Butterfinger Milkshake Recipe
When it comes to indulgence, there’s something incredibly nostalgic and satisfying about a good milkshake—especially one that combines the creamy goodness of vanilla ice cream with the irresistible crunch of Butterfinger candy bars. This Butterfinger milkshake has become a household favorite, and once you try it, I think you’ll see why. It’s a blend of classic flavors, perfect for any occasion when you’re craving a cold, sweet treat with a fun, crunchy twist.
Now, I didn’t grow up with fancy milkshakes or gourmet treats in my home. But when we were lucky enough to head to the local diner, a Butterfinger milkshake was always my go-to. It was thick, creamy, and full of those delightful peanut-buttery chunks. Fast forward to today, and I find myself recreating that same magic in my own kitchen. It’s a little trip back in time, with each sip bringing a wave of childhood memories—summer days, sticky fingers, and all the sweetness that comes with it.
That childhood diner nostalgia, right at home 🏠
There’s something about the contrast between the rich, creamy vanilla ice cream and the crunchy, chocolate-coated, peanut-buttery Butterfinger bits that just makes this shake extra special. The candy brings that unmistakable texture and flavor, and let’s be real—it’s the kind of milkshake you don’t just sip; you savor. And let’s not forget the extra touch of whipped cream and Butterfinger crumbs on top, because why not go all in?
Whenever I whip this up, I’m reminded of those little diner booths, with their checkered floors and swivel stools. I can almost hear the hum of the milkshake machine in the background. But the beauty of this recipe is that it’s ridiculously simple to make at home, and with a few personal touches, you can tweak it to your liking.
My accidental Butterfinger milkshake discovery 🎉
I actually stumbled upon this recipe one afternoon when I was in the mood for something sweet but had run out of the usual milkshake mix-ins. All I had in the pantry were a couple of Butterfinger bars left over from Halloween, and I thought, “Why not?” I tossed them into the blender, and the result? Pure magic. The combination was better than I could’ve imagined—the crunch of the candy with the creamy ice cream was just the upgrade my milkshake game needed.
A quick look at Butterfinger’s candy bar history 📜
Butterfinger has a pretty cool history. The candy bar was first introduced way back in 1923, and its crunchy, peanut butter core coated in chocolate quickly became a favorite. Over the years, the recipe and branding have changed hands a few times, but the signature flavor? That’s always stayed the same. And while we usually think of Butterfinger bars as a classic movie snack or Halloween candy, they’re actually super versatile in desserts—case in point, this milkshake!
Let’s talk ingredients: Simple, but oh-so-delicious
- Vanilla ice cream: The base of this milkshake is vanilla ice cream, and while you can technically use any kind, a high-quality one really makes a difference. You want something rich and creamy, since it’ll complement the candy bar chunks perfectly. If you’re out of vanilla, you could try chocolate or peanut butter ice cream for a different twist—trust me, it’s all good!
- Whole milk: This helps thin out the ice cream just enough to blend everything together while keeping that thick, luxurious texture. If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, almond milk or oat milk are great substitutes, though they will slightly alter the taste.
- Butterfinger candy bars: The star of the show! You’ll want to break these into pieces before adding them to the blender, but don’t go overboard. It’s fun to leave some larger chunks to bite into. If you can’t find Butterfinger, Reese’s Pieces or Snickers bars could give you a similar vibe—but let’s be real, Butterfinger’s unique flavor is hard to beat.
- Whipped cream & candy crumbs (optional): Totally optional, but who could say no? A dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkling of Butterfinger crumbs take this milkshake from “delicious” to “decadent.” It’s like the cherry on top of a sundae, but crunchier!
Essential kitchen tools: Keeping it simple
Honestly, this recipe is so easy that you don’t need much in the way of equipment. All you really need is:
- A blender: Obviously, a blender is essential here to combine all your ingredients. If you have a high-powered one, you can easily crush the Butterfinger chunks without pulverizing them into dust (because you definitely want some texture left). No blender? You could try using a food processor, but the consistency might be a bit different.
- Measuring cups: You’ll need these to measure out your ice cream and milk, though I’ll be honest—I often eyeball it depending on how thick I want the shake.
- Serving glasses: Go for something tall and fun! Classic milkshake glasses are great, but any large glass will do.
Step-by-step: Blending up the perfect Butterfinger milkshake
- Start with the ice cream and milk: Add 4 cups of vanilla ice cream and 1 cup of whole milk into your blender. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy. (Pro tip: Let your ice cream sit out for a couple of minutes before scooping—it’ll make blending a breeze.)
- Add the Butterfinger pieces: Now, take your two full-size Butterfinger bars and break them into pieces. Toss them into the blender, but only pulse a few times. You don’t want to over-blend here, as keeping some chunks will give the milkshake that delightful crunch. (I’ve overdone it a few times, and while it’s still delicious, it loses that satisfying texture.)
- Pour into glasses: Once blended to your desired consistency, pour the milkshake into your prepared glasses. I like to chill the glasses in the freezer for a few minutes beforehand—it keeps everything colder longer!
- Top with whipped cream and Butterfinger crumbs (if you’re feeling fancy): This step is optional, but I highly recommend it for the full diner experience. A swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra Butterfinger crumbs are the perfect finishing touches.
Variations and adaptations: Mix it up!
I’ve played around with this recipe quite a bit over the years, and there are a few fun variations you can try:
- Peanut butter lover’s version: Add a spoonful of peanut butter into the blender along with the ice cream and milk for an extra layer of creamy, nutty goodness.
- Dairy-free: Swap the vanilla ice cream for a dairy-free alternative (like coconut milk-based ice cream) and use almond or oat milk in place of whole milk. The result is still creamy and delicious, though the Butterfinger chunks will give it a bit of a different vibe.
- Chocolate twist: Add some chocolate syrup or use chocolate ice cream instead of vanilla for a more decadent, chocolatey take on this shake.
- Healthier option: While I wouldn’t call this a “health food,” you could lighten it up a bit by using frozen yogurt instead of ice cream or trying a low-sugar alternative.
Serving ideas: Make it a party!
If you’re making these for a crowd, consider setting up a little milkshake bar where everyone can customize their toppings! You can offer different candies, sprinkles, and sauces to drizzle on top. Serve them in fun, retro-style glasses with colorful straws, and it’ll feel like a special treat every time.
Pair this milkshake with some soft chocolate chip cookies or even a classic burger and fries for that full diner experience. It’s the perfect end to a casual dinner or a fun, nostalgic afternoon snack.
Drink pairings? Sure, why not!
Okay, I know this is a drink itself, but if you’re looking to serve it alongside something else, iced coffee or cold brew complements the sweetness nicely. For an adult version, you can even blend in a splash of Bailey’s or Kahlua for a boozy dessert shake!
Storing and reheating: Wait… can you save a milkshake?
Milkshakes are best enjoyed fresh, but if you happen to have leftovers (a rare occurrence in my house!), you can pop it in the freezer for later. Just know that when you pull it out, it’ll need a few minutes to soften, and you might want to re-blend it to bring it back to that creamy consistency.
Scaling the recipe: For one or a crowd
This recipe makes enough for two generous servings or four smaller ones. If you’re making it for a crowd, it’s super easy to double or triple the ingredients—just make sure your blender is big enough. When scaling up, the blending time might take a little longer, but everything else stays the same.
Final thoughts: Time to treat yourself
This Butterfinger milkshake is one of those recipes that hits all the right notes. It’s easy, fun, and totally customizable depending on what you’re craving. Plus, it brings a little taste of nostalgia to the table with every sip. So, go ahead—treat yourself to a milkshake that’s more than just a drink; it’s a dessert, a snack, and a trip down memory lane all in one!
FAQs
- Can I use a different candy bar?
Absolutely! If you can’t find Butterfinger or just want to switch things up, try Reese’s, Snickers, or even Kit Kats. - What’s the best substitute for whole milk?
You can use any milk alternative, like almond or oat milk. Just keep in mind, the creaminess will vary depending on your choice. - How do I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free vanilla ice cream and swap the whole milk for a plant-based milk like almond or oat. - Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it and re-blend it when ready to enjoy! - What can I add for extra flavor?
Try adding a spoonful of peanut butter or a swirl of chocolate syrup for extra decadence!
Butterfinger Milkshake Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate Butterfinger milkshake! Creamy vanilla ice cream blended with chunks of Butterfinger, topped with whipped cream. Ready in minutes!
- Total Time: 7 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
Ingredients
- 4 cups quality vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 full size butterfinger candy bars, broken into little pieces
- whipped cream, optional
- butterfinger crumbs for topping, optional
Instructions
- Start with the ice cream and milk: Add 4 cups of vanilla ice cream and 1 cup of whole milk into your blender. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy. (Pro tip: Let your ice cream sit out for a couple of minutes before scooping—it’ll make blending a breeze.)
- Add the Butterfinger pieces: Now, take your two full-size Butterfinger bars and break them into pieces. Toss them into the blender, but only pulse a few times. You don’t want to over-blend here, as keeping some chunks will give the milkshake that delightful crunch. (I’ve overdone it a few times, and while it’s still delicious, it loses that satisfying texture.)
- Pour into glasses: Once blended to your desired consistency, pour the milkshake into your prepared glasses. I like to chill the glasses in the freezer for a few minutes beforehand—it keeps everything colder longer!
- Top with whipped cream and Butterfinger crumbs (if you’re feeling fancy): This step is optional, but I highly recommend it for the full diner experience. A swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra Butterfinger crumbs are the perfect finishing touches.
Notes
Serving ideas: Make it a party!
If you’re making these for a crowd, consider setting up a little milkshake bar where everyone can customize their toppings! You can offer different candies, sprinkles, and sauces to drizzle on top. Serve them in fun, retro-style glasses with colorful straws, and it’ll feel like a special treat every time.
Pair this milkshake with some soft chocolate chip cookies or even a classic burger and fries for that full diner experience. It’s the perfect end to a casual dinner or a fun, nostalgic afternoon snack.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Category: drinks