✔ Updated · fixed servings and calories, ice cream maker + no-machine methods, vanilla version
My copycat Wendy's Frosty needs just three ingredients: cold chocolate milk, sweetened condensed milk and whipped topping. Blend them, then churn or freezer-stir until it's thicker than a shake but softer than ice cream.
At a glance
The one tip that matters: Use very cold chocolate milk and whipped topping straight from the freezer. The colder the mix starts, the faster it churns and the smoother it turns out.
Why You'll Love This Homemade Frosty
- Only 3 ingredients, all easy to find at any grocery store.
- No machine needed, although an ice cream maker makes it faster.
- That classic texture: too thick for a straw, too soft for a cone.
- Makes 6 servings, so there's enough for the whole family.
What Is a Frosty?
The Frosty is Wendy's famous frozen dairy dessert, best known in chocolate and vanilla. I love that it is thicker than a milkshake but softer than ice cream, which is why it is usually eaten with a spoon.
My homemade version is inspired by that texture and flavor, and I dip my fries in it, just like at the drive-thru. For more drive-thru favorites, see our copycat recipes and milkshake recipes.
What You Need
Exact amounts are in the recipe card below.
- Chocolate milk: the base and the chocolate flavor. Whole or 2% gives the creamiest result.
- Sweetened condensed milk: adds sweetness and body and keeps the Frosty soft instead of icy.
- Frozen whipped topping: adds air and helps the light, fluffy soft-serve texture.
Video
Step-by-Step Photos
Here's how it comes together. Exact amounts, times and temperatures are in the recipe card below.
Tips for Success
- Start cold. Keep the chocolate milk in the coldest part of the fridge and use the whipped topping straight from the freezer.
- Freeze the ice cream maker bowl overnight. A bowl that isn't fully frozen won't thicken the mix, and you end up with a cold milkshake.
- Stir hard in the freezer method. Breaking up the ice crystals every 30 minutes is what gives the soft, smooth texture instead of an icy block.
- Serve it soft. The Frosty texture is soft-serve thick. If leftovers freeze solid, let them sit for 10 minutes or blitz them in the blender with a splash of milk.
- Want it more chocolatey? Blend in 1 to 2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup or cocoa powder.
Copycat Wendy’s Frosty
6
servings (about 1 cup each)5
minutes315
kcal30
minutesA copycat-style Wendy’s Frosty made with three ingredients: very cold chocolate milk, sweetened condensed milk and frozen whipped topping, blended smooth and then churned in an ice cream maker, or freezer-stirred, until thick, soft and spoonable.
Ingredients
4 cups chocolate milk, very cold (whole or 2%)
3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk (about half a 14-oz can)
4 oz frozen whipped topping, such as Cool Whip (about half an 8-oz tub)
Directions
- Blend
- Add the cold chocolate milk, sweetened condensed milk and frozen whipped topping to a blender.
- Blend for 30 to 60 seconds, until completely smooth with no lumps of whipped topping.
- Freeze
- With an ice cream maker: pour the mixture into the frozen bowl and churn for 20 to 25 minutes, until it looks like thick soft-serve.
- Without an ice cream maker: pour the mixture into a shallow metal or glass pan and freeze, whisking or stirring hard every 30 minutes, for about 2 to 3 hours, until thick and spoonable.
- Serve
- Spoon into cups and serve right away with spoons, and fries for dipping if you like. If it firms up too much in the freezer, let it soften for 10 minutes or blend briefly before serving.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Remember, the key to achieving the right texture is to stir or whisk the mixture regularly while it’s freezing, especially if you’re not using an ice cream maker. This helps to prevent ice crystals from forming and ensures a smooth and creamy Frosty.
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Frosty Variations
- Vanilla Frosty: use cold whole milk plus 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract instead of chocolate milk.
- Frosty float: scoop the Frosty into a glass and top with cold root beer or cola.
- Coffee Frosty: blend a scoop with 1/4 cup of cold brew or chilled espresso for a frozen coffee treat.
- Mix-ins: fold in crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, chopped candy bars or brownie pieces after churning.
What to Serve with a Frosty
Pair it with a burger and fries for a fast-food night at home. Try our copycat Wendy's chili, spicy chicken sandwich or taco salad.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Wendy's Frosty made of?
Wendy's describes the Frosty as a frozen dairy dessert, and it is known for a texture between soft-serve and a milkshake. This copycat-style version uses chocolate milk, sweetened condensed milk and whipped topping to get a similar thick, creamy result at home.
Can I make a Frosty without an ice cream maker?
Yes. Pour the blended mixture into a shallow metal or glass pan, freeze it and stir or whisk it hard every 30 minutes for about 2 to 3 hours until thick. You can also freeze it until slushy, then blend briefly just before serving.
How do I make a vanilla Frosty?
Use 4 cups of cold whole milk instead of chocolate milk and add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, then follow the same steps. Keep the sweetened condensed milk and whipped topping exactly the same.
Can I store leftover homemade Frosty?
Yes. Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 week. It freezes firmer than when fresh, so let it soften at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes, or blend it briefly with a splash of milk, to bring back the soft texture.
Why do people dip fries in a Frosty?
The salty, hot fries and the sweet, cold dessert make a fun sweet-and-salty contrast. It is a popular way to eat a Frosty, and it works just as well with this homemade version and homemade fries.
This looks delicious
This looks awesome
Love this so much! Can’t wait to try it.