Almond Milk Milkshake

By Arman Liewupdated on Feb 28, 2026

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Total Time 2

Servings 2 servings

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My almond milk milkshake recipe is thick and creamy, and needs just 3 simple, dairy-free ingredients.

My favorite dairy-free milkshake recipe

If you’re looking for a thick, creamy milkshake without dairy, this almond milk milkshake delivers exactly that. It’s thick, spoonable, and made with just a handful of simple ingredients. I like to think of it as a dairy-free version of a McDonald’s vanilla shake.

I recently retested this recipe, as since sharing it in 2021, there’s been a plethora of new almond milk varieties available, including chilled and barista-style options. I found that using dairy-free ice cream instead of ice cream is key to getting that classic milkshake texture without turning it into a thin, icy mess. I did think barista almond milk was a tad creamier, but regular almond milk works just as well.

If you’re dairy-free, vegan, or simply want a lighter alternative that still satisfies the sweet tooth, this is the recipe to make.

Key Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need, along with some kitchen notes. Full measurements are in the recipe card below.

Almond milk. Either unsweetened almond milk or unsweetened vanilla almond milk. I did enjoy unsweetened Barista milk, but it is a little more expensive, and the difference is negligible.
Maple syrup. Adds extra sweetness. Agave nectar or coconut sugar can also be used. I don’t recommend honey as it can be quite overpowering.
Dairy-free ice cream. I like Breyer’s Non-Dairy Vanilla or So Delicious Dairy Free. If you have a preferred brand, you can use that. I typically use my homemade almond milk ice cream or oat milk ice cream.
Ice. Optional, but a couple of ice cubes will thicken the milkshake without making it thin or watery.

How do you make an almond milk shake?

Start by adding all the ingredients, except for the ice, into a blender. Blend until just combined. If you prefer a thicker milkshake, add 1/4 cup of ice cubes and blend once more. Pour the milkshake into two glasses, top with dairy-free whipped cream, and serve immediately.

almond milkshake in a glass with whipped cream and sprinkles.

Flavor Variations

While this vanilla milkshake tastes delicious on its own, here are some flavor options to try!

Banana. Omit the ice and add 1 chopped frozen banana (4 ounces/100g) instead. It makes the shake naturally thicker and creamier with a mild banana flavor. Since bananas add actual sweetness, you can omit the maple syrup.

Chocolate. Add 3 tablespoons (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder and use unsweetened chocolate milk for a deeper flavor.

Cacao. Add 2 tablespoons (20g) of raw cacao powder for a richer, slightly more bitter chocolate flavor. You may want to add an extra teaspoon of maple syrup.

Strawberry. Replace the ice with 1/2 cup frozen strawberries (75g) and use strawberry almond milk (if available). This keeps the shake thick by adding berry flavor. If you use fresh berries, keep the ice cubes.

Oreo. Add 2-3 dairy-free chocolate sandwich cookies (Oreo dupes) and blend briefly so small cookie pieces remain throughout.

creamy almond milkshake recipe in glasses.

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