Strawberry MilkShake Recipe

Strawberry milkshakes are the ultimate nostalgic treat that taste like a sunny afternoon in a glass. This recipe focuses on getting a thick, velvety texture by using a specific ratio of frozen fruit to high-quality dairy.

It is a simple way to enjoy a classic dessert that is much better than anything you can buy at a fast-food drive-thru.

Ingredients

This recipe makes 2 servings, perfect for sharing with a friend or treating yourself to a large glass.

• 2 cups premium vanilla bean ice cream
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/2 cup frozen strawberries (for extra thickness)
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, depending on berry sweetness)
• Whipped cream and a fresh berry for the top

The Blend

The secret to a top-notch milkshake is all in the temperature of your ingredients. If your ice cream is rock hard, you will be tempted to add too much milk just to get the blender moving, which results in a thin, watery drink. If your ice cream is too soft, the shake will melt before you even finish pouring it.

You want to find that perfect middle ground where the ice cream is just soft enough to scoop but still holds its shape.

Using a combination of fresh and frozen strawberries is another trick that elevates this recipe. Fresh berries provide that bright, floral aroma that only real fruit can give. The frozen berries act like flavored ice cubes; they thicken the shake and keep it cold without diluting the flavor like regular ice would.

It is a small detail that makes a massive difference in the final mouthfeel of the drink.

Berry Prep

Start by washing your fresh strawberries and removing the green stems. Slice them into small pieces and place them in a bowl. If your berries are a bit tart, sprinkle a tablespoon of sugar over them and let them sit for ten minutes.

This process, called maceration, draws out the natural juices and makes the fruit flavor much more intense. If your berries are already very sweet and ripe, you can skip the extra sugar.

Chill Down

While your berries are resting, put your milkshake glasses in the freezer. A cold glass is the best way to prevent the shake from melting the moment you pour it in. You can also chill your blender jar for a few minutes.

In the world of milkshakes, heat is the enemy, so keeping every surface cold will help you maintain that thick, spoonable consistency that everyone loves.

Dairy Load

Measure out your whole milk and pour it into the blender first. By putting the liquid at the bottom, you create a whirlpool that pulls the heavy ice cream and fruit down into the blades.

This prevents the blender from getting stuck and saves you from having to stop and stir the mixture every few seconds. Use whole milk for the richest taste, but 2% works if you want something slightly lighter.

Scoop Time

Add the vanilla bean ice cream to the blender. Use a large ice cream scoop to add two full cups. Vanilla bean ice cream is better than plain vanilla because the tiny black specks of bean add a nice visual touch and a deeper flavor that complements the fruit.

Follow the ice cream with your fresh berries, the frozen berries, and the vanilla extract.

Pulse Low

Turn your blender to the lowest setting or use the pulse button. You do not want to whip too much air into the mixture, as air makes the shake feel light and foamy rather than dense and creamy. Pulse until you see the large chunks of frozen strawberries break down.

Once the mixture starts to look uniform, blend on medium speed for just ten to fifteen seconds. Stop the moment the shake looks smooth.

The Pour

Take your chilled glasses out of the freezer. Pour the thick strawberry mixture into the glasses. If you have done it correctly, the shake should be thick enough that it takes a second to settle into the bottom of the glass.

Top it off with a large swirl of whipped cream and place a whole strawberry on the rim for that classic diner look. Serve it with a wide straw or a long spoon.

Better Berry

If you want to take the flavor even further, you can roast your strawberries before blending them. Placing sliced strawberries on a baking sheet with a tiny bit of sugar and baking them at 300°F for fifteen minutes concentrates the sugars and gives the fruit a jam-like intensity.

Let them cool completely before adding them to the blender. This step adds a “cooked fruit” depth that is very unique and sophisticated.

Another tip for a better berry experience is to look for the smallest strawberries at the market. Smaller berries often have much more flavor and less water than the giant ones. They are usually sweeter and have a deeper red color all the way through the center. This natural pigment will give your milkshake a beautiful pink hue without the need for any artificial food coloring.

Common Pitfalls

The most common mistake is using low-fat or skim milk. Milkshakes are meant to be indulgent, and skim milk simply doesn’t have the fat content needed to create a creamy emulsion. The result will be icy and thin.

If you are looking for a dairy-free option, use full-fat coconut milk or a thick oat milk to keep that heavy texture.

Another issue is over-blending. It is easy to get distracted and let the blender run for a full minute, but the heat from the motor will melt the ice cream quickly.

You want to blend for the shortest amount of time possible. If you still have a few tiny chunks of fruit in the shake, that is actually a good thing; it proves you are using real strawberries instead of a syrup.

Why Is My Milkshake Too Thin Or Too Thick?

If your shake is too thin, it usually means you added too much milk or your ice cream was too soft to begin with. You can fix this by adding another half-cup of ice cream or a few more frozen strawberries and pulsing again.

If it is too thick and won’t come up through the straw, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches the right consistency.

Remember that the shake will naturally thin out as it sits in the glass, so starting a little bit thicker is usually the better choice.

Can I Make This Milkshake Without A Blender?

Yes, you can make a milkshake by hand, though it takes a little more muscle. Put your softened ice cream and mashed strawberries into a large mason jar. Add the milk and vanilla, then screw the lid on tight. Shake the jar vigorously for about two minutes until everything is combined.

It won’t be quite as smooth as a blended shake, and it will have more fruit chunks, but it will still be delicious and cold. This is a great trick if you are camping or don’t want to wake up the whole house with a loud blender.