Black and White Milkshake Recipe | Creamy, Sweet, and Irresistible
1. Introduction
There’s something truly special about a classic milkshake. Whether you’re at a diner or making one at home, a milkshake is the perfect treat that combines smooth, creamy ice cream with refreshing flavors. But what happens when you take two of the most beloved ice cream flavors—chocolate and vanilla—and swirl them together in one indulgent glass? You get the best of both worlds: the Black and White Milkshake.
This milkshake is an irresistible blend of rich chocolate and creamy vanilla, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. It’s not only easy to make but also incredibly customizable. Whether you want to make it thicker, sweeter, or even add a boozy twist, the possibilities are endless.
In this recipe, I’ll show you exactly how to create this delicious milkshake from scratch, complete with tips and variations for making it even more indulgent. Whether you’re serving it as a dessert for friends or just craving a sweet treat for yourself, this Black and White Milkshake is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
2. Ingredients Breakdown
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy base of the milkshake. Vanilla ice cream offers a smooth, rich texture and is the perfect counterpart to the bold flavor of chocolate. You can opt for a dairy-free version if you’re looking for a plant-based alternative.
- Chocolate Ice Cream or Chocolate Syrup: This adds the rich, bold chocolate flavor to the milkshake. You can use chocolate ice cream for a thicker consistency or use chocolate syrup for a slightly lighter texture. Dark chocolate syrup or cocoa powder mixed with sugar can also be used for a deeper chocolate flavor.
- Whole Milk (or Milk of Choice): The milk provides the smooth consistency for the milkshake. Whole milk works best for a creamy texture, but you can substitute it with almond milk, oat milk, or any other milk alternative for a dairy-free version.
- Whipped Cream: Adding whipped cream to the top not only gives the milkshake that signature frothy finish, but it also enhances the creamy texture. You can make your own whipped cream using heavy cream or use store-bought for convenience.
- Chocolate Syrup (for Drizzling): This is used to create a decadent chocolate drizzle over the milkshake. It’s optional, but it adds to the visual appeal and gives an extra burst of chocolate flavor.
- Optional Garnishes: For extra flair, you can top the milkshake with chocolate shavings, a maraschino cherry, or even some crushed nuts or sprinkles. These toppings add texture and enhance the overall presentation.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. If you’re using chocolate ice cream, you can skip the chocolate syrup, but if you’re using syrup, get ready to add it along with the vanilla ice cream.
- Blend the Milkshake: In a blender, combine 2 cups of vanilla ice cream, 1 cup of chocolate ice cream (or 2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup), and 1 cup of milk (or your preferred milk). Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as necessary to make sure everything is well combined. The milkshake should have a thick yet pourable consistency.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the milkshake to see if it needs more sweetness or chocolate flavor. If you want a richer chocolate flavor, add more chocolate syrup. If you like it sweeter, add more vanilla ice cream or a touch of sugar. Blend again to mix.
- Serve the Milkshake: Pour the milkshake into tall glasses, filling them about three-quarters of the way full. Leave room at the top for whipped cream and any toppings you want to add.
- Add Whipped Cream and Toppings: Top the milkshake with a generous swirl of whipped cream. Drizzle with chocolate syrup and sprinkle with chocolate shavings or crushed nuts for extra flavor and texture. Add a maraschino cherry on top for the finishing touch.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, decadent, and perfectly balanced Black and White Milkshake. The blend of chocolate and vanilla makes each sip a delightful treat!
4. Tips and Variations
- Customize the Texture: If you like your milkshake thicker, add more ice cream or less milk. For a thinner consistency, add more milk until you reach your desired thickness.
- Add a Twist: Try adding a shot of coffee liqueur like Kahlúa for a fun, adult twist. The coffee flavor will enhance the chocolate and vanilla blend. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, add a splash of brewed coffee for a mocha variation.
- Dairy-Free Version: You can easily make this milkshake dairy-free by using dairy-free vanilla and chocolate ice cream along with your choice of milk (such as almond milk or oat milk). Top it with coconut whipped cream for an entirely plant-based treat.
- Use a High-Quality Syrup: For the best chocolate flavor, use high-quality chocolate syrup or make your own by mixing cocoa powder, sugar, and water. The richer the syrup, the better your milkshake will taste.
- Layered Effect: For a more dramatic look, you can create a layered effect by first blending the vanilla milkshake and then carefully layering it with the chocolate milkshake before serving. This creates a striking presentation.
5. Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a Light Snack: Since this milkshake is quite rich, it pairs beautifully with lighter snacks like fresh fruit, light salads, or even a slice of toast with peanut butter. You can also serve it with a chocolate croissant or biscotti for an added indulgence.
- Themed Dinner Pairing: This milkshake is great for a dessert night. Pair it with chocolate-covered strawberries or a chocolate lava cake for an extra-chocolatey experience. It also works well as the main event at a casual dinner party.
- Creative Glassware: Consider serving this milkshake in fun glassware, such as mason jars or retro milkshake glasses, to add a nostalgic touch. A cute straw and a mini cherry on top will make the milkshake even more delightful to look at.
6. Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storing Leftovers: While milkshakes are best enjoyed fresh, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1-2 weeks. The texture may change slightly after freezing, but you can always blend it again with a splash of milk to restore its creamy consistency.
Reheating: Milkshakes should be served cold, so reheating is not recommended. However, if it becomes too thick, you can always add a bit of milk and blend it again to loosen it up.
7. Recipe Notes
- Prep Ahead of Time: If you’re in a rush, you can prepare the ice cream and syrup ahead of time. Having everything ready will make it easier to whip up the milkshake when you’re ready to serve.
- Sweetness Adjustment: Keep in mind that the sweetness of the milkshake depends on the type of ice cream and chocolate syrup you use. Taste and adjust as needed, especially if you’re using homemade ingredients.
8. Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Value per Serving |
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Carbs | 45g |
| Sugar | 38g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
| Calcium | 120mg |
| Iron | 1.5mg |
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
9. Recipe Card Summary
- Course: Dessert, Beverage
- Cuisine: American
- Servings: 2
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup chocolate ice cream or 2 tbsp chocolate syrup
- 1 cup whole milk (or milk of choice)
- Whipped cream for topping
- Optional: Chocolate syrup, chocolate shavings, or maraschino cherries
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine ice cream, milk, and chocolate syrup. Blend until smooth.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness and chocolate flavor.
- Pour into glasses and top with whipped cream.
- Garnish with chocolate syrup, chocolate shavings, and cherries.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes: Best enjoyed fresh. Can be made dairy-free with plant-based ice cream and milk alternatives.
Nutrition Information: See above.
10. Final Thoughts or Conclusion
This Black and White Milkshake is the ultimate indulgence, offering a creamy, smooth, and rich dessert that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just craving something sweet after a long day, it’s the perfect treat to enjoy anytime.
I hope you enjoy making this milkshake as much as I do! Let me know how it turns out in the comments below, and don’t forget to share your creative variations. Cheers to the perfect balance of chocolate and vanilla in every sip!

