There’s something truly magical about the cool, creamy blend of chocolate and peppermint, and this Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe nails it perfectly. It’s like sipping a festive treat that instantly lifts your spirits, making it ideal for cozy winter nights or whenever you want a little holiday joy in a glass.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe has become one of my go-to treats during the holiday season—and honestly, whenever I want that perfect peppermint-chocolate combo without fuss. It’s quick, comforting, and utterly delicious!
- Delightfully simple: Only a handful of ingredients come together in minutes for a gorgeous, creamy milkshake.
- Festive flavor explosion: The mix of crushed candy canes and chocolate chips tastes just like peppermint bark—but in shake form.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust thickness or add your own twist for a perfect milkshake every time.
- Perfect for any occasion: Parties, cozy nights, or a fun treat to share with friends and family.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This recipe focuses on a few classic ingredients that play beautifully together to give you that creamy, mint-chocolate dream. When selecting your ingredients, a couple of small tweaks really make a difference.
- Vanilla ice cream: Using a high-quality, creamy vanilla ice cream makes the shake luscious, while the vanilla balances the peppermint bite.
- Milk: Whole milk is my favorite here for richness, but you can switch to your preferred milk—just keep an eye on the consistency.
- Candy canes: Freshly crushed candy canes bring that sharp peppermint punch and a bit of crunch; crushing them yourself means you get control over the texture.
- Mini semisweet chocolate chips: These add the perfect melty bits of chocolate that mimic the “bark” texture in peppermint bark candy.
- Whipped cream, candy canes, and chocolate sprinkles for garnish: These finishing touches aren’t just pretty—they add extra flavor and a festive vibe that makes the milkshake feel special.
Make It Your Way
I love how versatile this Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe is—you can easily tweak it to suit your taste or even dietary needs. Once I tried adding a splash of peppermint extract for extra oomph, and it was phenomenal!
- Variation: For a grown-up twist, try adding a tablespoon of peppermint schnapps or crème de menthe—just remember to skip the garnishes if you do!
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap out ice cream and milk for coconut or almond milk-based alternatives and dairy-free vanilla ice cream; the chocolate and peppermint flavors still shine through beautifully.
- Thicker or Thinner: Adjust milk quantity to get exactly the texture you prefer—it’s your perfect milkshake after all.
- Chocolate Lovers’ Edition: Feel free to add a drizzle of chocolate syrup or blend in some fudge chunks if you want to go all out.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe
Step 1: Blend the base
Start by popping one pint of vanilla ice cream and one cup of milk into your blender. Blend it for about 30 seconds until it’s smooth and creamy—give it a quick taste to see if the consistency feels just right for you. If you want it thinner, add an extra ½ cup of milk in small portions, blending after each addition so you don’t overdo it.
Step 2: Add peppermint and chocolate
Next, toss in the crushed candy canes and mini semisweet chocolate chips. Pulse the blender just 10 to 15 seconds to evenly distribute the bits but still keep some delightful texture—nobody wants a totally pulverized shake! This step gives the milkshake that authentic peppermint bark crunch.
Step 3: Pour and garnish
Pour your milkshake into your favorite glasses and top generously with whipped cream. Scatter a few crushed candy canes and chocolate sprinkles on top for that classic festive look and extra flavor. I find the visual boost makes it taste even better!
Top Tip
After making this Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe dozens of times, I’ve picked up a few tips that help you nail that perfect texture and flavor balance every time. Trust me—these small tweaks make a big difference.
- Crush candy canes just before blending: Freshly crushed candy canes hold their peppermint punch and crunch better than pre-packaged ones.
- Pulse, don’t blend full speed: To keep that lovely little crunch of peppermint and chocolate chips, use the pulse setting briefly instead of continuous blending.
- Adjust milk slowly: Adding milk in small amounts helps you avoid a milkshake that’s too runny—start with less, then add more if needed.
- Use fresh, rich ingredients: The quality of vanilla ice cream really does shine through here, so pick something creamy and fresh for best results.
How to Serve Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it classic with whipped cream, a small broken candy cane, and a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips or festive chocolate sprinkles on top. It’s simple, beautiful, and adds just the right texture to every sip. Sometimes I add a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a more decadent touch—feel free to get creative!
Side Dishes
This milkshake pairs wonderfully with soft sugar cookies or a slice of peppermint fudge—it’s like a mini peppermint-themed feast. For something lighter, try a handful of roasted nuts or even a piece of dark chocolate to complement the shake’s flavors without overwhelming it.
Creative Ways to Present
When I’ve made this for holiday parties, I love serving the milkshake in clear mason jars tied with red and white bakers’ twine and a mini candy cane on the side. For extra fun, rim the glass with crushed candy canes stuck to a little melted chocolate before pouring in the milkshake. It’s a showstopper every time!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Since this Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, I usually make just enough for two servings and finish it right away. But if you happen to have leftovers, cover the milkshake tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. It’s thickened up by then, so you might want to stir or whisk before drinking.
Freezing
I haven’t tried freezing the finished milkshake itself because of the texture changes, but you could freeze leftover crushed candy canes or chocolate chips for future batches. If you want to prepare ahead, mix the ice cream, milk, and peppermint extract (if using), then freeze this base in a covered container to blend fresh candy canes and chips later.
Reheating
Since this shake is cold and creamy, there's no reheating involved—but if it thickens too much after resting in the fridge, just give it a quick blend or stir to bring it back to the perfect sippable texture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Swap out the dairy ice cream and milk for vegan alternatives like coconut or almond milk-based ice cream and plant milk. The peppermint and chocolate flavors will still shine nicely.
Crush the candy canes into fine but still slightly chunky pieces rather than powder. Also, pulse the blender only briefly after adding them to avoid turning your milkshake into a gritty mess.
Sure! You can use milk chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, or even chopped peppermint bark for a twist. Just keep portion sizes similar so it blends smoothly.
It’s best consumed right away for the creamiest texture and best flavor. However, you can store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours and give it a good stir before drinking.
Final Thoughts
This Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe has earned a special spot in my heart—and in my kitchen. There’s something so joyful and refreshing about sippin’ on this creamy, minty shake that instantly uplifts my mood. I hope you enjoy it just as much, whether it becomes your holiday tradition or your secret little indulgence during a chilly evening. Whip one up, gather your favorite cozy spot, and enjoy the festive magic in every sip!
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 combining classic vanilla ice cream with crushed candy canes and mini chocolate chips, topped with whipped cream and sprinkles for a perfect holiday treat.
Ingredients
Milkshake Base
- 1 pint vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup milk
Add-ins
- 2 candy canes, crushed
- ¼ cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
Garnish
- Whipped cream
- Additional candy canes, for garnish
- Chocolate sprinkles
Instructions
- Blend the Base: Add the vanilla ice cream and milk to a blender and blend until smooth, about 30 seconds. For a thinner consistency, add up to an additional ½ cup of milk.
- Add Candy and Chocolate: Add the crushed candy canes and mini semisweet chocolate chips to the blender. Pulse for 10-15 seconds until the candy is evenly distributed and slightly broken up, maintaining some texture.
- Serve and Garnish: Pour the milkshake into your desired glasses. Top each with whipped cream, additional candy canes, and chocolate sprinkles for a festive touch.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute dairy ice cream and milk with plant-based alternatives.
- Adjust the amount of crushed candy canes based on your preferred level of peppermint flavor.
- Use full-fat milk for a richer texture or skim milk for a lighter shake.
- If you prefer less texture, blend the candy canes and chips longer to break them down completely.
- Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 milkshake
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
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