If you’re craving something cozy, creamy, and bursting with autumnal flavors, this Pumpkin Spice Milkshake Recipe will become your new go-to indulgence. The perfect balance of sweet vanilla ice cream, rich pumpkin puree, and warm spices creates a dreamy treat that tastes like fall in a glass. It’s surprisingly simple to whip up but feels like a special occasion every single time. Whether you want a refreshing twist on pumpkin flavor or a luscious dessert to brighten your day, this recipe hits all the right notes and brings a little seasonal magic with every sip.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is easier than you might think, and each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and inviting color of your pumpkin spice milkshake. From creamy vanilla ice cream to aromatic spices, these components come together to make each sip so comforting.
- Vanilla ice cream: Provides the creamy base and sweet flavor that forms the heart of the milkshake.
- Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Adds smoothness and adjusts consistency to your preferred thickness.
- Canned pumpkin puree: Brings authentic pumpkin flavor and vibrant orange color without overpowering sweetness.
- Brown sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness with a subtle molasses touch for depth.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warm spice that complements pumpkin perfectly.
- Ground ginger: Introduces a gentle zing that lifts the overall flavor profile.
- Ground nutmeg: Offers a slightly nutty warmth that rounds out the spices.
- Ground cloves: A little goes a long way in intensifying the cozy, spicy notes.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates all the flavors and ties the shake together with its sweet aroma.
- Optional toppings (whipped cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, licorice twists): Perfect for adding creaminess, visual appeal, and fun straws for sipping.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Milkshake Recipe
Step 1: Blend Your Base Ingredients
To start this delightful Pumpkin Spice Milkshake Recipe, add your vanilla ice cream, milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and vanilla extract into a blender. Don’t be shy with the spices—they really build the character of the milkshake and bring out that signature autumn vibe.
Step 2: Blend Until Smooth and Creamy
Blend everything on high speed until the mixture is silky smooth and creamy. If the shake feels too thick for your liking, simply pour in a splash more milk and blend briefly again. This step is all about finding your perfect sip-friendly consistency.
Step 3: Pour and Add Toppings
Pour your luscious pumpkin spice milkshake into glasses. If you want to make it extra special, top with a generous swirl of whipped cream and a light sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg. For a playful touch, pop in licorice twists as straws and watch your friends smile instantly.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Milkshake Recipe
Garnishes
Whipped cream is a classic choice to give your pumpkin spice milkshake a rich, fluffy crown. Dusting a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on top adds both aroma and visual charm. Those licorice twists not only look fun but also enhance the drinking experience, making this treat feel like a festive celebration.
Side Dishes
For a cozy snack pairing, serve your milkshake alongside warm ginger snaps, cinnamon sugar cookies, or even a slice of moist pumpkin bread. The spicy notes in your dessert and these sides create a harmonious autumn gathering that’s perfect any time of day.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the milkshake in mason jars with a cinnamon stick as a garnish or adding a drizzle of caramel sauce inside the glass before pouring the shake. Layered with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers on top, it can look like a pumpkin pie-inspired dessert cup that’s too pretty to resist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any pumpkin spice milkshake leftovers, keep them covered in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours for the best flavor and freshness. The shake may settle, so a quick stir or shake before drinking helps bring it back to life.
Freezing
You can freeze the milkshake mixture in an airtight container for up to a month, but know that the texture might change slightly once thawed. Blending it again before serving can help restore its creamy form and ensure every sip tastes as good as freshly made.
Reheating
This milkshake is best enjoyed cold, so reheating is not recommended. However, if you’d like a warm pumpkin treat, try warming your pumpkin puree separately with spices and whisk it into hot milk for a cozy pumpkin latte instead.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
You can, but fresh pumpkin needs to be cooked and pureed beforehand to achieve the same smooth texture. Canned pumpkin puree offers convenience and consistency that’s ideal for the milkshake recipe.
Is there a dairy-free option for this milkshake?
Absolutely! Use your favorite plant-based ice cream and milk, such as almond, oat, or coconut milk, to create a deliciously creamy dairy-free version without sacrificing flavor.
How can I make this milkshake less sweet?
Simply reduce the brown sugar or omit it altogether if your vanilla ice cream is already very sweet. You can always adjust to your preferred sweetness level by tasting and tweaking the amount.
Can this Pumpkin Spice Milkshake Recipe be made vegan?
Yes! Swap out the dairy ingredients for vegan alternatives, like non-dairy ice cream and milk, and ensure your toppings are plant-based. The spices and pumpkin puree remain naturally vegan.
What’s the best way to get a thicker milkshake?
Use high-fat, creamy ice cream and less milk if you want a thick milkshake that holds its shape longer. You can also add a few ice cubes while blending for a chilly, thick consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Spice Milkshake Recipe is such a joy to make and share, filled with all the comforting flavors that celebrate the season’s best. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly afternoon or looking to impress guests with a simple but special treat, this milkshake delivers every time. Give it a try and let it brighten your day with its creamy, pumpkin-spiced goodness!
Print
Pumpkin Spice Milkshake Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
This creamy and flavorful Pumpkin Milkshake combines the comforting taste of pumpkin with warm spices and vanilla ice cream to create a delightful autumn-inspired treat. Perfect for a cozy snack or dessert, this milkshake is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Milkshake Ingredients
- 1 cup vanilla ice cream
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- Whipped cream
- Sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg
- Licorice twists (for straws)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a blender, add the vanilla ice cream, milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and vanilla extract. This mixture will form the base of your pumpkin milkshake.
- Blend Until Smooth: Blend the ingredients on high speed until the milkshake is smooth and creamy. If the shake is too thick, gradually add more milk to achieve your preferred consistency.
- Serve and Garnish: Pour the milkshake into glasses and top with whipped cream and a light sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg if desired. Add licorice twists as fun straws to complete the presentation.
Notes
- You can use dairy or any non-dairy milk alternative based on your preference.
- Adjust brown sugar to your desired sweetness level.
- Using canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, ensures the right pumpkin flavor without added spices or sugars.
- For a thicker milkshake, add more ice cream; for thinner, add more milk.
- Optional toppings add visual appeal and extra flavor, but the milkshake is delicious on its own.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
