If you're going to make a strawberry shake at home, make it unforgettable!
We start with strawberry ice cream made from real strawberries - a small detail that makes a big difference in both flavour and colour.
A good splash of heavy cream adds indulgent richness, while full cream milk keeps it silky and perfectly sippable.
There's a quiet little secret in this recipe - subtle, but unmistakable ⬇️
Jump to:
Drum roll.....Condensed milk!
It brings a gentle sweetness, a touch of richness and that something special you can't quite put your finger on.
Top it off with whipped cream, sprinkles and a wafer if you're feeling fancy. It's quick, easy and seriously yummy 🍓
Recipe highlights
- Condensed milk adds the X-factor.
- Takes less than 5 minutes to make.
- Ice cream made with real strawberries makes this milkshake special.
- Adjust the milk quantities to make it thicker or thinner.
- Pile it high with whipped cream, sprinkles, wafers, straws, even candy floss - whatever your sweet tooth dreams up.
Recipes to try next...
Craving more sweet sips? Try our iced coffee with condensed milk for a smooth caffeine fix, or go all-in on indulgence with a Nutella milkshake. If you're after something tropical, this coconut milkshake hits the spot. And don't miss the Biscoff milkshake for that spiced cookie magic!
Key ingredient notes and substitutions
REAL strawberry ice cream
This is the heart of the milkshake, so it's worth choosing wisely.
Go for one made with real strawberries, not that overly sweet, artificial stuff. It makes all the difference to both the flavour and the colour.
Instead of that neon pink biohazard glow, you'll get a soft, natural hue and a taste that actually resembles fresh strawberries.
If you're in Europe, Carte D'Or Strawberry Delight is a solid pick.
In the US, try Breyers Natural Strawberry.
If you're in South Africa, try Häagen-Dazs Strawberries & Cream.
Heavy cream (or double cream)
There's really no substitute here.
If you want that lush, creamy texture that sets a great milkshake apart, proper heavy cream is the way to go.
It brings richness, body and a touch of indulgence that lighter cream options just can't match.
You can use single or whipping cream in a pinch, but you'll be making some sacrifices in terms of dreaminess.
Condensed milk
Condensed milk is the pièce de résistance of this milkshake.
The quiet secret that gives it that unmistakable richness and just a touch of indulgent sweetness.
It adds depth and that elusive something you can't quite name.
Adjust the amount depending on how sweet you like things
Full-cream milk
In the recipe, we suggest adding about half a cup of full-cream milk, but hold your horses on that! Don't pour it in straight away.
Blend everything first, then check the consistency.
If your milkshake's too thick to make it up a straw (a delicious problem, honestly), add the milk a little at a time until it's just right: Creamy, sippable and smooth.
How to make a strawberry milkshake
1. Add all the ingredients except the milk to the bowl of a blender or food processor.
2. Blitz until smooth, creamy and completely lump-free.
3. Check the consistency: If it's too thick to sip through a straw, add a splash of milk and blend again.
4. Taste and tweak: More condensed milk for sweetness or extra ice cream to thicken.
5. Pour into a tall, cold glass and pile it high with whipped cream (canned works best, it's lighter and won't sink), then go wild with sprinkles, straws, wafers, mini meringues, candy floss…whatever your heart desires.
Tips for the perfect strawberry milkshake
Hold the milk
Don't add it upfront - blend everything else first, then loosen it up with a splash of milk if it's too thick to sip through a straw.
Chill your glasses
Pop them in the freezer 30 minutes before serving. It keeps your milkshake icy-cold to the very last sip.
Boost the berry
Want even more strawberry flavour? Add a handful of fresh strawberries to the blender - just do it before adjusting the milk, as they'll thin the shake slightly.
Best cream for topping
Canned whipped cream works best - it's lighter and stays beautifully piled on top, while real whipped cream tends to sink.
Variations to try
Chocolate strawberry milkshake: Add 2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup before blending.
Vegan option: Use dairy-free ice cream and plant-based milk alternatives.
Protein-packed: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder for an extra boost.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with: Classic cheeseburgers or fries for a diner-style meal.
Dessert option: Serve as a dessert, topped with a cherry and extra whipped cream.
Storing leftovers
Fridge (short-term): Transfer the milkshake to an airtight jar or bottle and keep it in the fridge for up to 1 day.
Give it a good shake or stir before drinking - it may separate slightly, but will still taste great.
Freezer (for later): Pour the milkshake into a freezer-safe container, leaving a little room for expansion. Freeze for up to 1 month.
Let it thaw slightly at room temperature, then blitz again in a blender to bring back that creamy texture.
Milkshake popsicles: For something fun, pour leftovers into popsicle moulds and freeze. Voila, creamy strawberry milkshake ice lollies, perfect for hot days or an easy dessert.
FAQ
You can, but it won't quite be this milkshake anymore.
This recipe is built around the richness and flavour of real strawberry ice cream, which gives it its creamy texture and depth.
If you're starting with fresh strawberries, we'd recommend finding a recipe that's specifically developed for that - it'll give you better results.
Use plant-based milk and ice cream alternatives, such as almond milk and coconut milk ice cream.
Recipe
Strawberry Milkshake with Ice Cream (and a secret ingredient!)
Equipment
- Food processor/blender
Ingredients
- 3-4 big scoops strawberry ice cream - made with real strawberries
- ½ cup heavy/double cream
- 2-3 tablespoons condensed milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup full-cream milk - you may not need all of it
- decoration like whipped cream, sprinkles, wafers, straws etc - canned cream works better because it is light and won't sink
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients except the milk to the bowl of a blender or food processor.3-4 big scoops strawberry ice cream, ½ cup heavy/double cream, 2-3 tablespoons condensed milk, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Blitz until smooth, creamy and completely lump-free.
- Check the consistency: If it's too thick to sip through a straw, add a splash of milk and blend again.½ cup full-cream milk
- Taste and tweak: More condensed milk for sweetness or extra ice cream to thicken.
- Pour into a tall, cold glass and pile it high with whipped cream (canned works best, it's lighter and won't sink), then go wild with sprinkles, straws, wafers, mini meringues, candy floss…whatever your heart desires.
Notes
Tips for the perfect strawberry milkshake
Hold the milk Don’t add it upfront - blend everything else first, then loosen it up with a splash of milk if it’s too thick to sip through a straw. Chill your glasses Pop them in the freezer 30 minutes before serving. It keeps your milkshake icy-cold to the very last sip. Boost the berry Want even more strawberry flavour? Add a handful of fresh strawberries to the blender - just do it before adjusting the milk, as they’ll thin the shake slightly. Best cream for topping Canned whipped cream works best - it’s lighter and stays beautifully piled on top, while real whipped cream tends to sink.
**Nutritional data disclaimer**
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is calculated by a third party and we cannot guarantee the accuracy. We try our best to give you the most accurate information, but we do not take responsibility for errors that may be present. Also, the nutritional value of the recipe may change depending on the exact brands and products used. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalised advice on your dietary needs.
Nutrition
For food safety advice, including guidance on food allergies
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