Thick Banana Milkshake (Ice cream banana shake recipe)

Name: Thick Banana Milkshake
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 3 Ripe Bananas; 4 Large Scoops Vanilla ice cream (Approx 300g); 400 ml Milk (I used whole milk but you can use your preferred milk or dairy free option. ); ½ Teaspoon Vanilla extract; Whipping cream; Thinly sliced bananas

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Indulge in the lush creamy goodness of a homemade banana milkshake recipe that uses only 4 ingredients and is ready in under 5 minutes!

Banana shake has been my favorite flavor of all milkshakes for as long as I can remember and after making it at home I can honestly say that no other banana milkshake compares. It's thick, smooth, creamy, and full of flavor.

Thick banana milkshake in a tall glass topped with whipped cream beside two ripe bananas.

When the warmer days come along I love making homemade ice cream milkshakes. I love experimenting with different flavors but this traditional creamy banana milkshake makes a regular appearance as it's so simple to make and perfect for using up ripe bananas.

We are always trying and testing various ice cream milkshakes from a simple strawberry milkshake, thick chocolate milkshake and a lush Nutella milkshake.

If you are looking for a refreshing summer drink you will love this pineapple orange smoothie.

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⭐ Why we love this recipe
📋 Ingredients Notes
⚡ Substitutions & Variations
🍹Step by Step Instructions
💡 Pro Recipe Tips
❔ Recipe FAQs
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💬 Comments

⭐ Why we love this recipe

There are so many reasons I love this thick banana milkshake recipe, Did I mention that it is my favorite flavor of all the milkshakes? It's creamy, smooth, and easy to make as thick as you like it.

Only 4 ingredients - With only a few ingredients needed it's a great way to use up ripe bananas.
Quick and easy - Only requires a couple of minutes in the blender this banana shake is the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day.
Gluten free - Using gluten free ice cream and no artificial flavorings means you can enjoy a delicious homemade banana shake within minutes.
Dairy free option - easily adapted to make this dairy free or even vegan by using your preferred dairy free or vegan ice cream and milk.

📋 Ingredients Notes

Labeled ingredients for banana shake recipe.

Bananas - I used large ripe bananas as this will make for the best flavor. As bananas will naturally thicken the milkshake. You can add an extra banana if you want a thicker shake.
Vanilla ice cream - Be sure to check that the ice cream is gluten-free. Use dairy free ice cream if requiring a dairy free option. The ice cream will add sweetness and make a lush creamy thick texture. Making it a cold delicious treat.
Milk - I used whole milk as using milk with a higher fat content will result in a creamer banana shake but you can use your preferred milk or dairy free option.
Vanilla extract - I use good quality vanilla extract to add additional flavor that compliments the bananas and ice cream perfectly.

See the recipe card below for ingredients measurements.

⚡ Substitutions & Variations

Dairy Free or Vegan - Substitute the ice cream and milk for your preferred vegan brand. I recommend using an extra banana if you want a thicker shake or frozen banana. As the lower fat content may result in a thinner shake.
Frozen bananas - This recipe is perfect for using frozen bananas. using frozen bananas can make your banana milkshake thicker. The freezing process causes the natural sugars and moisture in the bananas to firm up, creating a creamier and thicker texture when blended.
Additional flavor - Why not mix it up slightly by adding a couple of tablespoons of Nutella for a banana Nutella milkshake to satisfy any chocolate cravings?

🍹Step by Step Instructions

Below is a brief step-by-step process with photos of how to make a Homemade Banana Milkshake.

See the recipe card below for more detailed recipe instructions.

Recipe steps 1 and 2 of sliced bananas on a chopping board and all ingredients in a blender.

Step 1: Peel and slice the bananas.

Step 2: Place the sliced bananas, ice cream, milk, and vanilla extract into the blender.

Tip: Use large ripe bananas as this will result in the best overall flavor and sweetness to the banana milkshake. This recipe is also perfect for using frozen bananas if preferred.

Two images of recipe steps 3 and 4 of banana milkshake ingredients being blended and another of the shake blending complete.

Step 3: Blend until it appears evenly blended and smooth. Usually takes 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Check the consistency of the banana milkshake and add an additional banana if you want it slightly thicker.

Tip: For a thicker shake add and additional banana or for a thinner banana shake add a little extra milk.

Two images of recipe steps 5 and 6 of banana shake being poured into a glass and another image of the banana shake topped with whipped cream.

Step 5: Pour the banana shake mixture evenly between two tall glasses.

Step 6: Top with whipping cream and sliced bananas (Optional). Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tip: For best results serve immediately topped with whipped cream and sliced banana or your preferred topping.

Two tall glassed filled with banana milkshake topped with whipped cream on a white background.

💡 Pro Recipe Tips

Tip #1: Use large ripe bananas as this will result in the best overall flavor and sweetness to the banana milkshake. This recipe is also perfect for using frozen bananas if preferred.
Tip #2: For a thicker shake add an additional banana or for a thinner banana shake add a little extra milk.
Tip #3: For best results serve immediately topped with whipped cream and sliced banana or your preferred topping.

Thick banana milkshake in a tall glass topped with whipped cream and sliced banana with a blue and white striped straw.

❔ Recipe FAQs

How to thicken a banana milkshake?

To thicken a banana milkshake you can either add an additional banana or an extra couple of scoops of ice cream.

Can I make this banana ice cream milkshake in advance?

It's best to enjoy the milkshake immediately after blending to savor the fresh flavors and the creamy texture provided by the ice cream.

Can I use frozen bananas to make a banana milkshake?

Yes, using frozen bananas adds a natural thickness to the milkshake while keeping it cold and refreshing.

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