Nothing screams holidays louder than the sweet crunch of candy canes—unless it’s sipping on a frosty candy cane milkshake while the snow falls outside! Every December, I whip up batches of this creamy, peppermint-packed treat, and it instantly takes me back to childhood Christmases spent stirring hot cocoa with candy cane spoons (and inevitably making a sticky mess).
This candy cane milkshake recipe hits all the right notes—cool and refreshing but still cozy enough for winter. The vanilla ice cream mellows the peppermint’s zing just enough, while crushed candy canes add that festive crunch you crave. Bonus? It’s ridiculously easy—just five minutes and a blender stand between you and sipping holiday magic. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making these all season long!
Why You’ll Love This Candy Cane Milkshake
This isn’t just any milkshake—it’s a holiday party in a glass! Here’s why I’m obsessed (and why you will be too):
- 5-minute magic: No cooking, no fuss. Just dump, blend, and sip. Perfect when holiday chaos hits and you need a quick treat.
- Instant festive vibes: That peppermint-candy cane combo? Pure December joy. It’s like drinking a Christmas tree (but way tastier).
- Crowd-pleaser alert: Kids go wild for the sweetness, adults love the nostalgia. Top with extra candy cane bits for that wow factor.
- Customizable buzz: Add a splash of coffee for grown-ups, or swap in dairy-free ice cream—it’s forgiving and flexible.
Seriously, this shake is the easiest way to spread holiday cheer without breaking a sweat. And that whipped cream mustache? Totally optional (but highly recommended).
Candy Cane Milkshake Ingredients
Grab these simple ingredients – you probably have most in your kitchen already! Here’s exactly what you’ll need for that perfect pepperminty sip:
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream (go for the good stuff – full-fat makes it extra creamy!)
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2% works best, but any kind you’ve got will do)
- 3-4 standard-sized candy canes, crushed (about ¼ cup – I’ll show you the no-mess way to crush them coming up!)
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract (start with this, then add more to taste if you’re a mint fanatic like me)
- Whipped cream & extra crushed candy canes for topping (because what’s a holiday treat without a little extra sparkle?)
How to Make a Candy Cane Milkshake
Okay, here’s where the real fun begins! Making this candy cane milkshake is honestly foolproof – just follow these simple steps and you’ll be sipping holiday magic in minutes. The key is not overthinking it and trusting your blender (and your taste buds!).
Step 1: Prep the Candy Canes
First things first – let’s tackle those candy canes! Trust me, you do NOT want to try crushing these on a cutting board – peppermint shards everywhere! I toss them into a ziplock bag, seal it tight, then whack them with a rolling pin (or even a heavy can) until they’re in fine crumbs. Some bigger pieces are totally fine – they give that satisfying crunch later!
Step 2: Blend the Ingredients
Now for the easy part: dump everything in the blender! I like my ice cream slightly softened – just 5 minutes out of the freezer makes it blend smoother. Pulse a few times first to break up the ice cream, then blend on medium for about 30 seconds until it’s creamy but still thick enough to need a spoon. Too thin? Add more ice cream. Too thick? Splash in more milk. Easy!
Step 3: Garnish and Serve
Here’s where you make it pretty! Pour into chilled glasses (I pop mine in the freezer for 10 minutes first), then go wild with whipped cream swirls and a generous sprinkle of those leftover crushed candy canes. The red and white streaks look so festive against the creamy shake. Serve immediately with a straw and a big smile – this treat waits for no one!
Tips for the Perfect Candy Cane Milkshake
Want to take your candy cane milkshake from good to unforgettable? Here are my tried-and-true tricks after years of December shake-making marathons:
- Taste as you go! Start with ½ tsp peppermint extract, blend, then add more drop by drop. Too much and it’ll taste like toothpaste—trust me, I’ve been there.
- Freeze your glasses for 10 minutes before pouring. That first icy sip? Absolute magic.
- Crush extra candy canes and keep them ready in a bowl—kids love sprinkling their own toppings (and let’s be honest, so do adults).
- Short on candy canes? A drizzle of chocolate syrup makes it a peppermint-patty shake!
The best part? No rules—just taste, tweak, and make it your own holiday tradition!
Candy Cane Milkshake Variations
Once you’ve mastered the classic, try these fun twists to keep your candy cane milkshake game strong all season long! My personal favorite? Swirling in chocolate syrup—it turns into a liquid peppermint patty that’s downright dangerous. For dairy-free friends, coconut milk ice cream works beautifully (just add an extra candy cane to amp up the flavor). Feeling fancy? Blend in a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a mint-chocolate vibe, or spike it with a shot of espresso for grown-up holiday cheer!
Storing and Serving Suggestions
Here’s the deal—this candy cane milkshake is best served fresh and cold. It’s not a make-ahead kind of treat because the ice cream will melt, and the candy canes can get soggy. If you must store it, pop it in the freezer for up to 30 minutes, but honestly? Just blend and enjoy immediately. Trust me, it’s worth the effort for that first frosty sip!
Candy Cane Milkshake Nutrition Info
Okay, let’s be real—this isn’t exactly a health food, but who cares? It’s the holidays! That said, I know some folks like to keep tabs on what they’re sipping. Nutrition can vary depending on your ice cream brand, milk choice, and how generous you are with those candy cane toppings (no judgment here!).
Generally speaking, each creamy glass packs protein from the milk and ice cream, plus a good dose of calcium. The sugar content? Well, let’s just say it’s a special occasion treat—those candy canes bring serious sweetness! If you’re watching your intake, try reduced-sugar ice cream or swap in almond milk. But honestly? Sometimes you just need to embrace the pepperminty indulgence!
Candy Cane Milkshake FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the candy cane milkshake mysteries solved:
- “Can I use peppermint syrup instead of extract?” Absolutely! Start with 1 tablespoon syrup (it’s sweeter than extract), then taste and adjust. Bonus: syrup blends easier!
- “How to make it vegan?” Easy-peasy! Swap dairy ice cream for coconut or almond milk varieties, and use oat milk. Check candy canes for gelatin—many brands are accidentally vegan!
- “Why’d my candy canes turn pink?” Totally normal! The red stripes bleed into the shake—makes it extra festive!
- “Can I use candy cane flavoring?” Stick with pure peppermint extract—those “candy cane” flavorings often taste artificial.
Still stumped? Toss me your shake dilemmas—I’ve made (and fixed!) them all!
Share Your Festive Creation
Made your own candy cane milkshake masterpiece? I’d love to see it! Tag me on social or leave a comment – tell me how you customized it (extra peppermint? Chocolate drizzle? A sneaky splash of something grown-up?). This recipe gets better with every new twist, so share your holiday shake magic!
Print
Irresistible Candy Cane Milkshake in Just 5 Minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and festive milkshake made with candy canes, perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup milk
- 3–4 crushed candy canes
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Extra crushed candy canes for garnish
Instructions
- Add vanilla ice cream, milk, crushed candy canes, and peppermint extract to a blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Pour into glasses.
- Top with whipped cream and extra crushed candy canes.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of peppermint extract to taste.
- For a thicker shake, use less milk.
- Crush candy canes in a sealed bag for easier handling.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: candy cane milkshake, holiday drink, peppermint shake
