Peanut Butter Milkshake

Sometimes, the best things in life are the simplest too. Our peanut butter milkshake is a perfect example, as it has just four ingredients and whips together in mere minutes. There’s a fair likelihood you already have all the ingredients in your kitchen too. As a bonus, once you know how to make a peanut butter milkshake, this recipe is infinitely customizable with your own favorite add-ins or toppings.

Peanut Butter Milkshake Ingredients

• Whole milk: Whole milk makes a more decadent, rich milkshake than low-fat or nonfat milk. A cup is all you’ll need for this recipe.
• Vanilla ice cream: The vanilla ice cream serves as the base for this delicious milkshake. For the tastiest results, choose a quality ice cream with natural vanilla flavor.
• Peanut butter: The 1/2 cup of peanut butter is all you’ll need to flavor this milkshake, and creamy or crunchy will do.
• Sugar: A couple tablespoons of sugar add a little sweetness to the milkshake, but you’re free to omit it if you don’t want the added sugar.

Directions

Step 1: Blend the milkshake

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In a blender, combine the milk, ice cream, peanut butter and sugar. Cover the blender, then process the ingredients for 30 seconds or until everything is mixed well and smooth. If needed, give it a stir to ensure the peanut butter is mixed in and not sticking to the sides, then blend a little longer.

Step 2: Serve in chilled glasses

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Pour the milkshake into chilled glasses and serve immediately.

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Peanut Butter Milkshake Variations

• Chocolate, please: Add 1/8 to 1/4 cup of chocolate syrup to make a delicious chocolate peanut butter milkshake. Eliminate the added sugar, since chocolate syrup is already sweet.
• Make it vegan: Use a non-dairy ice cream, such as one made from almond milk or coconut milk. It tastes just as delicious, and it’s safe for vegans and those with dairy sensitivities.
• Use a different nut butter: Other nut butters such as almond or cashew butter taste just as delicious in a milkshake. Even sunflower seed butter tastes peanut buttery in a milkshake, and it may be a good alternative for some people with specific nut allergies.
• Add a banana: Peanut butter and bananas just go together (see our peanut butter banana muffins and peanut butter banana overnight oats), plus bananas contain fiber and nutrients including vitamins C and B6, potassium and magnesium. Use one banana for this recipe—the riper, the better!
• Make mine a malt: Add 2 to 4 tablespoons of malted milk powder to make your shake taste like an old-school soda fountain malted milk drink. It’s nostalgia in edible form!
• Top it off with extras: Top each milkshake with extras such as whipped cream, chocolate shavings or sprinkles for an extra serving of fun!

How to Store a Peanut Butter Milkshake

If you can’t finish the milkshake all at once, no worries; it’ll stay reasonably thick for a little while in the refrigerator. Transfer it to an insulated mug if you have one, or pack some ice or ice packs around it and place it toward the back of the refrigerator, which is colder than near the door. Use a lidded container to help prevent spills.

In the refrigerator, it’ll keep its consistency for a few hours, especially with ice around it. The fridge option is best if you don’t mind your shake getting a little thinner, but if you want it to stay thick and are certain you’ll finish it within an hour or two, pop the covered glass in the freezer.

Can you make a peanut butter milkshake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the milkshake up to two hours ahead if you like. Just transfer the shake to freezer-safe glasses and cover them; even Mason jars will do. Leave the shakes out on the counter for five minutes or so before you’re ready to enjoy them.

Peanut Butter Milkshake Tips

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Could I use a different flavor ice cream?

Absolutely, that’s part of the fun of any milkshake recipe! Use chocolate ice cream or a vanilla ice cream with fudge and caramel swirls to add chocolaty flavor, or try an indulgent homemade butter pecan ice cream.

Can I make a peanut butter milkshake without a blender?

Certainly! Use a handheld immersion blender or food processor, checking the consistency regularly to make the shake just as thick as you like it.

I overblended my milkshake! How can I make it thicker?

Thicken the shake by adding a little more ice cream and blending it again, but blend just until the consistency is smooth. Overblending makes the shake more like a smoothie. Another option is to place it in the freezer for 30 to 45 minutes. Check at 30 minutes to see if it has thickened to your liking; if not, pop it back in the freezer.