Growing up, one of my all-time favorite treats was a Wendy’s Frosty. There’s something so satisfying about that cool, creamy chocolate soft serve that’s just perfect for a sweet treat! Since we don’t have a Wendy’s nearby, I was thrilled when I discovered how easy it is to make a homemade version that tastes just as good – and without the need for an ice cream maker! All it takes is blending, freezing, and indulging in a delicious homemade frosty.

I’ve seen several copycat recipes out there, many with just three ingredients. But I added a little twist by including cocoa powder, which elevates the chocolate flavor to a whole new level. Trust me, this extra ingredient makes all the difference, while still keeping the recipe simple and quick to prepare. You might already have these ingredients at home!

This homemade chocolate frosty is the perfect combination of icy, creamy, and rich chocolate goodness. It makes a generous batch that can be shared with the family, or you can keep it stored in the freezer and treat yourself whenever you want. Mmm, sounds delicious, right?

Ingredients

4 cups chocolate milk
8 ounces frozen whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
7 ounces sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup cocoa powder

Essential Kitchen Supplies

Blender
Loaf pan

How to Make a Homemade Chocolate Frosty

Blend the Ingredients:
Start by adding all the ingredients into a blender. Blend until everything is well combined. The consistency should be thick like chocolate milk or a milkshake.
Freeze:
Pour the chocolate mixture into a loaf pan and place it in the freezer.
Stir Occasionally:
Every 30 minutes, remove the pan from the freezer and give the mixture a good stir or whisk. Return it to the freezer.
Achieve the Right Consistency:
After about 3 hours of freezing, the mixture will have reached the perfect frosty texture! Scoop it into a glass and enjoy your homemade frosty.

Prep Tips & Variations

Yield: This recipe makes enough for about 4 servings, but you can adjust the quantities depending on how many you’re serving.
Dairy-Free Version: To make a dairy-free version, swap out chocolate milk for a non-dairy alternative like chocolate almond milk. Use sweetened condensed coconut milk in place of regular condensed milk, and look for dairy-free whipped topping brands in your grocery store’s freezer section. Follow the same steps and measurements for a delicious dairy-free treat.
Adjusting Consistency: The frosty will have a creamy consistency, perfect for sipping through a straw and enjoying with a spoon as it melts. If you prefer a thicker consistency, freeze it for an extra hour. Alternatively, reduce the amount of chocolate milk to 3 cups for a thicker texture, similar to soft-serve.
Storage Tips: Keep your frosty mixture stored in the freezer for up to a few days. Make sure to cover the pan or place it in a freezer-safe container with a lid. Once frozen, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping and blending it again to restore the soft-serve texture. If it’s stored for a week or more, the mixture may start to crystallize, but blending it will bring it back to life.

Pro Tip:

If you’ve never tried dipping French fries into your frosty… just do it! Trust me, it’s an experience you don’t want to miss!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Use Whipped Cream Instead of Whipped Topping?
While real whipped cream is tasty, it’s not the best choice for this recipe. Whipped topping, like Cool Whip, contains stabilizers that help keep the texture fluffy, which is key for the perfect frosty. Real whipped cream tends to break down into liquid over time, so it won’t hold up as well.

Do I Need to Use Cocoa Powder?
While the recipe can definitely be made with just 3 ingredients (chocolate milk, whipped topping, and sweetened condensed milk), the cocoa powder adds an extra layer of rich chocolate flavor. If you want, you can also use 1-2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup as a substitute.