Introduction
Close your eyes and imagine a tall glass sweating on a warm afternoon: the first sip is silk on the tongue, strawberry perfume rising in a sweet, summery cloud. The creamy texture coats the palate, a balance of tart berry and mellow vanilla that makes you smile without even meaning to. This Creamy Strawberry Milkshake is one of those simple pleasures that feels indulgent and comforting at once — childhood nostalgia in a glass with an adult-friendly finish.
Whether you want to brighten a cozy morning, cool off after a workout, or add a festive touch to gatherings and summer parties, this milkshake hits the mark. It’s quick to make, easy to scale, and endlessly adaptable — a base you can dress up for brunch or keep simple for a fast treat. For a fun twist alongside a savory dinner, try pairing it with a rich pasta like Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta for a playful contrast of flavors.
Dish Snapshot
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 2 (about 16 fl oz / 475 ml total, 8 fl oz per serving)
- Difficulty Level: Very easy — blender required
Nutrition Highlights
Estimated nutrition per serving (one half of the recipe as written). These values are approximate, calculated from standard USDA FoodData Central values and rounded for clarity. For health guidance on perishable foods and serving safety, CDC and USDA resources are recommended.
Per serving (approximate)
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Protein: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Sugars: ~44 g (includes natural fruit sugars and added sugar/honey)
- Fiber: 3 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated fat: ~12 g
- Sodium: ~120 mg
Notes on accuracy:
- Calculations used typical values for fresh strawberries, vanilla ice cream, and whole milk from USDA FoodData Central and commonly listed nutrition facts on commercial ice creams. Values will vary by brand (ice cream fat content and added sugars), milk choice (whole vs. skim), and whether you add sugar or whipped cream. If you use lower-fat dairy or frozen yogurt, expect fewer calories and fat. For precise tracking, enter your exact ingredient brands into a nutrition calculator.
Perfect For…
This milkshake shines for several reasons:
- Instant comfort: creamy, sweet, and nostalgic — perfect for when you want a mood-lifting treat.
- Quick entertaining: makes a delicious, eye-catching beverage for backyard barbecues, kids’ parties, or an after-dinner dessert with minimal effort.
- Versatile base: swap dairy and sweeteners to suit dietary needs (see variations), or add mix-ins for a grown-up twist.
- Seasonal highlight: at peak strawberry season, the bright fruit aroma elevates this from simple to sublime — but frozen berries make it approachable year-round.
Preparation Guide
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (or frozen strawberries)
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup milk (whole, skim, or your choice)
- 1 tablespoon sugar or honey (optional, adjust to taste)
- Whipped cream (for topping, optional)
- Fresh strawberries, for garnish
- Chocolate syrup (optional, for drizzling)
Optional ingredients & substitutions
- Dairy-free: use vegan vanilla ice cream and almond/oat milk.
- Lower-calorie: swap ice cream for frozen yogurt or banana for creaminess.
- Sweetener alternatives: maple syrup or monk fruit sweetener.
- Boozy adult version: 1–2 tablespoons of strawberry liqueur or light rum per serving.
Method (step-by-step)
- In a blender, combine the strawberries, vanilla ice cream, milk, and sugar or honey (if using).
- Blend until smooth and creamy (about 20–30 seconds on high).
- Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary — add a touch more sugar or a splash of milk if it’s too thick.
- Pour the milkshake into chilled glasses and top with whipped cream if desired.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries and drizzle with chocolate syrup if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Practical tips
- If using frozen strawberries, let the blender run a little longer and add milk in small increments to achieve the desired consistency.
- Avoid over-blending: long blending warms the shake and melts the ice cream too much, losing that thick, silky texture.
- For an extra-thick “spoonable” shake, reduce milk to 3/4 cup or add a couple of frozen banana slices.
- Chill glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes beforehand to keep drinks cold longer.
Presentation Tips
- Classic: Serve in tall milkshake glasses with a metal spoon and paper straw for nostalgia.
- Decadent: Drizzle chocolate syrup inside the glass before pouring for a marbled effect; top with whipped cream, a fresh strawberry, and a sprinkle of freeze-dried strawberry powder.
- Kid-friendly: Add colorful sprinkles or a mini cookie on a skewer.
- Pairings: Try alongside lightly salted snacks like kettle chips or a savory pasta for contrast — and if you loved the savory-sweet combo, check out this Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Bowtie Pasta for inspiration.
Storage Instructions
- Room temperature: Do not leave milkshakes at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Perishable dairy-based drinks should follow CDC guidance — discard if left out longer than 2 hours (1 hour if above 90°F / 32°C).
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover shake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Expect separation; stir or re-blend briefly before serving. Flavor and texture are best when consumed soon after making.
- Freezer: You can freeze leftover shake in a sealed container for up to 1 month, but texture will change; thaw in the fridge and re-blend for best results. Alternatively, freeze extra strawberries or mixed shake base in ice cube trays for quick future shakes.
Chef’s Advice
- Best berries: For the most aromatic flavor, use ripe, in-season strawberries. If not available, frozen berries are a great substitute — they also help thicken the shake without extra ice.
- Ice cream matters: Choose a high-quality vanilla ice cream (full-fat for richness) or premium dairy-free alternative to get that creamy mouthfeel.
- Texture cues: The perfect milkshake should be smooth and pourable but thick enough to cling to a spoon. If it’s too thin, add more ice cream or some frozen banana; if too thick, add milk by tablespoon.
- Sweetness balance: Strawberries vary in sweetness; always taste before adding sugar. Sometimes fruit is sweet enough on its own.
Creative Twists
- Vegan Strawberry Coconut Shake
- Use 2 cups dairy-free vanilla ice cream (coconut or oat), 1 cup unsweetened almond or oat milk, and maple syrup to taste. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes.
- Strawberry-Basil Refresher
- Add 5–6 fresh basil leaves to the blender and reduce sugar to 1 teaspoon. The herb adds a bright, aromatic contrast to the sweet strawberries.
- Boozy Adult Shake
- After blending, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of strawberry liqueur, amaretto, or light rum per serving. Top with whipped cream and a macerated strawberry.
- Protein Boost
- Add one scoop of vanilla protein powder (start with a small amount so texture isn’t compromised) for a post-workout treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
A: Yes — frozen strawberries work very well and make the shake thicker. Blend a little longer and add milk gradually.
Q: How can I make this lower in calories?
A: Swap full-fat ice cream for frozen yogurt or banana, use skim milk or unsweetened plant milk, and skip added sugar and whipped cream.
Q: Why did my shake separate after storing?
A: Separation is normal because dairy and fruit components settle. Re-blend or vigorously shake to recombine before serving.
Q: Is this safe for kids?
A: Absolutely, as long as no alcohol is added. Keep freshly made and follow the 2-hour rule for refrigerated safety.
Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time for a party?
A: Prepare components (hulled strawberries, chilled milk, measured ice cream) ahead and blend fresh just before serving for the best texture.
Conclusion
If you love an easy dessert that tastes like summer in a glass, this Creamy Strawberry Milkshake is a must-make — fast, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly adaptable. Try the classic version first, then personalize with one of the creative twists above. If you want inspiration for other comforting dishes to pair with your milkshake, see this take on a rich, savory pasta in the Dreamy Creamy Strawberry Milkshake Recipe – TSRI and learn more technique tips from How To Make a Perfect Strawberry Milkshake | The Kitchn.
- Dreamy Creamy Strawberry Milkshake Recipe – TSRI
- How To Make a Perfect Strawberry Milkshake | The Kitchn
Enjoy making it — and please share your photos and variations so we can celebrate your take on this timeless treat!
Print
Creamy Strawberry Milkshake
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A luxurious, creamy strawberry milkshake that combines fresh strawberries and vanilla ice cream for a nostalgic and indulgent treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (or frozen strawberries)
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup milk (whole, skim, or your choice)
- 1 tablespoon sugar or honey (optional, adjust to taste)
- Whipped cream (for topping, optional)
- Fresh strawberries, for garnish
- Chocolate syrup (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- In a blender, combine the strawberries, vanilla ice cream, milk, and sugar or honey (if using).
- Blend until smooth and creamy (about 20–30 seconds on high).
- Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary — add more sugar or a splash of milk if it’s too thick.
- Pour the milkshake into chilled glasses and top with whipped cream if desired.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries and drizzle with chocolate syrup if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For an extra-thick shake, reduce milk to 3/4 cup or add frozen banana slices. Chill glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving to keep drinks cold longer.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 44g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
