How to make chocolate milkshake with cocoa powder and ice cream

Craving a hot chocolate, but the Summer heat waves just aren't allowing it? I got you covered with an easy cocoa milkshake recipe, perfect for a hot day. This rich chocolate milkshake comes together wonderfully with only three ingredients; cocoa powder, whole milk and ice cream. Dust off your blender. We got chocolate shakes to make!

How to make chocolate milkshake with cocoa powder and ice cream

Not that long ago, I posted a coconut shake recipe consisting of light and luscious flavors. Though, the coconut shake is absolutely delicious, I couldn't leave all of my chocolate lovers hanging. Cocoa milkshakes are just as easy to make, but leaves you with all the comforting hot cocoa vibes meant for warmer weather.

Jump to:
  • Equipment
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Substitutions
  • Cocoa Milkshake Recipe

Equipment

Pull out your blender, ice cream scooper and measuring cup to prepare the milkshake. Have a tall glass or milkshake glass ready to pour the shake into.

Ingredients

Don't you just love a warm weather treat that calls for minimal ingredients!

  • Ice Cream: Today, I went with vanilla ice cream to make my cocoa milkshake. But honestly, depending on how chocolatey you want your shake to be, you could also use chocolate ice cream to crank up those rich notes. The ice cream is the main ingredient in the shake. For best taste, purchase a quality ice cream that avoids artificial flavors.
  • Milk: Use whatever type of milk you have on hand or what fits your preference. The milk is used to thin out the ice cream to obtain the smooth milkshake texture. Whole milk substitutes such as coconut milk, almond milk or soy milk will slightly alter the shake flavor. For a more milkshake traditional flavor, whole milk will be your best option.
  • Cocoa Powder: My go-to brand is Hersey's Cocoa. It is 100% cocoa, natural unsweetened, and readily available in grocery stores. On its own, it tastes bitter, but develops a deep chocolate flavor when used in recipes.
  • Toppings: Toppings always makes a milkshake a little more special and fun. Finish the shake off with some whipped cream, chocolate syrup or chopped nuts if you like.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

How to make chocolate milkshake with cocoa powder and ice cream
  • Add the Ingredients: Add the ice cream, milk and cocoa powder to a blender.
  • Blend the Shake: Place the lid on the blender and blend until a smooth consistency is formed, around 15-30 seconds. If the consistency is too thick, add a bit of additional milk and blend again, repeat until your desired shake thickness is met.
  • Serve and Enjoy: Pour the shake into a tall glass or milkshake glass. Add toppings as desired. Enjoy!

Visit the Shakes & Smoothies tab to find more refreshing shakes to enjoy during the warm weather months, such as a strawberry peach shake or a pineapple banana shake.

Substitutions

Make it vegan and dairy-free: Not everyone can tolerate dairy. A great way to make the shake vegan and dairy-free is by replacing the ice cream with frozen banana slices or a coconut based ice-cream, and using a whole milk alternate such as coconut milk. Though, the overall texture will be similar to a traditional milk shake, the final flavor will be a little different. But still delicious, of course!

How to make chocolate milkshake with cocoa powder and ice cream

Craving a hot chocolate, but the Summer heat waves just aren't allowing it? I got you covered with an easy cocoa milkshake recipe, perfect for a hot day.

Servings 1 person

  • 1 Blender

  • 1 measuring spoon and measuring cup

  • 1 tall glass or milkshake glass

  • 2 cups ice cream (vanilla or chocolate flavor)
  • ½-1 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons natural unsweetened cocoa powder

Toppings (optional)

  • whipped cream
  • chocolate syrup
  • chopped peanuts

  • Add the ice cream, milk and cocoa powder into a blender. Place the lid on the blender and blend until a smooth consistency is formed, around 15-30 seconds. If the consistency is too thick, add a bit of additional milk and blend again, repeat until your desired shake thickness is met.

  • Pour the shake into a tall glass or milkshake glass. Add toppings as desired and enjoy!

Did you enjoy this cocoa milkshake recipe? Your feedback in the comments takes just a minute to contribute and helps other brunchers find their next favorite recipe! Thank you for your time in trying out a new recipe and sharing your thoughts. For more recipes, visit the Brunch Recipes tab.

Tag your dish on Instagram @thebookishbruncher so I can be sure to see what you’ve cooked up!

More Beverage Recipes

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Reader Interactions

What is the ratio of milk to ice cream in a milkshake?

1 cup ice cream to 1/4 cup milk is a great ratio. Blend the shake. In a blender, combine the milk and ice cream and blend until smooth. Add any your mix-ins and blend them in to your desired consistency.

How do you make a milkshake in 5 steps?

Classic Chocolate Milkshake.
Step 1: Ingredients. 1 cup chocolate or vanilla ice cream. ... .
Step 2: Add Ice Cream and Milk to Bullet or Blender. Put the Ice cream and the milk in the Bullet or your blender..
Step 3: Add Chocolate Syrup. ... .
Step 4: Blend. ... .
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips..

What can I add to a milkshake to make it thicker?

The trick to a thicker milkshake is the ice cream to milk ratio. For one serving I use 2 cups of ice cream to 1/2 cup of milk. You will need a spoon to eat this milkshake, not a straw! If you prefer to use a straw and want a thinner milkshake just add in more milk or less ice cream.

Can you microwave ice cream to make a milkshake?

Place ice cream in a large, microwave-safe jar. Microwave the ice cream until it begins to melt and you can easily squish it with a spoon, 15 to 30 seconds. After your ice cream is softened, add milk and any mix-ins. Place lid on the jar and shake vigorously until well-mixed.