Red Velvet Cake Milkshake

This indulgent milkshake blends the distinct flavors of red velvet cake—a mild cocoa taste with a tangy buttermilk note—into a rich, sippable treat. It uses a creamy vanilla ice cream base, incorporates actual red velvet cake or cake mix for authentic flavor, and adds a hint of cream cheese frosting to replicate the cake's iconic topping. It is a perfect liquid dessert for any occasion, offering a luxurious experience without the need for a fork.
Red Velvet Cake Milkshake

Preparation

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Red Velvet Cake Milkshake is categorized as a non-alcoholic milkshake. Due to its rich, sweet, and decadent nature, it is primarily considered a dessert drink, perfect for enjoying after a meal or as a standalone treat.

Serving

Serve this large, cold, non-alcoholic milkshake immediately after blending in a tall milkshake glass, often elaborately garnished for a visually appealing presentation.
Serving size
Approximately 450 ml / 15 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Milkshake Glass
Glass treatment
Rim the glass with cream cheese frosting and dip in red sprinkles or cake crumbs.

Backstory

While red velvet cake has roots in the Victorian era and gained immense popularity in the 20th century American South, the milkshake version is a modern adaptation. It is a creative way to enjoy the beloved cake flavor in a new format, likely originating in contemporary diners and dessert shops looking to innovate their shake menus. There is no single origin story, but it is part of a wider trend of deconstructing classic desserts into drinkable forms.
Origin
United States, 21st century. It is a modern culinary invention based on the classic red velvet cake, with its popularity growing alongside the gourmet milkshake trend.

Red Velvet Cake Milkshake

This drink is most commonly known as the Red Velvet Cake Milkshake, reflecting its primary flavor profile. Shorter, more casual names like "Red Velvet Milkshake" or "Red Velvet Shake" are also frequently used in cafes and dessert shops.
Original name
Red Velvet Cake Milkshake
Alternative names
  • Red Velvet Milkshake
  • Red Velvet Shake

Characteristics overview

This is a thick, velvety smooth milkshake with a vibrant red color, offering a sweet and slightly tangy flavor reminiscent of its namesake cake. The aroma is invitingly sweet with notes of vanilla and cocoa.
Flavor
Creamy, sweet, cake-like, tangy, vanilla, mild cocoa
Aroma
Sweet, vanilla, chocolatey, buttery, cake batter
Taste balance
Sweet, slightly tangy
Aftertaste
Creamy, sweet, lingering vanilla
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Deep red, opaque, thick, rich
Texture
Thick, smooth, creamy, velvety
Seasonality
All-year-round, refreshing dessert

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is intensely sweet and creamy, with a subtle tanginess providing balance. As a non-alcoholic and non-carbonated drink, its profile is dominated by rich dessert characteristics.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This recipe requires classic milkshake ingredients like vanilla ice cream and milk, combined with a slice of red velvet cake and cream cheese frosting to create its signature flavor.
  • Vanilla Ice Cream3 large scoops (approx. 1.5 cups / 355 ml / 12 oz)
    A good quality, full-fat vanilla ice cream provides the best creamy base.
  • Whole Milk1/2 cup / 120 ml / 4 oz
    Adjust quantity for desired thickness. Buttermilk can be used for extra tang.
  • Red Velvet Cake1 slice, crumbled
    Alternatively, use 2 tablespoons of red velvet cake mix for a similar flavor profile.
  • Cream Cheese Frosting1 tablespoon
    Adds the signature tangy sweetness of red velvet cake.
  • Red Food Coloring2-3 drops(optional)
    Enhances the vibrant red color, but is not essential for flavor.

Ice type

  • None

Mixing equipments

The only essential piece of equipment needed to make this milkshake is a blender, which ensures all the ingredients are perfectly combined into a smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Blender: For combining and blending all ingredients until smooth.

Instructions

To create this shake, simply blend vanilla ice cream, milk, red velvet cake, and cream cheese frosting until smooth. Pour into a decorated glass and top with whipped cream and cake crumbs before serving.
1. Prepare the glass by swirling cream cheese frosting on the inside or by rimming the glass with it and dipping into red sprinkles.
2. In a blender, combine the vanilla ice cream, milk, crumbled red velvet cake, and the tablespoon of cream cheese frosting.
3. If using, add a few drops of red food coloring to achieve a more intense red color.
4. Blend on high speed for 30-45 seconds, or until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
5. Pour the milkshake into your prepared serving glass.
6. Garnish the top with a generous amount of whipped cream, followed by a sprinkle of red velvet cake crumbs and red sprinkles.
7. Serve immediately with a wide straw and enjoy.

Garnishing

Garnish generously with a swirl of whipped cream, a sprinkle of red velvet cake crumbs, and some red sprinkles to make it visually stunning and add extra texture.
  • Whipped Cream: A generous swirl on top.
  • Red Velvet Cake Crumbs: Sprinkled over the whipped cream.
  • Red Sprinkles: For extra color and texture.

Dietary Information

This milkshake is vegetarian and nut-free, but it contains dairy, gluten, eggs, and may contain soy, making it unsuitable for vegans or those with these specific allergies. Dietary-friendly versions can be made with 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 caloric dessert drink, exceptionally rich in carbohydrates and sugar due to the combination of ice cream, cake, and frosting.
Calories
Averagely 650-850 kcal / 2719-3556 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 85-110 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 75-100 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This milkshake is ideal as a decadent dessert, a special treat for celebrations like birthdays, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving. It's a festive and fun drink suitable for parties and gatherings for all ages.
  • Dessert
  • Celebration
  • Sweet Treat
  • Party

Pairing suggestions

The Red Velvet Cake Milkshake is best enjoyed on its own as a fulfilling dessert. If pairing is desired, the intense sweetness can be balanced by simple salty snacks like pretzels or a cup of unsweetened black coffee.
  • Standalone Dessert
  • Salty Pretzels
  • Plain Coffee

The Decadent Red Velvet Cake Milkshake Experience

The Red Velvet Cake Milkshake is a luxurious and decadent dessert drink that flawlessly translates the classic flavors of its namesake cake into a sippable treat. By blending vanilla ice cream, milk, actual red velvet cake, and a hint of cream cheese frosting, it achieves a perfectly creamy texture and authentic taste. This vibrant red, non-alcoholic shake is remarkably easy to make at home. It serves as a perfect indulgence for special occasions or whenever a serious sweet craving strikes.