This Pumpkin Milkshake is a creamy treat that brings the taste of fall right to your glass. It’s packed with pumpkin flavor, warm spices, and a silky texture that feels like a hug!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Vanilla Ice Cream: This adds creaminess and sweetness. If you’re looking for fewer calories, consider a lower-fat ice cream or a non-dairy version made from almond or coconut milk.
Canned Pumpkin Puree: This is the star of the show! If you can’t find it, you can use fresh pumpkin that has been roasted and pureed, but canned is so much easier. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
Milk: Whole milk gives a rich texture, but you can use any milk—almond, soy, or oat milk work great too. Adjust down to 1/4 cup if you want a thicker shake!
Spices: The combination of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg creates that warm fall flavor. If you don’t have a spice on hand, try pumpkin pie spice as a good substitute!
Maple Syrup or Honey: Either adds natural sweetness. Feel free to swap for agave syrup, or for a sugar-free option, a sugar substitute like Stevia works too.
How Do I Achieve a Creamy Consistency?
Getting that perfect creamy milkshake is all about blending technique and ratios. Here’s how to nail it!
- Start by using chilled ingredients—this helps your milkshake stay cool and creamy.
- Don’t over-blend! Blend just until smooth to avoid melting the ice cream too much. A few chunks are fine!
- If your shake is too thick, add a bit more milk and blend again. If it’s too thin, simply add more ice cream.
- For an extra smooth texture, let the ice cream soften for a few minutes before blending.
How to Make a Delicious Pumpkin Milkshake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup vanilla ice cream
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Ground cinnamon or crushed gingersnap cookies, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Pumpkin Milkshake takes about 10 minutes to prepare and serves up to 2 people. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a tasty treat in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blend the Ingredients:
In a blender, carefully combine the vanilla ice cream, canned pumpkin puree, milk, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract. Make sure all ingredients are added well to get that rich pumpkin flavor!
2. Blend Until Smooth:
Turn on the blender and blend on high speed until everything is smooth and creamy. This should only take about 30 seconds. Don’t over-blend, or your milkshake might get too thin!
3. Taste and Adjust:
Take a quick taste of your milkshake. If you want it sweeter, add a little more maple syrup or honey. If you’d like more spice, sprinkle in some extra cinnamon or ginger. Blend again for a few seconds if you added anything.
4. Serve the Milkshake:
Pour the pumpkin milkshake into tall glasses—make sure to leave some space at the top!
5. Add the Whipped Cream:
Top each milkshake generously with whipped cream. Don’t be shy; the more, the merrier!
6. Garnish with Extras:
Sprinkle a little ground cinnamon or crushed gingersnap cookies over the whipped cream for a delightful crunch. It adds a lovely flavor twist!
7. Enjoy Your Milkshake:
Grab a straw, and sip away! This cozy pumpkin milkshake is perfect for enjoying on a chilly fall day. Cheers!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to roast and puree it until smooth. Canned pumpkin is convenient, but fresh pumpkin can bring a wonderful flavor to your milkshake!
How Can I Make This Milkshake Vegan?
To make a vegan pumpkin milkshake, substitute the vanilla ice cream with a plant-based ice cream and replace the milk with almond milk or any other non-dairy milk of your choice. Enjoy the same delicious taste without dairy!
Can I Make This Milkshake Ahead of Time?
It’s best to enjoy the milkshake fresh, but you can prepare the pumpkin mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just blend with ice cream and milk when you’re ready to serve!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, keep in mind that the milkshake may separate and lose its texture, so it’s best enjoyed fresh!
