I Tried the Trader Joe’s Milkshake Contest Winner and It Deserves Every Award

I’m a big fan of indulging in something that instantly brings back fond childhood memories, and this Trader Joe’s Mocha Crunch Cake milkshake recipe does just that. Every year hundreds of Trader Joe’s fans compete in the #TJsMilkshakeContest by submitting their version of the perfect milkshake created with five of the store’s products. Not only do contest winners get bragging rights, but they also get up to $200 in TJ’s gift cards!

If your curiosity is running wild about this year’s grand prize-winning Mocha Crunch Cake milkshake, you’re not alone. Let’s head to the nearest TJ’s, grab a blender, and make this award-winning creamy, showstopping milkshake.

To make contest winner Van Fulton’s creation, start by placing a few Lacey Cookies into a zip-top bag and crushing them into small crumbs. Then remove the frosting from a couple of Mini Chocolate Cupcakes to spread around the rim of the milkshake glass. (I used an offset spatula to evenly spread the frosting on the top two inches of the glass rim.) Roll the frosting-coated rim in the crushed cookies.

Next, place a few scoops of Coffee Bean Blast Ice Cream, some chocolate milk, and the two reserved cupcakes without frosting in the blender. Blend until smooth and pour into the cookie-coated milkshake glass.

Last, but most certainly not least, top your milkshake with a mountain-high amount of whipped cream, two skewered mini cupcakes, and the remaining crushed cookies. Then choose your own adventure: Either grab a straw (and sip pretty) or a spoon (and go to town). 

Get the recipe: Mocha Crunch Cake Milkshake 

I have to say that the judges know how to pick a delicious and decadent milkshake. I’ve had a handful of disappointing milkshake experiences, especially when I make them at home, and I can assure you that this recipe made up for all of those times. I’ll be the first to say that this isn’t the most straightforward milkshake recipe, and there are a few steps to follow, but that’s what made this milkshake an absolute showstopper.

When I make a milkshake, I look for complexity in flavor and texture and a finished product that makes my mouth water and eyes light up. It’s safe to say that all of the boxes were checked with this epic milkshake. 

Instead of adding the milk directly into the blender with the ice cream, I encourage you to pour it in as it’s blending slowly. It’s easy to use too much milk, and doing this extra step guarantees you a milkshake that’s thick and creamy.