Salted Caramel Milkshake (Best Sip Ever!)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Ready for the yummiest, creamiest treat ever? I’m so excited to share my easy salted caramel milkshake recipe with you today!

This sweet and salty combo is like a hug in a glass—perfect for hot summer days or anytime you need something special.

I’ve made this milkshake more times than I can count (over 10 for sure!), and it never gets old. My kids beg for it on weekends, and I’ve tweaked it until it’s just right.

Let me walk you through how to make this amazing treat in your own kitchen!

Why You’ll Love Salted Caramel Milkshake?

Ready in just 5 minutes – quicker than a drive-thru run!
Only needs a few simple items you probably have at home
The perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors
Customizable with fun toppings or mix-ins
Makes any day feel special – no special occasion needed!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ice cream: The star of the show! Vanilla works great as a canvas for the caramel flavor. It adds that creamy, dreamy texture that makes milkshakes so good.
Milk: Helps thin out the ice cream just enough to make it sippable. Whole milk makes the richest shake, but any kind works!
Vanilla extract: Just a tiny splash makes the flavor pop. This secret ingredient takes your shake from good to amazing.
Salted caramel sauce: The magic ingredient that makes this shake special! I love a homemade one. Try making your own with this easy caramel sauce recipe!
Heavy cream: For the homemade whipped topping. So much better than the stuff in a can!
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream just enough without being too much.

Equipment You’ll Need

Blender: Your best friend for making silky smooth shakes. Any blender works – I’ve used fancy ones and cheap ones with great results!
Tall glasses: Clear glasses show off the pretty layers. My toddler calls these our “fancy glasses” and gets so excited when I pull them out!
Straws: The wider the better for thick shakes. Paper straws look cute, but can get soggy, so I like reusable ones.
Mixer: For whipping the cream. A hand mixer or stand mixer both work great for this job.

How to Make Salted Caramel Milkshake?

Ready to make magic happen? This milkshake comes together in a flash! Just grab your blender and let’s get started.

Step 1: Prep your glasses. Drizzle some salted caramel sauce around the inside of your glasses. This looks super pretty and gives you extra caramel in every sip!

Step 2: Blend the base. Put 4 scoops of vanilla ice cream, 1 cup of milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract in your blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Make whipped cream. Beat 1/2 cup heavy cream with 1 tablespoon powdered sugar until soft peaks form. I learned this trick from my grandma—always use cold cream for the best results!

Step 4: Assemble your shake. Pour the blended mixture into your prepared glasses. Top with a big dollop of whipped cream and a generous drizzle of caramel sauce.

Step 5: Add final touches. Garnish with toffee bits, crushed pretzels, or whatever makes you happy! Then grab a straw and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Caramel Milkshake

Slightly soften your ice cream before blending for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
Chill your glasses in the freezer for about 10 minutes before serving for an extra-cold, refreshing shake.
Add a pinch of sea salt directly to the mixture if you want to boost that salty-sweet contrast.
Use good quality ice cream—it really makes a difference in the final taste and texture.
Don’t over-blend or your shake will get too thin. Just mix until everything is combined.

Variations and Substitutions

Make it boozy by adding a shot of bourbon or salted caramel vodka. I made these for a girls’ night, and they were gone in seconds!
Go dairy-free with coconut milk ice cream and almond milk. My lactose-intolerant friend says this version is amazing.
Try chocolate ice cream instead of vanilla for a chocolate-caramel combo that’s to die for.
Add a shot of espresso for a coffee-caramel shake that’s perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up.
Blend in a banana for extra creaminess and a hint of fruit flavor.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Pre-drizzle glasses with caramel and store them in the fridge until ready to use. This saves time when you’re making shakes for a crowd.
Make extra whipped cream and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just give it a quick whisk before using.
Freeze leftover milkshake in popsicle molds for a fun frozen treat the next day. My kids love these “milkshake pops”!
Store caramel sauce in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Warm it slightly before using if it gets too thick.
Prep individual shake kits with pre-measured ingredients ready to blend for super quick assembly.

Common Questions

Yes! While homemade sauce has amazing flavor, a good quality store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly too. Just look for one that includes salt or add a pinch yourself.

Start with less milk than you think you need. You can always add more if the shake is too thick, but you can’t take it away if it’s too thin!

Canned coconut cream works well as a dairy-free option. Or use store-bought whipped topping if you’re in a hurry.

This shake is a huge hit with kids! Just skip any boozy additions and maybe go easy on the salt if making for very young children.