Coffee and Donut Milkshake

This is the ultimate indulgence for anyone who loves both coffee and donuts. It takes the classic milkshake to a whole new level by blending an entire donut directly into the mix, creating a uniquely thick and satisfying texture. The robust flavor of chilled coffee cuts through the sweetness of the vanilla ice cream and glazed pastry, resulting in a perfectly balanced and unforgettable dessert drink. It's a fun, creative, and utterly delicious way to enjoy your favorite café treats in one glass.
Coffee and Donut Milkshake

Preparation

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Coffee and Donut Milkshake is classified as a milkshake, a sweet, cold beverage made from milk, ice cream, and flavorings. It falls into the broader category of dessert drinks due to its indulgent and sweet character, often enjoyed as a treat or a substitute for a traditional dessert.

Serving

Serve this large, alcohol-free milkshake very cold in a classic milkshake glass or a mason jar for a modern look. Pre-treating the glass with a syrup drizzle adds a professional touch.
Serving size
450-500 ml / 15-17 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Milkshake Glass
Glass treatment
Drizzle chocolate or caramel syrup inside the glass before pouring

Backstory

The Coffee and Donut Milkshake doesn't have a long, storied history but is a product of modern dessert culture. It emerged in the 2010s with the rise of "freakshakes" and over-the-top, Instagrammable food creations. Chefs and cafés began experimenting with blending entire baked goods into milkshakes to create novel flavors and textures, and the classic pairing of coffee and donuts was a natural and delicious fit.
Origin
This milkshake is a modern invention, likely originating in the United States around the 2010s. It is part of the culinary trend that focuses on deconstructing and recombining classic flavor pairings into new, exciting forms like gourmet milkshakes. There is no single creator, but rather it evolved from the creative menus of modern diners, cafes, and ice cream parlors.

Coffee and Donut Milkshake

This drink is commonly known by its descriptive name, "Coffee and Donut Milkshake." Alternative names like "Doughnut Milkshake" are also used, emphasizing the key pastry ingredient. "Café and Cruller Shake" is a more whimsical name, using French terms for coffee and a type of donut.
Original name
Coffee and Donut Milkshake
Alternative names
  • Doughnut Milkshake
  • Café and Cruller Shake

Characteristics overview

This milkshake boasts a rich coffee and pastry aroma, with a flavor profile dominated by sweet, creamy vanilla and a pleasant coffee bitterness. Its texture is exceptionally thick and smooth, presenting as an opaque, light brown beverage perfect for any season.
Flavor
Sweet, coffee, donut, vanilla, creamy, malty
Aroma
Roasted coffee, sweet pastry, vanilla, caramelized sugar
Taste balance
Sweet, creamy, slightly bitter
Aftertaste
Lingering sweetness, coffee, creamy
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Light brown, beige, opaque, creamy
Texture
Thick, smooth, rich, creamy
Seasonality
All-season, comforting, indulgent

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is intensely creamy and sweet, with a noticeable but balanced coffee bitterness and a complete absence of alcohol or carbonation. It's a rich and decadent treat designed for maximum flavor impact.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The base of this milkshake requires vanilla ice cream and whole milk, with flavor coming from chilled strong coffee and a whole glazed donut. Optional but recommended garnishes include whipped cream, a mini donut, and syrup for a café-style presentation.
  • Vanilla Ice Cream3 large scoops (approx. 250g)
    A good quality, full-fat vanilla ice cream works best for a creamy texture.
  • Whole Milk120 ml / 4 oz
    Adjust quantity for desired thickness. Plant-based milk can be substituted for a vegan version.
  • Chilled Brewed Coffee or Espresso60 ml / 2 oz
    Use strong coffee or two shots of espresso for a robust flavor. Ensure it is completely chilled.
  • Glazed Donut1 large
    A classic, simple glazed donut works best. Stale donuts also work well.
  • Whipped CreamTo top(optional)
    For garnish.
  • Mini Donut1(optional)
    For garnish.
  • Chocolate or Caramel SyrupFor drizzling(optional)
    For garnish and lining the glass.
  • Sprinkles1 teaspoon(optional)
    For garnish.

Ice type

  • None

Mixing equipments

The only essential piece of equipment for this recipe is a sturdy blender capable of smoothly incorporating the ice cream and donut pieces.
  • Blender: For combining and blending all ingredients until smooth.

Instructions

To make this drink, simply blend a torn-up donut with vanilla ice cream, milk, and chilled coffee until smooth. Pour into a syrup-drizzled glass and top with whipped cream and a mini donut for the ultimate treat.
1. If desired, prepare your serving glass by drizzling chocolate or caramel syrup down the inside walls. Place in the freezer to set while you prepare the shake.
2. Tear the large glazed donut into smaller pieces.
3. In the jug of a blender, combine the vanilla ice cream, milk, chilled coffee, and the donut pieces.
4. Blend on high speed for 30-60 seconds, or until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
5. Pour the milkshake into your prepared glass.
6. Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream, place the mini donut on top, drizzle with more syrup, and add sprinkles.
7. Serve immediately with a wide straw and a spoon.

Garnishing

Garnish extravagantly with a swirl of whipped cream, a mini donut, a drizzle of syrup, and a dash of sprinkles to complete the decadent look.
  • Whipped Cream: A generous swirl on top.
  • Mini Donut: Placed on top of the whipped cream.
  • Syrup Drizzle: Chocolate or caramel syrup drizzled over the whipped cream and inside the glass.
  • Sprinkles: A pinch of chocolate or rainbow sprinkles for color.

Dietary Information

This drink is vegetarian and can be made nut-free by ensuring all ingredients are free from nuts. However, it is not vegan and contains caffeine, dairy, egg, soy, and gluten, though vegan and gluten-free variations are possible with ingredient substitutions.
✕ 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, with a very high calorie, carbohydrate, and sugar content per serving. It is best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a regular beverage.
Calories
Averagely 750 kcal / 3138 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 95g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 80g
Sugar level

Occasions

This milkshake is perfect as a decadent dessert after a meal or as a special indulgent treat on its own. It can also be a show-stopping addition to a weekend brunch or a fun beverage for a celebration or party.
  • Dessert
  • Indulgent Treat
  • Brunch
  • Celebration

Pairing suggestions

This milkshake is rich enough to be considered a dessert in its own right. For a sweet-and-salty contrast, serve it with crispy bacon strips. Alternatively, a cup of strong black coffee can help cut through its intense sweetness.
  • Standalone Dessert
  • Salty Bacon Strips
  • Black Coffee

Coffee and Donut Milkshake: A Decadent Café Dream

The Coffee and Donut Milkshake is a masterful creation for the ultimate sweet tooth, blending two beloved café staples into one spectacular drink. Its flavor is a harmonious mix of bold coffee and sweet, bready donut, all enveloped in a rich and creamy vanilla base. While undeniably indulgent and high in calories, it serves as the perfect celebratory treat or decadent dessert. Easy to prepare with just a blender, this drink is all about fun, flavor, and pure, unadulterated enjoyment.

Variations

Cinnamon Roll Milkshake

Substitute the glazed donut with one small cinnamon roll for a warm, spiced flavor profile.

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