everything and distributing those vanilla bean seeds evenly. This prevents splashing and protects your motor.
  5. Increase to Medium Speed – Once ingredients start moving and combining, gradually increase to medium speed (NOT high – you don’t want to over-blend). Blend for 20-30 seconds until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and uniformly colored with beautiful black vanilla bean specks distributed throughout. Use your blender’s tamper if you have one to push ingredients toward the blades.
  6. Stop and Scrape Down Sides – Turn off the blender and use a spatula to scrape down any ingredients or vanilla seeds stuck to the sides. This ensures every sip has that gorgeous vanilla bean flavor and those beautiful specks!
  7. Blend Again Briefly – Give it one more 10-15 second blend for perfect smoothness and even vanilla distribution.
  8. Check Consistency – Your shake should be thick and creamy but still pourable – like premium 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 (rare, but possible), add another scoop of ice cream.
  9. Taste for Perfection – Give it a taste! You should taste pure, aromatic vanilla with complex notes. If you want more vanilla flavor, you can add another ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract. If it needs sweetness (usually it doesn’t), add 1 teaspoon sugar and blend for 10 seconds.
  10. Serve Immediately with Elegance – Pour into tall, chilled glasses (pre-chilling glasses in the freezer for 15 minutes keeps shakes colder longer). The shake should be so thick it cascades slowly into the glass. Those vanilla bean specks throughout are absolutely gorgeous! Top with whipped cream if desired, or keep it pure and simple. Serve with a thick straw or long spoon and enjoy immediately while perfectly cold and thick!

Notes

  • Vanilla Bean Quality: Plump, moist, aromatic beans create the best flavor. Avoid dry, brittle beans.
  • Ice Cream Quality: This recipe is only as good as your ice cream. Use the best you can afford!
  • Don’t Over-Blend: Blend just until smooth (30-40 seconds total). Over-blending warms the shake and makes it thin.
  • Vanilla Bean Storage: Store vanilla beans in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. They should be pliable, not dry.
  • Milk Amount: Start with ½ cup and add more only if needed. Thick is better than thin!
  • Save That Pod: The scraped vanilla pod still has flavor! Use it to make vanilla sugar or infuse cream.

  • Author: Amiyah Weaver
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Beverage
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 milkshake (approximately 14 oz)
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 48g
  • Sodium: 170mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

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