Ingredients
Scale
For the Milkshake Base:
- 4 large scoops vanilla ice cream (about 2 cups)
- ½ cup pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons graham cracker crumbs
- Pinch of salt
For Topping & Garnish:
- Generous swirl of whipped cream
- Additional graham cracker crumbs for sprinkling
- Ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for dusting
- Caramel sauce drizzle (optional)
- Cinnamon stick for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Chill your glasses (optional): For the frostiest presentation, place your serving glasses in the freezer for 15-20 minutes while you prepare the milkshake.
- Add base ingredients to blender: Place the vanilla ice cream, pumpkin puree, milk, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, vanilla extract, graham cracker crumbs, and pinch of salt into your blender jar.
- Blend until smooth: Blend on high speed for 30-45 seconds until completely smooth and creamy. The mixture should be thick but pourable, with a beautiful pale orange color. Stop and scrape down the sides if needed.
- Taste and adjust: Give the milkshake a quick taste. Add more maple syrup for sweetness, more spice for warmth, or more pumpkin for intensity. Everyone’s perfect pumpkin balance is different!
- Check consistency: The shake 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.
- Pour into glasses: Divide the milkshake evenly between your prepared glasses. Pour slowly to appreciate that gorgeous pumpkin color.
- Add whipped cream: Top each milkshake with a generous, towering swirl of whipped cream—just like you’d top a slice of pumpkin pie.
- Garnish beautifully: Sprinkle additional graham cracker crumbs over the whipped cream. Dust with cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice using a fine strainer for even distribution. Drizzle with caramel sauce if desired. Add a cinnamon stick for stirring and extra fall vibes.
- Serve immediately: Insert a wide straw and serve right away while perfectly thick and cold. Best enjoyed on a crisp fall day!
Notes
- Use pure pumpkin puree, NOT pumpkin pie filling. Pie filling contains added sugars and spices that will make the shake too sweet and throw off the flavor balance.
- The graham cracker crumbs make a noticeable difference—they add that authentic “pie” element that elevates this from pumpkin shake to pumpkin PIE shake.
- For extra-thick consistency, use frozen pumpkin puree cubes (freeze puree in ice cube trays ahead of time).
- Adjust spices to your preference—some like it heavily spiced, others prefer a subtler approach.
- For a boozy version, add 1-2 oz of spiced rum, bourbon, or vanilla vodka.
- Make it dairy-free using coconut milk ice cream and your preferred plant-based milk.
- 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: 465
- Sugar: 54g
- Sodium: 195mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 62mg