There’s something utterly magical when creamy vanilla ice cream meets crisp peppermint and rich chocolate—truly a winter wonderland in a glass. This Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe is exactly that: festive, refreshing, and a cinch to whip up. It’s one of those treats that instantly lifts your mood and feels like a cozy holiday hug.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made this peppermint bark milkshake countless times during the holiday season, and honestly, it never fails to wow. What makes it special is the perfect balance of creamy sweetness with that sharp burst of peppermint, plus the little crunchy chocolate bits that surprise you with every sip.
- Super simple and quick: Ready in under 5 minutes, perfect for those spontaneous festive cravings.
- Deliciously festive: Peppermint and chocolate make this milkshake feel like a holiday party in a glass.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the thickness or intensity of peppermint to suit your taste buds.
- Perfect for sharing: Makes two large servings—great for cozy catch-ups or a holiday treat for loved ones.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in the Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe plays its part in creating the ultimate festive flavor. From creamy vanilla ice cream providing the base to the minty snap of candy canes and the rich, bittersweet chocolate chips, they blend perfectly but still let each flavor shine through.
- Vanilla ice cream: The creamy, smooth foundation that balances peppermint sharpness beautifully.
- Milk: Adjusts the shake’s thickness, making it easy to sip or spoon depending on preference.
- Candy canes (crushed): Adds the fresh peppermint crunch and a festive touch.
- Mini semisweet chocolate chips: Little bursts of chocolate make the texture exciting and rich.
- Whipped cream: For that luscious, cloud-like topping that’s irresistible.
- Candy canes and chocolate sprinkles (for garnish): Makes it look festive and adds extra flavor layers.
Make It Your Way
I love playing around with the peppermint intensity here—sometimes I add extra crushed candy canes for more crunch and zing, other times I dial down the milk for a thicker, creamier texture like a dessert you spoon. You should definitely feel free to experiment to get it just right for you!
- Minty Boost: If you’re after a stronger peppermint flavor, try adding a drop of peppermint extract; just be careful, a little goes a long way.
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap vanilla ice cream and milk for coconut or almond-based alternatives—they blend just as well and taste fantastic.
- Extra Chocolate: Toss in a tablespoon of chocolate syrup or a handful of shaved dark chocolate for a richer chocolate note.
- Adult Twist: A splash of peppermint schnapps or crème de menthe turns this into a grown-up holiday treat, perfect for parties.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe
Step 1: Blend the creamy base
Start by adding one pint of rich vanilla ice cream and one cup of milk into your blender. Blend this combo for about 30 seconds until it reaches a smooth, silky consistency. If you love a thinner shake, like I sometimes do, just pour in that extra half cup of milk and pulse it again. This step is key for getting that lush creamy base without any ice crystals.
Step 2: Add the peppermint crunch and chocolate chips
Next, toss in your crushed candy canes and mini semisweet chocolate chips. Use the pulse function on your blender for 10 to 15 seconds—your goal here is just to distribute the candy evenly without pulverizing it. Those little crunchy peppermint bits are what make this milkshake feel so special and festive, so don’t blend too long or you’ll lose the texture.
Step 3: Serve with festive flair
Pour your gorgeous milkshake into your favorite glasses. Then, crown each shake with a generous swirl of whipped cream, sprinkle more candy cane pieces, and finish with chocolate sprinkles or chips. This final touch not only makes it look inviting but adds a little extra fun in every bite and sip.
Top Tip
Over the years of making this Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe, I've learned a few little tricks that make all the difference—and I want you to benefit from them, too.
- Crush Candy Canes Just Right: Use a gentle hand when crushing candy canes so the pieces aren’t powdery—chunky bits give that satisfying crunch.
- Blend in Short Bursts: When pulsing in the candy canes and chocolate chips, use short blends to keep texture intact and avoid a gritty shake.
- Choose Quality Ice Cream: A creamy, high-quality vanilla ice cream really elevates the flavor and texture of your shake.
- Keep Glasses Cold: Chill your glasses in the freezer before pouring in the milkshake to keep that cool temperature longer—especially helpful when entertaining.
How to Serve Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe
Garnishes
Personally, I never skip the whipped cream topping—there’s just no milkshake quite complete without it. I love adding extra crushed candy canes on top for that peppermint snap and a sprinkle or two of chocolate chips or festive sprinkles to make it look irresistible. It’s like dessert art!
Side Dishes
Since the milkshake is decadent and rich, I often serve it alongside simple, crisp cookies—sugar cookies or shortbread are my go-tos. They balance the flavors nicely and add a little bite without competing against the shake’s magic.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, I’ve layered crushed peppermint candies at the bottom of clear glasses before pouring the milkshake. Another fun idea is to rim the glass with crushed candy canes and dip it in melted chocolate before chilling. It’s a stunning presentation trick that always sparks compliments!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I rarely have leftovers of this milkshake because it’s usually devoured quickly, but if you do, keep it covered in the fridge and enjoy within a day. Give a quick stir before drinking since it can separate or thicken after chilling.
Freezing
Freezing the milkshake itself isn’t ideal since texture changes and it can get icy. Instead, if you want to prep ahead, blend the base (ice cream and milk) and freeze that, then add candy and mix fresh when ready to serve.
Reheating
Since it’s a cold treat, reheating isn’t necessary. If it thickens too much after refrigeration, just let it sit out for a few minutes before blending again to refresh the texture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While classic vanilla pairs best for that traditional peppermint bark flavor, experimenting with chocolate or mint chocolate chip ice cream can add a fun twist. Just keep in mind the flavor balance so peppermint doesn’t become overpowering.
One of the best ways I've found is to place the candy canes inside a sealed zip-top bag and then gently pound with a rolling pin or a heavy pan. This keeps the pieces contained and lets you control the size of the chunks, which is perfect for the milkshake.
Definitely! Just swap the vanilla ice cream and milk with your favorite plant-based versions like coconut milk ice cream and almond or oat milk. The flavors still come through beautifully and the texture stays creamy, too.
To keep chocolate chips from sinking in the milkshake, add them just before you pulse the blender so they distribute evenly, and avoid over-blending. Alternatively, sprinkling some on top as garnish ensures you get chocolate flavor with every sip.
Final Thoughts
This Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe is one I keep coming back to because it’s simple, festive, and always feels like a little celebration. It’s the kind of treat I love sharing with friends and family during the holidays or any time I need a bit of joy. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s not just a milkshake, it’s a memory in a glass.
Print
Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 large milkshakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Description
A festive and creamy Peppermint Bark Milkshake featuring vanilla ice cream, crushed candy canes, and mini semisweet chocolate chips, blended to perfection and garnished with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles. Perfect for holiday celebrations or a sweet treat.
Ingredients
Milkshake Base
- 1 pint vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup milk
Mix-ins
- 2 candy canes, crushed
- ¼ cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
Garnish
- Whipped cream
- Candy canes
- Chocolate sprinkles
Instructions
- Blend the ice cream and milk: Add the vanilla ice cream and 1 cup of milk to a blender and blend until smooth, approximately 30 seconds. For a thinner consistency, add an additional ½ cup of milk and blend again.
- Add candy canes and chocolate chips: Add the crushed candy canes and mini semisweet chocolate chips to the blender. Pulse the mixture for 10-15 seconds to evenly distribute and slightly break up the candy pieces without fully pulverizing them.
- Serve and garnish: Pour the milkshake into two large glasses. Top each with whipped cream, additional crushed candy canes, and chocolate sprinkles for a festive finish.
Notes
- Use full-fat vanilla ice cream for a rich and creamy texture.
- Adjust the amount of milk to achieve your preferred milkshake thickness.
- Use fresh candy canes for the best peppermint flavor and crunch.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute with dairy-free ice cream and plant-based milk.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large milkshake
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 45 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
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