French Toast Milkshake Recipe | Sweet & Creamy Breakfast-Inspired Treat
1. Introduction
If you love the warm, comforting flavors of French toast, then get ready to indulge in the ultimate breakfast-inspired treat: the French Toast Milkshake. Imagine the creamy richness of vanilla ice cream blending perfectly with the crispy, cinnamon-sugar crust of French toast, topped with a drizzle of maple syrup—sounds heavenly, right? This milkshake captures the essence of French toast in liquid form, making it the perfect way to start the day or indulge in a sweet afternoon snack.
What makes this milkshake so amazing is that it combines the nostalgic flavors of French toast with the creamy, indulgent texture of a milkshake. Plus, it’s customizable! You can tweak the ingredients to fit your dietary needs or preferences, whether you want to make it dairy-free, add extra cinnamon, or even make it a little more decadent with extra toppings.
In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make this creamy, indulgent milkshake from scratch in just a few simple steps. Let’s dive into the recipe!
2. Ingredients Breakdown
- French Toast (or Toasted Bread): French toast is the star of this milkshake. The crispy, cinnamon-sugar-coated bread adds both texture and flavor to the milkshake. You can make French toast from scratch using your favorite bread, or you can use toasted bread as a shortcut. If you want to make it extra indulgent, use thick-cut bread like brioche or challah for added richness.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy base of this milkshake comes from vanilla ice cream. It provides the sweetness and richness that balances out the cinnamon and maple syrup. For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the vanilla ice cream with a non-dairy ice cream like coconut milk or almond milk-based ice cream.
- Whole Milk: Whole milk helps achieve the perfect creamy texture for this milkshake. You can also use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk if you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative.
- Maple Syrup: A good-quality maple syrup adds a deep, natural sweetness that mimics the syrup you’d pour over French toast. You can use maple-flavored syrup if you prefer, but real maple syrup will provide the best flavor.
- Cinnamon: A touch of cinnamon gives the milkshake its signature French toast flavor. Add a pinch to the milkshake base and sprinkle a little more on top for extra flavor and garnish.
- Whipped Cream: For the perfect topping, whipped cream adds lightness and indulgence to the milkshake. You can use store-bought whipped cream or make your own for an extra creamy texture.
- French Toast Crumbs (optional): To enhance the texture, you can blend some French toast crumbs into the milkshake. This will give it more of a bread-like consistency, adding to the overall French toast experience.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the French Toast: Start by making French toast. Whisk together 2 eggs, 1/4 cup milk, a pinch of cinnamon, and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Dip slices of bread into the mixture and cook them in a hot pan with butter until golden and crispy. Set aside a slice or two for garnish, and crumble the rest into small pieces for blending.
- Blend the Base Ingredients: In a blender, add 2-3 scoops of vanilla ice cream, 1 cup of whole milk (or a milk alternative), and the crumbled French toast pieces. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the milkshake is too thick, you can add a little more milk to thin it out.
- Add Maple Syrup and Cinnamon: Add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and a pinch of cinnamon to the blender. Blend again until fully combined. Taste the milkshake and adjust the sweetness by adding more maple syrup if needed.
- Blend Until Smooth: Make sure everything is blended to a smooth consistency. If you like a thicker milkshake, add more ice cream or a few more crumbled French toast pieces and blend again.
- Serve: Pour the milkshake into tall glasses. Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. You can also garnish with a small piece of French toast on the rim of the glass for an extra fun touch.
- Enjoy: Sip and enjoy the creamy, cinnamon-infused goodness of your homemade French Toast Milkshake!
4. Tips and Variations
- Add Extra Toppings: To make the milkshake even more indulgent, top it with more maple syrup, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. You can also add a few crushed nuts (like pecans or almonds) for some added crunch.
- Make it Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, simply swap the vanilla ice cream for a non-dairy ice cream (such as coconut, almond, or oat-based) and use almond milk or oat milk instead of whole milk. Coconut whipped cream is a great non-dairy alternative for topping.
- Gluten-Free Version: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, make sure to use gluten-free bread when making the French toast. There are many great gluten-free bread options available, and they will work perfectly in this milkshake.
- Vegan Version: To make this milkshake vegan, use a plant-based milk and a vegan ice cream, and skip the whipped cream for a coconut-based version. You can also use a plant-based butter when making the French toast.
- Extra Creamy Version: For an even richer milkshake, use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of whole milk. You can also add more ice cream for a thicker, creamier texture.
5. Serving Suggestions
- Pairing with Snacks: This milkshake is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with light snacks like fresh fruit (bananas or berries work great) or a few pieces of toast with jam. For a sweeter treat, serve it alongside cookies, muffins, or a slice of coffee cake.
- Presentation Ideas: Serve the milkshake in tall, vintage-style glasses for a fun, retro look. You can drizzle some extra maple syrup on the inside of the glass before pouring the milkshake for a beautiful presentation. Add a fun straw or a mini French toast garnish for a playful touch.
- Perfect for Breakfast or Brunch: This milkshake is perfect for a fun, breakfast-inspired treat. Serve it at a weekend brunch gathering or as a dessert for a family breakfast. It’s a fun twist on a classic breakfast favorite!
6. Storage and Reheating Instructions
Milkshakes are best enjoyed immediately, as they lose their texture and creaminess when stored. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, allow the milkshake to thaw slightly and blend again with a splash of milk to restore its creamy consistency.
Reheating: Since this is a cold beverage, it doesn’t require reheating. Just blend again if needed and adjust the consistency with milk.
7. Recipe Notes
- Prep Ahead: You can prep the French toast ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer. Just make sure to crumble it into small pieces before adding it to the milkshake. You can also make the milkshake base in advance, then blend it with ice cream and milk when you’re ready to serve.
- Best with Freshly Made French Toast: For the best flavor and texture, make the French toast fresh before making the milkshake. If you’re in a hurry, though, you can use toasted bread and skip the French toast preparation.
- Chill Your Glasses: For an extra refreshing experience, chill your glasses in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before serving the milkshake. This will help keep your milkshake colder for longer.
8. Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Value per Serving |
| Calories | 450 |
| Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Carbs | 58g |
| Sugar | 45g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
| Cholesterol | 65mg |
| Calcium | 160mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
9. Recipe Card Summary
- Course: Dessert, Drink
- Cuisine: American
- Servings: 2
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 slices French toast (or toasted bread)
- 2-3 scoops vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup whole milk (or non-dairy milk)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Whipped cream for topping
- Cinnamon sugar for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare French toast and crumble into small pieces.
- Blend ice cream, milk, crumbled French toast, maple syrup, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Adjust consistency with more milk if needed.
- Pour into glasses and top with whipped cream, cinnamon sugar, and maple syrup.
Notes: Best served fresh.
Nutrition Information: See above.
10. Final Thoughts or Conclusion
The French Toast Milkshake is a fun, indulgent treat that combines everything you love about breakfast in a creamy, satisfying drink. Whether you’re serving it as a fun breakfast alternative, a dessert, or a special treat for a brunch gathering, this milkshake is sure to impress.
Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! I’d love to hear about any fun twists you add to the recipe in the comments below. Enjoy your indulgent, French-toast-inspired milkshake!