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This strawberry milkshake recipe uses just 5 ingredients for a thick, creamy treat that tastes like childhood. Ready in 5 minutes flat!
Milkshakes are one of the most nostalgic foods around. We all have happy memories of being a kid eating a milkshake. Stopping for ice cream and getting the fresh strawberry milkshake that comes with the extra cup for the milkshake that didn’t fit in the glass. The best!
Well now you can make decadent and delicious milkshakes at home with just a handful of ingredients. And when berries are in season it will be over the top delicious.
The key to this recipe is the simplicity. It only has a handful of ingredients, and each ingredient is essential. It’s just ice cream, milk, sugar, vanilla, and of course, strawberries. What more could you want? These milkshakes will immediately transport you back to your childhood in the best way imaginable.
Erin’s Notes
- 5 ingredients. So many desserts are loaded with a million different ingredients and are difficult to make as a result. Not this recipe. These strawberry milkshakes only have 5 ingredients.
- Perfect for a hot day. There are few things in life that are as good as a cold treat on a hot summer day. These strawberry milkshakes are perfect for that. The flavor of the fresh strawberries is so refreshing, while the cold ice cream will cool you down when it’s hot out.
- Great for all ages and occasions. It’s no secret that kids love milkshakes. But adults certainly love them too! They’re great to make for a kid’s birthday party, an afternoon treat, or even to serve at an adult get together. There’s no bad time for a strawberry milkshake!
Ingredients Needed
- Fresh Strawberries – you could use frozen berries in a pinch, but fresh definitely give it more flavor.
- Granulated Sugar
- Vanilla extract – Always use 100% pure vanilla extract.
- Vanilla ice cream – use a quality ice cream that you enjoy eating
- Milk – any type of milk works, the more fat the more creamy your milkshake will be
Strawberry Milkshakes
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups vanilla ice cream
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and vanilla extract, and stir to combine well. Set aside for at least 20 minutes and up to 1 hour. The fresher your berries the less time it will take for them to get nice and juicy.1/2 pound fresh strawberries, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- In a blender (or food processor if you don't have a blender) place the strawberries, ice cream, and milk. Blend until smooth.4 cups vanilla ice cream, 1/2 cup milk
- Pour into a glass and top with whipped cream to serve. Enjoy!
Notes
- If your strawberries are super ripe and fresh, you can use less sugar. If they're unripe, use a little extra sugar.
- Leftover milkshakes can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How to Make Strawberry Milkshakes
Here’s how to make these super simple and easy milkshakes. They barely take any effort at all.
- Mix the berries. Place the strawberries in a mixing bowl with the sugar and the vanilla. Stir to combine, then set the berries aside for 20-60 minutes. The fresher your berries the less time you will need.
- Put the ingredients in a blender. After the strawberries have rested for at least 20 minutes and are nice and juicy, add them to a blender along with the milk and ice cream.
- Blend. Turn the blender on, and blend the milkshake until it’s smooth.
- Serve. Once the strawberry milkshake is smooth, pour it into a glass and optionally cover it with whipped cream.
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tricks to keep in mind when making strawberry milkshakes.
- No blender? A food processor works just as well — the results are virtually the same.
- Adjust the sugar. Very ripe strawberries need less sugar; slightly underripe ones may need a touch more.
- Chill your glass. Popping your serving glass in the freezer for a few minutes before serving helps the milkshake stay thick and cold longer.
- Garnish for fun. Whipped cream is classic, but maraschino cherries, chocolate syrup, fresh mint, or crushed peanuts are all great too.
Recipe Variations
- Dairy-Free Strawberry Milkshake: Swap in your favorite dairy-free vanilla ice cream and use almond milk in place of regular milk. The texture stays just as thick and creamy you won’t miss the dairy.
- Strawberry Ice Cream Swap: Use strawberry ice cream instead of vanilla for an even bigger strawberry flavor and a deeper pink color.
How to Store Leftovers
You can’t really store leftover strawberry milkshakes in the fridge. Once the ice cream melts, the milkshakes will basically just be sweet, flavored glasses of cream. If you’re going to eat your milkshake within the next 20 minutes, then you can keep it cold in the fridge. Otherwise, you should store leftovers in the freezer. Store any leftovers in an airtight container, and place them in the freezer for up to 3 months. You’ll need to thaw them for a while before they defrost enough to drink.
Yes, frozen strawberries work in a pinch and tend to make the shake a bit colder and thicker. Fresh strawberries give the best flavor, especially in season, which is why I recommend them for this recipe.
Use a little less milk, or let your ice cream stay firmer (don’t let it soften too long) before blending. Chilling your glass beforehand also helps it stay thick longer once poured.
Yes! Use almond milk in place of regular milk and swap in your favorite dairy-free vanilla ice cream, keeping the same amounts called for in the recipe. It still comes out thick and creamy
Nice work on the top 9. I haven't visited the top 9 in a while because, life is getting away from me. Thanks for sharing your good news. I hope you have many more to come.
Nice work on the top 9. I haven't visited the top 9 in a while because, life is getting away from me. Thanks for sharing your good news. I hope you have many more to come.
I love strawberries and also write some post and posted some most attractive photos on my blog also. i also write on strawberry salad. But this Strawberry Shake is really very refreshing and amazing 🙂
Delcious, love a nice strawberry milkshake, thanks for sharing recipe.
Simon
I JUST saw strawberries in the produce section this week, so I’m definitely going to be making this recipe soon. I love strawberry milkshakes, and this sounds so yummy!
My kids super loved these milkshakes!! We will definitely make it again and again!