If you’re craving something sweet, creamy, and irresistibly rich, this Butterscotch Shake Recipe is going to become your new best friend. Perfectly blending the deep caramel notes of homemade butterscotch sauce with smooth vanilla ice cream and a splash of Scotch whiskey for an extra touch of warmth, this shake is the ultimate treat to indulge in anytime you need a little comfort and delight in a glass. Whether it’s a special dessert or a cozy pick-me-up, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass blender cup is shown from above, sitting on a white marbled surface. Inside the blender, there are two main layers: the bottom layer is smooth and creamy white, while the top layer is a light tan liquid poured over the white layer, creating soft swirls where they mix. The texture of the top layer looks slightly thick and uneven. The blender cup has a handle on the upper right side, and the light reflects softly on the glass. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Butterscotch Shake Recipe lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients that work together to create a luscious texture and layered flavor. Each component plays its part in making your shake creamy, flavorful, and utterly satisfying.

Unsalted butter (¼ cup): The base for our rich butterscotch sauce, providing a smooth, velvety mouthfeel.
Dark brown sugar (¼ cup, packed): Adds deep caramel flavors essential for authentic butterscotch.
Heavy cream (½ cup): Brings creaminess to the sauce and helps achieve that luxurious shake texture.
Kosher salt (¼ teaspoon): A pinch to balance sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds aromatic warmth and complements the butterscotch perfectly.
Scotch whiskey (1 teaspoon, optional): Gives a subtle kick and complexity – you can leave it out for a kid-friendly version or add it for a grown-up twist.
Milk (¼ cup): Thins the shake to the perfect drinking consistency without watering it down.
Vanilla ice cream (2 cups): The creamy star of the shake, providing sweetness and smoothness; frozen yogurt or frozen banana work well as alternatives.
Butterscotch sauce (2 tablespoons): Homemade from the steps below, this sauce is where all the magic happens.
Whipped cream (optional): A fluffy, light crown for your shake’s presentation and added indulgence.
Chopped butterscotch chips (optional): A delightful, crunchy texture contrast that amplifies the butterscotch flavor.

How to Make Butterscotch Shake Recipe

Step 1: Make the Butterscotch Sauce

Start by melting the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it becomes golden and fragrant. This will form the rich buttery base that’s key to authentic butterscotch flavor.

Step 2: Add the Brown Sugar

Stir in the dark brown sugar, combining it thoroughly with the melted butter. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil, then lower the heat to maintain a gentle boil. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes while stirring regularly to prevent burning and encourage that deep caramelization.

Step 3: Incorporate Heavy Cream and Salt

Carefully pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the kosher salt, stirring constantly to blend everything smoothly. Allow the sauce to come back to a gentle boil and cook for a further 3-4 minutes, stirring throughout so it thickens beautifully.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce

Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and Scotch whiskey, if using. These finishing touches give your butterscotch sauce extra warmth and complexity. Let the sauce cool to thicken—it will transform from a syrupy gloss into a creamy, luscious topping for your shake.

Step 5: Blend the Shake

In a large blender, pour the milk first to avoid sticking, then add the vanilla ice cream and 2 tablespoons of your freshly made butterscotch sauce. Blend everything until the mixture is silky smooth and velvety. This is where creamy indulgence meets sweet butterscotch bliss.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Pour your butterscotch shake into chilled glasses to keep it refreshingly cool. This little detail makes each sip delightfully crisp and delicious.

How to Serve Butterscotch Shake Recipe

A tall clear glass with a creamy light beige milkshake inside, topped with a thick layer of white whipped cream. On top of the whipped cream is a golden caramel sauce drizzled unevenly with small crunchy brown bits sprinkled around. A red and white striped straw sticks out from the right side of the glass. The glass is set on a white marbled surface, with a blurred background featuring a small white bowl with caramel and a few scattered caramel chips. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your shake with a generous swirl of whipped cream for a light, airy counterpoint to the thick shake. Sprinkle chopped butterscotch chips on top for a little crunch and that extra burst of butterscotch flavor. Drizzling a little more butterscotch sauce over the whipped cream creates a visually stunning and utterly inviting finish.

Side Dishes

This Butterscotch Shake Recipe pairs wonderfully with warm desserts like apple pie or soft ginger snaps. The shake’s creamy sweetness balances the spices and makes for a cozy, comforting treat combo that’s perfect for cooler evenings or anytime you want a special indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the shake in mason jars with colorful straws and a sprinkle of sea salt on top to bring out the sweetness even more. You could also rim the glass with crushed butterscotch or graham crackers enhancing that nostalgic flavor and giving it a festive look for parties or family gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover butterscotch sauce, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This sauce is incredibly versatile—use it as a drizzle over ice cream or pancakes, or just whip up another shake whenever the craving strikes.

Freezing

The butterscotch shake itself isn’t ideal for freezing because ice crystals can alter the texture upon thawing. However, you can freeze your homemade butterscotch sauce in small portions and thaw it gently when you want to create a new batch of shakes.

Reheating

When you want to use the stored butterscotch sauce, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir frequently until it reaches a pourable consistency again, making sure not to overheat to preserve its smooth richness.

FAQs

Can I make this Butterscotch Shake Recipe without alcohol?

Absolutely! The Scotch whiskey is entirely optional. Leaving it out won’t affect the deliciousness of the shake; it just provides a subtle depth of flavor for those who enjoy a boozy touch.

What can I use instead of vanilla ice cream?

If you want a lighter option, frozen yogurt works beautifully, adding tanginess while keeping the creaminess. For a dairy-free or healthier alternative, a frozen banana sliced and blended will also create a great base for the shake.

How long will the butterscotch sauce keep?

Stored in the refrigerator, the butterscotch sauce will keep fresh and tasty for about two weeks. Make sure it’s in a sealed container to preserve its smooth, rich texture.

Can I make this shake vegan?

To veganize this Butterscotch Shake Recipe, substitute the butter with vegan margarine, use coconut cream in place of heavy cream, and plant-based milk. Swap vanilla ice cream with a dairy-free alternative, and skip the Scotch whiskey or check for vegan brands.

How can I make this shake thicker?

Use more ice cream or reduce the milk slightly to make the shake richer and thicker. Adding an extra tablespoon or two of butterscotch sauce can also enhance both thickness and flavor.

Final Thoughts

There is something undeniably comforting about a creamy, sweet butterscotch shake that feels like a hug in a glass. This Butterscotch Shake Recipe is simple enough to whip up any day but elegant enough to impress guests or satisfy special cravings. Give it a try soon—you’ll be amazed how quickly it becomes your go-to indulgence for brightening any moment!