Chocolate Milkshake

By FoodfaithfitnessAug 12, 2024Jump to Recipe

If there is something better than a cold and creamy chocolate milkshake, no one has found it yet.

It would be disappointing if the iconic milkshake didn’t have a romantic story. Thankfully, it does. In 1922, an employee at a Walgreens pharmacy in Chicago was credited with the first mention of the chocolate milkshake. Legend has it that Ivar “Pop” Coulson mixed two scoops of vanilla ice cream into a chocolate malted milk beverage, creating an instant hit. This new drink quickly gained popularity and in soda fountains and diners throughout America.

How do you enjoy your chocolate milkshake? Do you top it off with whipped cream, or maybe dip your French fries in it? Yes, that’s a thing. I like mine pretty simple: plain, cold, and chocolatey.

In this recipe, whole milk and unsweetened cocoa powder create a rich, decadent shake that tastes “grown-up.” It’s not overly sweet since the only sugar comes from the ice cream. Chocolate is what shines through. One great thing about this recipe is that you can use it over and over with different flavors. Easily replace the cocoa with strawberry syrup or enjoy a vanilla milkshake with no additional flavoring.

Is Chocolate Milkshake Healthy?

Let’s be realistic about the health benefits of milkshakes —they’re a special treat. You partake in a chocolate milkshake when you want to have some fun or satisfy a sweet tooth. Still, if you look hard, there are some benefits to your frozen treat. While milkshakes are commonly seen as an indulgence, they actually offer health advantages when prepared using wholesome ingredients.

Crafted with milk, they can serve as a source of calcium and vitamin D for maintaining strong bones. Furthermore, unsweetened cocoa powder provides important antioxidants, such as polyphenols, which may improve your cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. See? Milkshakes are kind of healthy.

The secret to a perfect chocolate milkshake

The secret is in the blending. The recipe asks that you blend the milk and cocoa powder together first, then add the ice cream. When I started making my own milkshakes at home, I skipped this step. I would just dump everything together and then be frustrated to find remnants of cocoa powder or sometimes malted milk powder in my shake. It’s not pleasant to feel that gritty texture in your milkshake. So, blend the cocoa powder and milk first so the chocolate dissolves. This will lead to a creamy, smooth chocolate milkshake.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
3 scoops vanilla ice cream
Whipped cream (for garnish, optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Blend

Mix milk and cocoa powder.

Creamy

Add ice cream and blend until smooth.

Garnish

Serve with optional whipped cream.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store?

We’ve all been there—you have this rich, yummy chocolate milkshake, and you can’t finish it. It is such a shame to waste it, but can you store a leftover milkshake made with ice cream? Yes, you can! Place your leftover milkshake in an airtight container, and you can keep it in the refrigerator for up to two days. You could also store it in an airtight container in the freezer for one to two weeks. Of course, in the refrigerator, some melting of the ice cream will occur, leading to a thinner chocolate milkshake. However, it will still taste yummy! The freezer will make it rock solid, so you may need to let it thaw a little before you enjoy it.

Can I add frozen fruit to my milkshake?

If you want to add something extra to your milkshake for flavor and to make it healthier, frozen fruit is a great option. It helps to thicken the milkshake and make it even colder; plus, fruits have great health benefits. You could make a banana milkshake, strawberry milkshake, or even blueberry milkshake.

Why not just use chocolate ice cream?

Unsweetened cocoa powder has better health benefits than chocolate ice cream and creates a milkshake that isn’t overly sweetened. It has no sugar and adds a nice sharpness to the milkshake, which complements the sweet vanilla ice cream well.

Serving Suggestions

This recipe recommends a dollop of whipped cream on top of your yummy chocolate milkshake. It’s a wonderful way to present a milkshake to yourself or a buddy. You can take this a step further and sprinkle a little bit of cocoa powder on top of the milkshake. Chocolate shavings work beautifully as well.

I like a simple oatmeal cookie alongside my chocolate milkshake. This makes a lovely and filling dessert. A low-sugar healthy sugar cookie would work well too.

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