Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this cherry chocolate chip milkshake because it gives me a classic combination of fruit and chocolate in a rich, creamy drink. The cherries add fresh, slightly tart sweetness, while the chocolate chips provide extra texture and indulgent chocolate flavor.

I also appreciate how quickly I can make it. Everything goes into the blender, and the milkshake is ready in minutes. I can make it thicker or thinner, change the type of chocolate, or add extra toppings depending on what I am craving.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups vanilla ice cream
1 cup pitted fresh or frozen cherries
1/2 cup whole milk, plus more as needed
1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon chocolate syrup, optional
Whipped cream, optional for serving
Fresh cherries, optional for serving
Chocolate shavings or extra mini chocolate chips, optional for serving

Directions

1. Prepare the Cherries

I wash and pit fresh cherries before adding them to the blender. If I am using frozen cherries, I can blend them directly from frozen for an extra-thick and cold milkshake.

I always double-check that every cherry pit has been removed before blending.

2. Add the Main Ingredients

I add the vanilla ice cream, cherries, milk, and vanilla extract to my blender.

When I want an extra-chocolatey milkshake, I also add a tablespoon of chocolate syrup.

3. Blend Until Creamy

I blend the ingredients until the cherries are completely incorporated and the milkshake is smooth and creamy.

I start with only 1/2 cup of milk because I find it easier to thin a thick milkshake than to fix one that has become too runny.

4. Add the Chocolate Chips

I add the mini chocolate chips and pulse the blender several times.

I like leaving tiny pieces of chocolate throughout the milkshake rather than blending until the chocolate completely disappears.

5. Adjust the Consistency

I check the consistency and add another splash of milk if the shake is too thick.

If it is thinner than I want, I add another scoop of ice cream or a few frozen cherries and blend again.

6. Serve

I pour the milkshake into chilled glasses and serve it immediately.

For an extra-special finish, I top each glass with whipped cream, fresh cherries, chocolate shavings, or additional mini chocolate chips.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 2 generous milkshakes.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Blending time: 1 to 2 minutes
Total time: approximately 5 to 10 minutes
Servings: 2

Variations

For a double chocolate cherry milkshake, I replace the vanilla ice cream with chocolate ice cream and add chocolate syrup before blending.

For a dark chocolate version, I use finely chopped dark chocolate instead of regular chocolate chips. I love the slightly bitter chocolate flavor against the sweetness of the cherries.

For a cherry almond milkshake, I add a tiny amount of almond extract. I use it sparingly because almond extract has a strong flavor that can quickly overpower the cherries.

For a banana cherry chocolate chip milkshake, I add half of a frozen banana. This gives me extra creaminess and natural sweetness.

For a dairy-free variation, I use dairy-free vanilla ice cream, my favorite plant-based milk, and dairy-free chocolate chips. I especially like oat milk when I want a creamy consistency.

Storage/Reheating

I prefer serving this cherry chocolate chip milkshake immediately because it has the thickest and creamiest texture straight from the blender.

If I have leftovers, I can freeze them in an airtight freezer-safe container. The milkshake will freeze solid, so I let it soften slightly before blending it again with a small splash of milk.

I can also freeze leftover milkshake in popsicle molds for an easy frozen dessert.

I do not refrigerate a prepared milkshake for extended periods because the ice cream melts and the mixture loses its thick texture. Reheating is not necessary because I always serve this milkshake cold.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries for this milkshake?

Yes. I love using frozen cherries because they make the milkshake thicker and colder. I add them directly to the blender and may use slightly more milk if the mixture becomes difficult to blend.

What kind of chocolate chips should I use?

I prefer mini semisweet chocolate chips because their small size makes them easier to blend into tiny pieces. I can also use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or finely chopped chocolate depending on the flavor I want.

How can I make my cherry milkshake thicker?

I use frozen cherries, reduce the amount of milk, or add another scoop of ice cream. I always start with less milk and add more gradually until the shake reaches the consistency I like.

Can I make a cherry chocolate chip milkshake without ice cream?

Yes. I can blend frozen cherries and frozen banana with milk and chocolate chips for an ice-cream-free version. The texture and flavor will be different from a traditional milkshake, but I still get a thick, creamy frozen drink.

Can I make this milkshake ahead of time?

I prefer making it immediately before serving because milkshakes begin melting quickly. If I need to prepare it ahead, I freeze the blended mixture and let it soften briefly before blending it again with a little milk.

Conclusion

Cherry chocolate chip milkshake is one of my favorite ways to combine sweet cherries, creamy vanilla ice cream, and chocolate in one simple dessert. The juicy fruit gives the milkshake a fresh cherry flavor, while little chocolate pieces make every sip more satisfying.

Cherry Chocolate Chip Milkshake Recipe

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This cherry chocolate chip milkshake blends sweet cherries, creamy vanilla ice cream, and mini chocolate chips into a thick, refreshing dessert drink. Fresh or frozen cherries provide bright fruit flavor while tiny chocolate pieces add texture to every sip.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1–2 minutes
Total Time: 5–10 minutes
Yield: 2 milkshakes
Category: Beverage
Method: Blending
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Wash and pit fresh cherries, making sure all pits are completely removed. Frozen pitted cherries can be used directly from the freezer.
Add the vanilla ice cream, cherries, 1/2 cup whole milk, and vanilla extract to a blender. Add the chocolate syrup if desired.
Blend until the cherries are fully incorporated and the milkshake is smooth and creamy.
Add the mini chocolate chips and pulse several times, leaving small pieces of chocolate throughout the shake.
Check the consistency. Add a splash of milk if the shake is too thick, or add another scoop of ice cream or a few frozen cherries if it is too thin.
Pour into chilled glasses and serve immediately. Top with whipped cream, fresh cherries, chocolate shavings, or additional mini chocolate chips if desired.

Notes

Frozen cherries make the milkshake especially thick and cold.
Mini chocolate chips work particularly well because they break into small, easy-to-sip pieces.
For a double chocolate version, substitute chocolate ice cream for vanilla ice cream and add the optional chocolate syrup.
A tiny amount of almond extract can be added for a cherry-almond variation.
For a dairy-free milkshake, use dairy-free vanilla ice cream, plant-based milk, and dairy-free chocolate chips.
Milkshakes are best served immediately. Leftovers can be frozen and later softened slightly before reblending with a splash of milk.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 milkshake
Calories: 560 kcal
Sugar: 59 g
Sodium: 160 mg
Fat: 27 g
Saturated Fat: 17 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 75 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 10 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg