If you’re craving something cozy, rich, and downright delightful, this Pumpkin Milkshake Recipe with Spiced Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a luxurious blend of creamy vanilla ice cream swirled with the warm, autumnal flavors of pumpkin and a perfectly balanced spice mix. Every sip feels like a sweet fall hug, making it a standout treat for chilly afternoons or whenever you want to indulge in a little seasonal magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be simple, but each one is essential to building the perfect texture and depth of flavor in your shake. From the creamy vanilla ice cream to the fragrant pumpkin puree and warming spices, every component plays a crucial role in delivering that classic fall dessert experience.
- Vanilla ice cream: Use good-quality vanilla ice cream for a rich, creamy base that carries the spices beautifully.
- Milk (dairy or non-dairy): This thins the shake just right—choose your favorite milk to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Canned pumpkin puree: Not pumpkin pie filling—this adds natural pumpkin flavor and a gorgeous, warm orange color.
- Brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramelized sweetness—feel free to adjust the amount to your preference.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings that quintessential fall warmth and brightness.
- Ground ginger: Offers a subtle zing that lifts the pumpkin’s earthiness.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a nutty, aromatic complexity that rounds out the spice blend.
- Ground cloves: Just a pinch gives a pleasantly sharp, fragrant kick without overpowering.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances overall sweetness and deepens the vanilla notes.
- Optional toppings: Whipped cream, a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg, and fun licorice twists make the presentation pop.
How to Make Pumpkin Milkshake Recipe with Spiced Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Blend the Base
Start by adding vanilla ice cream, milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and vanilla extract into your blender. This combination is the heart and soul of your milkshake, so make sure everything is fresh and ready to blend smoothly.
Step 2: Create the Perfect Texture
Blend everything on high until the mixture is velvety smooth and creamy. Depending on your preference, add a little more milk if the shake feels too thick. The right consistency is silky but still substantial enough to carry the spices and pumpkin flavors evenly.
Step 3: Pour and Top
Divide the luscious shake between glasses. For that extra layer of indulgence, top each glass with a generous swirl of whipped cream and a light sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg. Don’t forget the licorice twists—they’re perfect as quirky, tasty straws!
How to Serve Pumpkin Milkshake Recipe with Spiced Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

Garnishes
The garnish can elevate this already delicious milkshake from everyday to spectacular. Whipped cream adds fluffy creaminess, while a dusting of warm spices ties the whole flavor profile together visually and tastefully. The licorice twists lend a fun twist and make sipping even more enjoyable.
Side Dishes
This pumpkin shake pairs beautifully with light baked goods like ginger snaps, buttery shortbread, or even a slice of spiced pumpkin bread. These sides complement the shake’s flavor while providing a balance of texture and crunch—perfect for an afternoon treat or dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the shake in chilled mugs or mason jars with rustic twine tied around the rim for a cozy vibe. You can also rim the glasses with cinnamon sugar for a fancy touch. If you want to be playful, serve the shake alongside mini pumpkin muffins or put out a small spice shaker so everyone can customize their own spice dusting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover shake, pour it into an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. It might separate a little as it sits, so give it a good stir or brief blender pulse before enjoying again.
Freezing
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor. However, if you want to freeze it, pour the shake into ice pop molds or silicone trays to make pumpkin milkshake pops. These are great for a chilly treat later on.
Reheating
Since this is a cold, creamy drink, reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, store and consume it cold to maintain that perfect milkshake mouthfeel and spice warmth that this Pumpkin Milkshake Recipe with Spiced Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe delivers so beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, you can! Just cook fresh pumpkin until very soft, then puree it smoothly. Keep in mind canned pumpkin puree is more concentrated and consistent in texture, so you might need to adjust the amount of liquid slightly if using fresh.
What non-dairy milks work best in this recipe?
Almond milk, oat milk, and coconut milk are all great options. Oat milk tends to provide a creamier consistency, while coconut adds a subtle tropical hint. Choose the one that best suits your flavor preference or dietary needs.
How do I adjust the sweetness?
The brown sugar is adjustable, so start with less and add more if you prefer a sweeter shake. You can also substitute with maple syrup or honey for a different sweetness profile.
Can I make this shake vegan?
Absolutely! Use vegan vanilla ice cream and a plant-based milk to keep it creamy and delicious without animal products. Also, check that your vanilla extract is vegan-friendly.
What’s the best way to get the spices evenly blended?
Adding the spices directly into the blender with the other ingredients and blending on high helps distribute the flavors evenly. Freshly ground spices will give a more vibrant aroma and taste compared to pre-ground, so consider using fresh when possible.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Milkshake Recipe with Spiced Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe has a special place in my heart because it’s not just a treat—it’s an experience you savor with every sip. It’s easy to make, uses simple pantry staples, and absolutely delivers the cozy flavors we all crave during fall and beyond. Trust me, once you give this delightful shake a whirl, it’ll become your go-to indulgence on cool days or whenever you want a little spoonful of pumpkin-spice happiness.
Print
Pumpkin Milkshake Recipe with Spiced Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings (about 2 lattes)
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pumpkin Milkshake recipe offers a creamy, spiced treat perfect for autumn or whenever you crave a seasonal twist on a classic milkshake. Blended with pumpkin puree and warm fall spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, this milkshake is both comforting and refreshing. Serve it as a latte-style drink with optional toppings such as whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an indulgent finish.
Ingredients
Milkshake Ingredients
- 1 cup vanilla ice cream
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- Whipped cream
- A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg
- Licorice twists (for straws)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a blender, add the vanilla ice cream, milk, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and vanilla extract. Ensure all ingredients are measured as indicated for the best flavor and consistency.
- Blend Until Smooth: Blend the mixture on high speed until the ingredients are fully combined and the milkshake is smooth and creamy. If the shake is thicker than desired, gradually add a little more milk to achieve your preferred consistency.
- Serve and Garnish: Pour the milkshake into two glasses. Optionally, top each with whipped cream and sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg on top for added aroma and flavor. Add licorice twists as fun straws if desired, and serve immediately to enjoy at its best.
Notes
- This milkshake can be made with dairy or any non-dairy milk such as almond, oat, or soy milk, making it adaptable to dietary preferences.
- Use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to avoid added sugars and spices that would alter the flavor balance.
- Adjust the brown sugar quantity to suit your sweetness preference.
- For a thicker milkshake, use less milk; for a thinner shake, add more milk gradually.
- Toppings are optional but add a festive and flavorful touch perfect for seasonal serving.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy texture and fresh pumpkin flavor—shake thickens as it sits.

