This copycat Wendy's frosty recipe gets the texture and flavor just right. The hardest part will be waiting for it to be done frosting in the freezer.
Copycat Wendy’s Frosty
Updated on Nov. 20, 2024
Something about a Wendy’s Frosty always hits the spot. It’s not quite a fast-food milkshake or soft serve, but it’s always the perfect partner for fast-food fries. For me, the nearest Wendy’s is nearly an hour away, which means when the craving hits, I’m on my own to re-create that classic flavor and texture. Here’s the good news: You can easily make a copycat Wendy’s Frosty at home, and I’m happy to report this recipe is absolutely spot-on!
Copycat Wendy’s Frosty Ingredients
- Sweetened condensed milk: This luscious pantry staple adds sweetness and a thick, creamy texture to the copycat recipe for Wendy’s Frosty. If you don’t have sweetened condensed milk, try an easy sweetened condensed milk substitute like cooking whole milk and sugar down to a thick consistency.
- Chocolate milk: To capture that chocolate flavor, use 2% chocolate milk in this copycat Wendy’s Frosty recipe. If you don’t have chocolate milk, you can easily make it by adding chocolate powder such as Nesquik or chocolate syrup to regular white milk.
- Vanilla extract: A little vanilla extract helps enhance the chocolate’s flavor and the milk’s creaminess.
- Baking cocoa: Baking cocoa enhances the chocolate flavor in this Wendy’s Frosty recipe. The best cocoa powder brands should taste strongly of pure chocolate.
- Frozen whipped topping: Folding in thawed whipped topping contributes to the Frosty’s light and creamy texture.
Directions
Step 1: Combine the ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk the sweetened condensed milk, chocolate milk and vanilla together.
Sift in the cocoa powder; stir to combine.
Editor’s Tip: A sifter helps break up cocoa powder clumps. A fine-mesh strainer is an excellent substitute if you don’t have a sifter.
Step 2: Fold in the whipped topping
Use a rubber spatula to fold in the whipped topping until well combined.
Editor’s Tip: While folding is a simple technique, there is a proper way to fold in ingredients.
Step 3: Freeze the mixture
Fill the ice cream maker cylinder no more than two-thirds full with the copycat Frosty mixture and freeze according to the manufacturer’s directions. Serve immediately in glasses.
Editor’s Tip: Depending on the size of your ice cream maker, you may need to do this step in several batches. If you’d prefer to make one batch at a time, refrigerate the leftover Frosty mixture for up to one week before freezing it in the ice cream maker.
How to Make a Copycat Wendy’s Frosty Without an Ice Cream Maker
No ice cream maker? No problem! The instructions for how to make a Wendy’s Frosty recipe without an ice cream maker are simple. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and freeze it for up to three hours, stirring every 30 minutes or until it reaches the desired consistency.
Copycat Wendy’s Frosty Variations
- Healthier Frosty: To make a healthier Frosty, simply swap in no- or low-fat versions of the ingredients. You can even use dairy alternatives, although the flavor may not be exactly the same as the original version.
- Strawberry Frosty: To make a strawberry Frosty at home, skip the cocoa powder and replace the chocolate milk with strawberry milk.
- Vanilla Frosty: For a vanilla Frosty, use regular 2% or whole milk instead of chocolate milk, skip the cocoa powder and use 1 tablespoon vanilla extract.
- Frosty float: For a carbonated spin on the classic Frosty treat, serve it with root beer or cola.
How to Store Copycat Wendy’s Frosty
You can store unfrozen Frosty mix in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Store frozen copycat Frosty mix in a freezer-safe container in the freezer.
How long does a copycat Frosty last?
Unfrozen Frosty mix will last up to a week in the fridge, and frozen Frosty mix will last up to three weeks when stored in the freezer.
Copycat Wendy’s Frosty Tips
How do you achieve the perfect Frosty consistency?
A Frosty is like an ultra-thick milkshake. Depending on your ice cream maker, you may want to transfer the mixture to the freezer for a few minutes to let it set a little bit more. If you have frozen the mix in the freezer, let it sit on the counter for a few minutes to soften slightly before serving.
Can you make a Frosty like Wendy’s recipe with ice cream?
If you’re going for an authentic Frosty flavor, the simple answer is no. Adding ice cream will result in a more standard milkshake flavor, and you will lose the true essence of a Frosty.
What can you serve with a copycat Wendy’s Frosty?
A copycat recipe for a Wendy’s Frosty is a perfect accompaniment to a diner-inspired dinner featuring hamburgers, onion rings and french fries. (Is it possible to have a Frosty without dipping in at least one french fry??)
Copycat Wendy’s Frosty
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
20 min
Yield
8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 quarts 2% chocolate milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup baking cocoa
- 1 container (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
Directions
- In a large bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, chocolate milk and vanilla. Sift in cocoa powder; stir to combine. Fold in whipped topping until well combined.
- Fill cylinder of ice cream maker no more than two-thirds full; freeze according to manufacturer’s directions. Serve immediately in glasses.
- If making without an ice cream maker, pour mixture into a freezer-safe container; freeze up to 3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes or until it reaches desired consistency.
Nutrition Facts
1-1/4 cups: 492 calories, 16g fat (11g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 250mg sodium, 75g carbohydrate (67g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein.
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This copycat Wendy's frosty recipe gets the texture and flavor just right. The hardest part will be waiting for it to be done frosting in the freezer. —Susan Bronson, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
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