How to Make Strawberry Milkshake Recipe WITHOUT Ice Cream!

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Hey there! If you’re looking for a scrumptious strawberry milkshake recipe but don’t have any ice cream on hand, I’ve got you covered… This recipe will help you whip up a creamy and refreshing strawberry milkshake that’s just as satisfying.

fresh strawberry milkshake without ice cream in a jar with a straw. with text

This recipe is perfect for strawberry season as it allows you to fully enjoy the vibrant and juicy flavors of fresh strawberries, taking your milkshake experience to new heights… If you are like me, and grow tons of strawberries.. This recipe will quickly become a summertime routine!

Strawberry Milk Shake Recipe

This recipe will help you whip up a creamy and refreshing strawberry milkshake that’s just as satisfying. Indulge in the lusciousness of a creamy frozen strawberry milkshake, where frozen strawberries take center stage to deliver a burst of delightful strawberry flavor without the need for ice cream.

We make several milkshake recipes at home, especially in the summer months when it’s hot out, but this is one of my favorites! I love that you still get that creamy texture, but it feels lighter without Ice Cream!

This recipe is perfect for strawberry season as it allows you to fully enjoy the vibrant and juicy flavors of fresh strawberries, elevating your milkshake experience to new heights.

Fresh Strawberry Milkshake Recipe Instructions

Simple Ingredients:

  • 2 cups strawberries… Fresh strawberries, (but put them in the freezer till firm!)
  • 2 cups whole milk (regular, almond milk, oat milk, soy milk or coconut milk)
  • 2 tablespoons sweetener of choice. I like using maple syrup, but sugar does’nt cut the strawberry flavor at all.
  • 1 cup vanilla yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup ice cubes

Optional Blend Ins:

  • 2 Tablespoons heavy cream.. This makes an extra creamy strawberry milkshake!
  • 2 Tablespoons freeze dried strawberry powder
  • 1/2 a frozen banana if you want a strawberry banana milkshake.
  • 2 tablespoons strawberry syrup, for extra strawberry flavor.

Other Fresh Fruits can also be added for different flavors.. I love to use raspberries and blackberries too!

strawberry milkshake without ice cream

How to Blend the Perfect No-Ice-Cream Milkshake


Making a thick milkshake without ice cream relies entirely on the mechanics of your ingredients. Because we aren’t using heavy scoops of commercial ice cream, your blending order and technique are what create that luxurious, velvety texture. Follow these steps for foolproof results:

Step 1: Prep and Flash-Freeze the Berries
Wash your fresh strawberries and hull them (slice the green tops off). Pat them completely dry with a paper towel before popping them into the freezer.

Place them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 30–45 minutes until firm. Flash-freezing them individually prevents them from turning into a solid, unblendable block.

Step 2: Layer Your Ingredients Correctly
To save your blender motor and ensure a perfectly smooth emulsification, always load your ingredients from softest to hardest:

  • Liquids first: Pour in your milk and vanilla extract.
  • The binders: Add the vanilla yogurt and your sweetener. (The yogurt is our secret weapon here—its proteins and fats mimic the creamy mouthfeel of ice cream).
  • The frozen elements: Top with your flash-frozen strawberries and ice cubes. This weights down the blades and keeps the mixture moving smoothly.

Step 3: Blend on a Graded Speed
Secure the lid tightly. Start your blender on low speed for 10–15 seconds to break up the frozen berries and ice cubes without stalling the motor. Once the blades are moving freely, crank it up to high speed for about 30–45 seconds until completely uniform and velvety.

Step 4: The Texture & Taste Test
Stop the blender and look at the consistency. Give it a quick taste with a clean spoon.

  • If it’s too thick: Add an extra splash of milk (1 tablespoon at a time) and pulse.
  • If it’s too thin: Toss in 2 or 3 more ice cubes or another frozen berry and blend on high.
  • Adjust sweetness: This is your chance to pulse in an extra drizzle of maple syrup or sugar if your batch of berries happens to be tart.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish Immediately
Without heavy ice cream stabilizers, scratch-made milkshakes are best enjoyed right out of the blender. Pour the mixture evenly into chilled glasses or mason jars. Top with a dollop of fresh homemade whipped cream, a few fresh strawberry slices, or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings for an unforgettable finish!

How to Serve

  1. Classic Milkshake: I love serving this delicious strawberry milkshake in a tall glass, topped with a fresh strawberry slice or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for that extra touch of elegance.
  2. Milkshake Bowl: Sometimes, I like to switch things up and serve the strawberry milkshake in a bowl. I top it with sliced strawberries, granola, coconut flakes, or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor. It turns into a satisfying and flavorful bowl that I can enjoy with a spoon.
  3. Milkshake Parfait: To create a visually appealing and delicious dessert, I layer the strawberry milkshake with vanilla yogurt or whipped cream in a glass or jar. I top it off with fresh strawberry slices and a sprinkle of crushed cookies or granola. It’s a real treat for the eyes and the taste buds.
Strawberry Milkshake (1)

Strawberry Milkshake WITHOUT Ice Cream

If you're looking for a scrumptious strawberry milkshake recipe but don't have any ice cream on hand, I've got you covered. This recipe will help you whip up a creamy and refreshing strawberry milkshake that's just as satisfying.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: From Scratch Recipes
Cuisine: Dessert
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2 – 4 servings
Calories: 349kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups strawberries Use fresh, but put them in the freezer just till firm!
  • 2 cups milk I like whole milk best but you can also use, almond milk, oat milk, soy milk or coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons sweetener of choice. I use sugar or maple syrup.
  • 1 cup vanilla yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup ice cubes

Instructions

  • Wash fresh strawberries, cut tops off, and place them in the freezer till firm.
  • Take out the frozen strawberries from the freezer.
  • In a blender, add the strawberries, milk, sugar or sweetener, vanilla yogurt, vanilla extract, and ice cubes. The frozen strawberries will provide the chill and thickness required for the milkshake without the need for ice cream.
  • Place the lid on the blender and blend on high speed until all the ingredients are well combined and the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
  • Once the milkshake reaches your desired consistency, stop blending and give it a taste. Adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar if needed. Blend for a few more seconds to incorporate any additional sugar.
  • Now, it's time to serve up your delicious frozen strawberry milkshake! Pour milkshake evenly into glass cups or jars, and add a fun straw for sipping!

Notes

To make it extra special, you can garnish the milkshake with some fresh strawberry slices on top. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings if you like.
Serve milkshakes immediately and enjoy the creamy, strawberry goodness. Savor each sip and let the refreshing flavors dance on your taste buds.

Nutrition

Calories: 349kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 181mg | Potassium: 858mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 48g | Vitamin A: 465IU | Vitamin C: 86mg | Calcium: 537mg | Iron: 1mg
Juliea and horse, Dude

About Juliea

Juliea is a mother of six, a sourdough baker, and a homestead builder living in Idaho. Alongside her husband and their horse, Dude, she manages a busy farmhouse and shares her love for scratch-cooking and simple homemaking. Through her blog and YouTube channel, she helps millions of families every year master the art of the handmade home.

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