This pumpkin milkshake is a creamy, dreamy drink that says “fall” in every sip! Blending together pumpkin puree, ice cream, and warming spices makes it so tasty.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: This is the star of the drink! You can use canned pumpkin puree for convenience or make your own by roasting and blending fresh pumpkin. Just avoid pumpkin pie filling as it’s sweetened and spiced already.
Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream is great, but feel free to swap in pumpkin, cinnamon, or even ginger ice cream for an extra kick. Dairy-free options such as coconut or almond ice cream work well too!
Milk: Whole milk gives the milkshake a rich, creamy texture. If you prefer a lighter option, 2% or almond milk can be used. Oat milk adds a nice creaminess as well.
Spices: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger creates a warm, cozy flavor. If you want to simplify, a pre-mixed pumpkin spice blend can replace all three.
Sweetener: Maple syrup or honey adds natural sweetness. You can leave it out or substitute with agave syrup or a sugar-free sweetener to suit your preference.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Creamy Texture?
A smooth, creamy milkshake is all about layering your ingredients well. Here’s how to ensure your shake is perfectly blended:
- Start by adding the liquids (milk and ice cream) into the blender first. This helps the blades move freely.
- Next, add the pumpkin puree and spices. Blend on high for about 30-60 seconds, but stop and check the texture frequently.
- If the shake is too thick, add a splash more milk. If it’s too thin, throw in more ice cream.
Remember, blending too long can introduce heat, which might melt your shake. Keep it short and sweet for the best results!
Delicious Pumpkin Milkshake Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup milk (whole milk preferred for creaminess)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (optional, for sweetness)
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Crushed graham crackers or gingersnap cookies, for garnish
- Cinnamon sticks or straws, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This pumpkin milkshake takes about 10 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a few minutes gathering ingredients, blending them, and adding the delightful toppings. It’s quick to make and even quicker to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blend the Ingredients:
Grab your blender and add in the pumpkin puree, vanilla ice cream, milk, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, vanilla extract, and maple syrup or honey if you like it sweeter. Put the lid on tight!
2. Get Blending:
Blend everything on high speed for about 30-60 seconds, or until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If it looks a bit too thick, just add a little bit more milk until it reaches your desired consistency. Don’t forget to check the sweetness—adjust if you prefer!
3. Pour and Top Off:
Carefully pour the pumpkin milkshake into tall glasses. It should look beautiful and creamy! Now, add a generous swirl of whipped cream on top of each shake.
4. Add Some Crunch and Festive Touches:
Sprinkle some crushed graham crackers or gingersnap cookies over the whipped cream for that crunchy garnish. For an extra festive look, you can even stick in a cinnamon stick or add a cute straw.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Your delicious pumpkin milkshake is ready to enjoy! Serve it immediately, and share the cozy flavor of fall with friends and family! Sipping it warm fall vibes in every delightful sip.
This milkshake captures the cozy essence of autumn, blending spiced pumpkin flavor with a creamy texture and fun toppings. Perfect for all pumpkin lovers!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! You can use fresh pumpkin by roasting it until tender, then pureeing it until smooth. Make sure to measure out the same amount, about 1 cup, for the recipe.
Can I Make This Milkshake Healthier?
Definitely! You can substitute the vanilla ice cream with Greek yogurt or a non-dairy ice cream for a lower-calorie option. Additionally, using almond or coconut milk instead of whole milk will also reduce calories and fat.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover pumpkin milkshake can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. However, for the best texture and flavor, enjoy it right after making it. If it thickens, just give it a good stir before consuming.
Can I Use Different Spices?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with spices. You can use pumpkin pie spice as a substitute for cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, or adjust the spice levels based on your taste preference!
