I love this recipe because it comes together in about five minutes and delivers a perfectly creamy, chocolatey milkshake every time. I like that I can control the thickness and sweetness, and I enjoy how customizable it is with different toppings and chocolate options.
Ingredients
(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)
▢4 cups vanilla ice cream, or chocolate ice cream ▢¼-½ cup heavy cream, or whole milk ▢1½ tablespoons Dutch-processed cocoa powder, or regular cocoa powder ▢⅓ cup hot fudge sauce, or chocolate syrup ▢Optional toppings: sweetened whipped cream, chocolate shavings, fresh strawberries, chocolate sauce
Directions
I start by making sure my blender is clean and completely dry. I scoop the ice cream into the blender, choosing vanilla when I want a lighter base or chocolate when I’m craving a deeper chocolate flavor.
I add the cocoa powder to boost the chocolate taste, followed by the hot fudge sauce or chocolate syrup. I pour in the heavy cream or whole milk, starting with a smaller amount so I can adjust the thickness later.
I secure the lid and blend on medium speed until the milkshake is smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, I add more cream or milk a tablespoon at a time, blending after each addition. I taste and adjust, adding a little more chocolate sauce if I want extra sweetness.
I pour the milkshake into chilled glasses, add my favorite toppings, and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
I make this recipe to serve 2 people. Prep time is about 5 minutes, and the total time is also 5 minutes from start to finish.
Variations
I sometimes add a scoop of peanut butter for a chocolate-peanut butter shake. When I want a mocha flavor, I blend in a small shot of cooled espresso. I also like adding a banana for a thicker, naturally sweet variation.
Storage/Reheating
I enjoy this milkshake fresh, right after blending. If needed, I keep leftovers in the freezer for a short time and re-blend before serving. I don’t recommend storing it in the refrigerator, as it melts too quickly.
FAQs
Can I use only milk instead of cream?
I use whole milk when I want a lighter shake, though heavy cream makes it extra rich.
Is Dutch-processed cocoa required?
I use either type, but Dutch-processed cocoa gives a smoother, less acidic chocolate flavor.
Can I make this dairy-free?
I substitute dairy-free ice cream and plant-based milk, and it still turns out great.
How do I make it thicker?
I add more ice cream and reduce the amount of liquid.
How do I make it thinner?
I blend in additional milk or cream a little at a time.
Can I skip the cocoa powder?
I can skip it, but I like the deeper chocolate flavor it adds.
What toppings work best?
I love whipped cream, chocolate shavings, strawberries, or an extra drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Can I use chocolate chips instead of sauce?
I prefer sauce for smoothness, but melted chocolate chips can work.
Can I double the recipe?
I easily double it as long as my blender is large enough.
Conclusion
This chocolate milkshake recipe is one of my favorite quick desserts because it’s creamy, customizable, and deeply satisfying. I love how it brings classic diner flavor into my kitchen with almost no effort, making it perfect anytime a chocolate craving hits.
A rich, creamy chocolate milkshake that tastes just like a classic diner treat, made in minutes with ice cream, cocoa, and chocolate sauce for an indulgent, customizable dessert.
Author:Amy
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:0 minutes
Total Time:5 minutes
Yield:Serves 2
Category:Dessert
Method:Blending
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
4 cups vanilla ice cream or chocolate ice cream
¼–½ cup heavy cream or whole milk
1½ tablespoons Dutch-processed cocoa powder or regular cocoa powder
⅓ cup hot fudge sauce or chocolate syrup
Sweetened whipped cream (optional topping)
Chocolate shavings (optional topping)
Fresh strawberries (optional topping)
Chocolate sauce (optional topping)
Instructions
Add the ice cream to a clean, dry blender.
Add cocoa powder, hot fudge sauce or chocolate syrup, and ¼ cup of the cream or milk.
Blend on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
If the milkshake is too thick, add more cream or milk a tablespoon at a time and blend again.
Taste and adjust sweetness or chocolate flavor as desired.
Pour into chilled glasses, add toppings if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
Use vanilla ice cream for a lighter chocolate flavor or chocolate ice cream for extra richness.
Heavy cream creates a thicker, richer shake than milk.
Serve immediately for best texture.
Easily customizable with mix-ins like peanut butter or banana.