Strawberry Milkshake

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Learn how to make the creamiest homemade strawberry milkshake with fresh strawberries. Top with homemade whipped cream for a delicious summer dessert!

Table of Contents
  1. Is a milkshake a dessert?
  2. Ingredients Needed
  3. How to Make a Strawberry Milkshake
  4. Recipe Variations
  5. Homemade Whipped Cream
  6. Milkshake Toppings
  7. Strawberry Milkshake Recipe Recipe
  8. Tools for this Recipe
  9. Other Strawberry Recipes

When warm weather rolls around, there are two things I start craving. Strawberries and ice cream. And although I don’t necessarily crave them together, I never turn down a homemade strawberry milkshake. After all, it’s one of those summer classics.

This is a simple 5 ingredient strawberry shake recipe with a double strawberry flavor. It’s the perfect drink at the end of a long day!

two strawberry milkshakes with straws & whipped cream

Is a milkshake a dessert?

Yes! Milkshakes make a great summer dessert. For summer picnics, I always try to think of something fun to make rather than traditional desserts that take a lot of prep time in advance. Kids or not, everyone loves a milkshake.

Root beer floats, brownies and ice cream…and homemade milkshakes. Buy several different types of ice cream and toppings to allow people to create their own milkshake drinks.

Ingredients Needed

Milkshakes of course have ice cream as the main ingredient. Then, to make the milkshake “drinkable”, you add liquid: heavy cream and milk. This will make your milkshake rich and creamy.

Lastly, add a touch of vanilla extract and fresh strawberries (or your other favorite fruit) for a deliciously flavored milkshake.

collage of how to make a strawberry shake

How to Make a Strawberry Milkshake

Making a milkshake is as easy as pie. Here are the steps to ensure the best results:

  1. Freeze the glasses that you’ll serve the shakes in so that they stay cold and don’t melt too quickly.
  2. Allow the ice cream to soften slightly. You don’t want it runny, but allowing it to become just a little soft will help it blend easily.
  3. Place ice cream, milk, cream and vanilla to the blender container.  Add in any fruit (strawberries!) or other mix-ins such as chocolate or caramel.
  4. Blend until smooth! We use a Ninja blender because they are strong, big and powerful.

Recipe Variations

  • Lower the fat. Use lower fat milk or half and half, but know that for the best taste and consistency, we recommend whole milk.
  • Dairy-free. You can use almond milk or coconut milk to make the shake, but again, it will affect the texture and may not be as creamy. It’s a great vegan option though.
  • Frozen fruit. Use frozen strawberries if you don’t have fresh strawberries. They will work just as well.
  • Change the fruit. Have you ever had a shake with raspberries, banana or blueberries? Or make a combo of several of your favorite fruits.
  • Sweeten with honey. Add a tablespoon of honey for a touch of sweetness. Maple syrup would be a delicious twist too.
  • Vanilla ice cream. Instead of strawberry, you can add scoops of vanilla ice cream. The strawberries will still add flavor. You can also blend in dehydrated strawberries or strawberry syrup for more flavor.
  • Malted milk powder. Add a tablespoon or two of malted milk powder for a malt flavor.
homemade whipped cream in a bowl

Homemade Whipped Cream

A milkshake isn’t a milkshake without homemade whipped cream! Be sure you start with cold whipping cream for the best results. Beat the cream, vanilla and sugar together in a clean (grease-free) mixing bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment.

Beat until stiff peaks form, then spoon it on top of the milkshakes before serving. You can add chocolate shavings or chocolate syrup to the top if you love chocolate covered strawberries.

Milkshake Toppings

There are endless flavor combos and topping variations you can use to make your own milkshakes unique. Oh…and serve in a pretty milkshake glass for an old fashioned feel.

Try chopped candies (those old fashioned strawberry candies would be fun for this version), chopped peanuts or your favorite nut, a fresh berry, a sprinkle of cinnamon, mint leaves for color or graham cracker crumbs.

Here’s a couple of other ideas:

  • Add a dollop of peanut butter for a peanut butter & jelly milkshake.
  • Sprinkles, a colorful straw and maraschino cherry on top is perfect for a birthday milkshake.
  • For even more strawberry flavor, drizzle a strawberry sauce on the top.
two strawberry milkshakes with straws
two strawberry milkshakes with straws

Strawberry Milkshake Recipe

4.87 from 30 votes
Learn how to make the creamiest homemade strawberry milkshakes with fresh strawberries. Top with homemade whipped cream for a delicious summer dessert!
Servings 4
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes

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Ingredients
 

  • 24 ounces slightly softened strawberry ice cream (½ of a 1.5 quart carton)
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup sliced strawberries

Whipped cream

Instructions
 

Making the Whipped Cream:

  • Add the cream, vanilla and sugar to a medium bowl. 
  • Whip with a stand or hand mixer until stiff peaks form. Keep refrigerated until ready to use.

Making the Milkshake:

  • Blend the ice cream, heavy cream, milk, vanilla and strawberries in a large blender until smooth and creamy.
  • Pour into 4 large glasses and top with whipped cream and extra strawberries if desired. 
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

Refer to the article above for more tips and tricks.
The calories shown are based on the recipe making 4 milkshakes, with 1 serving being 1 milkshake with whipped cream. Since different brands of ingredients have different nutritional information, the calories shown are just an estimate. **We are not dietitians and recommend you seek a nutritionist for exact nutritional information. The information in the nutrition box are calculated through a program and there is room for error. If you need an accurate count, I recommend running the ingredients through your favorite nutrition calculator.**

Nutrition

Calories: 669kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 48g | Saturated Fat: 29g | Cholesterol: 174mg | Sodium: 149mg | Potassium: 426mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1905IU | Vitamin C: 13.4mg | Calcium: 297mg | Iron: 0.4mg
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Calories 669
Keyword milkshake, strawberry ice cream, summer dessert, summer picnic

Tools for this Recipe

Other Strawberry Recipes

About JulieJulie Clark

About Julie Clark

I'm Julie Clark, CEO and recipe developer of Tastes of Lizzy T. With my B.A. in Education and over 30 years of cooking and baking, I want to teach YOU the best of our family recipes.

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Al
4 years ago

5 stars
If you are from New England, milk shakes do not have ice cream. When you add ice cream it is call a Frappe. two different drinks. 🙂

Lizabeth Scott
1 year ago

5 stars
Strawberry milkshake