Pumpkin Pie Milkshake Recipe – A Creamy, Fall-Inspired Treat
1. Introduction
There’s something magical about fall, and nothing captures the essence of the season quite like pumpkin pie. But what if you could take that comforting, spiced dessert and turn it into a cool, creamy treat? That’s where this Pumpkin Pie Milkshake comes in! This rich, flavorful milkshake is the perfect balance of the warm, cozy flavors of pumpkin pie with the chill, refreshing taste of a milkshake.
What makes this recipe even better is how easy it is to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dessert that tastes just like pumpkin pie but in milkshake form. Whether you’re serving it as an indulgent treat after dinner or as a fun snack to enjoy during your fall gatherings, this milkshake is sure to become a seasonal favorite. In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the best pumpkin pie milkshake, from ingredients to tips and variations.
2. Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that come together to create the perfect pumpkin pie milkshake:
For the Milkshake:
- Vanilla Ice Cream (2 cups): The creamy base of your milkshake. Vanilla ice cream adds a smooth, sweet foundation that blends perfectly with the pumpkin flavor. You can substitute with dairy-free ice cream for a vegan version.
- Pumpkin Puree (½ cup): The star ingredient! Pumpkin puree gives the milkshake its rich color and iconic flavor. Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices.
- Milk (¾ cup): Milk helps create the perfect creamy texture for the milkshake. You can use whole milk, skim milk, or any non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) for a dairy-free version.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Ground cinnamon is what brings the warm, spicy notes of pumpkin pie into the milkshake. If you love cinnamon, feel free to add a little extra!
- Nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): A pinch of nutmeg adds a subtle depth of flavor and enhances the overall pumpkin pie experience. Nutmeg is essential in making the milkshake taste like the classic dessert.
- Brown Sugar (2 tablespoons): Brown sugar adds sweetness and a touch of molasses that complements the pumpkin and spices. You can adjust the sweetness to your liking.
- Vanilla Extract (½ teaspoon): A small amount of vanilla extract rounds out the flavors and brings out the sweetness of the ice cream and pumpkin.
For the Garnish:
- Whipped Cream (for topping): Whipped cream adds a light, fluffy topping to your milkshake, just like a slice of pumpkin pie would have. You can use store-bought whipped cream or make your own.
- Cinnamon or Pumpkin Pie Spice (for dusting): A sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice adds a final touch of flavor and makes the milkshake look even more tempting.
- Pie Crust Pieces (optional): For a fun and unique garnish, crumble a piece of pie crust and sprinkle it over the whipped cream. This adds a crunchy texture and makes the milkshake even more reminiscent of pumpkin pie.
Common Substitutions:
- Ice Cream: If you want a lighter version, use frozen yogurt or non-dairy ice cream for a dairy-free option.
- Sweeteners: You can substitute brown sugar with maple syrup or honey, depending on your preference. Adjust the amount to suit your taste.
- Spices: If you don’t have nutmeg, you can use pumpkin pie spice, which is a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice. It works perfectly for this recipe.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this Pumpkin Pie Milkshake is as easy as blending a few ingredients together. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Start by gathering all your ingredients and measuring them out. Make sure the ice cream is soft enough to blend easily, but not completely melted.
Step 2: Blend the Milkshake
- In a blender, combine the vanilla ice cream, pumpkin puree, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Blend on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy. If the milkshake is too thick, add a little more milk to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
- Taste the milkshake and adjust the sweetness or spice level as needed. If you like a sweeter milkshake, add more brown sugar or maple syrup. You can also add a pinch more cinnamon or nutmeg if you want a more pronounced spice flavor.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
- Pour the milkshake into tall glasses. Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice. For an extra touch, crumble a piece of pie crust on top for a fun, crunchy garnish.
Step 5: Enjoy!
- Grab a straw, stir if needed, and enjoy your creamy, pumpkin pie-flavored milkshake!
4. Tips and Variations
- Make It Vegan: Use non-dairy ice cream and milk (such as almond or oat milk) to create a fully vegan milkshake. Coconut milk adds a nice richness to the drink.
- Extra Creamy: For an ultra-creamy milkshake, add an extra scoop of ice cream or a bit of heavy cream. This will make the texture even richer and more indulgent.
- Alcoholic Version: If you’re hosting an adult Halloween party or want to add an extra kick to your milkshake, try adding a shot of spiced rum, bourbon, or vanilla vodka to the milkshake.
- Frozen Fruit Version: For a different texture, you can substitute the ice cream with frozen banana or frozen pumpkin cubes, creating a dairy-free, naturally sweetened alternative.
- Pumpkin Pie Milkshake Float: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of your milkshake, just like a root beer float, for a fun twist.
- Frozen Pumpkin Pie Milkshake: Freeze the milkshake and serve it as a soft-serve or sorbet-like treat. This is perfect for a hot autumn day!
5. Serving Suggestions
While the Pumpkin Pie Milkshake is a star on its own, you can pair it with various treats for a complete autumn-inspired dessert experience:
- Pumpkin Spice Muffins: These warm, soft muffins complement the creamy milkshake with their spiced flavor and slight sweetness.
- Apple Slices with Caramel Dip: The crispness of fresh apple slices paired with caramel dip is a perfect contrast to the smooth, rich milkshake.
- Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: These bite-sized donuts make an excellent pairing with the milkshake for a fun, indulgent treat.
- Spicy Nut Mix: A salty and spicy nut mix provides the perfect balance to the sweetness of the milkshake.
Drink Pairing: Pair your milkshake with a hot coffee or spiced cider for a cozy fall experience. A chai latte would also complement the pumpkin spice flavor.
6. Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Refrigeration: If you have leftover milkshake (though it’s hard to imagine!), store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Give it a good stir before serving.
- Freezing: You can also freeze the milkshake and blend it again when you’re ready to enjoy it. Just scoop it out and blend with a little milk to restore its creamy texture.
- Reheating: Milkshakes are best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat them. If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add extra milk or a splash of cream.
7. Recipe Notes
- Can Be Prepped Ahead of Time: You can make the milkshake base ahead of time by blending the ingredients and storing it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add the whipped cream and garnish right before serving.
- Best with Fresh Whipped Cream: While store-bought whipped cream works fine, homemade whipped cream takes this milkshake to the next level. You can make your own by whipping heavy cream with a little powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Perfect for Fall Parties: This milkshake is a great addition to your fall gatherings, whether it’s Halloween, Thanksgiving, or any cozy get-together.
8. Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Carbs | 40g |
| Sugar | 38g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Sodium | 60mg |
| Cholesterol | 55mg |
| Calcium | 80mg |
| Iron | 0.6mg |
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
9. Recipe Card Summary
- Course: Dessert, Drink
- Cuisine: American, Fall
- Servings: 2
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice (for dusting)
- Crumbled pie crust (optional)
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- Instructions:
- Blend the ice cream, pumpkin puree, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or spice level.
- Pour into glasses and garnish with whipped cream, cinnamon, and pie crust crumbs.
- Serve and enjoy!
- Blend the ice cream, pumpkin puree, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Notes: Best with fresh whipped cream and served immediately.
- Nutrition: See nutrition table above.
🏷️ Diet Tags: Gluten-Free Option, Vegetarian
🌿 Health Benefits: Rich in vitamins and antioxidants from pumpkin.
10. Final Thoughts or CONCLUSION
The Pumpkin Pie Milkshake is the ultimate fall treat, offering the perfect balance of indulgence and autumn flavors. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. I hope this recipe brings some extra warmth and sweetness to your fall season! Let me know how it turns out for you in the comments below, and feel free to share any fun twists you add. Enjoy!

