Strawberry Shortcake Shake Recipe
Strawberry Shortcake Shake is the retro-inspired treat your sweet tooth won’t see coming. Creamy vanilla ice cream, crushed strawberries, and buttery shortbread cookies create an absolutely dreamy dessert drink—each sip brings you the summery nostalgia of strawberry shortcake, but in a luscious, ice-cold shake. It’s easy enough to whip up on a whim, yet special enough to serve at your next backyard gathering. Trust me, this is one shake you’ll want to make again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of ingredients to create this Strawberry Shortcake Shake, but each one is crucial for that classic, crave-worthy flavor and iconic layered texture. Don’t skimp—each component really brings this treat to life!
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Acts as the rich, creamy base that makes the shake irresistibly smooth.
- Ice: Chills and thickens the shake, keeping it frosty and refreshing to the last drop.
- Milk: Helps everything blend together into a perfect, sippable consistency—whole milk is extra creamy, but any kind works.
- Strawberries: Bring natural sweetness and a beautiful blush of pink, plus those lovely little berry bursts in every sip.
- Shortbread: Adds that signature crumbly, buttery element, evoking classic strawberry shortcake (use an extra piece for topping!).
- Whipped Topping: The ultimate finishing touch—adds creaminess and looks gorgeous piled high on top.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Shake
Step 1: Blend the Creamy Base
Start by tossing your ice, vanilla ice cream, hulled strawberries, and milk into your blender. Make sure you hold back one strawberry for topping later! Blend until smooth and creamy, peeking inside to check the thickness. If it’s too thick for your liking, add a splash more milk and blend again—remember, you want it sippable but still decadent.
Step 2: Add the Shortbread Magic
Drop in your pieces of shortbread and blend again. The shortbread brings in that signature shortcake flavor—crumbly, buttery, and just the right amount of sweetness. If you like bigger cookie bites, pulse the blender a couple of times instead of running it straight through. This step is what transforms a basic strawberry shake into an all-out Strawberry Shortcake Shake experience!
Step 3: Pour and Top with Delights
Pour your velvety shake into a tall glass, then take your reserved shortbread cookie and crumble it right over the top. Add a big swirl of whipped topping, then finish with that last perfect strawberry—it really makes the whole presentation pop. Grab a straw and enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture!
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Shake
Garnishes
A Strawberry Shortcake Shake is already a showstopper, but a few finishing touches add that bakery-worthy wow factor. A generous swirl of whipped topping, a sprinkle of extra cookie crumbs, and a fresh strawberry on top give your shake serious shake-shop vibes—and a bit of fun! You could even add a mini cookie or a drizzle of strawberry syrup for flair.
Side Dishes
While this shake is certainly the star of any dessert table, it pairs beautifully with crispy biscotti, delicate vanilla wafers, or fresh fruit on the side. Or, keep it playful with a handful of popcorn or roasted nuts if you’re serving the shake at a party! The main goal: balance the rich, creamy shake with something light and crunchy.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Strawberry Shortcake Shake into an Instagram-worthy moment by serving it in vintage milkshake glasses, mason jars, or even chilled mugs. Try mini shooters for party trays, or rim the glasses with crushed shortbread for extra flair. You can even serve them with colorful straws and cocktail umbrellas for a festive touch that will charm everyone at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow end up with leftover Strawberry Shortcake Shake (hard to imagine!), pour it into a mason jar, cover tightly, and store in the refrigerator. Enjoy within a few hours for best flavor and texture, since shakes tend to melt and separate a bit as they sit.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the shake in a freezer-safe container. Just keep in mind the texture will change slightly—it’ll become more solid and icy. Leave the shake out at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before stirring and sipping, or use leftovers as the base for homemade popsicles!
Reheating
This shake is best served chilled, not warm, so reheating isn’t really recommended. If it’s too frozen after storage, simply let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes, then stir or blend again to restore that creamy, sippable consistency before garnishing and serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work beautifully in a Strawberry Shortcake Shake and actually make the drink even frostier and thicker. No need to thaw—just toss them right into the blender with your other ingredients.
What can I use if I don’t have shortbread?
No shortbread? No problem! Try substituting with pound cake, vanilla wafer cookies, or even classic ladyfingers. Each brings its own twist, but shortbread gives that signature crumbly, buttery touch.
Is it possible to make this shake dairy-free?
Yes, you can easily adapt the Strawberry Shortcake Shake by using your favorite dairy-free vanilla ice cream and plant-based milk. Coconut whipped topping and a vegan shortbread cookie make this treat fully plant-based!
How can I make this shake thicker?
For an extra thick shake, reduce the amount of milk and increase the ice cream, or add more ice. You can also pop your glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before adding your shake, which keeps everything colder and thicker while you sip.
Can I make this shake ahead of time for a party?
You can blend the shake a couple of hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Give it a quick stir or blend to refresh the texture, then top with fresh shortbread and whipped topping just before serving. It’s a true crowd-pleaser!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about a treat that combines the freshest flavors of strawberry shortcake with the nostalgic feel of an old-school milkshake. Whether you’re making a quick dessert for yourself or serving friends on a hot day, try this Strawberry Shortcake Shake and watch faces light up. Go ahead—treat yourself to a tall glass of summer and happiness!
Print
Strawberry Shortcake Shake Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the heavenly flavor of this Strawberry Shortcake Shake that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the richness of vanilla ice cream and a hint of shortbread crumbles. It’s a delightful treat for any time of the day!
Ingredients
For the Shake:
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup ice
- 1 cup milk
- 4 strawberries; tops removed on 3
For Topping:
- 2 pieces shortbread; 1 for topping
- Whipped topping for topping
Instructions
- Blend the Shake: In a blender, combine ice, ice cream, strawberries, and milk. Blend until smooth, adjusting the consistency with more milk if needed.
- Add Shortbread: Break in the shortbread and blend again. Using shortbread instead of shortcake adds a better texture to the shake.
- Serve: Pour the shake into a glass, and garnish with crumbled shortbread and a strawberry. Enjoy your Strawberry Shortcake Shake!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shake
- Calories: Approximately 400 kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Strawberry Shortcake Shake, Shake Recipe, Dessert Shake
