Who has not dreamt of making the perfect McDonald’s milkshake at home? Thick, cold and just sweet enough, but without having to get in the car. It turns out the secret is surprisingly simple: vanilla ice cream and low-fat milk. That is really all it takes.
These recipes are said to be the original milkshake recipes from McDonalds, and after testing them at home I am not surprised: they really taste authentic. Very good and easy to make. Here you get three versions: chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. Chocolate and vanilla are easy to make with ingredients from any supermarket.
The strawberry version needs Nesquik strawberry powder. Unfortunately, Nesquik no longer sells the strawberry flavour in Norway, but it can be bought in Sweden, so throw a packet in the trolley next time you are there. It is absolutely worth it.
The tip that makes them extra good: keep the blender running until you see the “lumps” sink and the texture becomes completely even and silky smooth. It might take 30 seconds longer, but it makes all the difference.
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Milkshake McDonalds
How to make a McDonald’s milkshake at home.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Put the vanilla ice cream in the blender.
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Pour in the milk.
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Add flavouring to taste (strawberry, chocolate or vanilla syrup).
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Blend until you have a smooth consistency. A trick to get it smooth: turn the blender off and on in short bursts so the lumps sink down.
Notes
Storage: Best served immediately. Leftovers can be stored in the freezer for an hour to firm up again.
Tips: Use full-fat vanilla ice cream for the creamiest texture. The fat content is what makes it taste like the original.
Variations: Add Oreo cookies for a premium version, or use strawberry/chocolate ice cream instead of vanilla.
FAQ:
Can I make it without a blender? Yes, shake it in a sealed jar, but the texture will not be as smooth.
What if it gets too thin? Add more ice cream and blend briefly.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 356 kcal
- Carbohydrates
- 40 g
- Protein
- 10 g
- Fat
- 17 g
- Saturated fat
- 11 g
- Polyunsaturated fat
- 1 g
- Monounsaturated fat
- 5 g
- Cholesterol
- 68 mg
- Sodium
- 175 mg
- Potassium
- 513 mg
- Fiber
- 1 g
- Sugar
- 36 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
Homemade McDonalds milkshake is easier than you think, and the result is surprisingly authentic. The secret is just two ingredients: good vanilla ice cream and low-fat milk. No fancy equipment needed, just a blender and a glass with a straw.
These recipes are said to be inspired by the McDonalds originals, and after testing them at home it is easy to see why they have become so popular. Perfect for a hot summer day or when you want something sweet and cold without leaving the house.
Tips and variations
- Use low-fat milk, not whole milk or cream. Low-fat milk gives that characteristic, lightly creamy texture without being too heavy.
- Start with a little milk and add more until you reach the thickness you want, as too much milk makes the shake too thin.
- Chill the glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving for a colder, more authentic experience.
- Try a strawberry version with fresh or frozen strawberries, or a chocolate version with chocolate ice cream and a pinch of cocoa powder. Add Oreo cookies for a premium homemade version.
- A dash of vanilla extract on top of the vanilla ice cream boosts the classic McDonalds taste.
- Use high-quality full-fat ice cream for the best flavour and creamy texture. The fat content determines how thick the milkshake becomes.
- Blend briefly for the thickest result. Stop the blender as soon as the ingredients are just combined. If you want it completely silky, blend a little longer until the lumps have sunk.
FAQ
Use a full-fat vanilla ice cream of good quality. The fat content is what makes the milkshake thick and creamy just like the original. A good vanilla ice cream made with real vanilla gives the best result. Avoid ice cream with a lot of air whipped in (overrun), as it gives a thin shake. Thicker ice cream means a thicker shake. In Norway, Meny or Diplom-Is are good choices.
Yes, you can shake the ice cream and milk in a jar with a lid, but the result will not be as smooth. A hand blender gives the best creamy result. You can also let the ice cream soften a little and quickly stir in the milk with a whisk or fork. The result is a bit more rustic but still good.
A milkshake is made with ice cream and milk and is creamy, sweet and thick. A smoothie is made with fresh fruit, vegetables and often yoghurt or juice. It is generally healthier, but has a completely different texture and flavour profile.
Keep the ice cream cold until you blend it and do not over-blend. Place the ice cream in the freezer for 10 minutes just before mixing.