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This dreamy coffee milkshake takes a classic favorite and skips the fancy machines. It blends creamy, cold sweetness with chocolate and just enough java to perk you up. Cool off on a hot day or beat the afternoon slump with something delicious that gives a gentle kick. You’ll get that café vibe in your kitchen in a snap.
Honestly, I put this together in a hurry one busy afternoon and ended up loving it. Now I keep ice cream and coffee around just so I can whip one up whenever I want a frosty pick-me-up that also wakes me up.
Irresistible Ingredients
- Chocolate shavings: A sprinkle on top adds something extra. Grab a sharp peeler or microplane and a solid bar of chocolate for the best results.
- Fudge sauce: Swirl it around inside your glass to make it feel like a diner treat. The thicker, the better, so it doesn’t just slide down.
- Whipped cream: Pile this on for a soft, airy finish. I love whipping up my own but the spray can works in a pinch.
- Milk or chilled coffee: Thin out your shake with ice-cold milk for a richer taste or a splash of strong cold coffee for more kick.
- Vanilla ice cream: The heart of the shake. Go for a smooth vanilla bean kind without a bunch of extras mixed in.
- Instant coffee or espresso powder: This is how you get the buzz. Choose a type you already enjoy sipping because the flavor really pops.
- Cocoa powder: Toss in some unsweetened cocoa to make everything super chocolatey. Good quality makes a difference here.
Simple Steps
- Serve Right Away:
- Slurp your milkshake immediately while it's still thick, cold, and just swirled.
- Pour and Decorate:
- Move your shake to a glass. Heap on whipped cream, add chocolate curls, then go wild with an extra drizzle of fudge if you’re feeling it.
- Get the Glass Ready:
- Paint your serving glass inside with fudge sauce. Let it hang there for cool chocolate stripes.
- Blend Until Silky:
- Whiz everything together on high, scraping down the blender so there’s no chunky bits or powder stuck anywhere.
- Add Ice Cream Plus Liquids:
- Scoop ice cream into the blender and follow with your milk or coffee. If you want it super thick, stick with less liquid. For a thinner shake, splash in a bit more.
- Dry Stuff In First:
- Start off blending the cocoa and coffee powders at the bottom so they dissolve better once the wet stuff goes in.
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I can’t get enough of swirling that fudge. My kids and I make goofy chocolate designs in every glass before pouring the shake, and it always ends up tasting twice as fun.
Keep It Fresh
This drink’s best when you enjoy it right away. If you have to prep ahead, just blend the base (skip the toppings), stash it in the freezer for up to an hour, and stir or blend again when you’re ready. Any longer and it turns into a hard lump.
Swap Options
No vanilla? Chocolate or coffee ice cream makes it richer. Want dairy-free? Try oat or almond milk—especially if you’re using really bold coffee, it works great with the flavor.
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Fun Ways to Serve
Pour into icy glasses for extra chill, heap with whipped cream and a little extra fudge like a sundae. Pop a cherry or dash of cinnamon on top for some fun. On the side, dunk crisp biscotti or your favorite cookies for the finishing touch.
Background
Coffee shakes bring back memories of those old-school American diners where your milkshake is both your drink and your dessert. Tossing in instant or cold-brewed coffee turns this classic into a grownup treat you don’t need to leave home for or wait on a barista.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use brewed coffee instead of instant coffee?
Go ahead and use chilled brewed coffee if you like. It'll add a deep coffee taste and make blending super easy.
- → How do I make the milkshake thicker or thinner?
To get it thick, add less milk or coffee. Want something lighter? Pour in more and blend till it’s just how you like it. Try half a cup to start and keep tweaking.
- → Is it necessary to add cocoa powder?
The cocoa brings a chocolate rush, but it's totally up to you. Skip it for a classic coffee-only shake.
- → What toppings work well?
Top it off with whatever you love: fluffy whipped cream, gooey chocolate sauce, or curls of chocolate are all winners.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Sure thing! Just swap in your go-to dairy-free ice cream and milk stuff like almond or oat. Easy fix for non-dairy fun.
- → How do I intensify the coffee flavor?
Pile in more instant coffee or espresso powder—up to a full spoon if you want a real strong kick in every sip.