This homemade strawberry milkshake is thick, creamy, and packed with fresh strawberry flavor. Made with strawberries, vanilla ice cream, and milk, it takes just a few minutes in the blender. Top it with whipped cream and a fresh strawberry for a proper old-fashioned milkshake.
Smoothies are an everyday thing in our house. Ziv has a strawberry banana smoothie with protein powder and dates almost every morning for breakfast, and when Rhea is home, she usually does the same.
Milkshakes, on the other hand, are a treat. We usually have them after lunch, almost like dessert, especially during the summer. After all, there is ice cream in there, so I’m certainly not going to pretend it’s breakfast! 😂
After lunch, Ziv and I are perfectly happy with our affogato, but the kids will usually choose a milkshake. And this strawberry milkshake is exactly that kind of treat — fresh strawberries blended with vanilla ice cream and just enough milk to make it thick and creamy, then finished with whipped cream and a strawberry on top.
Simple, cold, creamy, and definitely dessert.
Why you’ll love this milkshake
- Properly creamy – Vanilla ice cream gives this the rich texture you expect from a milkshake.
- Fresh strawberry flavor – Real strawberries keep it fruity rather than overly sweet.
- Quick and easy – Everything goes into the blender and it’s ready in about 5 minutes.
- Easy to adjust – Add a little more milk for a thinner shake or more ice cream for an extra-thick one.
Ingredients and substitutes
- Strawberries – Fresh strawberries give you lovely fresh flavor, but frozen strawberries work too. Frozen berries will make the shake thicker, so you may need a little more milk.
- Vanilla ice cream – This is what makes it a milkshake rather than a smoothie. Use a good vanilla ice cream because its flavor really does come through.
- Whole milk – Whole milk gives the creamiest result. You can use 2% if that’s what you have, but I wouldn’t use too much milk or you’ll lose that thick milkshake texture.
- Ice – A few ice cubes make the milkshake colder and slightly thicker. If you’re using frozen strawberries, you can reduce or skip the ice.
- Whipped cream – Optional, of course, but this is a milkshake. This is where we get to have the whipped cream!
- Fresh strawberry – For garnish.
Step-by-step: Strawberry milkshake
- Prepare the strawberries. Wash the strawberries, remove the hulls, and cut large strawberries in half.
- Blend. Add the milk, strawberries, vanilla ice cream, and ice to the blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust the consistency. If the milkshake is too thick, add another splash of milk. If it’s too thin, add another scoop of vanilla ice cream and blend again.
- Serve. Pour immediately into chilled glasses. Top with whipped cream and garnish with a fresh strawberry.
A little tip from me
Don’t keep adding milk because the blender is struggling at first. Give it a few seconds and use the tamper if your blender has one. Too much milk is the fastest way to turn a thick milkshake into strawberry-flavored milk.
Strawberry Milkshake
This homemade strawberry milkshake is thick, creamy, and full of fresh strawberry flavor. Made with strawberries, vanilla ice cream, and milk, it comes together in just 5 minutes. Finish with whipped cream and a fresh strawberry for a classic milkshake treat.
Ingredients
- 150 g (1 cup) Strawberries Fresh or Frozen (hulled)
- 2 – 4 scoops (2 cups) Vanilla ice cream
- 120 ml (½ cup) Whole milk
- 4 – 6 (½ cup) Ice cubes
- ½ cup Whipped cream for topping
- 2 fresh strawberries for garnish
Method
- Wash and hull the strawberries. Cut large strawberries into halves or quarters.
- Add the milk, strawberries, vanilla ice cream, and ice cubes to a blender.
- Blend on high until smooth and creamy. If necessary, add 1 to 2 tablespoons additional milk to help it blend. For a thicker milkshake, add another scoop of ice cream.
- Pour immediately into two glasses. Top with whipped cream and garnish each glass with a fresh strawberry.
Notes
- For the strongest strawberry flavor, use ripe, sweet strawberries.
- Don’t add too much milk at the beginning. You can always add more after blending.
- Frozen strawberries make a thicker milkshake. Reduce or omit the ice when using them.
- For an extra-thick milkshake, chill the glasses before serving and add another scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Milkshakes are best served immediately. They become thinner as the ice cream melts.
Equipment you will need
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
Mention @veenaazmanov_kitchen or tag #veenaazmanovkitchen!Tips for Success
- Use flavorful strawberries. Strawberries are the main flavor here, so ripe, sweet berries make a noticeable difference. If your strawberries aren’t particularly sweet, you can add a little sugar or honey to taste.
- Don’t add all the milk at once. Start with less and add another splash only if the blender needs it. It’s much easier to thin a thick milkshake than fix one that’s too runny.
- Keep everything cold. Cold strawberries, cold milk, and ice cream straight from the freezer give you a thicker milkshake that doesn’t melt as quickly.
- Frozen strawberries work too. They’ll make the milkshake even thicker. You may need a little more milk to get everything moving in the blender.
- Don’t overblend. Blend only until smooth. The longer you run the blender, the more the ice cream melts and the thinner your milkshake becomes.
- Adjust the consistency before serving. Too thick? Add milk a tablespoon or two at a time. Too thin? Add another scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Serve immediately. This isn’t something I’d make ahead. A good milkshake should go from blender to glass to you!
more smoothies with fruit
- Cinnamon Chocolate Milkshake
- Kahlua Chocolate Milkshake
- Easy Moist Banana Cake
- Moist Banana Cupcakes
- Moist Banana Bread: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use any type of milk you prefer, such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk.
Yes, you can omit the honey or sugar if you prefer. The ripe bananas and strawberries will add natural sweetness to the milkshake.
Yes, adding yogurt can make the milkshake creamier. Use plain or flavored yogurt according to your preference.
Yes, adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream can make the milkshake even creamier and more indulgent.
more smoothies and milkshakes
- Frozen Hot Chocolate Recipe
- Cantaloupe Smoothie
- Virgin Pina Colada
- Baileys Chocolate Martini
- Baileys Irish Cream
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Hi, I’m Veena
I’m the recipe developer, baker, and food photographer behind Veena Azmanov Kitchen.
I’ve spent years developing and testing recipes, from everyday meals and homemade breads to cakes and desserts.
I share the practical tips and little details I’ve learned along the way so you can get great results in your own kitchen.
Prepared this with almond milk and maple syrup and it was so refreshing especially as we are currently having a heat wave in Scotland!
Thank you, Jac
Oh yum! This would make a tasty summer dessert and I have my eye on the mango one you shared too.
Veena, this milkshake looks so fresh and tasty! I love the combo of banana and strawberries and I cannot wait to give this a go!