How to Make Thick Dairy Milk Shakes without Ice Cream

Written by Aarushi Agrawal | July 13, 2025

When it comes to summer treats, nothing beats a Dairy Milk chocolate milkshake. ItÕs cool, comforting, and wonderfully chocolatey. But what if youÕre out of ice cream, or avoiding it altogether? There are plenty of reasons you might want to ditch the ice cream. For one, it adds extra fat and sugar. Substituting it with healthier alternatives can make your milkshake more diet-friendly. Or, you may simply not have ice cream on hand but still crave that smooth, chocolatey shake. Some people avoid ice cream because of lactose content or dairy allergies. Also, making your shake from scratch without ice cream allows you to control the sweetness, flavor intensity, and consistency. Whatever your reason, a thick milkshake without ice cream is not only possible, itÕs delicious when done right. The key lies in using clever substitutes that mimic the creaminess, richness, and chilled effect that ice cream typically brings. From frozen bananas to milk powder, there are a number of ways to recreate that luxurious consistency, all with ingredients you likely have at home. HereÕs everything you need to know.

Ingredients:

• 1 full bar (50 g) Dairy Milk chocolate, melted or chopped finely
• 1 cup chilled full fat milk
• 1 small frozen banana (adds thickness without changing the flavor much)
• 2 tbsp milk powder (adds creaminess)
• 1 tsp cornstarch or custard powder (for extra body)
• 4 ice cubes (for chill and thickness)
• A sweetener like sugar, honey, or maple syrup, if desired
• A few drops of vanilla extract (optional, enhances flavor)

You donÕt need all these ingredients at once. A combination of 3 to 4 will do the trick, depending on what you have in your kitchen.

Method:

1. Frozen banana is one of the best natural thickening agents in a milkshake. Peel and chop a ripe banana, freeze it for a few hours, and youÕll have a soft serve-like texture once itÕs blended. It doesnÕt overpower the chocolate flavor but gives you that much needed creaminess. If you donÕt like bananas or donÕt have them, just move on to the next thickener.
2. Break the chocolate bar into small pieces and melt it in the microwave for 40 seconds, stirring every 10 seconds to avoid burning. Melted chocolate mixes more evenly into the shake and delivers a richer chocolate flavor. If you want a chunkier shake with chocolate bits, you can skip the melting step and just chop the chocolate finely.
3. Add your frozen banana (if using), chilled milk, melted Dairy Milk chocolate, milk powder, and cornstarch or custard powder into the blender. Milk powder is especially helpful if you're skipping both ice cream and bananas, since it mimics the creamy texture of dairy very well. Toss in a few ice cubes to help with the thickness and temperature. Add sweetener and vanilla extract if needed.
4. Blend everything on high speed for about a minute, until you get a velvety, thick texture. Scrape down the sides halfway through if needed to ensure everything is incorporated.
5. Check the consistency. If itÕs too thin, add another half frozen banana, a tablespoon of milk powder, or a few more ice cubes. If itÕs too thick, just splash in a little more cold milk.

Tips:

• Pouring a thick shake into a frosty glass keeps it colder for longer and makes it feel like a dessert from a high end cafe. So chill your glass before pouring the milkshake in.
• Even without ice cream, you can still indulge in toppings. So optionally, a swirl of whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or a dusting of cocoa powder can elevate the visual appeal and taste.
• Starting with chilled ingredients is key. If your milk is warm or even room temperature, your shake will end up watery. Always use milk straight from the fridge.
• Add a touch of cinnamon, instant coffee, or peanut butter to enhance the chocolate flavor. Even a pinch of sea salt can make the chocolate taste deeper and more satisfying. Essentially, donÕt be afraid of playing around and experimenting with flavors.
• For a more filling version, throw in a tablespoon of rolled oats or a handful of soaked cashews or almonds. They blend smoothly and add nutritional value, making your shake thicker and more satisfying.