It’s summer, so we combined two favorite desserts into one sip-worthy treat. These cheesecake milkshakes capture the creamy, tangy flavor of cheesecake in a drinkable form. The recipe is quick and easy—made in minutes in a standard blender—so you can enjoy this dessert anytime the craving hits.
We’re partial to cheesecakes here and often make small, no-bake or mini versions for two. Turning all the classic cheesecake flavors into a milkshake is especially satisfying in hot weather: it’s rich, cold, and easy to customize.
Ingredients for Cheesecake Milkshakes
- Vanilla bean ice cream – Any vanilla ice cream works, though vanilla bean varieties tend to lean closest to a cheesecake flavor.
- Milk – Use whatever milk you prefer (skim to whole). You only need a small amount to help the ice cream and cream cheese blend smoothly.
- Cream cheese – No need to soften it first since it will be blended.
- Powdered sugar – One tablespoon adds a touch of extra sweetness; see substitutions for flavor variations.
- Lemon juice – Fresh lemon juice provides the bright, tart note associated with cheesecake.
- Vanilla extract – A little extra vanilla enhances the dessert-like quality.
- Graham crackers – Break two sheets into pieces and add them to the blender near the end. Alternatively, use 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs. Reserve some crumbs or pieces for garnish.
- For serving – Whipped cream, cherries, and extra graham cracker crumbs make classic toppings.
How to Make Cheesecake Milkshakes
Place the ice cream, milk, cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla in the bottom of a blender. Pulse to combine, stopping just before the mixture is completely smooth so the shake retains a thick, creamy texture.
Add the broken graham cracker pieces and pulse a few more times until the pieces are small enough to pass through a straw. Divide the milkshake between two glasses and serve immediately with whipped cream, a cherry, and extra graham cracker crumbs if desired.
Substitutions and Flavor Variations
This no-bake style recipe is forgiving and easy to adapt for diets and flavor preferences.
- Ice cream – Use any ice cream you like, including egg-free, vegan, or non-dairy options.
- Cream cheese – A dairy-free cream cheese substitute works well if you need a vegan version.
- Graham crackers – Gluten-free graham crackers or crumbs can replace traditional crackers. If you only have crumbs, use 1/4 cup.
- Flavor twists – For a fruit-flavored cheesecake milkshake, replace the powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of jam (strawberry for strawberry cheesecake, blueberry for blueberry cheesecake) and add 1 cup (about 8 ounces) of frozen fruit. This will produce a thicker, icier texture and a pretty color.
Equipment
Any blender with a sturdy motor and a wide base will work. Powerful blenders make the process faster and help avoid over-blending, which can warm and thin the shake. For a single serving, a personal blender is convenient and efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make a strawberry cheesecake milkshake?
Swap the powdered sugar for 2 tablespoons of strawberry jam and add 1 cup (8 ounces) of frozen strawberries. Pulse until combined for a pink, fruit-forward shake. Garnish with a fresh strawberry if you like.
What cheese is used in cheesecake?
Traditional cheesecake uses cream cheese as the primary cheese. In this milkshake recipe we use a small amount of cream cheese combined with ice cream to recreate the familiar cheesecake flavor without baking.
Yield and Nutrition Notes
This recipe makes two milkshakes. Approximate nutrition per serving (varies by ingredients used): about 800 calories, 47 g fat, 82 g carbohydrates, and 16 g protein. These values are estimates and will change with different ice cream, milk, or substitutions.
Simple Recipe Summary
Prep time: 10 minutes. Total time: 10 minutes. Serves: 2.
Ingredients (serves 2)
- 6 scoops vanilla bean ice cream (about 1 1/4 pints)
- 3/4 cup milk
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 graham cracker sheets, broken into pieces (or 1/4 cup crumbs)
- For serving: whipped cream, extra crumbs, cherries
Instructions
- Add milk, cream cheese, ice cream, powdered sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice to a blender. Pulse until combined but not perfectly smooth.
- Add graham cracker pieces and pulse until small enough to drink through a straw.
- Divide into two glasses and garnish with whipped cream, graham cracker crumbs, and a cherry.