10 Homemade Strawberry Milkshake Recipes You’ll Love
Nothing beats a creamy strawberry milkshake on a warm day. These homemade versions taste better than any diner or ice cream shop.
From classic recipes to creative twists, you’ll find the perfect strawberry shake for every craving and occasion.
01. Classic Diner-Style Strawberry Milkshake
This traditional strawberry milkshake rivals any diner favorite with its thick, creamy texture. Perfect for satisfying those nostalgic cravings.
Ingredients: 2 cups vanilla ice cream, 1 cup fresh strawberries (hulled), ½ cup whole milk, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, whipped cream for topping, chocolate syrup for drizzling.
How To Make Classic Diner-Style Strawberry Milkshake
1. Wash and hull fresh strawberries, then slice them into smaller pieces for easier blending. Let the ice cream soften at room temperature for 5 minutes to make blending smoother and achieve that perfect thick consistency.
2. Add strawberries and sugar to your blender first, pulsing several times to break down the fruit into smaller chunks. This creates a better texture and distributes the strawberry flavor evenly throughout the shake.
3. Add softened vanilla ice cream, milk, and vanilla extract to the blender. Blend on medium speed for 30-45 seconds until mixture is smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down sides if needed.
4. Pour into tall glasses and top with fresh whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup for that authentic diner experience.
02. Grandma’s Simple Strawberry Shake
This timeless four-ingredient recipe proves simple is best. Takes just five minutes to make this family favorite.
Ingredients: 1½ cups vanilla ice cream, 1 cup fresh strawberries, ⅓ cup whole milk, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar.
How To Make Grandma’s Simple Strawberry Shake
1. Remove stems from strawberries and cut larger berries in half to help your blender work more efficiently. Room temperature strawberries blend better than cold ones straight from the refrigerator.
2. Combine all ingredients in your blender, starting with the milk on the bottom to help everything blend smoothly. This prevents the ice cream from sticking to the blades.
3. Blend on high speed for 45 seconds until completely smooth and no strawberry chunks remain visible. The mixture should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed, then pour into chilled glasses. I like to garnish with a fresh strawberry on the rim for a classic presentation that Grandma would approve of.
5. Serve immediately while cold and creamy, using thick straws that can handle the rich consistency of this old-fashioned treat.
03. Light and Healthy Strawberry Shake
Made with frozen low-fat milk and no added sugar for guilt-free enjoyment. This lighter version doesn’t sacrifice flavor for fewer calories.
Ingredients: 1 cup low-fat milk (frozen in ice cube trays), 1½ cups fresh strawberries, ½ cup low-fat vanilla frozen yogurt, 1 tablespoon honey, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract.
How To Make Light and Healthy Strawberry Shake
1. Freeze low-fat milk in ice cube trays at least 4 hours ahead of time. This creates the thick, creamy texture without needing heavy ice cream or added sugars.
2. Hull and slice fresh strawberries, then add them to your blender with honey. Blend briefly to break down the fruit and release natural juices that will sweeten the entire shake.
3. Add frozen milk cubes, frozen yogurt, and vanilla extract to the blender. Start on low speed to break up the frozen milk, then increase to high speed for 60 seconds.
4. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape sides as needed. The frozen milk creates an amazingly thick texture that rivals traditional milkshakes.
5. Pour into glasses and enjoy immediately. This healthy version has all the satisfaction of a regular milkshake with significantly fewer calories and added nutrients from real fruit.
04. Supreme Four-Ingredient Strawberry Shake
Fresh strawberries and premium vanilla ice cream create this refreshing treat. Simple ingredients make the strawberry flavor really shine through.
Ingredients: 2 cups premium vanilla ice cream, 1½ cups fresh ripe strawberries, ¾ cup whole milk, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar.
How To Make Supreme Four-Ingredient Strawberry Shake
1. Choose the ripest, sweetest strawberries you can find for maximum flavor impact. Remove green tops and slice larger berries to help them blend more easily into the creamy base.
2. Let your vanilla ice cream soften slightly at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This makes blending much easier and creates a smoother final texture without overworking your blender motor.
3. Combine strawberries and sugar in the blender first, pulsing to create a chunky strawberry mixture that will distribute evenly throughout the shake when you add the dairy ingredients.
4. Add softened ice cream and milk to the strawberry mixture. Blend on medium-high speed for 45 seconds until smooth and creamy, with no visible fruit chunks remaining in the mixture.
5. Check consistency and add more milk if you prefer a thinner shake, or more ice cream for extra thickness. Serve in tall glasses with wide straws for the best drinking experience.
05. Perfect Three-Ingredient Strawberry Shake
Vanilla frozen yogurt makes this shake perfectly creamy with tangy sweetness. Three simple ingredients create surprisingly complex flavors.
Ingredients: 1½ cups vanilla frozen yogurt, ¾ cup whole milk, 1¼ cups fresh strawberries (hulled).
How To Make Perfect Three-Ingredient Strawberry Shake
1. Allow frozen yogurt to soften for 5-10 minutes at room temperature for easier blending. Meanwhile, wash and hull your strawberries, cutting any large ones in half for uniform blending.
2. Add milk to your blender first, followed by the fresh strawberries. This layering technique helps create better blending action and prevents ingredients from sticking to the bottom.
3. Add the softened frozen yogurt on top and blend on medium speed for 30 seconds, then increase to high speed for another 30 seconds until completely smooth and creamy.
4. The frozen yogurt creates a lighter texture than traditional ice cream while still maintaining that rich, creamy mouthfeel. Taste and blend a few more seconds if any fruit chunks remain.
5. Pour into chilled glasses immediately and serve with thick straws. The tangy yogurt perfectly balances the sweet strawberries for a refreshing treat that’s not overly heavy.
6. Garnish with a fresh strawberry or mint sprig if desired, though this shake is delicious enough to stand completely on its own merits.
06. Strawberry Basil Garden Shake
Fresh basil adds an unexpected herbal twist to sweet strawberries. This unique combination creates a refreshing summer cooler with sophisticated flavors.
Ingredients: 1½ cups vanilla ice cream, 1¼ cups fresh strawberries, ½ cup whole milk, 8-10 fresh basil leaves, 2 tablespoons sugar, ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract.
How To Make Strawberry Basil Garden Shake
1. Gently wash basil leaves and pat completely dry with paper towels. Bruise the leaves slightly between your fingers to release their aromatic oils before adding to the blender for maximum flavor impact.
2. Hull and slice fresh strawberries, then combine with sugar and torn basil leaves in your blender. Pulse several times to break down the fruit and release the basil’s essential oils.
3. Let this mixture sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The sugar will draw out strawberry juices while the basil infuses its unique herbal notes.
4. Add ice cream, milk, and vanilla extract to the fruit mixture. Blend on high speed for 60 seconds until completely smooth and no basil pieces are visible in the creamy mixture.
5. Strain through a fine mesh strainer if you prefer an ultra-smooth texture, or leave as-is for tiny basil flecks that add visual interest and bursts of flavor.
6. Serve immediately in chilled glasses, garnished with a small basil sprig and fresh strawberry for an elegant presentation that hints at the unique flavors within.
07. Simple Berry Bliss Shake
Basic ingredients create maximum deliciousness in this straightforward recipe. Ice cubes help achieve the perfect thick consistency every time.
Ingredients: 2 cups vanilla ice cream, 1 cup fresh strawberries, ½ cup whole milk, 4-5 ice cubes, 2 tablespoons sugar.
How To Make Simple Berry Bliss Shake
1. Remove strawberry stems and cut larger berries into quarters for easier blending. Fresh, ripe strawberries work best, but you can substitute frozen ones if fresh aren’t available.
2. Add ice cubes to your blender first, followed by milk and sugar. This creates a good liquid base that helps everything blend smoothly without overworking your blender motor.
3. Layer in the fresh strawberries and vanilla ice cream. Starting the blender on low speed helps break up the ice cubes gradually without creating a chunky texture.
4. Increase to high speed and blend for 45-60 seconds until mixture reaches a smooth, thick consistency. The ice cubes create extra thickness while slightly diluting the richness.
5. Check texture and add more milk if too thick, or more ice cream if you want it richer. Pour into tall glasses and serve immediately with thick straws for the best experience.
08. Wholesome Strawberry Breakfast Shake
Extra strawberries and less milk create an incredibly thick, satisfying texture. This healthy version proves nutritious can be absolutely delicious.
Ingredients: 1 cup vanilla frozen yogurt, 1½ cups fresh strawberries, ½ cup low-fat milk, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon chia seeds.
How To Make Wholesome Strawberry Breakfast Shake
1. Soak chia seeds in 2 tablespoons of water for 10 minutes until they form a gel-like consistency. This adds healthy omega-3s and creates extra thickness without adding calories.
2. Hull fresh strawberries and add them to your blender with honey. Pulse several times to break down the fruit and create a chunky strawberry base that sweetens naturally.
3. Add the soaked chia seeds, frozen yogurt, milk, and vanilla extract to the strawberry mixture. The reduced milk amount creates that extra-thick texture that’s incredibly satisfying.
4. Blend on high speed for 60-75 seconds until completely smooth and creamy. The chia seeds will blend in completely, adding nutrition without affecting the taste or texture.
5. Pour into glasses and enjoy immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours. The thick consistency makes this shake filling enough to serve as a light breakfast or healthy snack.
09. Adult Strawberry Shortcake Cocktail
Vanilla vodka and amaretto transform this into a grown-up dessert drink. This boozy treat is perfect for special occasions and summer entertaining.
Ingredients: 1½ cups vanilla ice cream, 1 cup fresh strawberries, ¼ cup vanilla vodka, 2 tablespoons amaretto liqueur, ¼ cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, graham cracker crumbs for rim.
How To Make Adult Strawberry Shortcake Cocktail
1. Rim your glasses with graham cracker crumbs by dipping the rim in water, then pressing into crumbs spread on a plate. This mimics the shortcake element and adds textural interest.
2. Hull and slice strawberries, then muddle half of them in the bottom of your blender to release maximum juice and flavor. Reserve remaining slices for garnish.
3. Add vanilla ice cream, vodka, amaretto, and powdered sugar to the muddled strawberries. The alcohol will prevent the shake from freezing solid while adding sophisticated flavor layers.
4. Blend on medium speed for 45 seconds until smooth and creamy. Don’t over-blend as the alcohol can make the mixture too thin if processed too long.
5. Add heavy cream and pulse just 2-3 times to incorporate without making the mixture too thick. Pour into prepared glasses and garnish with reserved strawberry slices.
6. Serve immediately with thick straws. For extra decadence, top with a dollop of cream cheese frosting to complete the strawberry shortcake experience in liquid form.
10. Morning Energy Strawberry Shake
Almond butter and flax seeds pack this breakfast shake with protein and healthy fats. Nutritious ingredients keep you satisfied for hours while tasting like dessert.
Ingredients: 1 cup vanilla Greek yogurt, 1¼ cups fresh strawberries, ½ cup almond milk, 2 tablespoons almond butter, 1 tablespoon ground flax seed, 1 tablespoon honey, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, 4-5 ice cubes.
How To Make Morning Energy Strawberry Shake
1. Use room temperature almond butter for easier blending, or warm it slightly in the microwave for 10 seconds. Cold almond butter can create lumps that are difficult to blend smooth.
2. Add almond milk, honey, and vanilla extract to your blender first. This creates a liquid base that helps the thicker ingredients incorporate more easily without straining your blender.
3. Layer in Greek yogurt, almond butter, and ground flax seed. The protein from yogurt and almond butter makes this shake incredibly filling and nutritious for breakfast.
4. Add fresh strawberries and ice cubes on top. Blend on low speed for 30 seconds to break up the ice, then increase to high speed for 60 seconds until completely smooth.
5. Check consistency and add more almond milk if needed for your preferred thickness. The flax seeds add healthy omega-3s while the almond butter provides sustained energy.
6. Pour into tall glasses and enjoy immediately. This protein-packed shake will keep you full and energized throughout your morning while satisfying your sweet tooth naturally.
Final Thoughts
These homemade strawberry milkshake recipes prove you don’t need fancy equipment or complicated ingredients to create amazing treats. Fresh strawberries and simple techniques deliver incredible results.
Whether you prefer classic diner-style shakes or creative flavor combinations, there’s a perfect recipe here for every taste and occasion.
