Ninja Creami Steak ‘n Shake Birthday Cake Shake (Copycat Recipe)

Every day can be a birthday with this Steak ‘n Shake birthday cake shake! This copycat recipe blends creamy vanilla ice cream with chunks of frosted yellow cake, then piles on whipped cream, rainbow sprinkles, and a cherry on top. It’s thick, sweet, and tastes exactly like a slice of birthday cake in a glass.

Instead of starting with store-bought ice cream, we’re making a simple vanilla base from scratch in the Ninja Creami, freezing it overnight, and then running it through the Milkshake program with real cake. It’s the same method I use for my Ninja Creami Steak ‘n Shake Banana Shake, and it creates a shake that’s dense, creamy, and spoonable, just like the diner version.

Don’t have a Ninja Creami? No problem. I’ve included a quick 5-minute blender version too.

What Is the Steak ‘n Shake Birthday Cake Shake?

The Birthday Cake Shake is one of Steak ‘n Shake’s most popular milkshake flavors. It’s made with real vanilla ice cream blended with pieces of frosted yellow birthday cake, then topped with whipped cream, rainbow sprinkles, and a cherry. The cake gets swirled through the shake, so you get creamy sips with soft, sweet bits of cake and frosting in every spoonful.

It’s a favorite for birthday celebrations, but honestly, it’s too good to save for just one day a year.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It tastes like the diner favorite. Creamy vanilla, sweet frosted cake, and colorful sprinkles give you that classic Steak ‘n Shake flavor.
• It’s thick and spoonable. Making the base from scratch gives you a dense, hand-dipped-style shake, not a thin, watery one.
• It’s perfect for celebrations. Birthdays, parties, sleepovers, and special occasions all get a little sweeter with this shake.
• It’s a great way to use leftover cake. Have a few extra cupcakes or a slice of birthday cake? This is the perfect use for them.
• It’s customizable. Try chocolate cake, funfetti cake, or a different frosting flavor for endless variations.
• There’s a no-Creami option. A simple blender version gets you a birthday cake shake in 5 minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The exact measurements are in the recipe card below, but here’s what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters.

For the vanilla ice cream base:

• Cream cheese: Just a tablespoon helps create a smooth, creamy texture and keeps the base from turning icy. It’s a classic Ninja Creami trick.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the base and helps keep the texture soft.
• Vanilla extract: Gives the ice cream its rich, classic vanilla flavor.
• Heavy cream and whole milk: Together, they create a creamy, rich base with the perfect balance of fat.

For the shake:

• Whole milk: Added before spinning to turn the frozen ice cream into a thick milkshake.
• Frosted yellow cake: The star ingredient! Use a slice of bakery birthday cake, a frosted yellow cupcake, or leftover homemade cake. The frosting adds extra sweetness and that classic buttercream flavor.
• Rainbow sprinkles: Add color, fun, and a little crunch.

For topping:

• Whipped cream, sprinkles, and a maraschino cherry: The classic Steak ‘n Shake finish.

How to Make the Ninja Creami Birthday Cake Shake

Step 1: Make the base. In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave the cream cheese for about 10 seconds until softened. Whisk in the sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Add the dairy. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and whole milk until the sugar is dissolved and everything is fully combined.

Step 3: Freeze. Pour the mixture into an empty Ninja Creami pint, making sure not to go past the max fill line. Secure the lid and freeze on a level surface for 24 hours.

Step 4: Prep the cake. When you’re ready to make the shake, cut the frosted cake into small, bite-sized pieces.

Step 5: Add the milk and cake. Remove the pint from the freezer and take off the lid. Use a spoon to create a well about 1½ inches wide down to the bottom of the pint. Pour in the milk, then add half of the cake pieces and 1 tablespoon of sprinkles.

Step 6: Spin. Place the pint in the outer bowl, lock the lid, and install it in the machine. Select the MILKSHAKE program.

Step 7: Add the mix-ins (optional). For more cake chunks, create another well in the center, add the remaining cake pieces, and run the MIX-IN program.

Step 8: Serve. Pour the shake into a glass and top with whipped cream, rainbow sprinkles, and a cherry. Serve with a straw and a spoon!

Quick Blender Version (No Ninja Creami)

If you don’t have a Ninja Creami, you can still make this shake in about 5 minutes. Add 3 cups of vanilla ice cream, ½ cup of milk, ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, and half of the frosted cake pieces to a blender. Blend until smooth. Add the remaining cake and a tablespoon of sprinkles, and pulse just 2 or 3 times so you still have chunks of cake. Pour into a glass and top with whipped cream, sprinkles, and a cherry.

Tips for the Best Birthday Cake Shake

• Freeze the base for a full 24 hours. The Ninja Creami needs a fully frozen, level base to spin properly.
• Use frosted cake. The frosting is what gives the shake its sweet, buttercream birthday cake flavor. Unfrosted cake tastes much plainer.
• Add sprinkles last. Rainbow sprinkles can bleed their color if they’re blended too long. Adding most of them as a topping keeps them bright and fun.
• Chill your glass. Pop your glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving to keep the shake thick longer.
• Adjust the thickness. Add an extra splash of milk and re-spin for a thinner shake, or use less milk for a thicker, spoonable shake.
• Don’t use raw cake mix. Some recipes stir in dry cake mix, but it contains raw flour, which isn’t safe to eat uncooked. Using baked cake is safer and tastes better.

Variations

• Funfetti shake: Use a funfetti or confetti cake for extra sprinkles throughout.
• Chocolate birthday cake shake: Swap in chocolate cake with chocolate frosting.
• Strawberry birthday cake shake: Use strawberry cake and add a few fresh strawberries before spinning.
• Cake batter flavor: Add ¼ teaspoon of butter extract or almond extract to the base for a bakery-style “cake batter” taste.
• Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a slightly lighter base.

Make Ahead and Storage

The ice cream base can be made up to a week ahead and kept in the freezer, making this an easy treat to whip up for a party. Milkshakes are best enjoyed right away. If you have leftovers, pour them back into the pint, smooth the top, and refreeze. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, re-spin on MILKSHAKE with a splash of milk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s in the Steak ‘n Shake Birthday Cake Shake? It’s made with vanilla ice cream blended with frosted yellow birthday cake, then topped with whipped cream, rainbow sprinkles, and a cherry.

Can I make a birthday cake shake without a Ninja Creami? Yes! Use the quick blender version above with store-bought vanilla ice cream.

What kind of cake works best? Frosted yellow cake or cupcakes work best for that classic Steak ‘n Shake flavor. Bakery cake, homemade cake, and leftover birthday cake all work great.

Why does the Ninja Creami base need to freeze for 24 hours? The Creami is designed to shave and whip a fully frozen base. If it’s not completely frozen, the shake will be runny.

Can I use store-bought ice cream in the Ninja Creami? Yes. Pack softened vanilla ice cream into a pint, refreeze until solid, then follow the same steps. The from-scratch base just gives you a thicker, creamier shake.

Is the Steak ‘n Shake Birthday Cake Shake available all year?
Menu items can change by location and season, so it’s worth checking with your local Steak ‘n Shake. With this recipe, though, you can enjoy it any time!

More Steak ‘n Shake Copycat Recipes

• Ninja Creami Steak ‘n Shake Banana Shake: A thick, hand-dipped-style shake made with real bananas.
• Copycat Steak ‘n Shake Burger (Original Double Steakburger): Thin, crispy-edged smash burgers with melty American cheese.
• Copycat Steak ‘n Shake Chili: Rich, hearty chili that’s perfect on its own or over spaghetti.
• Steak and Shake Frisco Patty Melts: Juicy beef and melted cheese on buttery toasted sourdough.

Complete the diner experience at home with a steakburger, chili, and a birthday cake shake for dessert! If you make this recipe, please leave a star rating and a comment below.