Easy Pumpkin Pie Milkshake Recipe for Fall

As the leaves begin to change and a crispness fills the air, there’s nothing quite like a comforting treat to embrace the season.

This easy pumpkin pie milkshake recipe is the perfect way to capture those cozy fall vibes in a glass. It’s a delightful blend of classic pumpkin pie flavors, transformed into a creamy, sippable indulgence that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Whether you’re looking for a quick after-school snack for the kids or a sweet pick-me-up for yourself, this milkshake delivers on taste and simplicity. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the essence of autumn without spending hours in the kitchen, making it ideal for busy weekdays or a relaxing weekend treat.

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What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This pumpkin pie milkshake is a true winner for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly fast to whip up, making it perfect for those moments when a craving strikes but time is short. It’s also wonderfully family-friendly; the sweet, spiced flavor appeals to both kids and adults, and it’s a fun way to get a taste of pumpkin without the fuss of baking a whole pie. You can serve it as a special dessert after dinner, a refreshing afternoon snack, or even as a unique addition to a fall-themed brunch. It’s especially great for little ones who might not be keen on traditional pumpkin pie but will happily slurp down a creamy, sweet drink.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for this milkshake is straightforward, and you likely have many of them on hand already. We’re focusing on simple, accessible items to ensure a stress-free experience from start to finish.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 2 cups vanilla ice cream
• 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Whipped cream, for topping (optional)
• Ground cinnamon or extra pumpkin pie spice, for garnish (optional)

When selecting your ingredients, make sure to grab pure pumpkin puree, not the pre-spiced pie filling, as the latter can make your milkshake overly sweet and alter the spice balance. For the milk, feel free to use whatever you have in your fridge—whole milk will give you a richer, creamier texture, but 2% or even a non-dairy option like almond or oat milk works beautifully. If you don’t have brown sugar, regular granulated sugar can be used, though brown sugar adds a lovely depth of flavor. And if you’re out of pumpkin pie spice, you can create your own blend with a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

One of the best aspects of this recipe is how quickly it comes together. You’ll be enjoying your delicious pumpkin pie milkshake in no time!

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 0 minutes
• Total time: 5 minutes

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Creating this delightful pumpkin pie milkshake is as easy as pie (pun intended!). Follow these simple steps for a perfect blend every time.

1. Gather Your Ingredients: Lay out all your ingredients on the counter. This helps ensure you don’t miss anything and makes the blending process smoother.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a blender, add the canned pumpkin puree, milk, and vanilla extract. These liquid ingredients will help the blender get a head start.
3. Add Sweetener and Spice: Next, add the brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice to the blender. Make sure the brown sugar is packed down for accurate measurement.
4. Introduce the Ice Cream: Scoop the vanilla ice cream into the blender. Using slightly softened ice cream can make blending easier, but it’s not strictly necessary.
5. Blend Until Smooth: Secure the lid on your blender and blend on high speed until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk; if it’s too thin, add another scoop of ice cream.
6. Taste and Adjust: Give the milkshake a quick taste. If you prefer it sweeter, add a little more brown sugar; if you want more spice, sprinkle in a bit more pumpkin pie spice. Blend briefly again to incorporate.
7. Serve Immediately: Pour the milkshake into tall glasses. For an extra special touch, top generously with whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or additional pumpkin pie spice. Enjoy right away!

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This pumpkin pie milkshake is fantastic on its own, but there are plenty of ways to customize it and make it even more special. For a grown-up twist, a shot of rum or bourbon can be added for an “adult” milkshake. Kids will love a drizzle of caramel or chocolate syrup inside the glass before pouring in the milkshake, creating a fun swirled effect.

Consider serving these milkshakes at a fall gathering or a kids’ playdate. You can set up a “milkshake bar” with various toppings like mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, crushed graham crackers, or even a sprinkle of chopped pecans. For a thicker, dessert-like experience, reduce the milk slightly and serve with a spoon. You could also blend in a few gingersnap cookies for an extra layer of spice and texture.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even with a simple recipe like this, a few common mistakes can impact the final result. Being aware of them will help you achieve a perfect milkshake every time.

• Using Pumpkin Pie Filling Instead of Puree: This is the most frequent error. Pumpkin pie filling is already sweetened and spiced, and using it will make your milkshake overly sweet and potentially overpower the delicate pumpkin flavor. Always double-check the can to ensure you’re using pure pumpkin puree.
• Over-Blending: While you want a smooth milkshake, blending for too long can melt the ice cream too much, resulting in a thin, watery consistency. Blend just until smooth, then stop.
• Not Adjusting Thickness: If your milkshake is too thick to drink through a straw, don’t hesitate to add a tablespoon or two of milk at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, add another scoop of ice cream and blend briefly.
• Skipping the Taste Test: Flavors can vary based on your specific ingredients and personal preference. Always taste your milkshake before serving and adjust the sweetness or spice level as needed. It’s much easier to add more than to take away.
• Serving Warm: Milkshakes are best served immediately after blending, while they are still cold and thick. Letting them sit out for too long will cause them to melt and lose their creamy texture.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

This pumpkin pie milkshake is definitely best enjoyed fresh, right after it’s made. The ice cream will melt, and the texture will change significantly if stored for an extended period. The creamy, thick consistency is what makes a milkshake so enjoyable, and that’s lost once it starts to separate.

However, if you find yourself with a small amount leftover, you can store it in an airtight container in the freezer for a very short time, perhaps an hour or two. It won’t be a pourable milkshake when you take it out; it will likely be more like a soft-serve consistency. You might need to let it thaw for a few minutes and stir it vigorously to try and revive some of the creaminess, but it won’t be the same as freshly blended. For this reason, it’s always best to make only as much as you plan to consume immediately.

Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! If you have homemade pumpkin puree, it will work wonderfully in this recipe. Just ensure it’s unseasoned and has a smooth consistency.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

No problem! You can make your own blend. A good substitute is 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, a pinch of ground nutmeg, and a tiny pinch of ground cloves.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, you can! Simply use a dairy-free vanilla ice cream (like almond milk or coconut milk based) and a non-dairy milk alternative (almond, oat, or soy milk) in the same quantities.

Can I make this less sweet?

Certainly. Start with half the amount of brown sugar, blend, and then taste. You can always add more if needed. The sweetness from the ice cream also contributes, so adjusting the added sugar is key.

How can I make it thicker?

For a thicker milkshake, reduce the amount of milk by about half, or add an extra scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also add a few ice cubes when blending, but this might dilute the flavor slightly.

Can I add actual pumpkin pie to this?

While this recipe aims to capture pumpkin pie flavors, blending in a small slice of actual pumpkin pie (crust removed) could add an interesting texture and intensify the pie flavor. Just be aware it might make the milkshake very thick and require

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.