Copycat Chick-Fil-A Peach Milkshake Recipe

If you’re like me, you’ve probably found yourself eagerly awaiting Chick-fil-A Peach Milkshake every year. It’s the perfect harmony of ripe peach flavor and smooth vanilla cream, topped with whipped heaven. But what if you could enjoy this seasonal favorite all year round?

How to make Chick-Fil-A Peach Milkshake

The Chick‑fil‑A Peach Milkshake is a beloved seasonal treat that returns annually at the start of summer—typically around early June—and stays on menus through August or until supplies run out.

Ingredients

• 2 cups vanilla ice cream (Chick-fil-A uses their signature Icedream dessert, but any creamy vanilla ice cream works well.)
• 1/2 cup whole milk (You can substitute with almond or oat milk if desired, but whole milk gives the creamiest texture.)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen peaches (For the best flavor, use ripe, juicy peaches or frozen peaches that have been thawed.)
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (Optional for enhancing the overall flavor.)
• Whipped cream (Toppings are optional but recommended.)
• Maraschino cherry (For garnish—because it’s not a Chick-fil-A shake without the cherry!)

Instructions

1. Prep the peaches: If using fresh peaches, peel and pit them, then slice them into small chunks. Frozen peaches should be thawed before blending to ensure smooth consistency.
2. Combine the ingredients: In a blender, add the vanilla ice cream, milk, peaches, and vanilla extract. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy. Adjust the thickness by adding more milk for a thinner shake or more ice cream for a thicker shake.
3. Taste and adjust: After blending, give the milkshake a quick taste test. If your peaches aren’t as sweet as you’d like, add a teaspoon of sugar or honey. Blend again for a few seconds.
4. Serve: Pour the milkshake into a tall glass. Top with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry for that signature Chick-fil-A style.

Tips for the Perfect Peach Milkshake

• Use ripe peaches: Fresh, perfectly ripe peaches bring out the best flavor. If you can’t find fresh peaches, thawed frozen peaches or canned peaches in light syrup work as substitutes.
• Chill your glass: For an authentic milkshake experience, place your serving glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes before pouring your milkshake.
• Experiment with flavors: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced twist, or mix in a scoop of peach sorbet for extra fruitiness.
• Blend adjustably: Blend longer if you want an ultra-smooth consistency, but pulse briefly if you like small chunks of peach in the shake—either works!
• Make it dairy-free: Swap dairy products with non-dairy vanilla ice cream and almond milk for a vegan-friendly version.

What to serve with

A Chick-fil-A Peach Milkshake is already a decadent treat on its own, but pairing it with the right dishes can enhance your experience and turn snack time into a full meal.

1. Classic Chicken Sandwich: The Chick-fil-A Peach Milkshake’s creamy sweetness pairs beautifully with the crispy, seasoned flavor of a chicken sandwich. Make it Chick-fil-A-style by adding pickles and a soft toasted bun or go with your favorite homemade version.

2. Waffle Fries: The salty crunch of a golden waffle fry goes perfectly with the Chick-fil-A Peach Milkshake. For an added treat, dip the fries in your peach milkshake—trust me, it’s a flavor match-up that’ll surprise you!

3. Chicken Nuggets or Tenders: Serve alongside juicy, crispy chicken nuggets or tenders. The contrast of savory and sweet will feel like a meal straight from Chick-fil-A’s menu.

4. Grilled Chicken Wrap: If you’re looking for a lighter option, a fresh grilled chicken wrap is a healthy-yet-flavorful pairing for the milkshake. Add a side of honey mustard or ranch dressing for an extra kick.

Ingredients Substitutes

The Chick-fil-A Peach Milkshake is well-loved for its creamy sweetness and fresh peachy flavor, but you don’t always need exactly the same ingredients to recreate it at home.

1. Substitutes for Fresh Peaches

Peaches are the heart of the milkshake, but if fresh peaches aren’t available, you can try the following:

• Frozen Peaches: Frozen peaches are the closest substitute to fresh peaches. Since they’re typically picked at peak ripeness, they can provide the sweet and tangy flavor the milkshake needs. Let them thaw slightly or blend straight from frozen for a thicker shake.
• Canned Peaches: Use canned peaches packed in 100% juice for a sweeter alternative. Drain the syrup before blending to avoid making your milkshake overly sweet.
• Peach Puree: If you can’t find whole peaches, look for pre-made peach puree in grocery stores or online. Ensure it’s unsweetened to control the sugar content of your milkshake.
• Other Fruits: If peaches are unavailable, substitute with apricots or nectarines with similar sweet and tart profiles. Mango or papaya can also work for a tropical twist, though it will slightly change the flavor.
• Peach Jam or Preserves: In a pinch, you can use peach jam, jelly, or preserves—just reduce the sugar added to the rest of the milkshake since these substitutes are typically sweetened.

2. Substitutes for Vanilla Ice Cream

Vanilla ice cream contributes creaminess and sweetness to the milkshake. Here are alternatives:

• Frozen Yogurt: Swap out ice cream for vanilla frozen yogurt to make the milkshake lighter and slightly tangy.
• Non-Dairy Ice Cream: For a dairy-free option, use coconut-based or almond-based vanilla ice cream. These alternatives are widely available in stores and will still deliver a creamy texture.
• Homemade Ice Cream Substitute: If you don’t have ice cream on hand, blend frozen bananas with a splash of vanilla extract. This creates a creamy base, often called “banana nice cream.”
• Full-Fat Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt (preferably vanilla-flavored) can be used instead of ice cream for a protein-rich milkshake. To replicate the sweetness of ice cream, add a bit of honey or sugar to the recipe.
• Gelato or Sorbet: If you’d prefer a lighter variation, vanilla gelato works similarly to ice cream. Alternatively, peach sorbet can amplify the fruity flavor while giving the shake a refreshing twist.

3. Substitutes for Whole Milk

If you’re out of whole milk or need a lower-calorie/diet-friendly option, here are alternatives:

• 2% Milk or Skim Milk: Instead of whole milk, use reduced-fat (2%) milk or skim milk for a lighter texture while keeping the drink creamy.
• Plant-Based Milk: Swap out regular milk with almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative. Vanilla-flavored plant milk will enhance the sweetness and complement the ice cream substitute.
• Heavy Cream + Water: If you want to keep the richness but don’t have milk on hand, dilute some heavy cream with water to mimic the texture of whole milk.
• Evaporated Milk: For an extra creamy result, use evaporated milk instead of fresh milk. You may need to dilute it slightly with water to mimic the consistency of whole milk.

4. Substitutes for Whipped Cream (Optional Topping)

The whipped cream is the finishing touch, but substitutions work well depending on your access or dietary needs:

• Coconut Whipped Cream: For a dairy-free option, use whipped coconut cream. It’s creamy, rich, and pairs nicely with the fruity flavors.
• Ready-Made Whipped Topping: Brands like Cool Whip or non-dairy ready-made whipped toppings are convenient stand-ins.
• Sweetened Yogurt: A dollop of thick, sweetened yogurt can mimic the texture and sweetness of whipped cream for a lighter variation.
• Marshmallow Fluff: Use marshmallow fluff to add sweetness and texture instead of whipped cream for a fun twist.

Final Thoughts

For a Chick-fil-A Peach Milkshake experience, pair your milkshake with a crispy chicken sandwich and waffle fries. If you’re having a party or just treating yourself, go for the dessert route—peach cobbler, sugar cookies, or brownies are irresistible sides.

More Chick-fil-A Recipes:

• Chick-Fil-a Pineapple Dragonfruit Lemonade Recipe