Name: Salted Caramel Pretzel Milkshake
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups vanilla ice cream; 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy); 1/4 cup salted caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling; 1/4 cup crushed pretzels; Whipped cream, for topping; Additional pretzels, for garnish

A thick, creamy milkshake swirled with ribbons of salted caramel and topped with crunchy pretzel bits—this indulgent 5-minute treat is the perfect balance of sweet and salty, and it always satisfies my dessert cravings instantly. It’s rich, refreshing, and irresistibly fun to make (and sip!).

Ingredients

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

2 cups vanilla ice cream

1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)

1/4 cup salted caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling

1/4 cup crushed pretzels

Whipped cream, for topping

Additional pretzels, for garnish

Directions

I blend together the vanilla ice cream, milk, salted caramel sauce, and crushed pretzels in a blender until smooth and creamy—this takes about 30 seconds.

Then I drizzle some caramel sauce inside the walls of my glass to make it extra tempting.

I pour the milkshake into the prepared glass and top it with a generous swirl of whipped cream.

Then I like to garnish with a few pretzel pieces and another drizzle of caramel for that final sweet-and-salty touch.

I always serve it right away with a straw and a spoon, so nothing melts before I dive in.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Servings: 2 servings

Calories: 430 kcal per serving

Variations

I swap vanilla ice cream for chocolate or dulce de leche when I want to change up the base flavor.

I sometimes use chocolate-covered pretzels for even more indulgence.

If I’m feeling adventurous, I add a splash of bourbon or coffee liqueur for an adult twist.

Craving extra texture? I stir in toffee bits or mini chocolate chips after blending.

For a dairy-free option, I use coconut-based ice cream and almond or oat milk.

Storage/Reheating

Since this milkshake is best served fresh, I don’t recommend storing it for later. If I need to prepare in advance, I blend the base and store it in the freezer in an airtight container, then re-blend with a splash of milk just before serving. Whipped cream and toppings should always be added at the last minute for the best texture and presentation.

FAQs

How can I make this milkshake thicker?

I use less milk or add more ice cream to make it thicker. Letting the ice cream soften slightly before blending also helps control the consistency.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, I often use store-bought salted caramel sauce to save time, but homemade works wonderfully if I have some on hand.

What kind of pretzels work best?

I usually use small salted twists or rods, crushed lightly. Hard pretzels hold up better than soft ones in the blender.

Can I make this milkshake without a blender?

If I don’t have a blender, I soften the ice cream first and mix everything by hand. The texture won’t be as smooth, but it still tastes amazing.

Is there a way to make it less sweet?

I reduce the amount of caramel sauce or choose a low-sugar ice cream if I want a more balanced flavor. Using unsweetened non-dairy milk also helps.

Conclusion

This Salted Caramel Pretzel Milkshake is one of those treats I keep coming back to—quick to make, incredibly satisfying, and always a hit with friends or family. Whether I’m cooling off on a summer day or just need a sweet pick-me-up, it delivers every time. It’s the perfect blend of indulgence and ease.

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