Calling all strawberry lovers! Sweet, juicy fresh strawberries shine in this simple yet delicious Strawberry Vanilla Milkshake! With just four simple ingredients, you can whip up a creamy shake that's perfect as an afternoon treat or a creamy dessert! Whether you're sipping it on a hot summer day or craving a bit of summer in the middle of winter, this milkshake will hit the spot!
You will definitely want to serve this Strawberry Milkshake with some homemade whipped cream!
Every Summer we head to our local farm and do some strawberry picking. My kids pick WAY more strawberries than we could ever eat on their own, so I have to get creative with how we use those strawberries. Hello strawberry vanilla milkshakes!
These milkshakes taste like something you would get at a local diner or an ice cream shoppe, but way cheaper! Its fresh, creamy, and so delicious!
For more strawberry recipes, be sure to check out my strawberry banana milkshake, strawberry smoothie with almond milk, strawberry cheesecake dip, and my strawberry blueberry smoothie.
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Fresh Strawberries vs. Frozen Strawberries
If you have fresh strawberries, this is a great place to use them! For me, I like to buy them fresh when they are in season. But you can also use frozen strawberries for this recipe. Just thaw them a bit before blending. I always have a bag of frozen strawberries in the freezer because we use them in so many different treats.
Strawberries also don't last very long. So once they start looking a little mushy, I will freeze strawberries and use them to make all different types of smoothies and milkshakes.
Ingredients to Make Strawberry Vanilla Milkshakes
- Ice cream. We are using vanilla ice cream as a base so you can really taste the fresh strawberries. Make sure you use good quality ice cream to get the best flavor in this milkshake. This is basically a vanilla milkshake with some strawberries. Couldn't be easier!
- Strawberries. Fresh or frozen strawberries will work in this creamy milkshake.
- Vanilla extract. For a little added flavor. Even though we are using vanilla ice cream, the vanilla extract adds even more flavor to bring out the vanilla in strawberry vanilla milkshake.
- Milk. This will help blend the milkshake. I like using whole milk, but 2% will work or your favorite nondairy milk.
Be sure to check out the printable recipe card for full recipe information on ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use different fruits! You can substitute or add other fruits like bananas, blueberries, or raspberries for some added flavor.
- Make it boozy! Add a splash of rum, vodka, or your favorite liquor to this recipe for an adult beverage treat.
- Change the ice cream! You can use strawberry ice cream, chocolate ice cream, or whatever your favorite ice cream is.
- Add mix-ins! A shot of espresso, a pinch of sea salt, some blueberries, or a few chocolate chips will all add texture and some added flavor to the milkshake.
How To Make a Strawberry Vanilla Milkshake
Step 1: In a high-speed blender, add the strawberries, milk, vanilla extract, and ice cream. Blend for 1-2 minutes or until the milkshake is creamy and smooth.
Step 2: Pour the milkshake into your favorite glass and top with homemade whipped cream and a few sliced strawberries.
Lynn's Tip!
If using frozen strawberries, let them thaw slightly before blending. This helps the milkshake blend more easily and become smoother.
Tips and Tricks
- This recipe makes two medium-sized milkshakes. You can easily double or triple it to feed a crowd. Just make sure you have a big enough blender to fit all the ingredients.
- To keep the milkshake colder, longer, chill the glass that you are serving the milkshake in. The more fun the glass and the straw, the more fun the milkshake! That's my thought process anyway!
- For a thicker milkshake, add an extra scoop of ice cream. For a thinner milkshake, add an extra splash of milk.
Storage Instructions
Strawberry vanilla milkshakes are best enjoyed right away while they’re thick and frosty. If they are kept in the refrigerator, they will separate and lose their texture.
You can actually freeze this recipe though! It makes great popsicles! Pour the milkshake into your favorite popsicle mold and freeze for at least 4 hours. Then take them out of the popsicle mold and enjoy!
If you are going to freeze this strawberry milkshake, pour it into a freezer-safe container. Freeze, and when you’re ready to enjoy it, place the frozen milkshake into a blender and add some milk. Blend until it's smooth and creamy.
Frequently Asked Questions
The biggest difference is the ice cream. Smoothies typically don't have ice cream in them, while milkshakes will have ice cream or heavy cream.
Sure! Instead of ice cream, add heavy cream and a handful of ice to the blender. This will take the place of ice cream in this recipe.
To make this recipe sweeter, add a splash of agave, honey, or maple syrup to the blender.
More Delicious Strawberry Recipes
Strawberry Vanilla Milkshake
Equipment
- High Speed Blender
Ingredients
- 2 cups Vanilla Ice Cream
- 1 ½ cups Strawberries Cleaned and chopped
- 1 cup Milk Whole milk or 2%
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a high speed blender. Blend for 1-2 minutes or until the milkshake is thick and creamy.
Notes
- Fresh or frozen strawberries will work in this recipe. If you are using frozen strawberries, thaw them slightly before you add them to the blender so they blend easier.
- To make this milkshake thicker, add another scoop of ice cream. To make it thinner, add a splash more milk.
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