Dessert

Vanilla Milkshake Bar with Toppings and Sweets Recipe

ByLuna Ryder January 22, 2026January 22, 2026

Introduction

This Vanilla Milkshake Bar is a fun and delicious way to enjoy a creamy, classic treat with a playful twist. Perfect for gatherings, it lets everyone customize their shake with a variety of toppings for a sweet, personalized dessert experience.

The image shows three tall glasses filled with a creamy white milkshake, each topped with colorful sprinkles on the rim. The first milkshake in the front has small pink and white marshmallows and pieces of chocolate on top. The second milkshake has round, colorful candy pieces and two pretzels stuck on the whipped cream. The third milkshake has whipped cream with a cherry on top. Around the milkshakes, there are various bowls of snacks: a black bowl filled with white popcorn, a white bowl of pretzels, a glass jar with colorful candies, a glass with crushed chocolate and nuts, and golden bowls of chocolate cookies and mixed small white and dark chocolate cubes. There is also a glass jar with red cherries and straws with gold and white stripes placed in front. The background surface is a white marbled texture with a golden, shiny curtain in the back. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

200g vanilla ice cream
500ml semi-skimmed or whole milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
Melted white chocolate (optional)
Mini cookies, sprinkles, marshmallows, pretzels, popcorn, chocolates, and a variety of sweets
Maraschino cherries
Squirty cream
4 milkshake or dessert glasses
Coloured paper straws

Instructions

Step 1: Tip the mini cookies, sprinkles, marshmallows, and other sweets of your choice into separate serving bowls and set them on the table along with the squirty cream.
Step 2: Blitz the vanilla ice cream, milk, and vanilla extract in a blender until well combined and creamy. Pour the mixture into a large jug.
Step 3: If you like, dip the rims of the glasses into the melted white chocolate, then into some sprinkles. Leave them to set slightly.
Step 4: Divide the milkshake evenly between the prepared glasses. Let everyone customize their shakes with the toppings and squirty cream.
Step 5: Serve each shake with a coloured paper straw and a maraschino cherry on top for a charming finish.

Tips & Variations

Use whole milk for a richer and creamier milkshake, or substitute with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
Freeze the milkshake for 30 minutes before serving for a thicker, more indulgent texture.
Try adding a scoop of your favorite flavored ice cream like chocolate or strawberry to mix things up.
For a boozy version, add a splash of vanilla vodka or coffee liqueur.

Storage

Milkshakes are best enjoyed immediately for the best texture and flavor. If you must store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Re-blend gently before serving, but note that the texture may be thinner after chilling.

How to Serve

The image shows four tall, clear glasses filled with thick white milkshakes, each decorated differently: one topped with whipped cream and popcorn, another with whipped cream, colorful candy pieces, and a pretzel, and one glass with marshmallows and small cookie pieces on top. The rims of three glasses are coated with white frosting and colorful sprinkle dots. The glasses are set on a shiny gold tray. Around the tray, there are bowls filled with white and pink mini marshmallows, red cherries, caramel popcorn, small chocolate cookies, pretzels, and colored candy-coated chocolates. There are also striped straws and scattered mini marshmallows on the tray and the white marbled surface. The background has a gold tinsel curtain. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?

Yes, you can use semi-skimmed or low-fat milk, but the milkshake may be a bit less creamy. Whole milk generally gives the richest texture.

How can I make this milkshake dairy-free?

Substitute the ice cream and milk with dairy-free alternatives such as coconut milk ice cream and almond or oat milk. Be sure to check the vanilla extract and toppings are also dairy-free.