📖 Instructions

1. Begin by preparing your apple pie filling. You can use leftover apple pie, or if you're feeling ambitious, make a quick batch. Peel, core, and dice two medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great). Toss them in a saucepan with 2 tablespoons of butter, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat until the apples are tender, about 8-10 minutes. Let it cool slightly.
2. If you are using leftover apple pie, gently crumble one slice of pie into smaller pieces. Make sure that the crust is mixed in with the filling to keep that authentic pie experience. Set the pie pieces aside.
3. In a blender, combine 3 scoops of vanilla ice cream (the good stuff!), 1/2 cup of milk (whole milk makes it extra creamy), and half of your cooled apple pie filling or crumbled pie. Blend until smooth. Taste, and if it's not appley enough, add the remaining apple pie filling.
4. For an extra layer of flavor, add a tablespoon of caramel sauce or apple cider syrup into the blender. This will amplify the warm, autumnal vibes of the milkshake.
5. If the milkshake is too thick, add a splash more milk until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a few more chunks of ice cream and blend again. Remember, you want it to be thick enough to coat your spoon, but thin enough to sip through a straw.
6. Pour the Spiced Apple Pie Milkshake into a tall glass. Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream. I always prefer homemade whipped cream; it's lighter and fresher. But the store-bought stuff totally works in a pinch.
7. Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg over the whipped cream. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or a few apple slices for an extra touch of elegance. You could even add a small piece of pie crust to the top for ultimate presentation points!
8. Serve immediately and enjoy every delicious sip! This milkshake is best enjoyed fresh, but if you absolutely must save some for later, store it in the freezer for no more than 30 minutes to prevent it from becoming rock solid.