peanut butter and jelly milkshakes on a cutting board

PB&J, milkshake-style! This sweet twist on the classic pairing features vanilla ice cream blended with smooth peanut butter and fruit jam or jelly for a decadent, creamy, sippable dessert. Add all the garnishes or leave them plain and simple — either way is 100% delicious.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Milkshakes Recipe

I’ve been a fan of PB&J milkshakes since college, when my roommate Kirstin first made one for me. At first sip, I swear I heard a choir of angels sing. It was so smooth, so creamy, so cool and peanut buttery and sweet, I couldn’t believe I’d never had a milkshake with this flavor pairing before. And now, it’s only taken me more than a decade to share the recipe with you on GVD, lol. Forgive me!

If you’re looking for an ultra-indulgent but also fun and nostalgic dessert recipe, this is the perfect one. Here’s what you can expect from these milkshakes:

  • Creamy and smooth texture
  • Delightful peanut butter and jelly flavor (with almost any jam/jelly flavor you love!)
  • Rich and decadent taste
  • Easy to make — you only need 4 ingredients!

When it’s lunchtime, a PB&J sandwich really hits the spot. But come dessert, I’m all about this milkshake (and I bet you will be, too).

peanut butter and jelly milkshakes on a cutting board

Best Ingredients for PB&J Milkshakes

Since the ingredient list is so simple, we want to use the best ingredients possible so the flavors really sing. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Vanilla ice cream (I used vanilla bean ice cream — YUM)
  • Milk (highly recommend a higher fat content, at least 1%, for maximum creaminess and flavor)
  • Creamy peanut butter (don’t use the natural kind for this recipe — Jif or Skippy is where it’s at)
  • Your favorite fruit jam or jelly, such as raspberry, strawberry, or grape
  • If you’re going all out with the garnishes, you’ll need a few chopped peanuts and extra peanut butter and jam (or, for a more kid-friendly version, some whipped cream)

Once you’ve got your ingredients on hand, you just need approximately 10 minutes max to make these magical milkshakes (hello, alliteration).

How to Make Peanut Butter and Jelly Milkshakes

This recipe really couldn’t be simpler, but it always helps to review the steps before we dive in. Here’s what you’ll do:

  • Step One: Prepare the glasses with garnishes, if using: Top the rims of two glasses with peanut butter, then roll in crushed peanuts. Use a spatula or knife to spread a couple of teaspoons of jam or jelly up the insides of the glass in a spiral for a pretty presentation. Place the glasses in the freezer so the jam swirl stays put while you make the milkshakes.
  • Step Two: Blend the milkshake ingredients! In a high-powered blender, blend the vanilla ice cream with milk, peanut butter and jam until everything is smooth.
  • Step Three: Carefully pour the milkshake mixture into the prepared glasses, leaving the jam swirl intact. Serve immediately.

This recipe yields two generous milkshakes, so if you’re serving it to littles, you can probably get four kid-size milkshakes from this one recipe.

peanut butter and jelly milkshakes on a cutting board

How Do I Get a Thicker or Thinner Milkshake?

There are two ways to adjust the thickness of a milkshake recipe. To make a thicker milkshake, add more ice cream and blend the mixture for a good minute to break up the ice cream as much as possible. For a thinner milkshake, add a few extra splashes of milk (my kids like it this way because it tastes more like a “smoothie”).

What is the Best Jam or Jelly Flavor for This Milkshake?

I would definitely go with any jam or jelly flavor that pairs best with peanut butter, such as raspberry, strawberry or grape. More tart flavors like apricot, orange, peach or redcurrant won’t taste as good in this recipe.

Whenever that hankering for a PB&J comes around, give it a cool and creamy spin with this milkshake recipe. And maybe share it with your friends sooner than, oh, 13 years later. 😉

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peanut butter and jelly milkshakes on a cutting board

Peanut Butter and Jelly Milkshakes

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 2 reviews
  • Author: Stephanie
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 2 milkshakes 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Blend
  • Cuisine: American

Description

The classic childhood (and let’s be honest, adulthood) flavor pairing makes for a seriously delicious milkshake! All you need is vanilla ice cream, creamy peanut butter, your favorite fruit jam and a splash of milk for this sweet and decadent treat.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the optional garnishes:

  • 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter (not natural)
  • crushed roasted peanuts
  • 4 teaspoons raspberry, strawberry or grape jam/jelly

For the milkshakes:

  • 2 cups vanilla ice cream
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (not natural)
  • 2 tablespoons raspberry, strawberry or grape jam/jelly

Instructions

  1. First, prepare the glasses with garnishes (optional): Place 1 tablespoon peanut butter in a shallow bowl. Dip and swirl the tops of two large drinking glasses in the peanut butter to coat. Dip into a bowl of crushed peanuts to coat (or sprinkle the peanuts along the tops of the glasses).
  2. Use a knife or an offset spatula to spread 2 teaspoons jam or jelly per glass up the sides in a swirl. Transfer the glasses to the freezer while you prepare the milkshake mixture.
  3. Next, make the milkshakes: In a high-powered blender, blend vanilla ice cream, milk, 2 tablespoons peanut butter and 2 tablespoons jam or jelly until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.
  4. Carefully pour the milkshake mixture evenly into the prepared glasses. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Recipe adapted from Disney.
  • I highly recommend using a high-quality vanilla ice cream and 2% milk for this recipe for the best flavor.
  • If desired, skip the garnishes and top each milkshake with whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts.

More Milkshake Recipes!