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.
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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.
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.
- 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.
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
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:
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.
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.
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.
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!
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Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 large milkshakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Description
A festive and creamy peppermint bark milkshake made with vanilla ice cream, crushed candy canes, and mini chocolate chips, topped with whipped cream and holiday garnishes. Perfect for a holiday treat or dessert.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pint vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup milk
- 2 candy canes, crushed
- ¼ cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
Garnishes
- Whipped cream
- Candy canes
- Chocolate sprinkles
Instructions
- Blend Ice Cream and Milk: Add the vanilla ice cream and milk to a blender and blend until smooth, about 30 seconds. For a thinner consistency, add an additional ½ cup of milk and blend again.
- Add Candy Canes and Chocolate Chips: Add the crushed candy canes and mini semisweet chocolate chips to the blender. Pulse the blender for 10-15 seconds until the candy canes are evenly distributed and slightly broken up.
- Serve and Garnish: Pour the milkshake into desired glasses. Top each glass with whipped cream, additional candy canes, and chocolate sprinkles for a festive finish.
Notes
- Use good-quality vanilla ice cream for a richer flavor.
- Adjust the amount of milk to achieve your preferred milkshake thickness.
- For a stronger peppermint flavor, add a few drops of peppermint extract.
- Crush candy canes finely if you prefer less crunch in the milkshake.
- Use dairy-free ice cream and milk alternatives to make it vegan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 milkshake
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 40 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg

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