An indulgent, chilled treat perfect for warm days—this shake combines creamy vanilla ice cream, luscious caramel, and a satisfying crunch from cookies for a delightful dessert beverage.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Luscious caramel and vanilla ice cream form a creamy, decadent base.
Crushed cookies add a delightful texture contrast.
Easy to make in under 10 minutes—ideal for a quick summer indulgence.
Customizable: top with sea salt for a salted caramel twist or mix in your favorite cookie variety.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

vanilla ice cream
whole milk
thick caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
crushed shortbread or vanilla cookies
whipped cream (for topping)
sea salt (optional)
crushed cookies, for garnish

directions

Blend the shake: In a blender, combine vanilla ice cream, whole milk, ½ cup caramel sauce, ½ cup crushed cookies, and a pinch of sea salt if desired. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Prepare glasses: Drizzle some extra caramel sauce around the inside of two tall glasses.
Pour shake: Divide the blended shake evenly between the prepared glasses.
Add toppings: Top with whipped cream, drizzle with additional caramel sauce, and finish with a sprinkle of extra crushed cookies. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Yield: 2 shakes
Total time: Approx. 10 minutes
Prep time: ~5 minutes
Blend time: ~2 minutes

Variations

Salted caramel crush: Stir in an extra pinch of sea salt for a sweet‑and‑salty flavor.
Nutty crunch: Use crushed pecans, almonds, or peanuts in place of cookies.
Flavor twist: Swap caramel sauce for chocolate or strawberry sauce.
Alcohol option: Add a splash of caramel‑flavored liqueur or bourbon for an adult version.
Milkshake sundae: Add a scoop of ice cream on top of the whipped cream for extra indulgence.

storage/reheating

Storing: Best enjoyed immediately. If you have leftovers, store in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Re-serving: Let thaw slightly at room temperature, then stir to restore creamy texture.
Reheating: Not applicable—this is a cold shake.

FAQs

Can I use low‑fat or non‑dairy milk?

Yes. Swap whole milk with almond, oat, or reduced‑fat milk—texture may be slightly lighter.

Is it okay to use light caramel sauce?

Absolutely. Use your preferred caramel sauce; thicker sauces yield richer texture, lighter ones blend more easily.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Blend the base, pour into freezer‑proof cups, and freeze. Thaw slightly before serving and re‑blend briefly if needed.

What if I don’t have crushed cookies?

Replace with graham cracker crumbs, granola, or cookie crumbs for a crisp texture.

Can I add protein powder?

Yes. Add a scoop of vanilla or caramel protein powder and blend until smooth.

How do I prevent the shake from separating?

Serve immediately. If sitting, give it a quick stir—it may begin to separate.

Can I use caramel candies instead of sauce?

Yes. Melt caramel candies with a bit of milk to create a sauce substitute before blending.

Can I make it without a blender?

Mash softened ice cream, mix in milk, caramel, and crushed cookies by hand—stir well and serve, though texture may be less smooth.

How much sea salt should I use?

Just a small pinch per shake; adjust to taste for your preferred salted caramel intensity.

Can I garnish with larger cookie pieces?

Certainly. Top the shake with whole cookie pieces or cookie crumbs for extra crunch and visual appeal.

Conclusion

The Summer Caramel Crunch Shake is a quick, decadent way to beat the heat. The creamy vanilla and caramel base, crisp cookie texture, and playful toppings make it a crowd‑pleaser. Mix it up with your favorite variations to create a custom cold treat perfect for summer days. Enjoy every spoonful of sweetness!

Summer Caramel Crunch Shake

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Author: Douaa
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 2 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Beat the heat with this Summer Caramel Crunch Shake — a creamy, indulgent milkshake loaded with rich caramel, crunchy cookie bits, and velvety vanilla ice cream. Topped with whipped cream and a touch of sea salt, it’s the ultimate cool-down treat. Keyword: Summer Caramel Crunch Shake

Ingredients

3 cups vanilla ice cream
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup thick caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling)
1/2 cup crushed shortbread or vanilla cookies
Whipped cream (for topping)
A pinch of sea salt (optional, for a salted caramel twist)
Extra crushed cookies for garnish

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Instructions

Blend the Shake:
In a blender, combine vanilla ice cream, milk, caramel sauce, and crushed cookies. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Serve and Garnish:
Pour into two tall glasses. Top generously with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, a sprinkle of crushed cookies, and a pinch of sea salt if using.
Enjoy Immediately:
Serve with a straw and a spoon for those crunchy cookie bits!

Notes

For a thicker shake, use less milk or freeze the glasses ahead of time.
Swap shortbread cookies for graham crackers or chocolate chip cookies for a fun twist.
Add a shot of espresso for a caramel crunch frappe-style shake.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Blending
Cuisine: American