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Strawberry Shake
A strawberry shake is a refreshing, fruity beverage that blends ripe strawberries with creamy ice cream and milk to create a thick and indulgent treat. This recipe is simple to make and takes just a few minutes, making it an ideal choice for any time you're craving something sweet. With its rich strawberry flavor, this shake can be customized to suit different dietary preferences, from dairy-free options to lower-calorie versions. Whether enjoyed as a dessert or a summer snack, this shake is a favorite for all ages.
Equipment
- Blender
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Ice Cream Scoop
- Glasses
- Straws and Spoons
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen strawberries hulled and sliced
- ½ cup vanilla ice cream or use dairy-free ice cream for a vegan version
- 1 cup milk or plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or soy
- 1 tablespoon sugar optional, depending on the sweetness of the strawberries
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Ice cubes optional, to thicken the shake or make it colder
- Whipped cream optional, for garnish
- Fresh strawberries optional, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
- Prep the Strawberries: If using fresh strawberries, wash them thoroughly and remove the stems. Slice the strawberries in half or quarters, depending on their size. If using frozen strawberries, make sure they are partially thawed for easier blending.
- Scoop the Ice Cream: Use an ice cream scoop to portion out the vanilla ice cream. For a thicker shake, you can add an extra scoop.
Blend the Ingredients
- Add Ingredients to Blender: In a blender, combine the strawberries, ice cream, milk, sugar (if using), and vanilla extract. If you want a thicker or colder shake, add a few ice cubes as well.
- Blend Until Smooth: Blend the ingredients on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If the shake is too thick, you can add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add more ice cream or a few more ice cubes.
Taste and Adjust
- Check Sweetness: Taste the shake and adjust the sweetness as needed. If the strawberries are tart, you can add a little more sugar or honey. If it's too sweet, you can add a few extra strawberries or a splash of milk.
- Blend Again: Once you're satisfied with the taste and texture, blend for another 10-15 seconds to ensure everything is well mixed.
Serve and Garnish
- Pour Into Glasses: Pour the strawberry shake into tall glasses, leaving a little room at the top for garnishes.
- Garnish (Optional): Top your shake with a swirl of whipped cream, a fresh strawberry, or even a drizzle of strawberry syrup for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the shakes with straws and spoons, and enjoy!
Notes
Tips for Making the Perfect Strawberry Shake
- Use Ripe Strawberries: The flavor of your shake depends largely on the quality of your strawberries. Choose ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor. If strawberries are out of season, frozen strawberries are a great alternative.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on how sweet your strawberries are, you may need to adjust the amount of sugar or sweetener in the recipe. Start with a little and add more as needed.
- Choose the Right Milk: For a rich and creamy shake, use whole milk or a higher-fat plant-based milk like coconut or cashew milk. For a lighter shake, skim milk or almond milk works well.
- Add Ice Cream for Creaminess: Ice cream adds creaminess and richness to the shake. If you prefer a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of ice cream or use a lower-fat option.
- Thicken with Ice Cubes: If you want a thicker shake without adding more ice cream, blend in a few ice cubes. This will give your shake a thicker texture while keeping it cold and refreshing.
- Make it Dairy-Free: To make a dairy-free or vegan version of this shake, simply swap the dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives. Use almond or oat milk and dairy-free ice cream made from coconut, soy, or cashew.