Copycat Five Guys Peanut Butter Milkshake Recipe

Creamy vanilla ice cream blended with roasted peanut butter creates a decadent, thick milkshake that perfectly captures Five Guys' signature sweet-salty balance.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
0 mins
Serves:
2 milkshakes
An overhead shot of a tall, frosted glass filled with a thick, creamy beige milkshake, swirled with ribbons of peanut butter. The glass sits on a rustic wooden table bathed in soft natural light, highlighting the velvety texture of the drink. A metal straw stands in the center, surrounded by a generous crown of freshly whipped cream dusted with crushed roasted peanuts. Alongside, a small dish of additional peanuts and a jar of premium peanut butter sit slightly blurred in the background, while droplets of condensation on the glass capture the light, emphasizing the milkshake's cold, refreshing appeal.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">480ml premium vanilla ice cream (about 4 large scoops)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120ml whole milk</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60g smooth roasted peanut butter</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml honey</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Pinch of salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For garnish (optional):</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml freshly whipped cream</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp roasted peanuts, crushed</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Blender or milkshake mixer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Tall milkshake glasses</li></ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Chill your milkshake glasses in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before starting. This helps maintain the thick, cold consistency that makes Five Guys milkshakes so special.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Add the vanilla ice cream to your blender. For an authentic texture, make sure your ice cream is slightly softened but not melting — about 5 minutes out of the freezer is perfect. This creates a smoother blend without becoming too thin.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Add the milk, peanut butter, honey, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt to the blender. The salt is crucial as it enhances the roasted peanut flavor and creates that signature Five Guys sweet-salty balance.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Blend on low speed initially to incorporate the ingredients, then increase to medium speed for about 20-30 seconds until smooth. Be careful not to over-blend – Five Guys milkshakes are known for their thickness, and excessive blending will warm the mixture and make it runny.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Stop and check the consistency – it should be thick enough that a spoon drawn through creates a distinct path, but thin enough to pour slowly. If it's too thick, add a splash more milk (1-2 tablespoons); if too thin, add a small scoop of ice cream and pulse briefly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>For an extra touch of authenticity, microwave 1 tablespoon of additional peanut butter for 10 seconds until slightly runny, then use a spoon to create streaks around the inside of your chilled glasses before pouring.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Pour the milkshake into your prepared glasses, leaving about 1cm at the top. The cold glass will help maintain the thick consistency while you enjoy every sip.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>If desired, top with freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed roasted peanuts for that perfect presentation. Serve immediately with a wide straw and a long spoon – you'll need both for this decadently thick treat!</li></ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving
🔥 Calories: 560 calories
🥑 Fat: 35 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 14 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 48 g
🍭 Sugar: 42 g
🍗 Protein: 15 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 85 mg
🧂 Sodium: 320 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Why does my peanut butter milkshake turn out runny instead of thick like restaurant versions?

Over-blending is often the culprit! Blend for only 20-30 seconds and use slightly softened (not melting) ice cream. Keep the milk quantity modest and pre-chill your glasses. If it's still too thin, add another small scoop of ice cream and pulse briefly rather than blend fully.

Can I make this shake dairy-free while maintaining that creamy texture?

Yes! Substitute premium vanilla dairy-free ice cream (cashew or coconut-based work best) and use almond or oat milk instead of whole milk. The high fat content in the peanut butter helps maintain creaminess even without dairy products. Adjust sweetness with a touch more honey if needed.

What's the secret to achieving that perfect sweet-salty balance in peanut butter milkshakes?

Use roasted rather than regular peanut butter for deeper flavour, add that crucial pinch of salt, and include a touch of honey which enhances both sweet and savoury notes. Premium vanilla ice cream with real vanilla also creates a better flavour foundation than budget options with artificial flavourings.

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