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!