A peppermint candy cane milkshake is pure holiday comfort in a glass. It is cool, creamy, and full of festive mint flavor, yet it takes only a few minutes to make. I love serving this simple treat when family and friends gather because everyone can enjoy a special dessert without waiting for the oven.
The recipe brings together 2 cups vanilla ice cream, ½ cup milk, ¼ cup crushed candy cane, and 1 teaspoon peppermint extract. Vanilla keeps the shake rich and smooth, while peppermint adds a bright, cool finish. Crushed candy cane brings a little crunch and a sweet minty taste. Finish each glass with whipped cream and candy cane pieces for a cheerful holiday topping.
To make it, add the ice cream, milk, crushed candy cane, and peppermint extract to a blender, then blend until smooth and well combined. Pour the shake into glasses and add whipped cream and candy cane pieces. The total time is just 5 minutes, with no cooking required, and the recipe makes 2 servings at about 425 calories per serving. You can also refrigerate it briefly or freeze it for later, then soften and re-blend it, eat it with a spoon, or freeze it in popsicle molds.
This peppermint candy cane milkshake is a fun choice for a Christmas movie night, a holiday cookie swap, or a family dessert after dinner. It is just as welcome at a party as it is on a quiet evening at home. Since it comes together so quickly, you can make it when a craving strikes or prepare a fresh batch for guests.
Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Candy Cane Milkshake for Christmas
- It is quick: Blend the ingredients and serve. You can have a festive dessert ready in about 5 minutes.
- It uses simple ingredients: Vanilla ice cream, milk, candy cane, and peppermint extract create the minty flavor. Then, whipped cream and candy cane pieces make an easy topping.
- It tastes like the holidays: Cool peppermint and sweet vanilla bring familiar Christmas flavors to every sip.
- It is easy to adjust: Add a little more milk for a thinner shake, or use less for a thicker one. You can also change the amount of peppermint extract to suit your taste.
- It is fun to serve: Add a candy cane to each glass, or pour the mixture into popsicle molds for a frozen treat.
Vanilla Ice Cream Tips
Vanilla ice cream is the base of this milkshake, so choose a kind you enjoy eating by itself. A classic vanilla works well because it lets the peppermint and candy cane flavors stand out. For a richer shake, use a premium or full-fat ice cream. For a lighter result, choose a lower-fat option, though the texture may be less creamy.
Before blending, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes if it is very firm. It should soften slightly, but it should not melt. Slightly softened ice cream blends more easily and helps keep the shake thick. Also, check the label if you need a particular dairy-free or allergy-friendly option.
Options for Substitutions
- Milk: Use whole milk for a rich shake, or choose 2% milk for a slightly lighter texture. Unsweetened oat milk, almond milk, or soy milk can work as dairy-free alternatives.
- Vanilla ice cream: Use dairy-free vanilla ice cream if needed. You can also try chocolate ice cream for a chocolate-mint variation.
- Crushed candy cane: Swap in crushed peppermint candies. If you prefer a smoother shake, reduce the candy cane or leave it out and rely on the peppermint extract.
- Peppermint extract: Start with a smaller amount if you want a gentler mint flavor. Do not replace it with peppermint oil unless the product is specifically labeled for food use and you know the correct amount, since oils can be much more concentrated.
- Whipped cream: Use dairy-free whipped topping, or leave it off for a simpler dessert.
- Candy cane pieces: Top the shake with chocolate shavings, mini chocolate chips, or a light dusting of crushed cookies instead.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
Peppermint extract has a strong flavor, so measure it carefully. Adding more than the recipe calls for can make the shake taste sharp or overpower the vanilla. If you are unsure, begin with a little less, blend, and taste before adding more.
Next, avoid blending for too long. A few seconds should combine the ingredients. If you keep the blender running, the ice cream can warm and thin out, leaving you with a drink that is less thick and creamy.
Also, do not add too much milk at once. The recipe uses ½ cup, but the best texture can vary with the ice cream. If your shake seems too thick, add milk a tablespoon at a time and blend briefly until it reaches the consistency you like.
Finally, add whipped cream and candy cane pieces just before serving. The topping can soften if it sits on the shake, and crushed candy cane may lose its crunch. For the best look and texture, blend the shake, pour it into glasses, and finish each serving right away.
What to Serve With Peppermint Candy Cane Milkshake for Christmas?
This milkshake pairs nicely with simple holiday treats that balance its cool, sweet flavor. Serve it with sugar cookies, gingerbread cookies, brownies, or a small slice of chocolate cake. For a lighter spread, set out fresh strawberries or apple slices alongside the shake. Since the milkshake is rich, small portions of these sides are usually plenty.
Storage Instructions
Store: This milkshake tastes best right after blending. If you need to hold it briefly, cover it and refrigerate it for up to 1 day. The shake may separate or become thinner as it sits, so stir it well or blend it again briefly before serving. Keep the whipped cream and candy cane topping separate until serving.
Freeze: For longer storage, pour the milkshake into an airtight, freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month for best quality. Leave a little room at the top for expansion. To serve, let it soften in the refrigerator or at room temperature, then re-blend until smooth. You can also eat it with a spoon while it is still frozen. Another option is to pour it into popsicle molds and freeze until firm.
Reheat: Do not reheat this milkshake on the stovetop or in the microwave. Heat will melt the ice cream and change the texture. Instead, thaw frozen portions just enough to soften them, then re-blend or enjoy them as a frozen dessert.
Recipe Info
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 2
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 750–950
- Protein: 14–22 g
- Fat: 32–48 g
- Carbohydrates: 95–135 g
These are broad estimates for the full batch. Actual nutrition will vary by ice cream and milk brand, candy cane size, and how much whipped cream you add. The provided estimate is about 425 calories per serving.
Ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup crushed candy cane
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Candy cane pieces, for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Soften the Ice Cream Slightly
If your vanilla ice cream is very firm, let it sit on the counter for a few minutes. It should soften enough to scoop and blend easily, but it should still be cold.
Step 2: Add the Shake Ingredients to the Blender
Place the vanilla ice cream, milk, crushed candy cane, and peppermint extract in a blender. If you want a milder mint taste, start with a little less peppermint extract.
Step 3: Blend Until Smooth
Blend just until the ingredients are well combined. Stop and check the texture. If the shake is too thick, add a small splash of milk and blend briefly again.
Step 4: Pour Into Glasses
Pour the milkshake into two glasses as soon as it reaches your preferred thickness. For a thicker shake, serve it right away so the ice cream stays cold and creamy.
Step 5: Add the Toppings and Serve
Top each glass with whipped cream and candy cane pieces. Serve immediately, while the whipped cream is fluffy and the candy cane still has a little crunch.
Step 6: Store or Freeze Any Extra
For short-term storage, cover and refrigerate the shake for up to 1 day. For longer storage, use an airtight freezer-safe container or popsicle molds. When serving a frozen shake, let it soften, then re-blend it, or enjoy it with a spoon.
Conclusion
This peppermint candy cane milkshake is an easy Christmas treat made with vanilla ice cream, milk, crushed candy cane, and peppermint extract. It takes just 5 minutes, makes 2 servings, and is easy to dress up with whipped cream and candy cane pieces. Make a batch for your next holiday gathering, then come back and share how it turned out. If you enjoy festive desserts, try pairing it with your favorite Christmas cookies, too.
Print
Peppermint Candy Cane Milkshake
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and festive peppermint candy cane milkshake that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup crushed candy cane
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Candy cane pieces, for topping
Instructions
- Soften the ice cream slightly if very firm.
- Add the vanilla ice cream, milk, crushed candy cane, and peppermint extract to a blender.
- Blend until smooth, adjusting consistency with milk if necessary.
- Pour the milkshake into two glasses.
- Add whipped cream and candy cane pieces on top.
- Store any extra shake or freeze for later.
Notes
This shake is best served immediately for optimal texture. Adjust peppermint extract for desired mint flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
