I’m so excited to share with you this fan-freaking-tastic Boo-nilla Ghost Milkshakes Recipe that’s become an instant favorite in my household. It’s creamy, dreamy, and full of delicious vanilla bean flavor with a spooky twist that’s perfect for any season. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just treat yourself on a cozy night, you’ll find that this milkshake hits all the right notes and is surprisingly easy to whip up!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich Vanilla Flavor: Using real vanilla bean ice cream and extract makes every sip wonderfully creamy and flavorful.
Easy to Make: Just a few simple ingredients blended together – perfect for last-minute dessert cravings.
Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: The whipped cream topping adds lightness without being too sugary.
Family and Friend Approved: Every time I make this, my family goes crazy for it, and it’s a hit at parties.

The image shows three white jars filled with a creamy white milkshake. Each jar has a rim coated with dark sugar crystals, standing out against the smooth white milkshake inside. On top, there is a large swirl of whipped cream, soft and fluffy in texture. The front jar has a white straw with black polka dots placed at an angle, sticking out of the whipped cream. Each jar has two black oval shapes near the top and a larger black oval below, making a ghost face. The jars sit on a white marbled surface with a soft lace cloth nearby, and the background is dark, making the white jars bright and clean. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Boo-nilla Ghost Milkshakes Recipe lies in its simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one brings the perfect texture and flavor to make this milkshake both ghostly and delightful. When you shop, try to pick a high-quality vanilla bean ice cream and fresh whole milk for that creamy taste everyone loves.

Vanilla bean ice cream: Look for one with real vanilla beans for authentic flavor and tiny specks that make it extra special.
Whole milk: I find whole milk gives just the right creaminess without thinning out the shake too much.
Vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla extract to enhance that rich vanilla character.
Heavy whipping cream: Fresh, cold cream whips up beautifully, giving your shake a fluffy halo on top.
Powdered sugar: This dissolves effortlessly in the cream, making it smooth and sweet without grittiness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile the Boo-nilla Ghost Milkshakes Recipe can be. While I stick to the classic version most times, sometimes I like to switch it up based on what’s in season or who I’m making it for. Don’t hesitate to customize it to suit your own cravings!

Spooky Chocolate Twist: Add a handful of chocolate chips or a swirl of fudge sauce for a ghostly chocolate flavor combo that my kids adore.
Dairy-Free Version: Swap out the ice cream and milk for coconut or almond milk alternatives and use coconut cream for the topping – it’s super creamy and still delicious.
Fruity Variation: Blend in some frozen bananas or berries to create a fruity ghost milkshake that brings a fresh brightness to the vanilla base.
Extra Boo-tiful Presentation: Use black or orange sprinkles around the rim of the glass for a fun Halloween party touch.

How to Make Boo-nilla Ghost Milkshakes Recipe

Step 1: Blend Your Base to Perfection

Start by combining your vanilla bean ice cream, whole milk, and vanilla extract in a blender. I usually go with about 1 ½ cups of milk to keep the shake thick but scoopable – but feel free to add a little more if you want it thinner. Blend everything until it’s smooth, creamy, and heavenly. This step is where you’ll get the perfect creamy texture, so don’t rush the blending; give it a good 30 seconds or so to get everything well mixed.

Step 2: Whip Up the Ghostly Topping

While the blender does its magic, grab a medium-sized bowl and beat your heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This whipped topping is what makes the milkshake feel decadent and festive – like a cloud of sweetness on top of your drink. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer helps speed things up, but be careful not to overbeat or you’ll end up with butter!

Step 3: Serve With a Swirl

Pour or spoon your milkshake into chilled glasses. I love to use a large Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off to pipe the whipped cream topping in a whimsical swirl—this little trick makes the milkshake look super fun and professional, even if you’re just making it for yourself. Serve immediately to enjoy that luscious texture and icy coolness at their best.

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Pro Tips for Making Boo-nilla Ghost Milkshakes Recipe

Chill Your Glasses: I always put my glasses in the freezer beforehand—it keeps the milkshakes colder longer and adds that extra wow factor.
Balance Milk Amount: Start with less milk when blending and add more gradually to avoid over-thinning the shake.
Whip Cream by Sight: Watch closely when whipping the cream—stiff peaks mean it holds its shape but isn’t dry or clumpy.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Vanilla’s flavor is the star here, so fresh ice cream and extract make a huge difference in taste.

How to Serve Boo-nilla Ghost Milkshakes Recipe

The image shows three clear glass jars filled with a thick, creamy white drink that looks like a milkshake. Each jar has black almond-shaped eyes and an open mouth made from a dark material, giving them ghost faces. The jars are topped with a swirl of white whipped cream, and the rims are coated with black sugar crystals. Each jar has a white straw with black polka dots standing inside. The jars are placed on a soft white cloth and a round metal stand, all set on a white marbled surface with a dark background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping my Boo-nilla Ghost Milkshakes with a few mini marshmallows shaped like ghosts or a light dusting of cinnamon for a warming hint. Sometimes, I add edible glitter or candy eyes to amp up the spooky vibe when making this for Halloween – it always gets a delighted reaction!

Side Dishes

This milkshake pairs amazingly well with simple cookies like snickerdoodles or classic sugar cookies. If you want to stick with the ghostly theme, try serving with ghost-shaped meringues or a small slice of vanilla pound cake.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve had fun serving these milkshakes in vintage glass milk bottles with striped straws and adding dry ice for a smoky, ghostly effect. It’s simple but adds unforgettable drama that guests always remember.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any left over (which almost never happens!), store your milkshake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but note it won’t be as thick and creamy as freshly made. Give it a good stir before drinking!

Freezing

I haven’t had much success freezing the entire milkshake because ice crystals form and the texture changes. However, you can freeze leftover whipped cream in small dollops on parchment paper and thaw them when needed – they hold up surprisingly well.

Reheating

Since this is meant to be enjoyed cold, reheating isn’t recommended. But if your milkshake gets too thick after chilling, a quick whisk or a splash of milk and a gentle blend will bring it back to drinking consistency.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk for Boo-nilla Ghost Milkshakes Recipe?

You can, but whole milk gives the milkshake a richer and creamier texture that low-fat milk might not deliver. If you want a lighter version, try mixing low-fat milk with a bit more ice cream to keep it creamy.
Is the whipped cream topping necessary for the Boo-nilla Ghost Milkshakes Recipe?

The whipped cream adds a lovely lightness and sweet finish that elevates the milkshake. You can skip it, but I personally find it makes the experience more fun and indulgent.
How can I make this recipe vegan-friendly?

Substitute dairy ice cream with a plant-based vanilla ice cream and swap the whole milk for almond, soy, or oat milk. Use coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream for the topping, and you’re good to go!
Can I prepare this milkshake ahead of time?

This milkshake is best enjoyed fresh to keep its creamy texture and fluffy topping. However, you can prepare the milkshake base ahead and refrigerate it for up to a day, then re-blend before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Boo-nilla Ghost Milkshakes Recipe quickly became my go-to when I want a treat that feels special but is effortless to make. I love how it brings a little whimsy into something as simple as a milkshake, and the rich vanilla flavors always make it feel like a little celebration in a glass. You’ll enjoy sharing this one with family or friends, or just savoring it all for yourself on a cozy night. Give it a try—you’ll see why it’s been such a hit around here!

Boo-nilla Ghost Milkshakes Recipe

4.9 from 63 reviews

Author: Megane
Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 8 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Beverage
Method: Blending
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy and festive Boo-nilla Ghost Milkshake that’s perfect for Halloween or any fun occasion. This easy-to-make vanilla bean ice cream milkshake is topped with homemade whipped cream swirls for a spooky, delicious treat.

Ingredients

Milkshake

4 cups vanilla bean ice cream
1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cups whole milk
2 tsp vanilla extract

Topping

1 cup heavy whipping cream
3 tbsp powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Blend Milkshake: In a blender, combine the vanilla bean ice cream, whole milk, and vanilla extract. Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy, adjusting milk quantity if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Make Whipped Cream: In a medium mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract using a hand mixer or stand mixer until stiff peaks form. This creates a light and fluffy topping.
Assemble and Serve: Divide the milkshake evenly between four glasses. Scoop the whipped cream into a large Ziploc bag, cut one corner, and pipe a swirl of whipped cream on top of each milkshake to create a ghostly effect. Serve immediately for best texture and presentation.

Notes

Use full-fat ice cream and whole milk for the creamiest texture and richest flavor.
Adjust the milk amount to make the milkshake thicker or thinner as desired.
For extra Halloween fun, add chocolate chips or candy eyes on the whipped cream swirls.
This recipe serves 4 and can be doubled for larger groups.
Serve immediately to enjoy the milkshakes at their best consistency.