Neapolitan Milkshake (Easy & Creamy Recipe)

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This easy Neapolitan milkshake is a delicious twist on the classic ice cream treat. Made with layers of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry ice cream, it's a fun and flavorful drink that is perfect for any occasion.

A tall glass with the shake topped with whipped cream and a candied cherry.

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Neapolitan shake
📝 Ingredients you'll need
🥣 Before you begin: essential tools
🥄 Step by step: instructions
Variations to make it your own
My notes
Storage
Make ahead
Perfect pairings: what to serve with
💬 Your questions answered: FAQs
📣 Related Recipes
Neapolitan Milkshake

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Neapolitan shake

With just a few simple ingredients and a blender, you can whip up this tasty treat in no time.
There's no reason to buy multiple flavors of ice cream; you can make these with just vanilla ice cream and some syrups.
It tastes even better than shakes at your favorite restaurants, and it comes together in just a little bit of time.

This perfect treat has all the flavor of Neapolitan ice cream but in a tall glass. If you are a fan of milkshakes, then this is the recipe for you.

📝 Ingredients you'll need

Note: This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.

image with ingredients for the milkshake.

📋 Ingredient Notes

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream - I like to use high-quality ice cream such as Haagen-Dazs or Ben & Jerry's for the best flavor.
Whole Milk - Using whole milk gives the shakes a rich and creamy texture.
Chocolate Syrup - You can use store-bought or make your own homemade chocolate sauce.
Strawberry Syrup - you can use store-bought or make your own by blending fresh strawberries with sugar.
Fresh Strawberries - Look for strawberries that are bright red and firm for the best flavor
Garnishes - I used sprinkles, whipped cream, and a strawberry or maraschino cherry as a topping.

🥣 Before you begin: essential tools

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Ice cream scoop
Blender
Milkshake glasses

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🥄 Step by step: instructions

Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The detailed instructions are in the recipe card below.

A collage of 6 images showing instructions to make the milkshake recipe.

Make the chocolate portion of the milkshake by adding ice cream, milk, and all of the chocolate syrup.
Blend then pour into both of your glasses, about ⅓ of the way up the glasses. Place the cups in the freezer. Thoroughly rinse your blender and top.
Then make the vanilla portion of the milkshake by adding ice cream and milk to the blender and blend. Pour on top of the chocolate milkshake in the glasses and then place back in the freezer. Thoroughly rinse your blender and top.
Make the strawberry portion of the milkshake by adding the rest of the ice cream, the rest of the milk, the strawberry syrup, and the strawberries to your blender and blend until the consistency is smooth. Pour on top of the vanilla portion of the milkshake in the glasses.
Top with whipped cream, a cherry, and sprinkles before enjoying!

Variations to make it your own

Use different flavors of ice cream, such as mint chocolate chip or cookies and cream.
Add a shot of espresso to the chocolate ice cream layer to give it an even more rich flavor, plus a hint of caffeine.
Substitute almond milk or coconut milk ice cream for a dairy-free option.
Add in some crushed cookies or candy pieces for added texture.
If you are a fan of a banana split, you can also top this shake with some pineapple topping and frozen banana slices for an extra special treat.

My notes

I like to use a high-speed blender to get the smoothest milkshake mixture; if you don't have a powered blender, you will need to blend it a little longer.
I added the strawberries to the ice cream to increase the strawberry flavors in that layer; however, if you don't have them, you can just use more syrup in the strawberry mixture.
Cocoa powder can all be added to increase the chocolate flavor in the chocolate layer.
I like to freeze my glasses for a few minutes before serving the milkshake to keep it extra cold and refreshing.

Storage

This homemade milkshake needs to be enjoyed right away, so only make enough that you can serve it all at once.

Make ahead

Milkshakes do not store well, so you will need to make them when you are ready to serve them.

Perfect pairings: what to serve with

This sweet treat goes well with all your favorite meals. Some of my favorites to serve them are this Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Pasta, or for more variety, check out these Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipes. There is something on this list for everyone!

💬 Your questions answered: FAQs

What is a Neapolitan milkshake?

A Neapolitan milkshake is a delicious blend of three classic ice cream flavors - chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. The name comes from the Italian city of Naples, where this combination of flavors is traditionally used in desserts.

How do you layer a milkshake?

To make a layered milkshake, it's important to place it in the freezer in between adding layers so that the base layer has time to firm up some so that the layers do not mix.

How do you pronounce Neapolitan?

Neapolitan is pronounced as "nee-uh-pol-i-tuhn."

Do you love ice cream as much as I do.Some of my favorite ice cream recipes to make on hot summer days are this Condensed Milk Ice Cream, Lebanese Ice Cream, or this Homemade Shamrock Shake! You will love all three of these sweet treats.

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