Christmas Elf Shake

Published: September 28, 2025

by lara

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive Appearance: The vibrant red and green colors make this shake visually appealing, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Rich Flavor: With a combination of vanilla ice cream and cream cheese, each sip is indulgent and satisfying.
Quick Preparation: Ready in just 10 minutes, this milkshake is an easy treat to whip up for unexpected guests.
Family-Friendly: Children and adults alike will enjoy the whimsical look and delicious taste of this festive drink.
Customizable Toppings: Personalize your shake with sprinkles or whipped topping to make it even more special.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Christmas Elf Shake, you’ll need some essential tools that make the process simple and fun.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Blender
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups
Spoons
Glasses
Straws

Importance of Each Tool

Blender: A powerful blender ensures all ingredients are mixed smoothly for a creamy texture.
Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors in your shake.
Glasses: Choose festive glasses to enhance the visual appeal of your Christmas Elf Shake.

Ingredients

This delightful cheesecake milkshake resembles an elf with green and red coloring, and a whipped topping hat. Go crazy with one big glass, or divide your Elf Shake into smaller glasses for the family!

For the Base

4 cups vanilla ice cream
4 tbsp cream cheese (softened)
¼ cup milk
2-3 tbsp vanilla frosting

For Coloring

Red gel food coloring
Green gel food coloring

For Topping

Whipped topping
Sprinkles

For Serving

Glass (es)
Straw (s)

How to Make Christmas Elf Shake

Step 1: Blend the Base

Add vanilla ice cream, cream cheese, and milk to a blender.
Blend until well combined, creating a smooth mixture.

Step 2: Divide and Color

Separate the blended mixture into two containers.
Color one container with red gel food coloring, mixing until you reach your desired shade.
Color the other container with green gel food coloring, ensuring both mixtures are vibrant.

Step 3: Prepare the Glasses

If needed, put the mixtures back into the freezer briefly if they become too melty.
Rim your glass(es) with vanilla frosting.

Step 4: Assemble Your Shake

Alternate pouring spoonfuls of red and green milkshake into glass(es) for a striking effect.
Shake gently to press sprinkles onto sides with icing, allowing them to fall into the shake.

Step 5: Finish with Toppings

Add a dollop of whipped topping, shaping it like an elf hat if desired.
Insert straw(s) into your festive creation.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious Christmas Elf Shake! Cheers to holiday cheer!

How to Serve Christmas Elf Shake

Serving your Christmas Elf Shake can be a fun and festive experience. Whether you choose to create a vibrant display or keep it simple, these suggestions will help make your milkshake the star of the holiday table.

Individual Glasses

Serve each shake in clear glasses to showcase the vibrant red and green layers. This visually appealing presentation will delight guests of all ages.

Holiday Party Pitcher

Combine multiple servings into a large pitcher for easy self-service. Guests can pour their own shakes, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Family Style

Divide the shake into smaller cups for a family-friendly approach. This way, everyone can enjoy their own portion without feeling overwhelmed by a large serving.

Garnish with Fun Toppings

Top each shake with whipped cream and colorful sprinkles. You can even add mini candy canes or other festive candies for an extra holiday touch.

Themed Straws

Use fun, themed straws to enhance the holiday spirit. Straws with elf designs or festive colors complement the shake beautifully and make sipping more enjoyable.

How to Perfect Christmas Elf Shake

To ensure your Christmas Elf Shake is as delightful as possible, consider these tips for perfecting your creation.

Use high-quality ice cream – Opt for premium vanilla ice cream for a rich, creamy texture that elevates the milkshake experience.
Soften cream cheese properly – Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before blending to achieve a smooth consistency without lumps.
Adjust sweetness – Taste the mixture before serving and add more vanilla frosting if you prefer a sweeter shake.
Experiment with colors – Don’t hesitate to mix different shades of red and green food coloring for a unique look that stands out.
Chill your glasses – Place glasses in the freezer before serving. This keeps the shake cold longer and adds an extra refreshing touch.
Layer carefully – When pouring red and green shakes into glasses, do it slowly to maintain distinct layers for an eye-catching effect.

Best Side Dishes for Christmas Elf Shake

Pairing side dishes with your Christmas Elf Shake can enhance your holiday celebration. Here are some delightful options that complement this festive drink perfectly.

Gingerbread Cookies
A classic holiday treat that adds spice and sweetness, perfect for dunking in your shake.
Mini Pies
Individual-sized fruit or nut pies provide a delightful contrast to the creamy shake while keeping portions manageable.
Cheese Platter
A selection of cheeses can balance out the sweetness of the milkshake. Include crackers and fruits for variety.
Fruit Skewers
Fresh fruit on skewers offers a light, refreshing option that pairs nicely with the rich flavors of the shake.
Chocolate-Covered Pretzels
The salty-sweet combination of chocolate-covered pretzels complements the dessert-like nature of the Elf Shake wonderfully.
Marshmallow Treats
Chewy marshmallow squares add an enjoyable texture contrast while enhancing the festive feel of your gathering.
Holiday Popcorn Mix
A mix of popcorn with chocolate drizzles and festive sprinkles creates a crunchy side that’s perfect for snacking alongside your shake.
Nutty Biscotti
These crunchy treats are great for dipping into your milkshake while adding a nutty flavor that harmonizes well with its sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the Christmas Elf Shake can be a fun process, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome.

Bold preparation: Not softening cream cheese can lead to lumps. Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth blend.
Bold food coloring: Overusing food coloring can make the shake taste artificial. Start with small amounts and gradually add more until you achieve your desired color.
Bold blending: Blending for too long can melt your shake. Blend just until combined to maintain a thick consistency.
Bold icing application: Skipping icing on the glass rim means missing out on sprinkles sticking well. Apply icing generously to ensure sprinkles adhere nicely.
Bold serving size: Serving it all in one glass may be overwhelming. Consider splitting into smaller servings for family or guests to enjoy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Christmas Elf Shake in an airtight container.
It will last up to 2 days in the fridge.
Stir well before serving again, as separation may occur.

Freezing Christmas Elf Shake

Freeze the shake in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Leave some space at the top of the container, as liquids expand when frozen.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Christmas Elf Shake

Oven: Not recommended, as shakes do not reheat well in the oven.
Microwave: Use low power settings and heat in short intervals. Stir between heating sessions to avoid overheating.
Stovetop: Gently warm on low heat while stirring continuously. Ensure it doesn’t boil.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making or enjoying your Christmas Elf Shake, you’re not alone!

What is a Christmas Elf Shake?

The Christmas Elf Shake is a festive milkshake featuring vibrant green and red colors, resembling an elf with its whipped topping hat.

Can I use different ice cream flavors?

Yes! You can experiment with different ice cream flavors like mint or chocolate to create new versions of your Christmas Elf Shake.

How can I customize my Christmas Elf Shake?

Add toppings like crushed candy canes, chocolate pieces, or seasonal fruits for added flavor and texture.

Is it possible to make a dairy-free version?

Absolutely! Substitute regular ice cream with dairy-free ice cream and use non-dairy milk to make your Christmas Elf Shake suitable for various diets.

Final Thoughts

The Christmas Elf Shake is not only visually appealing but also deliciously versatile. You can customize it with various toppings and flavors to suit your taste. This festive drink is perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights at home. Don’t hesitate to try out this fun recipe and make it your own!

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