A creamy butterscotch shake made with vanilla ice cream, rich butterscotch sauce, and a splash of milk. Ready in just 2 minutes!
I have to admit, this butterscotch shake was a total happy accident. You know those days when you’re rummaging through the fridge, craving something sweet but don’t want to bake? That was me last summer. I had just made a batch of homemade butterscotch sauce (because sometimes I get fancy like that) and figured, why not blend it into a shake?
Let me tell you—best. decision. ever. The creamy vanilla ice cream, buttery butterscotch, and just the right amount of milk came together like magic. My husband took one sip and literally said, “Okay, this needs to happen more often.” So, here we are—my go-to shake when I need a quick, cozy dessert that feels fancy but takes zero effort.
Why You’ll Love This Butterscotch Shake Recipe?
Okay, I know milkshakes aren’t exactly new, but this one? It’s got a few tricks up its sleeve:
- Ridiculously Easy: Three ingredients, one blender. That’s it.
- Ultra Creamy: The butterscotch melts into the ice cream for a silky-smooth blend.
- Versatile: Sip it straight up or go wild with toppings.
- Comfort Food Bliss: Butterscotch has that old-school vibe, right? Feels cozy, like something grandma would whip up after school.
- Perfect for Sharing: Or… you could totally keep it all for yourself. No judgment here.
Ingredient Notes:
This shake’s all about simplicity, so the ingredients you choose can make or break the flavor.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Full-fat, creamy, and dreamy. Skip the low-fat stuff for this one.
- Butterscotch Sauce: If you’ve never tried making your own, it’s life-changing. But, store-bought works too.
- Milk: Whole milk gives the best richness, but heavy cream? Oh boy, next level.
- Whipped Cream: Optional, but honestly—why wouldn’t you?
- Sea Salt: Hear me out… a tiny pinch on top balances all that sweetness beautifully.
Pro Tip: Chill your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before pouring the shake. It keeps everything extra frosty.
How To Make Butterscotch Shake?
Step 1: Blend it Up
Grab your blender and toss in the vanilla ice cream, cooled butterscotch sauce, and milk. Hit blend and let it whirl for about 30 seconds—just until it’s silky smooth.
Step 2: Chill the Glass
If you’re feeling fancy, pop your serving glass in the freezer for 5 minutes. Cold glass = colder shake.
Step 3: Pour and Decorate
Pour that luscious shake into your chilled glass. Go wild with toppings—whipped cream, an extra drizzle of butterscotch, maybe even a sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet-salty vibe.
Step 4: Sip and Enjoy
Grab a straw. Or a spoon. Or honestly, just drink it straight from the glass. No rules here.
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Storage Options:
Okay, let’s be real—this shake is best enjoyed immediately. But if you do need to save it:
- Short-Term: Pop it in the freezer for up to 30 minutes. Stir before sipping.
- Not Great for Long-Term: Once melted, it’s tough to bring back that creamy shake texture.
Variations and Substitutions:
Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun twists:
- Salted Butterscotch Shake: Add a pinch of sea salt on top for a sweet-salty masterpiece.
- Chocolate Swirl: Drizzle some chocolate sauce in the glass before pouring.
- Boozy Butterscotch: A splash of bourbon or butterscotch schnapps makes this very adult-friendly.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut ice cream and oat milk for a vegan twist.
- Extra Thick: Cut back on the milk or add more ice cream for a thicker, spoonable shake.
What to Serve with Butterscotch Shake?
Sure, it’s amazing on its own, but pair it with these and you’ve got dessert perfection:
- Warm Brownies: Rich, fudgy, and made for dunking.
- Pecan Pie: Seriously, this combo screams fall coziness.
- Salted Popcorn: Sweet + salty? Yes, please.
- Ginger Cookies: That spiced snap pairs beautifully with the buttery butterscotch.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use caramel instead of butterscotch sauce?
Totally! Caramel’s great too, but it won’t have that deep, buttery richness butterscotch brings.
How do I make a healthier version?
Try using frozen banana slices instead of ice cream and a sugar-free butterscotch sauce.
Is butterscotch the same as caramel?
Not quite! Butterscotch uses brown sugar, which gives it that extra rich, buttery flavor.
Look, sometimes you just need a treat that makes you feel like a kid again—and tastes incredible. This creamy butterscotch shake? It hits all the right notes. Sweet, buttery, creamy perfection.
Next time you’re craving dessert, skip the complicated stuff and give this shake a try. Trust me—you’ll be making it on repeat.
Tried this recipe? Let me know! Did you go classic or add your own twist? I love hearing how you make recipes your own.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
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Ingredients
- 3 cups vanilla ice cream
- ½ cup butterscotch sauce cooled (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream
- Whipped cream for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Blend the Ingredients:
- In a high-speed blender, combine the vanilla ice cream, cooled butterscotch sauce, and milk (or heavy cream). Blend on medium speed for approximately 30 seconds or until smooth and creamy. Ensure all ingredients are fully combined with no visible chunks of ice cream remaining.
Prepare the Serving Glass:
- For a frosty finish, place the serving glass in the freezer for a few minutes prior to pouring the shake. This helps keep the shake colder for longer and prevents melting.
Pour and Garnish:
- Carefully pour the butterscotch shake into the prepared glass. If desired, top with a generous swirl of whipped cream. For an extra touch, drizzle additional butterscotch sauce over the whipped cream or sprinkle a pinch of sea salt for a sweet-salty balance.
Serve Immediately:
- Enjoy the shake immediately for the best texture and flavor. If left standing too long, the ice cream will begin to melt and affect the creaminess.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!