Looking for a fun, creamy treat that’s a hit with everyone? This Vanilla Ice Cream Milkshake with Sprinkles is a perfect choice! It's super simple to whip up and brings that classic, nostalgic taste we all love, plus a dash of colorful sprinkles for extra cheer. Perfect for cooling off on a warm day or adding a sweet moment to any afternoon – this milkshake is a guaranteed smile-maker! Vanilla Milkshakes have never been easier to make.

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Why This Recipe Works
- There’s something so magical about that creamy vanilla flavor! Those little vanilla bean specks take it to a whole new level and make it feel like an extra-special treat.
- It’s super easy to make, and it brings back all the cozy, classic vibes of a good ol' diner milkshake.
- Perfect for sharing with the kids, treating yourself, or adding a little sweetness to any day – this shake is one of those milkshake recipes we just can’t get enough of!
🥘 Ingredients
- Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The creamy base that makes every sip rich and dreamy.
- Hershey’s Syrup: A classic chocolatey swirl that adds just the right sweetness.
- Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, giving the perfect finishing touch on top.
- Marshmallows: Soft and fun, a playful treat mixed into the shake.
- Vanilla Icing: Sweet around the rim, making each sip even more delicious.
- Funfetti Sprinkles: A pop of color and fun for that festive milkshake vibe!
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Vanilla Frozen Yogurt: replace half the ice cream for vanilla frozen yogurt for a lighter option.
- Chocolate Milkshake: To change this homemade milkshake into chocolate flavor, simply switch the vanilla bean ice cream for chocolate ice cream. Chocolate milk is just as good as a vanilla shake.
- Strawberry Sauce: Switch this up by adding strawberry sauce to the melted ice cream for a rich and creamy texture.
📖 Optional Toppings
Here are some fun optional toppings to take your vanilla milkshake to the next level:
- Maraschino Cherry – A classic topper that adds a bright, sweet finish to any milkshake.
- Crushed Cookies: Add a sprinkle of crushed Oreos, chocolate chip cookies, or graham crackers for extra crunch.
- Chopped Nuts – Almonds, pecans, or peanuts add a nice crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Fresh Berries – Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries give a fruity burst of flavor.
- Chocolate Shavings or Chips – Perfect for a touch of rich chocolate goodness.
- Caramel or Chocolate Drizzle – Adds a sweet, decorative touch.
- Colorful Sprinkles – Always a fun, festive choice for a pop of color.
- Crushed Candy Bars – Think Snickers, Twix, or M&M’s for an indulgent treat!
🔪 How To Make Vanilla Ice Cream Milkshake With Sprinkles
Step One: Start by blending your tub of vanilla ice cream until it's smooth. Add 6-8 tablespoons of milk and blend again. For a thicker milkshake, use less milk; for a runnier one, add more milk.
Step Two: If using a Ninja or similar blender, take out the blade. Pour in ¾ of a 9 oz bottle of sprinkles and gently fold them into the mixture with a spoon or spatula.
Step Three: Get your serving glasses ready by spreading icing around the rims. Dip the iced rims into a plate of sprinkles to cover them completely.
Step Four: Pour the milkshake into the glasses, leaving a little space at the top for whipped cream.
Step Five: Finish off your milkshake with a generous swirl of canned whipped cream. Repeat twice for a taller affect!
Step Six: Drizzle some chocolate syrup over the whipped cream. For an added touch, skew marshmallows on a wooden skewer and place on top of the milkshake.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
Here are some quick tips for making the best vanilla milkshake:
- Use Quality Ice Cream: Choose a rich vanilla bean ice cream for maximum flavor and creaminess.
- Chill Your Glass: Pop your serving glass in the freezer beforehand to keep your milkshake icy cold for longer.
- Blend Just Right: For a thick shake, blend only until smooth. Over-blending can make it too runny. You can use a blender or milkshake machine for this recipe.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Add a drizzle of syrup or extra vanilla if you want a sweeter shake.
💭 FAQs
Vanilla bean ice cream gives you that bold, real vanilla flavor with those cute little specks, making it taste extra special compared to regular vanilla!
For a thicker vanilla milkshake, use extra ice cream, and less milk, and blend just enough to keep it creamy and rich!
You can buy sprinkles from your local supermarket or buy different types such as Christmas sprinkles or Wilton Jimmies Sprinkles from Amazon.
If you find the milkshake is too think try adding half a cup of skim milk or whole milk to thin it down.
Adding vanilla extract to a vanilla ice cream milkshake isn’t necessary but can enhance the flavor. If you’re using a high-quality vanilla ice cream (such as vanilla bean or french vanilla), it already has a rich vanilla taste that may be enough on its own.
🧂Serving Suggestions
- Pair with Fresh Berries: Add a mix of fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries to complement the creamy sweetness of the milkshake and add a fruity contrast.
- Serve with Crushed Cookies: Sprinkle crushed cookies such as Oreos or chocolate chip cookies on top for an added crunch and extra flavor.
- Top with a Maraschino Cherry: For a classic touch, garnish with a bright red cherry for a pop of color and sweetness.
- Serve with Chocolate Chip Brownies: Pairing the milkshake with a rich chocolate chip brownie enhances the dessert experience, adding a decadent texture and flavor.
🍽 Related Recipes
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Vanilla Ice Cream Milkshake With Sprinkles
Ingredients
- 48 Oz Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
- 1 Cup Hershey Syrup
- 2 Cups Whipped Cream
- 8 Marshmallows
- 16 Oz Vanilla Icing
- 9 Oz Funfetti Sprinkles
Instructions
- Start by blending your tub of vanilla ice cream until it's smooth. Add 6-8 tablespoons of milk and blend again. For a thicker milkshake, use less milk; for a runnier one, add more milk.
- If using a Ninja or similar blender, take out the blade. Pour in ¾ of a 9 oz bottle of sprinkles and gently fold them into the mixture with a spoon or spatula.
- Get your serving glasses ready by spreading icing around the rims. Dip the iced rims into a plate of sprinkles to cover them completely.
- Pour the milkshake into the glasses, leaving a little space at the top for whipped cream.
- Finish off your milkshake with a generous swirl of canned whipped cream for a more elegant appearance.
- Drizzle some chocolate syrup over the whipped cream. For an added touch, skew marshmallows on a wooden skewer and place atop the milkshake. Insert a straw and enjoy your homemade vanilla ice cream milkshake with sprinkles!