Save to Pinterest This indulgent milkshake combines the classic flavors of strawberry cheesecake in drinkable form. Fresh strawberries blend with vanilla ice cream and cream cheese for a rich, creamy texture that's perfect for warm weather or whenever you want something sweet and satisfying.
The preparation comes together quickly in just 5 minutes, requiring only a blender and simple ingredients. You can customize the thickness by adding more ice cream or ice cubes, and the garnishes like whipped cream and crushed graham crackers make it feel like a special dessert.
Frozen strawberries work wonderfully for an extra-chilled version, while fresh berries give the brightest flavor. The shake is naturally vegetarian and can be made lighter with low-fat ingredients if preferred.
The afternoon sun was streaming through my kitchen window when I decided to experiment with leftover cheesecake filling from the night before. I tossed everything into the blender without measuring and ended up with something that made my roommate pause mid-bite and ask for the recipe. Now it is the only way I can get through summer heat waves without turning on my oven.
Last July I made these for my nieces who were visiting from out of town. They were skeptical about the cream cheese part until the first sip hit their lips and suddenly the blender was running nonstop for three days straight. My kitchen counter was covered in sticky spoons and happy strawberry stained grins.
Ingredients
- Whole milk: Creates the perfect consistency without making the shake too thin
- Cream cheese: Let it soften completely or you will end up with tiny cheese chunks floating around
- Vanilla ice cream: The foundation that brings everything together into something recognizable
- Fresh strawberries: Frozen works in a pinch but fresh gives you that bright summer taste
- Granulated sugar: Adjust based on how sweet your strawberries are naturally
- Vanilla extract: Do not skip this even though the ice cream has some vanilla already
Instructions
- Combine everything in the blender:
- Dump in the milk cream cheese ice cream strawberries sugar and vanilla extract all at once
- Blend until completely smooth:
- Run the blender on high for about a minute then stop and scrape down the sides with a spatula
- Taste and adjust:
- Give it a quick taste test and add more sugar if your strawberries were particularly tart
- Pour into chilled glasses:
- Pour everything into two glasses that have been hanging out in the freezer for at least ten minutes
- Add your favorite toppings:
- Pile on whipped cream crushed graham crackers and extra strawberry slices if you are feeling fancy
- Serve immediately:
- Stick in a straw and start drinking before the ice cream begins to melt
Save to Pinterest My friend Sarah said this tastes like the dessert menu at a diner but better. She started requesting them every Friday night and now it has become our little tradition while we catch up on the week.
Getting The Right Texture
I have learned that the perfect shake thickness is all about the ice cream to milk ratio. If you end up with something too thin toss in an extra scoop of ice cream and give it another quick whirl.
Making It Ahead
These milkshakes do not sit well so make them right before serving. You can prep everything by measuring out ingredients and hulling the strawberries ahead of time.
Fun Variations To Try
Sometimes I swap out the strawberries for other fruits depending on what is in season or what I have sitting in my fridge that needs to be used up.
- Try fresh peaches in place of strawberries during summer
- Add a handful of fresh raspberries for a pretty pink color
- Sprinkle in some graham cracker crumbs right before blending for extra texture
Save to Pinterest Every time I make these now I think about that first accidental experiment and how some of the best discoveries happen when you are just trying to clean out your refrigerator.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
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Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work excellently and create an even colder, thicker milkshake. They also eliminate the need for ice cubes while maintaining that refreshing chill.
- → How can I make this milkshake thicker?
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Add more vanilla ice cream or throw in a few ice cubes before blending. You can also use frozen strawberries instead of fresh for a thicker consistency without diluting the flavor.
- → Is there a lighter version of this milkshake?
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Yes! Use low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat or light ice cream. You can also decrease the sugar slightly since the strawberries provide natural sweetness. The shake will still be delicious and creamy.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
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Yes, substitute dairy milk with almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Use dairy-free cream cheese alternative and vegan vanilla ice cream. The flavor and texture will still be rich and satisfying.
- → How long does this milkshake keep in the refrigerator?
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For the best texture and flavor, enjoy immediately. The shake will separate and lose its creamy consistency if refrigerated. If you must store it, give it a quick blend again before serving, though it's best enjoyed fresh.
- → What other garnishes work well with this milkshake?
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Beyond whipped cream and graham crackers, try a drizzle of strawberry sauce, a sprinkle of cinnamon, crushed vanilla wafers, or even a small slice of cheesecake on top. Get creative with what complements the strawberry-cheesecake flavor profile.
