There’s something magically festive about a cold, creamy milkshake dotted with crunchy peppermint and rich chocolate. This Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe hits all the sweet and minty notes, making it such a special treat to whip up any time you want a holiday vibe in a glass.

This image shows a tall clear glass filled with a light pink milkshake that has small dark chocolate pieces mixed inside, with a layer of crushed chocolate bits settled at the bottom. On top, there is a swirl of white whipped cream sprinkled with small dark chocolate bits and a red and white striped candy cane hanging on the side of the glass. The glass is placed on a white plate with a small silver spoon beside it, all set on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is another similar milkshake and a small bottle of milk, with some red Christmas ornaments and candy canes scattered on the surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Every time I make this Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe, it feels like a cozy celebration in my kitchen. It’s super simple but packed with flavors that remind me of holiday memories and those special festive gatherings with friends and family.

Perfect Flavor Combination: The peppermint candy canes and chocolate chips melt just enough to flavor the creamy vanilla base without losing their delightful crunch.
Quick and Easy: You can have this shake ready in under 5 minutes—great for last-minute dessert cravings or impromptu celebrations.
Customizable: Whether you love it thicker or thinner, more minty or chocolatier, you can easily tweak this recipe to your taste without hassle.
Festive and Fun: It looks gorgeous topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with candy cane pieces — perfect for sharing or gifting in a glass.

A tall clear glass filled with a light pink milkshake showing small dark bits at the bottom, topped with a swirl of white whipped cream sprinkled with dark chocolate chips, and a red and white striped candy cane hooked on the rim. The glass sits on a white plate with a small silver spoon on the side. A woman's hand is holding the glass. In the background, another similar glass with whipped cream and chocolate chips, a small bottle of milk, scattered candy bits, and red Christmas ornaments are placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe comes down to simple, well-paired ingredients. Each element brings something special: creamy vanilla, cool milk, crunchy peppermint, and melty chocolate chips. Let’s break down why they matter and what to look for.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of smooth vanilla ice cream scoops, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh whole milk, two whole uncrushed peppermint candy canes with bright red and white stripes, a small white ceramic bowl filled with glossy mini semisweet chocolate chips, a small white ceramic bowl piled with fluffy whipped cream, one whole peppermint candy cane and a small white ceramic bowl of fine dark chocolate sprinkles, all arranged in perfect symmetry and realistic proportions placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Vanilla Ice Cream: Use a rich, creamy vanilla ice cream for the best texture and flavor—homemade ice cream or a premium store brand works wonders here.
Milk: Whole milk gives you that luscious shake consistency, but you can go lighter or use plant-based milk if you prefer.
Candy Canes: Crushed candy canes add the signature peppermint crunch. Freshly crushed ones (not pre-ground) give a better texture and burst of flavor.
Mini Semisweet Chocolate Chips: These keep their shape nicely while softening just enough to blend a little chocolate in each sip.
Whipped Cream: A fluffy topping adds creamy lightness, balancing the mint and chocolate while making it look super inviting.
Chocolate Sprinkles or Additional Candy Canes: Garnish options that bring extra flair and flavor with minimal effort.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love trying different spins on this Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe depending on my mood or the season. Sometimes, a little espresso powder sneaks in for a mocha twist, or I swap semisweet chips for white chocolate to make it extra creamy and festive.

Variation: Adding a splash of peppermint extract amplifies the mint flavor if you want it extra bold—just a little goes a long way! Once, I made this with almond milk and it was just as creamy and delightful, perfect for a dairy-free treat.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe

Step 1: Blend Your Creamy Base

Start by adding the pint of vanilla ice cream and one cup of milk into your blender. Blend for about 30 seconds until it's smooth and creamy but still thick enough to enjoy like a classic shake. If it feels a little too thick for you, I usually add another half cup of milk gradually to reach my favorite consistency.

Step 2: Add the Peppermint Crunch and Chocolate Chips

Once your vanilla base is ready, toss in the crushed candy canes and mini semisweet chocolate chips. Instead of fully blending, pulse your blender 10 to 15 seconds. You want the candy and chocolate evenly distributed but still holding a bit of their texture—that’s the magic! Overblending here can turn your shake into a minty chocolate swirl, which is yummy but different.

Step 3: Pour and Garnish

Pour the milkshake into your favorite glasses. Next, pile on a generous swirl of whipped cream and sprinkle with extra crushed candy canes and chocolate chips or sprinkles for that festive finish. It’s fun and makes the shake look so inviting, especially if you’re serving guests.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve found a few simple tricks to get this milkshake just right every single time. Here are my favorite tips from experience that I think you'll find super helpful for your Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe:

Crush Candy Canes Freshly: Crushing your candy canes just before making the shake means the pieces are the perfect size—big enough to crunch but small enough not to overpower your blender.
Don’t Overblend the Mix-ins: I learned the hard way that if you blend too long after adding candy and chocolate chips, you lose those lovely texture contrasts that make the peppermint bark feel so special.
Use Cold Ingredients: Keeping your ice cream and milk cold ensures the shake stays thick and refreshing without melting into a milky mess too quickly.
Layer Flavors: Try stirring in a little peppermint extract or a handful of crushed peppermint bark pieces for an extra decadent twist—just taste as you go to keep it balanced!

How to Serve Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe

Peppermint Bark Milkshake - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of going classic here—whipped cream piled high, a mini candy cane hooked over the glass rim, plus a scattering of chocolate sprinkles or tiny chips on top. It’s simple but instantly festive, and my guests always ask if they can have seconds just because of the pretty presentation!

Side Dishes

Because this shake is richly sweet and minty, I like to serve it alongside cozy and salty snacks to balance things out. Think buttery shortbread cookies, salted caramel popcorn, or even a platter of roasted nuts. It’s like a dessert-and-snack combo that encourages leisurely enjoyment.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I once rimmed glasses with crushed candy cane sugar before pouring the shake inside. Another time, I served Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe in vintage-style mugs topped with edible glitter for a sparkle effect. You can also layer a few broken peppermint bark pieces inside the shake for a surprise crunch as you sip!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I rarely have leftovers of this milkshake because it’s so delicious, but if you do, pour it into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It’s best consumed within a day as the texture can change and separate slightly over time.

Freezing

If you want to make ahead and freeze, I recommend blending the ice cream and milk base first, then freezing it in individual portions. When ready to enjoy, pulse in candy canes and chocolate chips fresh before serving to keep that lovely crunch intact.

Reheating

This peppermint bark milkshake is definitely best served cold, so reheating isn’t usually needed. If it thickens too much in the fridge, just add a splash of milk and stir or briefly blend to get it back to shake-perfect texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use peppermint extract instead of candy canes?

Absolutely! Peppermint extract gives a strong minty flavor. Start with just a quarter teaspoon and adjust to taste, since it’s more concentrated than candy canes. Using extract means you won’t get that crunchy texture, so consider adding chopped peppermint bark or chocolate chips to maintain texture.

What’s the best milk to use for this milkshake?

Whole milk is my go-to for its creaminess, but feel free to use 2%, skim, or even plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Keep in mind plant-based milks may change the flavor or texture slightly, but it still tastes delicious.

Can I make this milkshake vegan?

Yes! Simply swap the vanilla ice cream for a dairy-free version (like coconut or almond-based), and use plant-based milk. Skip whipped cream or use a non-dairy whipped topping. Using vegan chocolate chips and crushed peppermint candy (check labels) keeps it fully vegan-friendly.

How do I prevent the candy canes from sinking to the bottom?

Pulsing the candy canes and chocolate chips briefly during blending ensures they are evenly dispersed without sinking. Also, using mini chocolate chips helps keep the mix-ins suspended better. Serving the shake immediately after blending keeps the texture perfect.

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe is a joyous little indulgence that’s become a favorite for me every holiday season — and honestly, anytime I want a cheerful dessert. It’s easy, adaptable, and full of those classic festive flavors that bring a smile. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own; it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again!