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This apple milkshake is pure fall in a glass. Creamy vanilla ice cream, sweet caramel, and apple cider blend together with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for a treat that tastes like your favorite apple pie. Smooth, rich, and totally indulgent, it’s the kind of caramel apple milkshake you’ll want to make all season long.
about this apple milkshake
One of the things I miss most about the midwest is how prevalent apple-picking farms are there. Here in Colorado, there’s only a couple and their spots book up so quickly. Maybe it’s the haze of nostalgia or not knowing how much planning actually went into it, but I recall days spent picking apples as a young kid so fondly.
The wagon to haul apples, the apple picker stick, and my little beagle tagging along for fun. I always loved the apple treats the most – of course. Apple cider, apple cider doughnuts, and even apple cider milkshakes.
This apple shake is an homage to the fall season and those sacred childhood memories for me. Creamy vanilla ice cream blends with crisp apple cider and rich caramel syrup to create a drink that tastes like dessert and cozy autumn afternoon vibes all at once. Each sip gives off that unmistakable fall aroma that I can never get enough of.
Milkshakes are not an every night occasion in our home, but they are something that I love to whip up weekly for our ice cream-obsessed child. Thankfully the recipe itself is easy enough to make it happen!
Whether you’re celebrating the first crisp days of fall, indulging after dinner, or simply craving a little sweet nostalgia to share with the kids, this caramel apple milkshake is your go-to fall pick-me-up. It’s seasonal, comforting, and delivers that cozy, dessert-like feeling without the hassle of baking.
We’ve included both step by step pictures and video for extra detail on how to make this drink!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this creamy shake for its cozy, creamy, spiced flavor and because it’s:
- Quick and easy: no baking, no stove, just blend and serve.
- Fall flavors in every sip: apple cider, caramel, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Customizable toppings: whipped cream, extra caramel drizzle, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Family-friendly and party-ready.
- Dairy-free and vegan variations possible using plant-based ice cream and caramel.
- It’s indulgent but still light enough to enjoy after a big fall meal.
ingredients
vanilla ice cream. We like to use vanilla bean ice cream, but any vanilla ice cream will work in this recipe. You can even make it dairy-free by using a vegan option.
apple cider. Use your favorite apple cider – bonus points if it’s fresh-pressed from your local apple farm, made with sweet apples and tart apples.
caramel sauce. I recommend using the kind that is made for topping ice cream because it has such rich flavor. Don’t use coffee syrups as those are too sweet. You could also use honey or maple syrup for a healthy option.
warming spices. You will need a combination of ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, and ground nutmeg.
this recipe’s must-haves
To make this recipe, you will need a set of measuring cups and measuring spoons to measure out the ingredients.
Blend it all together using a high-speed blender like a Vitamix.
Serve it in your favorite glass! We love a classic mason jar.
how to make an apple milkshake
blend
Add vanilla ice cream, apple cider, caramel syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
garnish & serve
Pour into a serving glass and top with whipped cream, extra caramel drizzle, and/or a sprinkle of cinnamon. Serve immediately.
Tips for Success
Keep the shake thick. Use chilled cider and frozen ice cream for the best texture.
Blend just until smooth. Over-blending the mixture can make it too runny.
Make it festive. Add crushed graham crackers or a small piece of baked apple pie on top to really get indulgent.
variations & substitutions
Apple Pie Milkshake: Add graham cracker crumbs to give you that pie element. This could be a simple sprinkle on top of the crumbs!
Spiced Apple Milkshake: Extra cinnamon, a little cardamom, or a dash of pumpkin pie spice for added warmth.
Vegan/Dairy-Free Option: Use non-dairy ice cream made of oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk. Swap the caramel sauce for coconut or almond caramel sauce.
Adult Version: Add a splash of spiced rum or bourbon for a fall cocktail twist. Use about 1 to 1 1/2 ounces per milkshake.
More milkshake recipes to enjoy: Baileys Coffee Milkshake | Blueberry Milkshake | Beignet and Coffee Cocktail Shake | Kentucky Mudslide Shake
faqs
Can I make this ahead of time?
This recipe is best blended right before serving. If you make it ahead of time, it will thin out. Be sure to make the milkshake just before serving!
Can I make it less sweet?
Yes, if you want to reduce the amount of sugar, you can reduce the caramel sauce by half. Taste and add more if desired after you make the milkshake.
Can I use apple juice instead of cider?
Apple juice does work in this recipe, but cider gives a more robust, tangy fall flavor.
Need more inspiration for a sweet treat? Check out my dessert recipes page!
what to serve with this apple milkshake
This shake is an easy standalone dessert to serve on a fall evening. However, you could also serve it alongside a couple extra fall cookies or after-dinner chocolates.
I like to serve this dessert after a fall meal that isn’t too heavy and indulgent. Creamy chicken tortilla soup is comforting without weighing you down like a bowl of chili can. A grilled whole chicken serve with a side salad is an easy meal with mostly hands-off cooking. We have a large archive of fall recipes to explore and choose from!
how to store
We recommend making and serving this milkshake immediately. Do not store it as the ice cream will separate. It does not have a shelf life.
more of our favorite apple desserts
Caramel apple molten cakes are easy to make and have a gooey center that is oh-so indulgent.
This apple and blackberry crumble combines fresh fruit with a simple topping for a skillet dessert that the whole family will love.
Finally, if you make this apple milkshake recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.
Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!
Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!
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apple milkshake
ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Whipped cream for topping optional
instructions
- In a blender, combine ice cream, apple cider, caramel sauce, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
- Blend until combined and smooth.
- Top with whipped cream and serve immediately.
video
nutrition
about meghan
Meghan Yager is the recipe developer, food photographer, and creative force behind Cake ‘n Knife, where everyday moments are celebrated with bold, flavor-forward recipes. From cozy cocktails to bold appetizers and indulgent desserts, her approachable style brings people together around food worth sharing. Meghan’s work has been featured by Good Housekeeping, Oprah Daily, Today, Woman’s Day, and The Huffington Post. She lives in Denver, where she brings big flavor and a little sass to every bite.
