I made my own version of an In-N-Out milkshake at home, and it instantly brought back that classic drive-thru feeling. Thick, creamy, and rich with just the right amount of sweetness, it’s the kind of treat that makes you slow down and enjoy every sip.
I love that it only takes a few simple ingredients, yet it feels so indulgent—like something special you’d only get on a night out.
Whether I go for chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry, this milkshake is my little way of bringing those diner-style vibes straight to my kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This In-N-Out milkshake copycat is thick, creamy, and full of classic flavor. It uses only three ingredients — ice cream, milk, and flavoring — making it one of the easiest desserts you can make.
The texture is spot-on: thick enough to scoop with a spoon, but smooth enough to sip with a straw.
You’ll love that it’s endlessly customizable — stick with vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry for classic flavors, or add your own mix-ins for a creative twist. It’s kid-friendly, budget-friendly, and takes just minutes to prepare.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream (about 4 generous scoops)
- ¾ cup whole milk (adjust for thickness)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for vanilla milkshake)
- Optional: chocolate syrup or strawberry puree for flavor variations
- Whipped cream for topping
- Sprinkles or maraschino cherry for garnish
Pro Tips
- Use whole milk for the creamiest texture — skim or low-fat will make the shake thinner.
- Chill your glasses in the freezer beforehand for an extra frosty presentation.
- Blend in bursts rather than continuously to avoid overheating the ice cream.
- Start with less milk and add more gradually until you reach your desired thickness.
- Add mix-ins like Oreos, peanut butter, or bananas for fun variations.
Tools Required
- Blender (high-speed preferred)
- Ice cream scoop
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tall serving glasses
- Straws and spoons
Substitutions & Variations
- Use almond, oat, or soy milk for a dairy-free option.
- Swap vanilla ice cream for chocolate or strawberry to recreate In-N-Out’s classic trio.
- Add malt powder for an old-fashioned diner-style shake.
- Mix in crushed cookies, candy, or fruit for your own “secret menu” shake.
- For a lighter option, use frozen yogurt instead of ice cream.
Make-Ahead Tips
Milkshakes are best made fresh, but you can blend the shake and freeze it in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
Re-blend with a splash of milk before serving to restore creaminess. To save time, pre-scoop ice cream into cups and freeze them, so when you’re ready to make shakes, all you need to do is blend.
Instructions
1. Add ingredients to blender
Place vanilla ice cream, milk, and vanilla extract in a blender.
2. Blend until smooth
Pulse until the shake is creamy and thick. Add more milk if needed for a thinner consistency.
3. Adjust flavor
For chocolate, blend in ¼ cup chocolate syrup. For strawberry, use ¼ cup strawberry puree. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
4. Serve
Pour the milkshake into tall glasses. Top with whipped cream, sprinkles, or a cherry if desired.
5. Enjoy immediately
Serve with a straw and spoon — and get ready for smiles all around.
Serving Suggestions
This shake pairs perfectly with burgers and fries for a full In-N-Out inspired meal.
Serve smaller portions in shot glasses for parties, or make a milkshake bar with different toppings like caramel drizzle, cookie crumbles, or fruit.
For a fun summer dessert, pour milkshakes into popsicle molds and freeze for creamy frozen treats.
Leftovers & Storage
Milkshakes don’t keep long, but if you have extra, freeze it in an airtight container. Re-blend with a splash of milk when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Leftover shake can also be poured into popsicle molds for quick frozen desserts the next day.
Nutrition & Benefits
Milkshakes are definitely a treat, but they do provide calcium, protein, and energy from milk and ice cream.
Using real ice cream keeps the flavor rich and satisfying, while homemade versions let you control portion size and sweetness.
For a lighter option, substitute frozen yogurt or low-fat ice cream, or add fresh fruit to boost nutrition.
Recipe FAQ
1. What flavors does In-N-Out offer?
Classic vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry — though you can combine flavors too.
2. How do I make a thicker milkshake?
Use less milk or freeze the ice cream scoops for 10 minutes before blending.
3. Can I make this milkshake without a blender?
Yes, soften the ice cream slightly and whisk or stir with milk until creamy.
4. Can I make a vegan version?
Absolutely — use non-dairy ice cream and plant-based milk.
5. What’s the secret to the In-N-Out texture?
It’s the ratio — a higher amount of ice cream to milk gives that thick, spoonable consistency.
A Classic Treat at Home
This In-N-Out milkshake copycat proves that sometimes the simplest recipes bring the biggest smiles.
With just a few ingredients and a blender, you can recreate the thick, creamy shakes that make In-N-Out so iconic. It’s a treat for kids, a nostalgic favorite for adults, and an easy way to make family meals feel special.
So grab some ice cream and milk, and blend up this classic for your next burger night. And when you do, let me know how you customized it — did you stick with vanilla, or create your own flavor twist? Either way, you’ll have a shake that rivals the real thing.
