Salted Caramel Pretzel Milkshake

This is a deliciously rich and satisfying milkshake combining the classic flavors of sweet caramel and salty, crunchy pretzels. Vanilla ice cream provides a creamy base, while caramel sauce adds deep sweetness, and crushed pretzels introduce a delightful salty crunch and texture. It's a perfect treat for anyone who loves the sweet and salty flavor combination, offering a decadent dessert experience in a glass.
Salted Caramel Pretzel Milkshake

Preparation

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Salted Caramel Pretzel Milkshake is categorized as a non-alcoholic milkshake. It firmly falls into the dessert drink category, celebrated for its rich, sweet, and indulgent qualities that make it a perfect final course or special treat.

Serving

Serve this large, non-alcoholic drink ice-cold in a tall milkshake glass. For a professional touch, drizzle caramel sauce on the inside of the glass before pouring the shake.
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

Backstory

This milkshake is a modern creation, born from the popular trend of combining sweet and salty flavors in desserts. The rise of gourmet milkshakes in diners and cafes led to innovative combinations, with salted caramel and pretzels being a natural and beloved pairing that evokes a sense of nostalgic indulgence with a contemporary twist.
Origin
This milkshake is a product of modern American dessert culture, likely emerging in the 2010s as part of the gourmet or "freakshake" trend. It doesn't have a single creator but evolved from the popular salted caramel flavor profile in the United States.

Salted Caramel Pretzel Milkshake

This drink is almost exclusively known by its descriptive name, Salted Caramel Pretzel Milkshake. Variations like "Salty Caramel Pretzel Shake" are common but refer to the same delicious combination of flavors.
Original name
Salted Caramel Pretzel Milkshake
Alternative names
  • Salty Caramel Pretzel Shake
  • Pretzel Caramel Milkshake

Characteristics overview

This milkshake has a dominant sweet caramel flavor perfectly balanced by the saltiness of pretzels. It boasts a thick, creamy texture with a delightful crunch, and an inviting aroma of vanilla and caramel.
Flavor
Sweet, Salty, Creamy, Caramel, Malty, Buttery
Aroma
Caramel, Vanilla, Toasted Pretzel, Dairy
Taste balance
Sweet, Salty
Aftertaste
Lingering Sweetness, Creamy, Salty
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Light Beige, Creamy, Opaque, Speckled with dark pretzel bits
Texture
Thick, Smooth, Creamy, Slightly Crunchy
Seasonality
Indulgent, All-Season

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is intense, defined by extreme sweetness and creaminess from the ice cream and caramel, cut by a moderate saltiness from the pretzels. It is a completely non-alcoholic and non-carbonated drink.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The key ingredients are vanilla ice cream, milk, caramel sauce, and salted pretzels. Optional whipped cream serves as the perfect topping for this indulgent shake.
  • Vanilla Ice Cream3 large scoops (approx. 200g)
    A good quality, full-fat vanilla ice cream works best for a creamy texture.
  • Whole Milk120 ml / 4 oz
    Use less milk for a thicker shake, more for a thinner one.
  • Caramel Sauce30 ml / 1 oz (plus more for garnish)
    A thick, rich caramel sauce is ideal. Salted caramel sauce can also be used for extra flavor.
  • Salted Pretzels1/4 cup, crushed (plus more for garnish)
    Crush them coarsely to maintain some texture.
  • Whipped CreamTo taste(optional)
    For garnish.

Ice type

  • None

Mixing equipments

A blender is essential to achieve the creamy consistency of a milkshake. Standard kitchen measuring tools will also be needed.
  • Blender - For combining all ingredients into a smooth shake.
  • Measuring cups and spoons - For accurate measurement of ingredients.

Instructions

To make this shake, simply blend ice cream, milk, caramel, and crushed pretzels until smooth. Pour into a caramel-drizzled glass and finish with whipped cream and more pretzel garnish.
1. Prepare the glass by drizzling caramel sauce along the inside walls in a decorative pattern. Place in the freezer for a few minutes to set if desired.
2. In the pitcher of a blender, combine the vanilla ice cream, milk, caramel sauce, and 1/4 cup of crushed pretzels.
3. Blend on high speed for 30-45 seconds, or until the mixture is smooth and creamy but still has small pretzel flecks.
4. Pour the milkshake carefully into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish the top with a generous swirl of whipped cream, an additional drizzle of caramel sauce, and a sprinkle of more crushed pretzels. Serve immediately.

Garnishing

Generously garnish this milkshake with a swirl of whipped cream, an extra drizzle of caramel sauce, and a sprinkle of crushed or whole pretzels for visual appeal and texture.
  • Whipped Cream - Apply a generous swirl on top of the milkshake.
  • Caramel Sauce - Drizzle over the whipped cream.
  • Crushed Pretzels - Sprinkle over the top for extra crunch and flavor.
  • Whole Pretzel - Place one on top or on the rim of the glass as a final touch.

Dietary Information

This milkshake is vegetarian but is not vegan, dairy-free, or gluten-free in its standard preparation. Check ingredient labels, as soy may be present in the ice cream or pretzels.
✕ 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 sugars from the ice cream and caramel sauce. It should be considered an indulgent treat.
Calories
averagely 750 kcal / 3138 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
averagely 105 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
averagely 85 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This milkshake is perfect as a decadent dessert after a meal, a satisfying afternoon snack, or a special treat for movie nights. Its fun and indulgent nature also makes it suitable for birthday parties and celebrations.
  • Dessert
  • Afternoon Snack
  • Movie Night
  • Celebration

Pairing suggestions

This milkshake is a perfect companion to classic American diner fare like burgers and fries, where its sweetness complements the savory meal. It also pairs wonderfully with salty snacks like popcorn or can be served alongside a simple chocolate dessert like a brownie for the ultimate sweet-and-salty experience.
  • Classic Cheeseburger
  • Salty French Fries
  • Chocolate Brownies
  • Popcorn

The Ultimate Salted Caramel Pretzel Milkshake Experience

The Salted Caramel Pretzel Milkshake is a modern classic that masterfully blends sweet and salty notes into one decadent beverage. It features a rich, creamy base of vanilla ice cream, swirled with luscious caramel sauce and studded with the crunchy, salty bite of pretzels. Exceptionally easy to prepare, this non-alcoholic milkshake offers a delightful textural contrast and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Garnished extravagantly with whipped cream, it’s the perfect indulgent treat for any occasion.