Who doesn’t love a milkshake that brings the best of both worlds together—rich, creamy vanilla ice cream and the crunchy, peanut-buttery goodness of Butterfinger candy bars? There’s just something about this Butterfinger milkshake that feels indulgent yet comforting, like the ultimate treat after a long day. Plus, it takes only a few ingredients and minutes to whip up, making it perfect for satisfying those dessert cravings in a pinch.

I have a soft spot for Butterfinger bars, so naturally, turning them into a milkshake seemed like the ultimate form of dessert perfection. I remember the first time I tried it—picture me at my kitchen counter with a towering glass of this creamy concoction, trying to savor each sip, but finding it nearly impossible to go slow. The smooth ice cream mixed with the occasional crunch of Butterfinger was just chef’s kiss. And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make, which means you can whip it up whenever that sweet tooth strikes (or when you want to impress your friends with minimal effort).

Let me take you through the step-by-step process of making this Butterfinger milkshake—and don’t worry, I’ve got some fun twists and serving suggestions to keep things interesting!

What makes this Butterfinger milkshake special? 🍦

This milkshake isn’t your average chocolate or vanilla combo—it’s a delightful mix of creamy and crunchy, with sweet and slightly salty flavors dancing together. The chunks of Butterfinger candy add a satisfying texture that keeps things exciting with every sip (or spoonful, depending on how thick you make it). Plus, the nostalgia of Butterfinger takes us right back to childhood, making this an ideal dessert for the kid in all of us.

My first time making this milkshake (spoiler: I didn’t wait for dessert time)

The first time I made this Butterfinger milkshake, I was having one of those days—you know, when only something decadent and sweet will do. I remember rummaging through my pantry for inspiration and finding a couple of Butterfinger bars left over from a Halloween stash (no shame in hoarding candy!). I figured why not throw them into a milkshake? Well, one sip later, and I was a full-blown fan. The ice cream was so rich and creamy, and the Butterfinger pieces added the perfect crunch. Let’s just say, I didn’t wait until after dinner to call it dessert. And from that day on, it became my go-to indulgence when I needed a quick pick-me-up!

Where did the Butterfinger come from? (A little trivia!)

Did you know Butterfinger has been around since the 1920s? It was one of the first candy bars to combine peanut butter and chocolate—a duo we all know and love today. Over the years, Butterfinger has had its fair share of iconic moments (Bart Simpson was their spokesperson for a reason!). The unique crunchy, flaky texture makes it stand out from the rest, and it’s become a favorite mix-in for ice cream treats, like this milkshake.

Let’s talk ingredients: keeping it simple and sweet

To make this Butterfinger milkshake, you only need a handful of ingredients:

Vanilla ice cream: This is the base of the milkshake, so it’s important to go with a quality brand. The creamier, the better! If you’re out of vanilla ice cream, you can also use a peanut butter or chocolate ice cream for a fun twist. And if you’re watching your sugar, there are some great low-sugar or dairy-free ice cream options that will still give you a satisfying shake.
Whole milk: The milk helps get the shake to the perfect consistency. If you want a thicker milkshake, use less milk; for a thinner, more sippable texture, add a bit more. And, if you’re dairy-free, feel free to swap in almond or oat milk.
Butterfinger candy bars: The star of the show! These candy bars are crumbled and mixed in, giving you delightful bursts of crunch and flavor throughout the shake. If you’re feeling creative and don’t have Butterfinger on hand, try swapping in Reese’s Pieces or even crushed peanut brittle for a similar vibe.
Whipped cream (optional): Topping your milkshake with a swirl of whipped cream is optional but highly encouraged! It adds that classic milkshake vibe and makes for a perfect contrast with the crunchy Butterfinger crumbs.
Butterfinger crumbs for topping (optional): Just when you think you have enough Butterfinger, sprinkle some more crumbs on top for that extra crunch factor. Trust me, it’s worth it!

Kitchen gear: what you need (and what you can skip)

Honestly, the only major player here is your blender. A high-speed blender is ideal to get that ultra-creamy texture, but even a standard blender will do the job just fine. Just make sure it’s strong enough to handle blending up those Butterfinger pieces without turning them into complete dust. You still want a little bit of crunch!

If you don’t have a blender, an immersion blender can work in a pinch (though I’d recommend chopping up the Butterfinger more finely if that’s the case). And of course, grab some tall glasses and fun straws for serving—because presentation is half the fun!

Step-by-step: blending up the perfect Butterfinger milkshake

Now for the fun part! Let’s make this shake.

Get your ice cream and milk ready. Start by scooping 4 cups of quality vanilla ice cream into your blender. I like to let the ice cream sit out for a couple of minutes so it’s easier to blend, but don’t let it get too soft or you’ll lose that thick, creamy texture. Add in 1 cup of whole milk—remember, you can always add more later if you want a thinner shake.
Blend until creamy. Blend the ice cream and milk on high speed until smooth and creamy. This should take about 20-30 seconds. If it seems too thick, go ahead and add a splash more milk. I always err on the side of thicker because you can always thin it out, but thickening it up once it’s over-blended is a bit trickier.
Add the Butterfinger pieces. Now for the fun part! Break up two full-size Butterfinger bars into chunks and add them to the blender. Pulse the blender just a few times—you want the candy to break down and distribute throughout the shake, but you don’t want it to dissolve completely. Little bits of Butterfinger here and there are what make this shake so special!
Pour and garnish. Pour your milkshake into a glass (or two, if you’re willing to share), and if you’re feeling fancy, top it with a swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of Butterfinger crumbs. Serve immediately and enjoy every last creamy, crunchy sip!

Variations to try (because why not experiment?)

I’ve played around with this milkshake recipe quite a bit, and here are some fun variations:

Vegan option: Use dairy-free vanilla ice cream and almond milk to make this milkshake entirely plant-based. You can also swap the Butterfinger bars for a vegan candy like dark chocolate or peanut butter cups.
Gluten-free: Good news! Butterfinger bars are already gluten-free, so if you’re using gluten-free ice cream, you’re all set.
Chocolate overload: Swap out vanilla ice cream for chocolate, and drizzle a little chocolate syrup into the blender for an ultra-chocolaty version of this milkshake.
Peanut butter lover’s dream: Add a scoop of peanut butter to the blender to double up on that nutty goodness. This makes for a thicker, richer shake that peanut butter fans will go crazy for.
Seasonal twist: Around fall, I’ve tried adding a bit of pumpkin spice into the vanilla ice cream base—it adds a cozy, autumnal vibe to the shake. Sounds weird, but it works!

Serving suggestions: making your milkshake stand out

Presentation is key, right? Serve this Butterfinger milkshake in a tall glass, and if you’re hosting, garnish the rim with some melted chocolate and a sprinkling of Butterfinger crumbs. You could also serve these in mini mason jars for a cute individual serving option. Pair the milkshake with a salty snack like popcorn or pretzels for that perfect sweet-and-salty contrast.

Drink pairings (or maybe just more milkshake!)

Honestly, this milkshake is indulgent enough to stand on its own, but if you’re feeling extra fancy, a hot cup of espresso on the side makes for an excellent pairing. The bitterness of the coffee balances out the sweetness of the shake perfectly. If you’re looking to turn this into a boozy treat, a splash of Baileys or peanut butter whiskey takes it to a whole new level.

Storage and reheating (though let’s be real, you’ll finish it in one go!)

Milkshakes are best enjoyed fresh, but if you somehow end up with leftovers (rare, I know), you can store the milkshake in the freezer for up to a couple of hours. Just know that it might lose a bit of its creamy texture. If it gets too firm, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before trying to drink it. I wouldn’t recommend reheating it (for obvious reasons), but if you do need to thin it out, a splash of milk should do the trick.

Scaling up or down

This recipe makes two generous servings, but you can easily scale it up for a crowd or down if you’re just making one for yourself. When scaling up, just be mindful not to overcrowd your blender—work in batches if necessary. I’ve found that doubling the recipe works perfectly for a blender, but beyond that, you might run into some blending issues (especially with all those Butterfinger chunks!).

Potential hiccups and how to avoid them

Too thick? If your milkshake ends up being too thick to sip, add a little more milk and blend again until it reaches the right consistency.
Too thin? If your shake is too runny, you might have added too much milk. Next time, start with less milk and gradually add more. You can also add more ice cream to thicken it up, but remember, blending too long will start to melt the shake.
Butterfinger chunks too small? Be careful not to over-blend the candy pieces. You want to pulse just enough to distribute them but still leave some texture. If you go too far, you’ll miss out on that satisfying crunch!

Give it a try—you won’t regret it!

Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic treat or just something a little more special than your average vanilla shake, this Butterfinger milkshake hits the spot every time. Customize it, make it your own, and most importantly—enjoy every last sip!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different candy bar?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the Butterfinger for another candy bar of your choice. Reese’s, Snickers, or even Twix would be delicious.

2. What’s the best way to crush the Butterfinger bars?
I like to break them up by hand or give them a quick bash with a rolling pin while they’re still in the wrapper. You want pieces, not powder!

3. Can I make this milkshake ahead of time?
I’d recommend making it fresh for the best texture, but if needed, you can make it an hour or two in advance and keep it in the freezer.

4. Is there a dairy-free version of Butterfinger?
Currently, Butterfinger bars contain dairy, but you can use any other vegan-friendly candy along with dairy-free ice cream and milk.

5. Can I make this shake without a blender?
Technically, yes! You could use an immersion blender or even mix it by hand (with some elbow grease), but a standard blender works best.