Introduction
Oh, hello there! Can you believe it’s already that time of year? The air is getting crisp, the leaves are starting to turn those gorgeous shades of red and gold, and my kitchen is practically begging for some cozy, fall flavors. And when I think of fall flavors, my mind immediately goes to pumpkin pie! But you know, sometimes you just crave that pumpkin pie goodness without all the baking fuss. That’s where this magical Pumpkin Pie Milkshake comes in. It’s like a hug in a glass, and it’s so incredibly simple, you’ll be whipping it up all season long.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast: Seriously, this comes together in minutes! Perfect for those sudden cravings.
- Easy: Even if you’re new to the kitchen, you can totally nail this. No fancy techniques required!
- Giftable: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, the ingredients are easy to gather for a fun “milkshake kit” gift!
- Crowd-pleasing: Everyone loves a good milkshake, and this fall twist is a guaranteed hit at gatherings or just for a treat.
Ingredients
Gathering these simple ingredients is part of the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to create your delicious Pumpkin Pie Milkshake:
- 1/2 cup pure pumpkin: Make sure it’s pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling (that has extra sugar and spices already). This is the heart of our flavor!
- 1 cup vanilla ice cream: The creamier, the better! It gives our milkshake that perfect thick and frosty texture.
- 3/4 cup milk: Whole milk will give you the richest flavor, but feel free to use what you have on hand.
- 3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: This is your shortcut to that authentic pumpkin pie taste. It’s a magical blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves!
- 2 teaspoons caramel ice cream topping: Because what’s a cozy treat without a little drizzle of caramel?
- 5 vanilla wafers, crushed: These are our little crunchy “pie crust” bits. So good!
How to Make It
Alright, let’s get blending! This is where the magic happens. Just follow these super simple steps:
- Combine all the goodies: Grab your blender and add the pure pumpkin, vanilla ice cream, milk, and that essential pumpkin pie spice.
- Blend until smooth: Pop the lid on tight and blend until everything is beautifully smooth and creamy. No lumps allowed!
- Pour into your glass: Get your favorite milkshake glass ready and pour that gorgeous, pumpkin-spiced mixture in.
- Drizzle with caramel: Take your caramel ice cream topping and artfully drizzle it over the top. Make it pretty!
- Sprinkle with crunch: Finish it off with a sprinkle of those crushed vanilla wafers. It adds the perfect texture!
And there you have it – your very own homemade Pumpkin Pie Milkshake, ready to be devoured!
Substitutions & Additions
While this recipe is absolutely delicious as is, I love playing around with flavors! Here are some ideas you might want to try:
- Dairy-Free Delight: Use your favorite non-dairy vanilla ice cream and almond milk or oat milk. It works wonderfully!
- Spice it Up: If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can mix your own using cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of cloves. Or, just use cinnamon if that’s all you have!
- Sweetness Control: If you prefer your milkshakes a little sweeter, add a tablespoon of maple syrup or a touch of honey.
- Whipped Cream Dream: For an extra touch of indulgence, top your milkshake with a generous dollop of whipped cream!
- Boozy Version (for the grown-ups!): A shot of spiced rum or bourbon can add a lovely warmth and depth of flavor. Shhh, I won’t tell!
Tips for Success
Even the simplest recipes can benefit from a little know-how. Here are my top tips to ensure your Pumpkin Pie Milkshake is absolutely perfect every time:
- Use cold ingredients: Make sure your milk and ice cream are nice and cold for the thickest, frostiest result.
- Don’t over-blend: Blend just until smooth. Over-blending can make the milkshake too thin and foamy.
- Adjust the spice: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a little less pumpkin pie spice and add more to your taste.
- Prep ahead for treats: You can crush your vanilla wafers ahead of time and store them in an airtight container.
- Clean your blender right away: Trust me on this one! It’s so much easier to clean the blender before the pumpkin residue dries.
How to Store It
This milkshake is definitely best enjoyed immediately after making it. The ice cream will start to melt pretty quickly! If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can try pouring it into a freezer-safe container and storing it in the freezer. It will become more like a pumpkin pie smoothie or soft-serve ice cream. It should last for about 1-2 days in the freezer, but the texture might change a bit.
FAQs
Is this recipe truly like eating pumpkin pie?
It captures the essence of pumpkin pie with the pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice! The creamy texture and caramel/wafer toppings give you that delicious flavor combination in a refreshing milkshake form.
Can I make this without a blender?
It would be tricky to get the smooth texture without a blender. You could try mashing the pumpkin very thoroughly and whisking everything together vigorously, but the results might not be as creamy.
How long does it take to make?
This milkshake is incredibly quick! You can have it ready in under 5 minutes from start to finish.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can! You’ll need to roast or steam fresh pumpkin until very tender, then mash or puree it until smooth. Make sure to drain any excess liquid. However, for simplicity and consistency, canned pure pumpkin is generally recommended for this recipe.
Pumpkin Pie Milkshake
Equipment
- Blender
- milkshake glass
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 0.5 cup pure pumpkin pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling
- 1 cup vanilla ice cream the creamier, the better
- 0.75 cup milk whole milk for richest flavor, or use what you have
- 0.75 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice shortcut to authentic pumpkin pie taste
- 2 teaspoons caramel ice cream topping
- 5 vanilla wafers crushed, for 'pie crust' bits
Instructions
- Combine the pure pumpkin, vanilla ice cream, milk, and pumpkin pie spice in a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. No lumps allowed!
- Pour the mixture into a milkshake glass.
- Drizzle caramel ice cream topping over the top. Make it pretty!
- Sprinkle with crushed vanilla wafers for texture. It adds the perfect texture!