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Salted caramel espresso milkshake in a clear glass with whipped cream and caramel drizzle on a pastel café background.
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Salted Caramel Espresso Milkshake

This salted caramel espresso milkshake is rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced, combining bold espresso with smooth vanilla ice cream and sweet salted caramel sauce. The espresso adds depth that cuts through the sweetness, creating an indulgent yet not overly sugary milkshake that’s perfect for coffee lovers and dessert cravings alike.
Course Beverage, Dessert, Milkshake
Cuisine American, Coffeehouse-Inspired, Fusion
Keyword caramel coffee shake, coffee dessert drink, coffee lover dessert, coffee milkshake, dessert milkshake, espresso milkshake, homemade milkshake, salted caramel espresso milkshake, salted caramel milkshake, sweet and salty dessert
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 large milkshake
Calories 600kcal
Cost $3 per milkshake

Equipment

  • Blender
  • Espresso machine, Moka pot, or strong coffee maker
  • measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Tall glass (12–16 oz)
  • Spoon or spatula

Ingredients

  • 2 cups vanilla ice cream
  • 1 shot espresso 1–1½ oz, cooled
  • 2 tbsp salted caramel sauce plus more for drizzling
  • ¼ cup whole milk add more to thin
  • Pinch of flaky sea salt to taste

Optional Toppings

  • Whipped cream
  • Extra caramel drizzle
  • Flaky sea salt or caramel bits

Instructions

  • Brew the espresso and let it cool to room temperature.
  • Add ice cream, espresso, salted caramel sauce, milk, and salt to a blender.
  • Blend until thick and smooth.
  • Taste and adjust—add more caramel for sweetness or milk to thin.
  • Pour into a chilled glass, top as desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Cool the espresso: Let the espresso cool before blending so it doesn’t melt the ice cream too quickly.
  • Balance the salt: Start with a small pinch of sea salt—you want contrast, not saltiness.
  • Caramel choice: Thick salted caramel sauce gives the best flavor; thin syrups can make the shake watery.
  • Consistency control: Add milk gradually to reach your preferred thickness.
  • Extra indulgent: Swirl caramel inside the glass before pouring for a café-style look.
  • Make it boozy (optional): A splash of coffee liqueur or bourbon pairs beautifully with caramel (for adults).

✨ Tips

  • Extra bold: Use a double shot of espresso.
  • Dessert-forward: Add ½ tsp vanilla extract.
  • Thicker shake: Reduce milk or add more ice cream.
  • Dairy-free: Swap in dairy-free vanilla ice cream and oat milk.