Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled and halved (about 8-10 medium berries)
- 2-3 large scoops vanilla ice cream (about 1½ to 2 cups)
- ½ to ¾ cup whole milk (or milk of choice)
- 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar or honey (optional, adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Whipped cream, for topping (optional)
- Fresh strawberry slices, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the strawberries: If using fresh strawberries, rinse them under cold water, remove the green tops and stems, and cut them in half. If using frozen strawberries, you can add them directly to the blender without thawing.
- Add ingredients to blender: Place the strawberries in your blender first, followed by the vanilla ice cream. This layering helps the blending process go more smoothly. Add ½ cup of milk to start—you can always add more if needed.
- Add optional ingredients: If you’re using sugar, honey, or vanilla extract, add them now before blending.
- Blend until smooth: Start blending on low speed for a few seconds, then increase to medium-high speed. Blend for 30-45 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy with no chunks of strawberry or ice cream remaining. You should see a uniform pink color throughout.
- Check consistency: Stop the blender and check the thickness. If your milkshake is too thick to pour or drink through a straw, add 2-3 tablespoons more milk and blend for another 10-15 seconds. If it’s too thin, add another small scoop of ice cream and blend again.
- Taste and adjust: Give your milkshake a quick taste. If it needs more sweetness, add a tablespoon of sugar or honey and blend briefly to incorporate.
- Serve immediately: Pour the milkshake into tall glasses. Top with whipped cream and a fresh strawberry slice if desired. Serve with thick straws and enjoy right away while it’s cold and perfectly creamy!
Notes
- Thickness control: The ratio of ice cream to milk determines your shake’s thickness. For a thicker, spoon-style milkshake, use more ice cream and less milk. For a thinner, easier-to-sip version, increase the milk slightly.
- Sweetness adjustment: Always taste before adding extra sugar. Ripe strawberries and quality ice cream often provide plenty of sweetness. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
- Frozen vs. fresh berries: Both work beautifully! Frozen berries create a slightly thicker shake and are available year-round. Fresh berries provide brighter flavor when they’re in season.
- Make it ahead: Milkshakes are best enjoyed immediately, but if you need to wait, store in the freezer for up to 1 hour. Let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving and give it a quick stir.
- Scaling the recipe: This recipe easily doubles or triples for a crowd. Just blend in batches if your blender is small.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 milkshake (approximately 12-14 oz)
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg