Caramel Apple Pie Milkshake

This Caramel Apple Pie Milkshake is the ultimate dessert indulgence, blending creamy vanilla ice cream with cooked apples, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a rich caramel swirl. It perfectly mimics the experience of eating a slice of warm apple pie topped with a scoop of melting ice cream. The texture is thick and smooth, with delightful hints of apple and spice in every sip. It's a nostalgic and comforting treat that's incredibly easy to make.
Caramel Apple Pie Milkshake

Preparation

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This beverage is classified as a milkshake, a sweet, cold drink typically made from milk, ice cream, and flavorings. It falls into the dessert drink category, perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth. It's a non-alcoholic treat suitable for all ages.

Serving

Served cold in a tall milkshake glass, this is a substantial, non-alcoholic drink. For a special touch, the inside of the glass is drizzled with caramel sauce before the milkshake is poured in.
Serving size
Approximately 450 ml / 15 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Milkshake Glass
Glass treatment
Drizzle caramel sauce inside the glass before pouring

Backstory

This milkshake is a modern creation inspired by the timeless American dessert, apple pie a la mode. It evolved from the desire to transform the beloved flavors of baked apples, cinnamon, and caramel into a sippable, refreshing format. Soda fountains and modern cafes began experimenting with dessert-inspired shakes, and this combination was a natural and delicious evolution. It captures the essence of a comforting classic in a fun, new way.
Origin
A modern American creation, this drink likely emerged in the late 20th or early 21st century as part of the gourmet milkshake trend in the United States. There is no single known inventor or specific point of origin.

Caramel Apple Pie Milkshake

The drink is primarily known as the Caramel Apple Pie Milkshake. Some call it an Apple Pie a la Mode Milkshake, referencing the classic dessert of apple pie with ice cream. Another variation, Caramel Apple Crumble Shake, highlights the crumbly texture from toppings like graham crackers or streusel.
Original name
Caramel Apple Pie Milkshake
Alternative names
  • Apple Pie a la Mode Milkshake
  • Caramel Apple Crumble Shake

Characteristics overview

This milkshake boasts the comforting flavors and aromas of a freshly baked apple pie with rich caramel and warm spices. It is a thick, creamy, non-fizzy beverage with a sweet profile and a pleasant, lingering spiced aftertaste.
Flavor
creamy, sweet, caramel, apple, cinnamon, spiced, buttery
Aroma
apple pie, cinnamon, caramel, vanilla
Taste balance
primarily sweet
Aftertaste
sweet, creamy, lingering spice
Fizziness
none
Color appearance
off-white, beige, with visible caramel swirls and apple flecks
Texture
thick, creamy, smooth, slightly chunky from apple pieces
Seasonality
comforting, warming (flavor-wise), suitable for autumn and winter

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is intensely creamy and sweet, dominated by caramel and cooked apple notes, balanced by warm spices. It is a non-alcoholic, non-carbonated drink with a significant fruity and creamy character.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

Key ingredients include vanilla ice cream, milk, apple pie filling, caramel sauce, and a pinch of cinnamon. Optional toppings like whipped cream and crushed graham crackers complete the dessert experience.
  • Vanilla Ice Cream3 large scoops (approx. 250 grams)
    A good quality vanilla bean ice cream works best.
  • Milk120 ml / 4 oz
    Whole milk will result in a creamier shake.
  • Apple Pie Filling1/2 cup (approx. 120 grams)
    You can use canned filling or make your own by cooking chopped apples with sugar and cinnamon.
  • Caramel Sauce2 tablespoons (30 ml / 1 oz), plus more for garnish
    A thick, rich caramel sauce is ideal.
  • Ground Cinnamon1/4 teaspoon
    Freshly ground cinnamon provides the best flavor.
  • Whipped CreamFor topping(optional)
  • Crushed Graham CrackersFor topping(optional)
    This adds a "crust" element.

Ice type

  • None

Mixing equipments

A standard kitchen blender is the only essential piece of equipment needed to create this smooth and creamy milkshake.
  • Blender for combining all the ingredients.

Instructions

To make this shake, first prepare a glass with a caramel drizzle. Then, simply blend ice cream, milk, apple pie filling, caramel, and cinnamon until smooth, pour into the glass, and garnish.
1. Prepare the glass by drizzling caramel sauce along the inside walls in a spiral pattern. Place the glass in the freezer for a few minutes to set the caramel.
2. In a blender, combine the vanilla ice cream, milk, apple pie filling, 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce, and ground cinnamon.
3. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If the shake is too thick, add a splash more milk; if it is too thin, add another small scoop of ice cream.
4. Pour the blended milkshake into the prepared glass.
5. Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream.
6. Garnish by drizzling more caramel sauce over the whipped cream and sprinkling with crushed graham crackers and a final pinch of cinnamon. Serve immediately.

Garnishing

Garnish generously with a swirl of whipped cream, an extra drizzle of caramel sauce, and a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers to mimic the pie crust texture. A final dash of cinnamon enhances the aroma.
  • Whipped cream, piped on top.
  • Caramel sauce, drizzled over the whipped cream and inside the glass.
  • Crushed graham crackers or shortbread cookies, sprinkled on top.
  • A pinch of ground cinnamon, dusted over the top.

Dietary Information

This milkshake is vegetarian and caffeine-free but contains dairy and potentially soy. It can be adapted to be vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free by using plant-based ice cream/milk and gluten-free toppings.
✕ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✕ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✕ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a highly indulgent drink, rich in calories, carbohydrates, and sugar, primarily from the ice cream, caramel, and apple filling. It should be considered a dessert or special treat.
Calories
Averagely 650-800 kcal / 2720-3350 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 90-110 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 80-100 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This milkshake is perfect as a standalone dessert after a meal or as a special afternoon treat. It is also a great companion for a cozy movie night at home or to celebrate the flavors of the autumn season.
  • Dessert
  • Afternoon Treat
  • Movie Night
  • Autumn Celebration

Pairing suggestions

This milkshake is best enjoyed on its own as a complete dessert. However, if you are looking for a contrast, the sweetness pairs well with salty snacks like pretzels or plain popcorn. A simple buttery cookie can also complement its flavors without being overwhelming.
  • Salty snacks like pretzels or popcorn
  • A simple shortbread cookie
  • Enjoyed on its own as a dessert

The Ultimate Caramel Apple Pie Milkshake Experience

The Caramel Apple Pie Milkshake is a delicious and indulgent non-alcoholic beverage that perfectly captures the essence of a classic dessert. It combines creamy vanilla ice cream with the warm, spiced flavors of apple pie filling and rich caramel sauce. Easy to prepare and visually appealing, it serves as a perfect dessert, a comforting treat for a cozy evening, or a festive drink during the autumn season. This milkshake is a celebration of nostalgic flavors in a fun, sippable form.

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