Chocolate Swirl Milkshakes (Gluten Free)

Today’s Chocolate Swirl Milkshakes are the perfect way to enjoy a hot summer day or evening – as an afternoon snack or dessert after dinner. This is a super-fast treat to pull together, you are going to love how quickly you can get them made!

I was running behind this week so I thought, what can I make in about 15 minutes, get photographed and turn it around when I have no time? Someone recently had suggested that on busy days she tends to lean toward beverage posts because they tend to be less complicated to assemble. Hmmmm, that’s an idea. With the hot weather lately, I’ve been craving ice cream and a milkshake sounded perfect.

Now, how can I turn a milkshake into something appropriate for Chocolate Monday? I’ve done chocolate milkshakes before and didn’t want to recreate those, but I haven’t done a swirl before. The perfect treat on hot summer days!

Today’s dessert is one where you don’t need an actual recipe to make it. Just a list of ingredients, and then blend until you get exactly what you like! You can change up the ice cream flavors, add a little booze for the adults, put a dollop of whipped cream on top, drop in a cherry or two, etc. Whatever suits your tastes and the occasion is just right.

For this milkshake I chose a rich French vanilla ice cream from Double Rainbow to go with the chocolate sauce and added some leftover caramel sauce I had – oh yeah! It certainly didn’t last too long, LOL.

I added some vanilla paste to boost the flavor and add little specks of vanilla that show in the milkshake. You can add mint or any other flavor you prefer if you want to.

It wasn’t until I was editing the photos of the glass that I noticed the abstract image that was created by the chocolate sauce. Do you see a hummingbird like I do?

By the way, if you don’t have a blender, don’t worry about it. You can turn this into a sundae instead and still have a cool and refreshing indulgence in no time. Or you have an excuse to buy a blender – both are great options.

It would be fun to set up a make-it-yourself milkshake bar for an upcoming party. Set out a variety of ice creams, sauces, toppings, and a variety of dishes. Let each person design their own creation and then have people vote on which is the most beautiful. How fun! 

If you want to take a look at some other options, here are a few fun milkshake recipes from my friends: 

• Cookies ‘n Cream Protein Milkshake from Amy’s Healthy Baking  
• Healthy Blackberry Shake from Shockingly Delicious 
• Toasted Marshmallow Milkshakes from Noble Pig 
• Boozy Salted Caramel Shake from Creative Culinary  

I hope you make these super easy and quick Chocolate Swirl Milkshakes and enjoy every single sip and bite!

Have a fabulous Chocolate Monday my friends!!

Did you enjoy this recipe? Let me know in the comments and leave a star rating, I love hearing from you!

 

Ingredients needed for Chocolate Swirl Milkshakes:

• Quality vanilla ice cream or gelato (or other flavor)
• Vanilla paste or extract
• Milk or half and half
• Caramel sauce, optional
• Sprinkles, whipped cream, or other decoration, optional

 

PRO Tip:

Use your favorite chocolate syrup for this recipe. I like Fran’s brand – just heat it a little and it pours beautifully. If you want to make your own, I highly recommend my friend Jenni’s The Best Hot Fudge Sauce, it is outstanding and absolutely lovely! Jenni is the owner of Pastry Chef Online and brings all her years of experience from working in restaurants and shares it with us. She is remarkable and her recipes are solid! Be sure to swing over and say Hi!

 

How to make Chocolate Swirl Milkshakes:

1. Scoop ice cream into your blender, add vanilla and milk or half and half. Put the top on the blender and puree the ice cream and milk. When smooth test with a spoon to see how thick it is. If too thin, add more ice cream; if too thick, add a little more milk.
2. Drizzle some chocolate syrup on the inside of a tall glass while turning it to create an interesting swirl pattern. Carefully pour the milkshake into the center of the glass, keeping the chocolate swirl in place. Repeat with remaining milkshake and chocolate syrup.
3. Sprinkle the top with some whipped cream, sprinkles, or other decorations if desired for a fun textural contrast.

 

PRO Tip:

If you want to make your own caramel sauce from scratch, you can follow my recipe here just leave out the bourbon if you don’t want it and replace it with more cream. It isn’t hard, but you do need a large saucepan (light interior if possible) and a candy thermometer or an instant read thermometer. Read the whole post through if you haven’t made caramel before and you’ll get hints for success. And if you have questions, send me an email and I’ll help you!

 

Recommended Tools (affiliate links; no extra cost to you):

• Blender
• Ice cream scoop
• Sundae glass / milkshake glass
• Long handled spoons

 

Gluten-Free Tips:

All recommended ingredients are gluten-free as of the writing of this article. Always check to be sure the products haven’t changed and are still safe to consume.

 

 

 

Create a New Tradition Today!

 

Welcome! The suggestions here are not intended as dietary advice or as a substitute for consulting a dietician, physician, or other medical professional. Please see the Disclaimers/Privacy Policy page for additional details. Unauthorized use, distribution, and/or duplication of proprietary material from The Heritage Cook without prior approval is prohibited. If you have any questions or would like permission, please contact me. We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small amount from qualifying purchases without any additional cost to you. This page may contain affiliate links. This post was first shared in Aug 2015. The article was updated in 2023.