There’s something irresistibly festive and refreshing about this **Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe** that makes it a total crowd-pleaser. Think creamy vanilla, crunchy peppermint, and rich chocolate all swirled together—it’s like a holiday treat in a glass, perfect for cozy moments or celebrations.

The image shows a tall glass filled with a creamy light pink milkshake that has small dark bits mixed inside. At the bottom, there is a layer of crushed dark chocolate or cookie crumbs. On top, there is a swirl of white whipped cream with small dark chocolate sprinkles. A red and white striped candy cane is hanging on the side of the glass. The glass is placed on a white plate with a small silver spoon. The background has a white marbled texture, with some red Christmas ornaments and a bottle blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe every winter since I discovered it, and it never fails to remind me of holiday joy with zero fuss. It combines simple ingredients in a way that feels super indulgent and festive without being complicated at all.

Super easy to make: Just blend and pulse; no fancy techniques needed.
Perfect balance of flavors: Peppermint, chocolate, and creamy vanilla create that iconic bark taste in milkshake form.
Customizable: You can adjust milk for thickness or swap garnish to fit your mood or occasion.
Great for sharing: Makes two large shakes, ideal for a cozy catch-up or a quick holiday treat with friends.

A tall clear glass filled with a light pink creamy drink showing a textured bottom layer of dark bits. The drink is topped with a swirl of white whipped cream sprinkled with small dark flakes. A red and white striped candy cane is hooked on the rim of the glass. The glass sits on a white plate with a small silver spoon, placed on a white marbled surface. In the background, there is a second glass with the same drink and whipped cream with a silver straw inside, and a small jar of milk. Scattered around are red round ornaments, small peppermint candies, and chocolate chips. The woman's hand is holding the glass in the foreground. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This milkshake shines because each ingredient brings something special. Vanilla ice cream provides a creamy base, milk adjusts the perfect shake texture, and those crushed candy canes give that wonderful peppermint crunch. The mini chocolate chips? They pop with bursts of sweetness and chocolate richness between sips.

Flat lay of a small mound of smooth vanilla ice cream scoops, a simple white ceramic bowl filled with fresh cold milk, two whole bright red-and-white striped candy canes, a small white bowl of shiny mini semisweet chocolate chips, a generous swirl of fluffy whipped cream in a white bowl, a few extra whole candy canes scattered beside the bowls, and a small white bowl containing dark chocolate sprinkles, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Vanilla Ice Cream: Opt for a good-quality brand to keep the shake smooth and flavorful without overpowering the peppermint and chocolate.
Milk: Whole milk gives the creamiest texture, but low fat or plant-based milks work if you prefer lighter options.
Candy Canes (crushed): Freshly crushed candy canes deliver that bright peppermint taste and a little texture in every bite.
Mini Semisweet Chocolate Chips: These melt slightly and add little chocolate surprises throughout; you can swap for chunks if you like bigger bites.
Whipped Cream and Garnishes: They bring extra creaminess and that festive look, making it feel special even if you’re just at home.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love about the Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily tweak it according to your taste or what you have on hand—whether you want it richer, thinner, or even dairy-free.

Variation: I sometimes swap the candy canes for peppermint extract if I want a smoother texture with the same minty punch.
Dairy-Free Option: Try coconut or almond milk with dairy-free vanilla ice cream—it’s just as delicious.
Extra Chocolatey: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder or drizzle chocolate syrup in the glass before pouring the shake.
Festive Twist: Sprinkle crushed nuts or add a few marshmallows on top for some fun texture contrasts.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe

Step 1: Blend the Creamy Base

Start by adding one pint of vanilla ice cream and one cup of milk into your blender. Blend on medium-high for about 30 seconds until it's smooth and luscious. If you like your milkshake thinner—even lighter and more drinkable—go ahead and add an extra half cup of milk. I usually blend first, then decide if it needs that splash more.

Step 2: Add the Peppermint Crunch and Chocolate

Next, toss in your crushed candy canes and mini semisweet chocolate chips. Instead of blending fully, pulse 10 to 15 seconds—this breaks the peppermint just enough to spread it evenly without turning it into powder, and keeps the chips intact for fun chocolate bites.

Step 3: Pour and Decorate

Pour your milkshake into chilled glasses. Top generously with whipped cream, add a candy cane or two for beautiful festive garnish, and sprinkle more chocolate chips or even some chocolate sprinkles if you want that extra chocolate hit. It’s all about making it look as fun as it tastes!

Top Tip

I’ve learned a few things after making this Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe a bunch of times that really improve the outcome. These simple tips help especially if you’re making it for guests or a holiday party.

Freshly Crush Candy Canes: Use your hands or a sturdy bag to crush them just before making the shake for the best peppermint flavor and crunchy texture.
Don’t Overblend: Pulsing after adding candy canes and chocolate chips keeps bits intact, which adds an awesome textural surprise in every sip.
Chill Your Glasses: Pop your glasses in the freezer for a few minutes before serving—the cold glass helps the milkshake stay thick and dreamy longer.
Adjust Sweetness to Taste: If your ice cream isn't super sweet, a quick drizzle of honey or maple syrup can elevate it without overpowering that peppermint bark vibe.

How to Serve Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe

Peppermint Bark Milkshake - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

When I serve this milkshake, I always top it with a generous swirl of whipped cream, a whole mini candy cane stuck in the side, and a sprinkle of chocolate chips or festive chocolate sprinkles. It’s simple, but those little touches make it feel extra special and fun to enjoy.

Side Dishes

This milkshake pairs beautifully with light bites like sugar cookies, gingerbread, or a slice of rich chocolate cake. I like having some crunchy biscotti or peppermint bark candy on the side to echo those classic flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like to rim glasses with crushed candy canes before pouring the milkshake—just dip the rims in a bit of melted chocolate or corn syrup and then into the candy cane crumbs. Adding a peppermint candy straw or sprinkling edible pearl dust gives it that festive sparkle that guests love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This milkshake is best enjoyed fresh, but if you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Give it a good stir before drinking, as some separation may happen.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing the finished milkshake because the texture changes a lot when thawed, but you can always freeze leftover crushed candy canes or mini chocolate chips for quick future use.

Reheating

Since this is a cold dessert, reheating isn’t really needed or recommended. Instead, try blending fresh milkshake if you want another round—that’s quick and guaranteed delicious!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Use dairy-free vanilla ice cream and plant-based milk like almond or coconut. Make sure the chocolate chips and candy canes you choose are vegan-friendly as well.

How can I make this milkshake thicker or thinner?

To make it thicker, use less milk or add an extra scoop of ice cream. For a thinner shake, simply add more milk a little at a time until you reach your preferred consistency.

Can I use peppermint extract instead of candy canes?

Yes, peppermint extract works if you want a smooth texture without crunchy bits. Start with about ½ teaspoon and adjust to taste. Keep in mind that you’ll miss the delightful peppermint crunch that candy canes add.

How long does this milkshake last once made?

It’s best enjoyed immediately for the creamiest texture, but if needed, refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 24 hours. Stir well before serving again.

Final Thoughts

This Peppermint Bark Milkshake Recipe is one of those comforting treats that never feels over the top but still carries magic in every sip. It’s a simple way I like to celebrate the season or just treat myself on a chilly night. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—you might just find it becoming a new holiday tradition, too!