If you’ve ever treated yourself to a Five Guys milkshake, then you already know: these shakes aren’t your average fast food dessert. Rich, velvety, and fully customizable, they feel more like a diner indulgence than something whipped up at a burger joint.
And if you’re a fan of their Peanut Butter Milkshake, you know it’s a standout — deeply nutty, thick enough to eat with a spoon, and just the right amount of sweet.
This copycat recipe recreates that same iconic flavor and texture at home, with just a few ingredients and no need for a drive-thru.
It’s all about using quality ice cream, a generous swirl of peanut butter, and the right technique to blend it thick and creamy without watering it down. Whether you’re serving it alongside burgers or enjoying it as a late-night treat, this peanut butter milkshake delivers every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe captures everything you love about a Five Guys shake — rich, smooth, and packed with peanut butter flavor — but gives you the option to tweak it exactly how you like. Want it thicker? Add less milk. Want a deeper peanut flavor? Stir in more.
You can even toss in extras like chocolate chips, bananas, or crushed cookies to make it your own. Best of all, it’s ready in under 10 minutes.
What You’ll Need
- 3 large scoops of vanilla ice cream (about 1½ cups)
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- ⅓ cup whole milk (or less for a thicker shake)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Whipped cream for topping (optional)
- Extra peanut butter or chocolate syrup for drizzle (optional)
Pro Tips
- Use high-quality vanilla ice cream – Since it’s the base, good ice cream makes all the difference.
- Start with less milk – You can always add more if needed, but starting with less keeps the shake thick.
- Blend briefly – Overblending can make the shake thin and melty. Pulse just until smooth.
- Chill your glass – For the true Five Guys experience, pop your glass in the freezer before blending.
- Add-ins welcome – For variety, toss in chocolate chips, caramel sauce, bananas, or crushed pretzels.
Tools Required
- Blender
- Ice cream scoop
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Milkshake glass or tall drinking glass
- Straw or spoon
- Optional: metal straw and whipped cream dispenser
Substitutions and Variations
- Dairy-free version: Use dairy-free ice cream and oat or almond milk. Peanut butter flavor still shines.
- Chocolate peanut butter shake: Add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder or drizzle chocolate syrup into the blender.
- Banana-PB shake: Add half a frozen banana for a creamy twist.
- Chunky peanut butter: Go for a bit of crunch if you like texture in your shake.
- Extra indulgent: Blend in 1 tablespoon malted milk powder for a classic diner-style malt.
Make-Ahead Tips
Milkshakes are best served immediately, but if needed, you can pre-blend and freeze the shake in a glass jar.
Let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes and stir before serving. Alternatively, pre-scoop your ice cream into portions and freeze for quicker assembly later.
Instructions
1. Prep your blender
Place the vanilla ice cream, peanut butter, vanilla extract (if using), and milk in a blender. Start with less milk for a thicker shake.
2. Blend until smooth
Pulse or blend on medium speed for 20–30 seconds until creamy and smooth. Scrape down the sides if needed to ensure all peanut butter is blended in.
3. Pour and top
Pour the milkshake into a chilled glass. Top with whipped cream and drizzle extra peanut butter or syrup if desired.
4. Serve immediately
Enjoy your milkshake right away with a spoon or straw — or both!
Leftovers and Storage
If you have leftover milkshake (rare, but it happens), pour it into a freezer-safe container. Re-blend or stir after thawing slightly to restore its creamy texture. For best results, enjoy within 24 hours.
Recipe FAQ
1. What kind of peanut butter should I use?
Creamy peanut butter gives the smoothest result, but natural peanut butter can work too — just stir well before using.
2. Can I make this without a blender?
Yes. Let the ice cream soften slightly and mix everything vigorously by hand or with an electric mixer.
3. How can I make this milkshake thicker?
Use less milk or add an extra scoop of ice cream. You can also freeze your peanut butter beforehand to help thicken.
4. Is this an exact match for Five Guys?
It’s very close — rich, creamy, and full of peanut butter flavor. Since Five Guys uses a base vanilla shake and adds peanut butter as a mix-in, this method mimics it perfectly at home.
A Sweet Treat Worth Repeating
There’s something nostalgic and utterly satisfying about a thick peanut butter milkshake — especially one inspired by Five Guys’ famous version.
Whether you’re pairing it with burgers and fries or enjoying it solo on a hot day, this shake hits all the right notes: creamy, nutty, and indulgent without being over-the-top.
So grab your blender and give it a try. And when you do, let me know — did you add chocolate? A banana? Malt powder? Drop a comment below and tell me how you made this milkshake your new favorite at-home dessert.
