Treat yourself to the wholesome goodness of a classic frozen dessert with just four ingredients and five minutes of your time!
I’m a fan of the classics. From a sleek 1964 Ford Mustang to a flattering little black dress to a straightforward burger and fries, I love the purity and simplicity of timeless creations. This chocolate milkshake recipe certainly makes the cut! It’s made with wholesome ingredients and takes just a few minutes to deliver ice-cold nostalgia in a tall glass.
The chocolate milkshake even has an origin story that befits a true classic. It was 1922, and Ivar “Pop” Coulson was working at a Walgreens pharmacy in Chicago. Something inspired him to add two scoops of vanilla ice cream to the traditional chocolate malted milk beverage—previously made only with milk, chocolate syrup, and malt powder. This new, creamier version quickly became a sensation. Before you could say “the cat’s pajamas,” Coulson’s ice cream-based milkshake became wildly popular at soda fountains and diners across America, supplanting previous versions that had always been made sans ice cream. Thanks to Coulson’s innovation, we now live in a world that includes frosty, thick milkshakes.
In this recipe, whole milk and unsweetened cocoa powder create a rich, decadent flavor profile that’s a little more grown-up than other versions. It’s not cloyingly sweet because the only sugar comes from the ice cream. Pure chocolate flavor shines in this treat, underscored by the creamy vanilla notes of the ice cream. I usually make these when my gluten-free niece and her friends stop by after school. Sometimes they’ll mix in fruit or candy—but I prefer the classic purity of this chocolate milkshake as is.
Is This Chocolate Milkshake Healthy?
This classic chocolate milkshake offers a creamy, satisfying treat with some nutritional benefits. Thanks to the milk and ice cream, each serving provides a good amount of calcium and protein. The cocoa adds antioxidants, and the milk and cocoa both bring potassium into the mix. While the shake is moderate in calories and has less sugar than many restaurant versions, it does contain a fair amount of saturated fat—so it’s best enjoyed in moderation as an indulgent add-on to an otherwise balanced diet.
To make your milkshake healthier, consider using low-fat milk, reducing the amount of ice cream, or adding a frozen banana for natural sweetness and extra fiber. And opt for a high-quality dark cocoa powder for more antioxidants. You could also blend in a spoonful of nut butter or a scoop of protein powder for a nutritional boost.
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided you use gluten-free ice cream and check that all mix-ins and toppings are free from gluten-containing additives. Make a vegan version by choosing nondairy alternatives, such as almond, oat, or coconut milk, and vegan vanilla ice cream.
The Secret To Perfect Milkshakes
The secret to a perfect chocolate milkshake lies in how you blend your ingredients. If you add everything to the blender at once, you might end up with bits of undissolved cocoa that leave a gritty texture in your shake. Not ideal! To avoid this, always blend the milk and cocoa powder together first—and make sure the cocoa fully dissolves before adding the ice cream. This extra step guarantees a smooth, creamy milkshake with rich chocolate flavor in every sip. For best results, you could sift the cocoa powder before blending or use slightly warmed milk to help it dissolve more easily.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
We’ve all been there. You make a delicious chocolate milkshake but just can’t finish it in one sitting. The good news is you don’t have to let it go to waste! To store your leftover shake, pour it into an airtight container and pop it into the fridge. It will keep for up to 2 days, though the ice cream will melt and the shake will become thinner—still tasty, but more like chocolate milk. You can also store it in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. The milkshake will freeze solid, so when you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw at room temp for about 15 minutes, then give it a good stir or blend it again to restore its creamy texture. You may also notice some separation after storing—a quick stir or run in the blender will help bring everything back together.
Serving Suggestions
Pair a chocolate milkshake with this Healthy Oatmeal Cookies Recipe for a delightful weekend treat. And while the recipe suggests topping it with whipped cream, you could make yours extra fancy by opting for homemade Chocolate Whipped Cream or trying this Strawberry Whipped Cream Recipe. For a retro-fun lunch, serve chocolate milkshakes with Cheeseburger Sliders that are perfectly sized for kids of all ages.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 scoops vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream for garnish, optional
Instructions
- In a blender, combine the whole milk and unsweetened cocoa powder. Blend until the cocoa is fully dissolved.
- Add the vanilla ice cream to the blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the milkshake into a tall glass and, if desired, top with a dollop of whipped cream.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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