How to Make the Best Caramel Cashew Milkshake
If you are looking for the ultimate indulgence, this Caramel Cashew Milkshake is exactly what you need. Imagine rich vanilla ice cream swirled with silky, homemade caramel sauce and studded with crunchy, roasted salted cashews. It is a flavor combination that hits every note: sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy.
This recipe is inspired by the famous concrete style treats found at premium ice cream shops. It is thick enough that you might want a spoon, but smooth enough to be the perfect dessert drink. Whether you are using a standard blender or a high-powered Twister Jar, you can recreate this gourmet milkshake at home in less than 10 minutes.
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Why You Will Love This Caramel Cashew Shake
Most caramel milkshakes rely on store-bought syrups that can taste artificial. This recipe uses real soft caramel candies melted down with a hint of milk to create a genuine, buttery flavor. Combined with the savory bite of roasted cashews, it creates a sophisticated dessert that kids and adults alike will crave.
Ingredients You Will Need
One of the best things about this recipe is how few ingredients it requires. To make one large, decadent shake, you will need:
– 3 soft caramel candies (unwrapped, approximately 1 ounce)
– 1 tablespoon milk (whole milk works best for richness)
– 1 ½ cups vanilla ice cream (about 3 large scoops)
– 6 roasted salted cashews (plus extra for garnish if desired)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Setting Up the Caramel Base:
In a small, microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped soft caramels and the tablespoon of milk. Heat on high for about 15 seconds or until the milk begins to bubble. Remove carefully and stir until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. Let it cool to room temperature before adding it to the ice cream to prevent immediate melting.
Standard Blender Method:
Add the cooled caramel mixture and the vanilla ice cream to your blender jar. Blend on a medium setting until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the roasted cashews and use the pulse setting just a few times. You want the nuts to be distributed throughout the shake and broken into small pieces, but not pulverized into a powder.
Using a Twister Jar:
If you are using a Blendtec Twister Jar, add the caramel and ice cream first. Secure the Twister Lid and turn it counter-clockwise while blending on a medium speed until nearly smooth. Switch to the pulse setting, add the cashews, and pulse until they are perfectly incorporated into the thick mixture.
Tips for the Perfect Milkshake
Use High-Quality Ice Cream: Since vanilla is the base, the quality of your ice cream matters. Look for a French Vanilla or an Old-Fashioned Bean variety for the best flavor.
Don’t Over-blend: To keep that thick, ice-cream-parlor texture, blend only until the ingredients are just combined. Over-blending creates a thin, runny consistency.
Temperature Matters: Ensure your ice cream is very cold. If it has sat on the counter too long, your shake will melt quickly once blended.
Add a Garnish: For a professional look, top your glass with a dollop of whipped cream, an extra drizzle of caramel, and a few whole cashews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the vanilla ice cream for a coconut or almond-based vanilla frozen dessert, use oat milk for the caramel melt, and ensure your caramel candies are vegan-friendly.
How do I make my milkshake thicker?
If you prefer a concrete style shake that you must eat with a spoon, reduce the amount of milk and add an extra half scoop of ice cream. Avoid over-processing the mixture in the blender.
Can I use caramel sauce instead of candies?
While you can use a high-quality bottled caramel sauce, melting down soft caramels provides a much thicker, richer consistency that mimics professional frozen custard shops.
What other nuts can I use?
If you aren’t a fan of cashews, roasted pecans or honey-roasted peanuts make excellent substitutes that still pair beautifully with caramel.
Recipe source: Barbara Bakes. The preparation guide and recipe-card wording have been rewritten for SugerBakes.
Caramel Cashew Milkshake
Ingredients
- – 3 soft caramel candies unwrapped, approximately 1 ounce
- – 1 tablespoon milk whole milk works best for richness
- – 1 ½ cups vanilla ice cream about 3 large scoops
- – 6 roasted salted cashews plus extra for garnish if desired
Instructions
- Warm the caramel and milk in a microwave-safe bowl for about 15 seconds, then stir. Repeat briefly if necessary to dissolve the caramel.
- Let the caramel mixture cool before blending it with the ice cream.
- Add the cashews last and use a few short pulses so small pieces remain. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
