Close-up of a creamy vanilla pumpkin milkshake served in a vintage Atlas Mason jar, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. A black straw is placed in the shake, and the jar rests on a black-and-white retro checkered cloth

The combo of a vanilla milkshake and a pumpkin Pie

A fall inspired old fashioned treat! Blending smooth vanilla ice cream with real pumpkin purée and warm spices, it’s like sipping your favorite pie through a straw.

This milkshake is the perfect way to bring retro soda fountain charm to pumpkin season. it’s really a tasty milkshake! one of my favorites.

Blog Index:

  1. Retro bites

  2. Step by step instructions

  3. Serving suggestions

  4. Retro shopping

  5. Closing words

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Close-up of a creamy vanilla pumpkin milkshake served in a vintage Atlas Mason jar, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

🍴 Retro Bites

Did you know milkshakes once started as a whiskey spiked “health tonic” in the 1880s? By the 1950s, they’d transformed into a soda fountain favorite frothy, sweet, and best enjoyed with two straws in a tall diner glass.

vanilla pumpkin milkshake

Vanilla Pumpkin Milkshake

Era/Season: Diner-style retro shake with autumn flair

Servings: 1-2 milkshakes

Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 cups vanilla ice cream

  • 1 cup milk

  • ½ cup pumpkin purée

  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 tsp pumpkin spice syrup

  • Whipped cream + sprinkle of nutmeg (for topping)

Directions:

  1. In a blender, combine ice cream, milk, pumpkin, spice, and vanilla. Blend until smooth.

  2. Pour into a tall glass, top with whipped cream, and finish with a dusting of nutmeg or a cinnamon stick.

FAQ – Vanilla Pumpkin Milkshake

Can I make this shake thicker?
Yes! Use less milk for a thicker, Sponable shake or add more milk if you like it extra sippable.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely. Just roast and purée your pumpkin until smooth. Canned is quicker, but fresh gives a lovely homemade touch.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
Mix your own with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger (a pinch of cloves if you like it cozy).

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Swap in your favorite dairy-free ice cream and non-dairy milk like oat, almond, or coconut.

Is this good for parties?
Definitely! Blend a big batch and pour into mini retro glasses or mason jars for a fun fall crowd-pleaser.

🍂 Retro Serving Suggestions

  1. Tall Soda Fountain Glass – Serve in a frosty, fluted milkshake glass with a long-handled spoon tucked inside.

  2. Striped Paper Straws – Use orange-and-white or teal-and-white stripes to give it a 1950s diner pop.

  3. Whipped Cream Swirl – Pile high with whipped cream, then sprinkle with nutmeg, cinnamon, or crushed gingersnaps.

  4. Cherry on Top – A bright red maraschino cherry adds that classic soda fountain finish.

  5. Cookie Dippers – Slide a gingersnap or vanilla wafer on the rim for a playful, edible garnish.

  6. Mini Pumpkin Accent – For fall flair, add a tiny candy pumpkin or a drizzle of caramel.

  7. Shareable Style – Pour into one big frosty glass with a straw, just like a 1950s.

Vanilla pumpkin milkshake served in a vintage Atlas Mason jar, topped with whipped cream and cinnamon, with a black straw. The shake sits on a black-and-white retro checkered cloth, framed by a fun mid-century starburst background

Retro Shopping

Closing Words

This vanilla pumpkin milkshake is proof that fall flavors and retro diner charm make the sweetest pair. Quick, creamy, and full of nostalgia it’s a little sip of autumn happiness in a frosty glass.

Give this vintage throwback a try and share your retro kitchen creations tag me at #VBTB so we can keep these mid-century flavors alive, one delicious bite at a time!

Vintage Recipe Source: From my personal recipes

Loving this recipe check out this Pumpkin Spice Dirty Soda!

pumpkin spice dirty soda

👉 If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to pin it for later, share it with a friend, or leave a comment with your own favorite retro diner/shake memory!

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Vintage 1960s Chicken Cacciatore Recipe