How to Thicken a Milkshake: 3 Easy Methods
thickening

How to Thicken a Milkshake: 3 Easy Methods

How to Thicken a Milkshake: The Complete Guide

Craving a thick, creamy milkshake but yours keeps turning out runny? A watery milkshake can be disappointing, but there are plenty of easy ways to get that perfect thick texture. From my experience, a few simple tweaks can transform even the runniest shake into a mouthwatering treat.

Why Milkshakes Lose Thickness

Before diving into solutions, let’s look at some reasons why milkshakes might not thicken properly:

  1. Not enough ice cream or milkshake base. Too much milk or other liquid will thin out the texture.
  2. Melted or soft ice cream. Harder ice cream blends better without getting watery.
  3. Imprecise ratios. An off balance between liquids and solids can throw off thickness.
  4. Too much blending. Overmixing introduces air and thins the milkshake.
  5. Using the wrong thickeners. Some ingredients work better than others.

Understanding the cause will make it easier to pinpoint the best fix.

How to Thicken a Runny Milkshake

Luckily, there are many tricks to salvage a thin milkshake, from easy ingredient swaps to proper mixing techniques. Here are 12 simple methods:

  1. Add More Ice Cream

    An easy first step is to throw in one or two extra scoops of ice cream. The higher fat and air content from ice cream can improve thickness. Make sure it’s firm from the freezer.
  2. Use a Thick Ice Cream Base

    Premium ice creams, custards, and gelatos provide more richness than regular types. Or make your base from scratch using cream, eggs, sugar, and flavorings baked together.
  3. Reduce the Milk

    From my experience, too much milk is often the culprit behind a thin milkshake. Gradually cut back on milk until you reach the ideal creamy consistency.
  4. Skip the Milk

    For an ultra thick milkshake, nix the milk altogether. Use ice cream blended with heavier cream or non-dairy substitutes like coconut milk or almond milk.
  5. Add Instant Pudding Mix

    A fast-acting thickness booster is instant pudding mix, which introduces starch to bind liquid. Use 1-2 packages of powder suited to your milkshake flavor.
  6. Stir in Smooth Peanut Butter


    Nut butters are naturally dense and blend easily into milkshakes for a smooth, nutty flavor. Peanut butter works especially well in chocolate, banana or vanilla shakes.
  7. Blend in Cream Cheese

    For a supremely thick and rich shake base, mix a few ounces of cream cheese into the blender. It creates a nicevelvety texture.
  8. Include Egg Yolks

    Raw eggs carry safety concerns, but egg yolks add thickness similar to custard. Cook them before blending for a safe thickening boost.
  9. Toast Oats Into a Flour

    Quick oats ground into a powder absorb milkshake liquid. Sprinkle a few tablespoons into the blender for a grainy thickness.
  10. Stir in Mascarpone Cheese

    This soft Italian cream cheese provides incredible richness and body, perfect for stabilizing any runny shake.
  11. Fold in Whipped Cream

    While whipped cream eventually melts, it temporarily helps hold air in the milkshake for a fluffier, mousse-like texture.
  12. Don’t Over-Blend

    Mixing too long whips in air that causes milkshakes to thin out. Blend at medium speed for 20-30 seconds max for ideal thickness.

Choosing the Best Thickening Ingredient

With so many options for rescuing a thin milkshake, which works best? I have faced situations where I tried many methods before finding the ideal thickener. Here are my top recommendations:

  1. Extra ice cream is the simplest route if you have it on hand.Aim for equal ice cream and liquid portions.
  2. Instant pudding delivers reliable results whenever I’ve used it. Make sure to factor in the extra volume from dry packets.
  3. Cream cheese offers exceptional thickness and lends a nice tang. Use in moderation as it can overpower other flavors.
  4. Peanut butter integrates beautifully for a nuttier, denser shake. It works for both kid-friendly and adult shakes.

The most effective thickener depends on the ingredients available and flavors you want to achieve. From a practical standpoint, instant pudding or extra ice cream are smart picks. But donโ€™t hesitate to experiment with gourmet add-ins like mascarpone or cream cheese either.

Serving Milkshakes for Maximum Thickness

Once your milkshake reaches the perfect texture straight from the blender, be careful not to undo your efforts. Here’s a real-life case from my practice: I finally nailed my famous thick mint chocolate shake, but it turned thin and melted by the time guests finished dinner.

To keep milkshakes ultra thick from blender to last sip, remember a few serving tips:

  1. Freeze blender jars or glasses to prevent immediate melting.
  2. Portion into small glasses or containers rather than large milkshake glasses to minimize heat transfer.
  3. Serve in a whipped cream-lined glass for extra insulation.
  4. Add milkshake straws so less air gets incorporated while drinking.
  5. Tell guests to consume quickly before ice cream softens.

Follow those guidelines, and youโ€™ll be shocked at how long your perfectly thickened milkshakes last post-blending.

FAQs About Making Better Milkshakes

To wrap up, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about upgrading milkshake texture:

Should I use a blender or mixer?

Blenders are ideal as they pulverize ice cream into smooth, thick shakes. Stand mixers add more air into the mixture which thins it out.

Does the order of adding ingredients matter?

Yes! Always put ice cream or other solid items in the blender first. Then add smaller amounts of liquid until the shake reaches the consistency you want.

Is there a recipe for the perfect thick milkshake?

Not exactly, as preferences vary. But a good starting ratio is 2 parts ice cream to 1 part milk or alternative. Adjust to your taste from there.

How long do thick milkshakes last?

Properly stored in a freezer, thick milkshakes can last 1-2 weeks. Once poured, try to drink within 30 minutes before melting occurs. Add more ice cream if needed.

I hope these fixes help rescue any runny milkshakes! Let me know in the comments if you have your own thickness-boosting secrets. Now grab a glass and start shaking – the creamy, frosty kind!

Tips for Thickening a Milkshake
Method Amount to Add Considerations
Add ice cream 1-2 scoops Increases creaminess and thickness
Use whole milk Replace lower fat milk Higher fat content creates thickness
Mix in Greek yogurt 1/4 to 1/2 cup Adds thickness without overpowering flavor
Blend in protein powder 1-2 scoops Increases thickness; can impact flavor
Add pudding mix 1-2 packages Significantly improves thickness and texture
Use less milk Remove 1/4 to 1/2 cup Increases the ratio of ice cream to liquid

FAQ

How to Thicken a Milkshake

  1. What ingredients thicken a milkshake? Ice cream has natural thickness from fat and air. Additives like milk powder, cornstarch, gelatin, or egg yolks can make it thicker. Blending less or using more ice cream relative to milk/flavorings also works.
  2. Is there a quick fix to thicken a runny milkshake? However, you can stir in a sprinkle of milk powder, cornstarch, or gelatin if it turns out too thin. Allow a few minutes for it to thicken up.
  3. What about using less milk or cream? On the other hand, cutting back on the milk/cream or substituting some for ice cream will automatically make it thicker and richer.
  4. Should I use a different ice cream? Nevertheless, premium ice creams with higher fat and less air whip tend to make thicker shakes. Gelato also works very well.
  5. Does the order of adding ingredients matter? Despite common belief, build shakes in any order. Thickness depends on ratios and mixing technique, not order.
  6. How long should I blend the shake? However, blend 5-10 seconds once combined. Overmixing introduces air and makes it frothy rather than thick.
  7. What milkshake tricks prevent thinning as it melts? At the same time, use chilled ingredients, serve immediately, and stir while drinking to distribute melted parts.
  8. How do I get a milkshake with maximum thickness? Use equal parts premium ice cream and milk/cream for a classic diner-style thickness. More ice cream or less liquid makes an extra thick “concrete” shake.