Jolly Candy Cane Milkshakes Recipe for Sweet Holiday Sips

Sweet winter magic happens when classic candy cane milkshakes blend creamy richness with festive peppermint charm.

Cold nights spark cravings for something delightfully indulgent and cool.

Smooth vanilla ice cream swirls with crushed candy cane pieces, creating a holiday treat that sparkles with seasonal joy.

Peppermint’s bold flavor cuts through the creamy base, delivering a refreshing twist.

Whipped cream and extra candy cane crumbles crown this decadent drink with festive flair.

Each sip promises a merry celebration of winter’s most beloved flavors.

You’ll want to make this delightful milkshake your new holiday tradition.

Great Pairings for Candy Cane Milkshakes

• Festive Flavor Companions: Pair candy cane milkshakes with rich dark chocolate brownies for a decadent dessert combo.
• Palate-Cleansing Partners: Serve alongside crisp sugar cookies or shortbread to balance the milkshake's intense sweetness.
• Winter Beverage Buddies: Match with hot espresso or peppermint tea to enhance the minty candy cane profile.
• Complementary Crunch: Garnish with toasted almond slivers or white chocolate shavings for added texture and depth.

Candy Cane Milkshake Variations to Try

• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap vanilla ice cream with coconut milk ice cream and use dairy-free whipped cream for a vegan-friendly version.
• Protein Power Shake: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to boost nutrition and create a more filling milkshake.
• Low-Sugar Option: Replace regular candy canes with sugar-free peppermint candies and use a low-fat frozen yogurt to reduce overall sugar content.
• Gluten-Free Treat: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking the candy canes and any additional toppings to make this safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

FAQs

• What type of candy canes work best for this milkshake?

Peppermint candy canes are the ideal choice. They provide the classic minty flavor and create the perfect holiday-themed milkshake with a festive red and white color.

• Can I make this milkshake without a blender?

While a blender works best for creating a smooth consistency, you can use an immersion blender or even vigorously mix the ingredients with a whisk. Just ensure the ice cream is slightly softened for easier mixing.

• Is there a dairy-free alternative for this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute regular vanilla ice cream with dairy-free vanilla ice cream made from coconut, almond, or oat milk. The candy canes and whipped cream can also be swapped with vegan alternatives.

• How do I prevent the candy canes from getting too sticky when crushing?

Crush the candy canes when they are cold or slightly frozen. This helps prevent clumping and makes it easier to break them into fine pieces. Use a sealed bag and a rolling pin for less mess and more control.

Why Candy Cane Milkshakes Are Festive

• Craft a festive and delightful milkshake that captures the magic of the holiday season with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Personalize the milkshake by adjusting the pink food coloring intensity or experimenting with different candy cane crush sizes for a unique touch.
• Blend the ingredients in minutes, making it a perfect last-minute dessert or treat for spontaneous gatherings with friends and family.
• Engage children in the fun process of crushing candy canes and creating a colorful, sweet treat that sparks joy and creates lasting memories.

Candy Cane Milkshake Ingredients

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A creamy and sweet foundation that provides the milkshake's smooth texture and classic flavor.
• Whole Milk: Helps blend the ice cream to achieve the perfect milkshake consistency.

• Pink Food Coloring: Adds a festive light pink color to the milkshake.
• Candy Canes: Provides a peppermint flavor and creates a decorative, crunchy topping.

• Whipped Cream: Creates a fluffy and indulgent finishing touch to the milkshake.

How to Make Candy Cane Milkshakes

Step 1: Blend Creamy Base

Grab your blender and toss in vanilla ice cream.

If the ice cream is super hard, let it sit out briefly to soften.

Splash in some cold milk to help create a smooth, dreamy consistency.

Blend until silky and well combined.

Step 2: Add Playful Pink Color

Drop a few pink food coloring drops into the blender.

Pulse quickly to distribute the color evenly, creating a soft blush-pink milkshake that looks as delightful as it tastes.

Step 3: Crush Candy Cane Topping

• Food processor method: Pulse candy canes until they become fine, sparkly pieces
• Manual crushing method: Place candy canes in a sealed plastic bag and smash with a rolling pin until broken into small fragments

Step 4: Prepare Chilled Serving Glasses

Pull out mason jars or tall glasses and pop them in the freezer for a few minutes.

Cold glasses will keep your milkshake refreshingly cool.

Step 5: Assemble and Garnish

Pour the pink milkshake into the chilled glasses.

Crown each milkshake with a fluffy cloud of whipped cream.

Sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for a festive, crunchy finish.

Serve immediately and enjoy the holiday magic!

Tips for Perfect Holiday Milkshakes

• Let ice cream sit out for a few minutes before blending to ensure smooth, creamy texture without hard chunks.
• Use a food processor for fine, even pieces or a zip-top bag with a rolling pin for a quick, mess-friendly alternative.
• Freeze mugs or mason jars beforehand to keep milkshakes colder longer and enhance the overall drinking experience.
• Add food coloring drop by drop to achieve a delicate pink shade, ensuring even distribution throughout the milkshake.
• Top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes just before serving to maintain maximum flavor and textural appeal.

How to Store Candy Cane Milkshakes

• Store leftover milkshake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cover surface with plastic wrap to prevent crystallization.
• Pour milkshake into freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 1 week. Texture might become slightly icy.
• Remove frozen milkshake from freezer 15-20 minutes before serving. Stir vigorously to restore creamy consistency. Add fresh whipped cream and crushed candy canes to refresh appearance.
• Briefly pulse in blender or use hand mixer to restore original smooth texture before serving. Add small splash of milk if mixture seems too thick.

Candy Cane Milkshakes Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Festive candy cane milkshakes bring holiday cheer with creamy peppermint goodness. Silky vanilla ice cream blends with crushed candy canes, creating a merry sip you’ll crave all season long.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups vanilla ice cream
• 1 1/2 cups milk

Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
• 4 broken up candy canes or 6 peppermints

Decorative Ingredients:

• pink food coloring
• whipped cream

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Instructions

1. Prepare vanilla ice cream and milk in a blender, allowing ice cream to soften for easier mixing if frozen solid.
2. Incorporate pink food coloring into the mixture, blending until color is uniformly distributed, creating a delicate pastel hue.
3. Transform candy canes into fine granules using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed bag and crushing with a rolling pin.
4. Chill serving glasses in the freezer for a few minutes to maintain the milkshake’s optimal temperature.
5. Transfer the vibrant pink milkshake into the pre-chilled glasses, ensuring smooth and even pouring.
6. Crown each milkshake with a luxurious swirl of whipped cream, creating an elegant peak.
7. Generously scatter the finely crushed candy cane pieces over the whipped cream topping, providing a festive and crunchy texture.
8. Serve immediately to preserve the milkshake’s creamy consistency and prevent melting, allowing guests to savor the delightful minty-sweet concoction.

Notes

• Softening ice cream before blending ensures smoother texture and easier mixing, preventing lumpy milkshakes.
• Use food coloring sparingly to achieve a delicate pink hue without overwhelming the natural flavors.
• Crushing candy canes can be done with a food processor or by manually smashing in a sealed bag, offering flexibility based on kitchen tools available.
• Chilling glasses beforehand helps maintain the milkshake’s cool temperature and adds a professional presentation touch.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Desserts, Milkshake
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 61 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg