Pretty in pink: Make this diner classic at home and enjoy anytime!

Fresh strawberry milkshake topped with whipped cream and a whole strawberry, served in a tall glass.

I used to only order milkshakes at restaurants or ice cream spots. The creamy, sweet treat seemed like something way too complicated to make at home. I think I pictured needing a big, industrial milkshake maker—something made entirely of metal, having a large wand for the mixing blade, and looking like it was from another era. Once, my eldest son had some oral surgery, and I needed to churn out milkshakes for a couple days. I finally realized how wrong I was!

Making milkshakes at home couldn’t be easier, and as long as you have a decent blender, there’s really no fancy equipment required. In making milkshakes for my son during his convalescence, I had fun experimenting with different flavors. Strawberry milkshakes quickly emerged as a favorite.

You will love making strawberry milkshakes from scratch. Using real, actual strawberries, you get not only a beautiful pink color but also a vibrant berry flavor in every sip. The vanilla ice cream and whole milk add creaminess to make it a lovely treat (or, in my son’s case, dinner). You can dress it up as much as you want to or just enjoy it plain. It’s also easy to double, so you can make more than one at a time.

Sweet strawberry dessert ingredients with milk, whipped cream, and vanilla ice cream on a rustic wooden tray.

A milkshake’s perfect consistency

Do you dig into a milkshake with a spoon or sip with a straw? Yes to both. If you can get the consistency just right, you can start with a spoon but also sip through a straw as you get into the tall, cold treat. The consistency should be thick and creamy, but still a little frothy right after you pour it out of your blender. If you undermix it, it won’t pour fluidly; stop, add about a tablespoon more of milk, and blend some more. If you overmix it and it looks like soup, put it back in the blender and add a half cup of ice cream. It might take a little trial and error, and every blender’s different, but eventually you’ll hit on that perfect consistency that’s spoon- and straw-friendly.

Cream being poured into a blender with strawberries, creating a creamy strawberry smoothie.

How do I store leftovers?

In my house, there are never leftovers when it comes to milkshakes! Since it only takes a few minutes to pop everything in the blender and blitz it up, I recommend making your milkshakes fresh when you’re in the mood to enjoy them and not making more than you can finish in one sitting.

Fresh strawberry milkshake topped with whipped cream and a strawberry, served in a tall glass with a wooden tray and fresh strawberries nearby.

Serving suggestions

I love piling Homemade Whipped Cream high on top of strawberry milkshakes and adding a fresh berry on top. If you like a chocolate-strawberry combo, consider sprinkling a few mini semisweet chocolate chips on top of the whipped cream or drizzling this luxurious chocolate sauce on top for an added touch. If you want a little something sweet to go with the milkshakes, keep it simple and serve alongside shortbread or Icebox Cookies (both of which can be made ahead and frozen).

Strawberry Milkshake

Amy Golden

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Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 355 kcal

Ingredients

1/2 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/2 cup whole milk
1 scoop vanilla ice cream
1 ounce whipped cream

Instructions

Wash, hull, and slice the strawberries.
Add the strawberries, whole milk, and vanilla ice cream into a blender and blend on high until smooth.
Pour the milkshake into chilled glasses and enjoy immediately topped with whipped cream.