Ingredients
Scale
For the Milkshake Base:
- 4 large scoops vanilla ice cream (about 2 cups)
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 3 tablespoons yellow or white cake mix (dry, straight from the box)
- 2 tablespoons rainbow sprinkles, plus more for topping
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon vanilla frosting (optional, for extra richness)
For Topping & Garnish:
- Generous swirl of whipped cream
- Additional rainbow sprinkles for topping
- Maraschino cherry (optional)
- Additional sprinkles for rim decoration (optional)
For Sprinkle Rim (Optional):
- 2 tablespoons vanilla frosting or corn syrup
- ¼ cup rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare sprinkle rim (optional): If decorating your glasses, spread a thin layer of vanilla frosting or corn syrup around the outer rim of each glass. Pour sprinkles onto a small plate and roll the rim through the sprinkles, pressing gently to adhere. Set glasses aside.
- Add base ingredients to blender: Place the vanilla ice cream, milk, dry cake mix, rainbow sprinkles, and vanilla extract into your blender. Add the tablespoon of frosting if using for extra richness.
- Blend until smooth: Blend on high speed for 20-30 seconds until completely smooth and creamy. The mixture should be thick but pourable. Scrape down the sides if needed and blend again briefly.
- Check consistency: The milkshake should be thick enough to hold a spoon upright but still flow when poured. Add a splash more milk if too thick, or another small scoop of ice cream if too thin.
- Taste and adjust: Give it a quick taste. Add more cake mix for stronger birthday cake flavor, or a touch more vanilla if needed.
- Pour into prepared glasses: Divide the milkshake evenly between your prepared glasses, pouring carefully to avoid disturbing any sprinkle rim decoration.
- Add toppings: Top each milkshake with a generous swirl of whipped cream, building it up tall for maximum visual impact. Shower generously with additional rainbow sprinkles.
- Final touches: Add a maraschino cherry on top if desired. Insert a wide straw and serve immediately.
- Enjoy right away: Milkshakes are best consumed immediately while thick, cold, and perfectly blended. Serve with extra napkins—things might get colorfully messy!
Notes
- The dry cake mix is the secret to authentic birthday cake flavor—don’t skip it! It dissolves completely when blended.
- For a thicker shake, use ice cream straight from the freezer. For easier blending, let it soften for 2-3 minutes.
- Funfetti or confetti cake mix can be substituted for regular cake mix—it contains extra sprinkles!
- For an extra-authentic flavor, add 1/8 teaspoon of butter extract along with the vanilla.
- Make it boozy for adults by adding 1-2 oz of cake-flavored vodka or vanilla vodka.
- Gluten-free? Use a gluten-free cake mix—several brands work great in this application.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Beverage
- Method: Blender
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16 fl oz (1 large milkshake)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 64g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 82g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 65mg