There’s just something about a Wendy’s Frosty, isn’t there? That creamy, spoonable texture. The light chocolate flavor that’s not quite a milkshake but not quite ice cream either. It’s been a fast-food favorite since 1969, and honestly, it’s pure nostalgia in a cup.
Good news? You don’t need a drive-thru to enjoy one. With just 3 simple ingredients, you can whip up a copycat Frosty right in your kitchen. It’s quick, easy, and dangerously good. Ready to give it a try? Let’s get into it!
Quick Facts About This Recipe
- Time Needed: 5 minutes to prep, plus 2–3 hours to freeze.
- Servings: Makes 2 servings (but you can easily double it for more).
- Skill Level: Beginner-friendly. No fancy gadgets required!
- Equipment: Blender, freezer-safe container, spoon or whisk.
What You’ll Need
Here’s the magic trio:
- ⅓ cup whole milk – This gives the Frosty its signature creamy texture.
- 2 tablespoons Nesquik powder – Yep, it’s the secret to that light chocolate flavor.
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream – The foundation of the Frosty. Bonus: it makes it rich and dreamy.
Substitution Tips
- Don’t have whole milk? Use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
- No Nesquik? Any chocolate syrup or powder (like Ovaltine) works too.
- Need a vegan-friendly Frosty? Grab dairy-free vanilla ice cream.
How to Make It
This recipe is as simple as it gets. Here’s what to do:
Step 1: Blend It All Together
Let the vanilla ice cream sit out for 5–10 minutes so it softens up a bit—it’ll make blending easier. Once it’s ready, toss the milk, Nesquik powder, and ice cream into your blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Pro Tip: Too runny? Add more ice cream. Too thick? Just splash in a bit more milk.
Step 2: Freeze the Mixture
Pour the blended goodness into a freezer-safe container. Pop it in the freezer for 2–3 hours. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, stir the mixture every 30 minutes to keep it smooth. Focus on the edges—they tend to freeze faster.
Step 3: Scoop and Serve
Once it’s frozen to that soft-serve consistency, scoop it into cups or bowls. Serve with a spoon and a straw, just like the real thing. Total Wendy’s vibes!
Craving something salty to go with it? Fries are the perfect match.
Make It Your Way!
This recipe is a great starting point, but you can definitely tweak it to suit your taste or diet.
For Special Diets
- Go vegan with dairy-free ice cream and plant-based milk.
- Watching sugar? Use sugar-free chocolate powder and low-carb ice cream.
- Looking to add protein? Mix in a scoop of chocolate protein powder.
Want a Flavor Boost?
- Add a splash of vanilla extract for extra depth.
- Love deeper chocolate flavor? Stir in 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder.
- Feeling festive? Try peppermint extract in winter or strawberry syrup in summer.
Feeling Fancy?
Top your Frosty with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or caramel drizzle. Or keep it classic—just grab a spoon and dig in.
Storage Tips
- Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 days. Stir before serving to get that creamy texture back.
- Too frozen to scoop? Let it sit at room temp for about 10 minutes, then stir it back to life.
Final Thoughts
Making a Frosty at home is not just easy—it’s so satisfying. There’s no need to hit the drive-thru when you can recreate this iconic treat anytime. Whether it’s a late-night craving or a sweet addition to burger night, this recipe has you covered.
So what are you waiting for? Dust off your blender and get ready to relive that Frosty magic. Bonus points if you dip some fries in it!
PrintCopycat Wendy’s Frosty
Recreate the magic of Wendy’s iconic Frosty at home with just three simple ingredients! This creamy, chocolatey frozen treat is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and takes only minutes to prepare. Whether enjoyed solo or paired with fries for that classic sweet-and-salty combo, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Total Time: 5 minutes + 2–3 hours freezing time
- Yield: 2 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons Nesquik powder (or any chocolate milk powder)
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream (softened slightly for easy blending)
Instructions
- Blend Ingredients:
In a blender, combine the milk, Nesquik powder, and softened vanilla ice cream. Blend on medium speed until smooth and creamy. The mixture should resemble a thick milkshake. Pro Tip: If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk. If too thin, add more ice cream. - Freeze the Mixture:
Pour the blended mixture into a freezer-safe container. Freeze for 2–3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to maintain the Frosty’s creamy texture and prevent ice crystals from forming. Visual Cue: The texture should be soft and spoonable, not fully solid. - Serve & Enjoy:
Scoop or pour the Frosty into glasses or bowls. Serve with a straw and spoon for that authentic experience!
Notes
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with salty French fries for the ultimate sweet-and-salty combo.
- Garnish with whipped cream or chocolate shavings for an extra treat!
Tips & Tricks:
- Use high-quality vanilla ice cream for the best flavor.
- Stirring during freezing ensures the signature smooth texture—don’t skip this step!
Storage & Reheating:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving to restore creaminess. If frozen solid, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before enjoying.