How to Make a Chocolate Milkshake (The Best Recipe)

This recipe allows you to get that same restaurant-style milkshake made at home for a whole lot less. Plus, this recipe is a great way to impressive family and friends on those hot summer days. 

Since you are here, make sure to check out this Starbucks Vanilla Bean Frappuccino Recipe, this McDonald’s Caramel Frappuccino, as well as this Homemade Iced Mocha Coffee Recipe.

This is the Best Thick Chocolate Shake Recipe Ever!

There is something about a thick and creamy chocolate milkshake that can just make any day better. As a non American that moved to the US, trying my first milkshake was iconic!!

They have been around since the late 1800s and have been the star of a ton of high school movies I watched when I was younger. 

So naturally I wanted to try and recreate something that you can make and enjoy in the comfort of your own home whenever those chocolate cravings hit! 

Ingredients for this Creamy Chocolate Milkshake Recipe

Here are the ingredients you will need to make this perfect chocolate milkshake. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed ingredient measurements. 

• Vanilla ice cream- Use any vanilla ice cream you enjoy!
• Milk- Make sure your milk is well chilled before you make your milkshake. I use about 1/2 cup of whole milk in this recipe but you can use half nonfat milk and half heavy cream instead as well.  
• Chocolate syrup– Use high-quality chocolate syrup for a great milkshake!
• Cocoa powder
• Whipped cream- You can use store-bought or homemade whipped cream to top your milkshake with.  
• Chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or even mini chocolate chips

For the best-tasting milkshake, make sure that you are using high-quality ingredients. This is a recipe that doesn’t require too much so the flavor of anything used in this homemade chocolate milkshake recipe will shine. So choose your ingredients wisely!

Why whole milk creates a richer shake vs. low-fat milk?

The higher fat content in whole milk helps create both a better flavor and a better mouthfeel thanks to that extra creaminess. Sure it has a little more calories but it is definitely worth it because the experience will be so much better!

How do you make a thick chocolate milkshake?

This is how you can make a chocolate milkshake. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full detailed instructions! 

1. Add the vanilla ice cream, milk, chocolate syrup, and cocoa powder to a blender and blend until smooth. 
2. Pour the milkshake into those gorgeous milkshake glasses or any regular glass would do. I have served this in mason jars and it looked so cute!
3. Enjoy as is or top it with whipped cream, maraschino cherries, or some chocolate shavings and enjoy your super tasty treat 🙂

Why You Need to Make this Recipe!

• You will have full control over the ingredients used in your homemade milkshakes allowing you to create the perfect balance and flavors!
• It’s easily customizable depending on your preference you can add peanut butter cups, Oreos, chocolate chips, or even malt powder to your creamy milkshake to really have it fit your taste. 
• Making your own thick chocolate milkshake recipe makes this not only fresher but more cost-effective too! 
• This is the perfect dessert drink recipe for chocolate lovers. 

Frequently asked questions – FAQ

Can I Make this Chocolate Milkshake Vegan Friendly?

Absolutely! Instead of using regular milk use plant-based alternatives like almond milk, oat milk, or even cashew milk. The great thing in 2025 is that you can also find a ton of dairy-free ice cream options. So use your favorite in your chocolate milkshake to make it dairy-free!

Healthier options for your homemade chocolate milkshake

• Use frozen bananas instead of ice cream for a dairy-free shake.
• Swap in almond or oat milk with a sugar-free chocolate syrup instead of the regular sugary sauce and dairy milk.

Can I Use Chocolate Ice Cream Instead?

Absolutely! You can either use just regular ice cream chocolate or a combo of vanilla ice cream and chocolate ice cream together. Whatever you have on hand will work. 

How Can I Get the Perfect Consistency Milkshake Every Time?

The perfect consistency depends on your preference so here are some important tips to keep in mind:

• Thinner milkshake: Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk and blend again until your desired consistency is achieved. 
• Thicker milkshake: Add 1 scoop of ice cream at a time and blend until your desired consistency is achieved.

Troubleshooting & pro tips

How to fix a milkshake that’s too runny?

If your milkshake seems to be more on the runnier side, you can add a few more scoops of ice cream and blend again until your desired consistency has been reached. 

How to make it extra thick without losing flavor?

My favorite way to do this is to blend in a few frozen milk cubes of heavy cream cubes to keep the richness the same and the flavor not overly sweet from the ice cream! The key here is to also make sure to taste and adjust it to your liking.

What is the Best Way to Mix a Milkshake?

You probably have seen those milkshake machines that every ice cream shop has. Well, that is not the only way to make milkshakes. At home, you can make it using a blender, an immersion blender, or even a handheld electric mixer!

Can I Store Leftover Milkshakes?

It is best enjoyed as soon as you make it but if you’ve had too much, place it in an airtight container and freeze for a few days. 

You can allow it to thaw at room temperature for 5 minutes or blend it again to get it back to the right consistency. 

How to Make the Best Chocolate Milkshake Recipe

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