Salted Caramel Banana Milkshake

This Salted Caramel Banana Milkshake is a perfect dessert in a glass, combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the decadent taste of salted caramel. It's thick, creamy, and deeply satisfying, offering a beautiful balance of sweet and salty notes. This simple-to-make treat is perfect for a quick indulgence or a special occasion that calls for something sweet and comforting.
Salted Caramel Banana Milkshake

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This beverage is classified as a milkshake, a type of sweet, cold drink typically made with milk, ice cream, and flavorings. It falls into the broader category of non-alcoholic dessert drinks, perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth.

Serving

Serve this substantial, non-alcoholic milkshake chilled in a tall milkshake or pint glass. A chilled glass helps keep the drink cold and refreshing for longer.
Serving size
Approximately 400 ml / 13.5 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Milkshake Glass
Glass treatment
Chilled glass

Backstory

While it lacks a specific historical origin story, the Salted Caramel Banana Milkshake is a modern classic. It emerged from the popularization of salted caramel as a gourmet flavor in the early 21st century. The recipe cleverly combines the timeless appeal of a classic banana milkshake with the sophisticated, contemporary profile of salted caramel, resulting in a beloved dessert creation.
Origin
This is a contemporary recipe, likely developed in the United States or Western Europe during the 2000s. Its creation follows the widespread culinary trend of adding salt to caramel to enhance and balance its sweetness.

Salted Caramel Banana Milkshake

The drink's name is straightforward, clearly describing its primary flavors. Alternative names are simple shortened versions, such as "Salty Caramel Banana Shake," which emphasizes the sweet and savory combination.
Original name
Salted Caramel Banana Milkshake
Alternative names
  • Salty Caramel Banana Shake
  • Caramel Banana Milkshake

Characteristics overview

This milkshake has a rich, creamy texture and a delightful aroma of banana and caramel. The flavor profile is a well-balanced blend of sweet and salty notes, finishing with a smooth, lingering sweetness.
Flavor
sweet, salty, creamy, banana, caramel, rich
Aroma
banana, caramel, vanilla, sweet
Taste balance
sweet, salty
Aftertaste
creamy, sweet, lingering caramel
Fizziness
none
Color appearance
creamy, off-white, light beige
Texture
thick, smooth, creamy
Seasonality
refreshing, all-season treat

Flavor intensity & Experience

This drink is intensely creamy and sweet, complemented by a moderate fruitiness and a distinct salty counterpoint. As a non-alcoholic and non-carbonated beverage, its flavor is rich and straightforward.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The core ingredients are vanilla ice cream, milk, a ripe banana, and salted caramel sauce. Optional garnishes like whipped cream elevate the presentation and richness.
  • Vanilla Ice Cream3 large scoops (about 200 ml / 6.7 oz)
    Provides the creamy, cold base for the milkshake.
  • Milk120 ml / 4 oz
    Use whole milk for extra creaminess. Adjust quantity for desired thickness.
  • Ripe Banana1 medium
    A ripe banana with some brown spots will provide the most sweetness and flavor.
  • Salted Caramel Sauce30 ml / 1 oz
    Use store-bought or homemade. Add more to taste.
  • Sea Salt1 pinch(optional)
    Enhances the salty flavor profile, balancing the sweetness.
  • Whipped CreamTo taste(optional)
    For topping the finished milkshake.

Ice type

  • None

Mixing equipments

A standard kitchen blender is the only equipment needed to combine the ingredients into a perfectly smooth and creamy consistency.
  • Blender

Instructions

Preparation is simple: combine ice cream, milk, banana, and caramel sauce in a blender and mix until smooth. Pour into a glass and finish with your favorite toppings before serving immediately.
1. In the jug of a blender, add the vanilla ice cream, milk, peeled ripe banana, and salted caramel sauce.
2. Add the optional pinch of sea salt if you prefer a more pronounced salty flavor.
3. Secure the lid and blend on high speed for 30-45 seconds, or until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
4. Pour the milkshake into a chilled, tall milkshake glass.
5. Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream and drizzle with extra salted caramel sauce.
6. Serve immediately with a wide straw and a long spoon.

Garnishing

Garnish generously with whipped cream and a final drizzle of salted caramel sauce. A fresh slice of banana can be added for a professional touch and to hint at the flavor within.
  • A swirl of whipped cream on top.
  • An extra drizzle of salted caramel sauce over the whipped cream.
  • A fresh banana slice on the rim of the glass.

Dietary Information

This milkshake is vegetarian, gluten-free, egg-free, and caffeine-free. However, it contains dairy and is not vegan, though it can be adapted using plant-based milk, ice cream, and caramel sauce.
✕ 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 treat, containing a significant amount of calories, carbohydrates, and sugar per serving, primarily from the ice cream and caramel sauce.
Calories
Averagely 550-650 kcal / 2300-2720 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 80-100 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 70-90 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This milkshake is incredibly versatile, serving as a decadent dessert after a meal or a rich afternoon snack. It's also a crowd-pleasing option for family gatherings and parties, especially on a warm day.
  • Dessert
  • Snack
  • Family Gathering
  • Summer Treat

Pairing suggestions

This milkshake pairs wonderfully with classic American diner food, such as a juicy cheeseburger and crispy fries. For a sweet-on-sweet combination, enjoy it alongside warm chocolate chip cookies. The salty-sweet profile also complements salty snacks like pretzels, providing a delightful textural contrast.
  • Salty pretzels
  • Classic cheeseburger and fries
  • Chocolate chip cookies
  • A slice of dense chocolate cake

The Ultimate Salted Caramel Banana Milkshake Experience

The Salted Caramel Banana Milkshake is a luxuriously creamy and flavorful non-alcoholic dessert. It masterfully balances the natural sweetness of ripe banana and rich caramel with a satisfying hint of sea salt, creating a complex and delicious experience. Incredibly easy to prepare with just a few ingredients, it is the perfect indulgent treat to satisfy cravings or celebrate a special moment. Its rich texture and balanced flavor make it a favorite for all ages.