
Nothing beats an ultra-thick chocolate milkshake when you are craving pure comfort and nostalgia A good chocolate shake is both simple and dreamy creamy rich just the right amount of chocolate and always finished with plenty of fun toppings I have made this classic hundreds of times since it was my favorite treat as a kid and now I love to make it for family movie nights
This chocolate milkshake is the dessert I turn to when I want something sweet fast One summer my friends and I made a whole milkshake bar in my kitchen and this is still everyone’s go to flavor
Ingredients
- Chocolate ice cream: choose a good quality brand for deeper chocolate flavor and a creamy texture
- Chocolate milk: opt for full fat if you want the thickest smoothest shake
- Whipped cream: this adds lightness and a little extra decadence use freshly whipped for best flavor
- Sprinkles: bring color and fun to every glass classic rainbow or chocolate are great
- Maraschino cherry: a must have for that classic milkshake shop touch use ones packed in juice for best flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preparing the Base:
- Start by letting your chocolate ice cream sit out for a few minutes until slightly softened Then scoop two cups into your blender This softening step helps everything blend smoothly and gives that thick creamy result
- Blending the Milkshake:
- Add one third cup of chocolate milk to the blender with your ice cream Use full fat chocolate milk for best results Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy stopping to scrape down the sides as needed This usually takes about thirty seconds to one minute depending on your blender
- Chilling the Glass:
- While blending pop your serving glass in the freezer for a couple minutes A chilled glass keeps your milkshake cold and thick from first sip to last
- Finishing Touches:
- Pour the blended shake into your cold glass Top generously with whipped cream Add a handful of colorful sprinkles and crown with a maraschino cherry Serve immediately with a sturdy straw

Chocolate ice cream has always been my favorite ingredient here It is rich sweet and really the heart of the shake My family knows this recipe by heart now and somehow it tastes even better when we enjoy it together on the porch
Storage Tips
This shake is best enjoyed fresh right after blending If you need to freeze leftovers pour into a freezer safe cup and cover Tighten the lid well and enjoy within a day for best texture Otherwise the shake may get icy when reblended
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have chocolate milk use regular milk with one to two teaspoons of cocoa powder and a little sugar For extra richness try adding a splash of heavy cream in place of some milk Any flavor of ice cream can work here vanilla makes a great base for a black and white shake
Serving Suggestions
Serve your chocolate milkshake in frosty glasses for the classic diner feel Add crushed cookies or mini chocolate chips on top for extra crunch For grown ups a little espresso or liqueur turns this into a fun after dinner treat

A Little Milkshake History
Milkshakes became popular in American diners in the early nineteen hundreds and were often sold at soda fountains Chocolate was one of the first and most beloved flavors making this recipe a timeless classic for all ages
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve a thicker milkshake?
Allow the chocolate ice cream to soften at room temperature before blending for a creamier, thicker result. Using less milk also helps keep the mixture dense.
- → Can I use non-dairy alternatives?
Yes, substitute the chocolate ice cream and milk with plant-based options for a delicious non-dairy variation.
- → What toppings complement this milkshake?
Classic toppings include whipped cream, sprinkles, and a maraschino cherry. You can also add chocolate shavings or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
- → How can I prevent my milkshake from becoming too runny?
Use a high ice cream to milk ratio and blend briefly to retain a thick texture. Chill your glass to help keep it cold and thick.
- → Can I add extra flavors to the milkshake?
Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter or a splash of vanilla extract for added flavor complexity.