This smooth and creamy chocolate milkshake tastes just like Wendy’s Frosty. It is cheaper and healthier to make at home.
I love making fast food favorites like the big mac and Mexican Pizzas, and of course these copycat Frosty’s at home. Even though I live in the suburbs, traffic has been a nightmare lately. If we want to go it takes us almost 60 minutes round trip to go 10 miles!
As much as I love Wendys Frosty, I am NOT willing to waste an hour in the car. Plus when it’s super hot, it can melt before you get home.
knew I had to create a homemade Frosty (My favorite fast food treat). It really couldn’t be easier. It makes a wonderful dessert or after-school snack. Try dipping your fries in it next (you’ll thank me later).
Why I Love This Recipe
- Limited Ingredients: You only need 3 simple ingredients. This makes it healthier and more allergy-friendly than what you may find in a restaurant.
- Fast: This drink is ready in minutes.
- Secret Ingredient: Learn my secret for spot-on chocolate frosty flavor.
- Cheap: Make them for a fraction of the cost at home, in whatever size you choose.
History
The Frosty is a trademarked drink sold by the fast-food restaurant Wendy’s. It was introduced in 1979.
It is believed to be adapted from a chocolate malted shake recipe created by Louis “Studs” Harder. It’s named after Wendy Thomas, founder Dave’s daughter.
He worried pure chocolate would be too overpowering with a meal so he combined chocolate and vanilla just like we did here.
Milkshake Vs. Frosty
Frosties tend to be thinner than a milkshake. They remind me of a soft-serve milkshake. They are easy to sip through a straw, or you could eat with a spoon as well.
Ingredient Notes
- Nesquik Powder: Nesquik is a brand of ready-to-mix chocolate drink powder. It was introduced in the US by General Foods Corporation in 1966. It adds wonderful flavor. Look for it in near the hot chocolate in your grocery store. You can use chocolate syrup if you don’t have any Nesquik.
- Milk: For the best results use whole milk. Low fat or plant based milk will lead to a thinner drink.
- Ice Cream: I like Breyers Natural Vanilla however your favorite brand and flavor will work just fine. Avoid low fat versions for the creamiest drink.
Fun Variations
- Vanilla: Make a vanilla Frosty with vanilla nequik powder. Strawberry would be fun too.
- Double Chocolate: Use chocolate ice cream instead.
- Mix Ins: Add things like chopped oreos, M&Ms, or Snickers.
How To Make a Frosty at Home
- Combine milk, nequik, and ice cream in a blender. Blend until smooth.
Leftovers
- Store leftovers in the freezer for up to one month. Thaw for 20-30 minutes at room temperature do not heat.
Tips and Tricks
- For easy scooping, soften your ice cream for 5-10 minutes and use an ice cream scoop dipped in hot water.
- Trouble measuring ice cream? Weigh with a food scale instead. It doesn’t have to be exactly 2 cups, but if you use way too much you’ll end up with a thicker shake-like drink.
- Make it Boozy: You can add flavored coffee liquor such as Kahlua.
- Scrape down the sides of your blender at least once to make sure all the powder is incorporated.
- Chill the glass before using to keep your drink cooler longer.
- No blender? No problem! Just put in large bowl and combine ingredients.
- Add more milk for a thinner texture, and less for a thicker milkshake-like beverage.
More Copycat Drinks To Try
Starbucks Strawberries and Cream Frappuchino Recipe
Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Latte
Frosty
Ingredients
Wendys Frosty Ingredients
- ⅓ Cup Milk I used Whole Milk
- 5 tsp Nesquik Powder
- 2 Cups Vanilla Ice Cream
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in the blender. Blend until it reaches your desired consistency.
Nutrition
Cool ! Thanks. These are wonderful.
…wait, WHAT!? That’s IT!??! Ice cream, milk and Nesquik? SCORE!!!!
I can even make that in my protein shake mixer! (Though my former trainer probably hopped off his treadmill just now, sensing a disturbance in the force…)
Maybe if I add the protein powder it could be a breakfast drink…? (Or cake vodka in the evenings…?)
LOL! I love you Liz <3
It tastes just like it, although I have no idea what Wendy's uses (my inside sources tell me its a powder). Helloooo Nesquik.
I love Wendy’s frosties so I definitely have to give this a try. Thanks!
Absolutely! They are irresistible Jamie!
Great recipe! Frosty’s are so good! I’m going to try this!
This is such a great recipe. Our Wendy’s isn’t too far, but it’s over the freeway which makes it seem SO MUCH farther away. Now I can make it at home!
Urghh freeways. Thanks Dorothy!
Love Wendy’s Frosty’s! One of my all time fave treats!
Mine too Katie!