Salted Caramel Banana Milkshake
Ingredients
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2 medium ripe bananas (frozen slices work best for extra thickness)
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2 cups cold whole milk or dairy-free alternative
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2 scoops vanilla ice cream
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3 tablespoons caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
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1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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A pinch of sea salt
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Whipped cream (for topping)
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Chopped walnuts or pecan bits (for garnish)
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Fresh banana slices (for garnish)
Instructions
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Prep the Glass: Take a tall serving glass and drizzle 1 tablespoon of caramel sauce along the inner walls to create a decorative swirl effect. Place the glass in the freezer for 5 minutes while preparing the drink.
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Blend Ingredients: In a high-speed blender, combine the bananas, milk, vanilla ice cream, remaining 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce, vanilla extract, and sea salt.
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Blend to Perfection: Blend on high speed for 45 to 60 seconds until the mixture is rich, smooth, and completely creamy without any banana chunks left behind.
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Assemble: Remove your chilled glass from the freezer and carefully pour the blended milkshake inside, leaving about an inch at the top for toppings.
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Garnish & Serve: Generously pipe whipped cream over the top. Drizzle extra caramel sauce, scatter chopped walnuts, and place fresh banana slices on the side. Add a straw and serve immediately while cold.
Pro Tips for the Best Texture
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Use Frozen Bananas: Slicing bananas and freezing them for at least two hours before blending gives the milkshake a thick, frosty, ice-cream-like consistency without watering it down with plain ice cubes.
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Balance the Sweetness: Adding a small pinch of sea salt cuts through the heavy sweetness of the caramel sauce and highlights the natural banana flavor.
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Dairy Alternatives: You can easily swap whole milk and ice cream for oat milk and coconut-based vanilla ice cream for a rich vegan version.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this milkshake in advance?
A: Milkshakes are best enjoyed fresh. However, if you need to store it, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours. Give it a quick blend or vigorous shake before serving, as separation naturally occurs over time.
Q: How can I make this milkshake thicker without adding more ice cream?
A: Add half an avocado or an extra half of a frozen banana. You can also add 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt or a tablespoon of chia seeds to thicken the texture naturally.
Q: What can I use if I don’t have caramel sauce?
A: You can substitute caramel with dulce de leche, maple syrup, or a tablespoon of smooth peanut butter for a delicious flavor variation.