Strawberry Shortcake Milkshake

This indulgent milkshake transforms the beloved strawberry shortcake dessert into a thick, sippable delight. It blends creamy vanilla ice cream, fresh, juicy strawberries, and whole milk to create a classic base. The real magic comes from adding actual pieces of shortcake or biscuit directly into the blender, infusing every sip with a delightful, cake-like texture and flavor. It's a perfect dessert drink for a warm day or anytime a sweet craving strikes.
Strawberry Shortcake Milkshake

Preparation

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This beverage is classified as a milkshake, a sweet, cold drink typically made from milk, ice cream, and flavorings. It falls squarely into the dessert drink category, as it's rich and indulgent enough to be served as a dessert course on its own.

Serving

Serve this large, cold milkshake in a pre-chilled milkshake glass to keep it perfectly thick and frosty. As an alcohol-free beverage, it's suitable for all ages to enjoy.
Serving size
Approximately 450 ml / 15 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV (Alcohol-Free)
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Milkshake Glass
Glass treatment
Chilled glass, with optional strawberry syrup swirled inside

Backstory

While classic strawberry milkshakes have been a staple for decades, the Strawberry Shortcake Milkshake is a more modern culinary invention. It emerged from the trend of "deconstructed" or "freakshake" desserts, where classic cakes and pastries are reimagined in drinkable form. This shake specifically aims to capture the comforting and nostalgic combination of strawberries, cream, and baked goods found in its namesake dessert.
Origin
This milkshake is a modern creation without a single point of origin, but it is heavily influenced by American diner and ice cream parlor culture. It likely gained popularity in the 21st century alongside other gourmet and dessert-themed milkshakes.

Strawberry Shortcake Milkshake

The drink is universally known as the Strawberry Shortcake Milkshake. Alternative names like "Strawberry Biscuit Milkshake" simply substitute "shortcake" for a similar baked good, while "Deconstructed Strawberry Shortcake Shake" is a more descriptive name highlighting its composition.
Original name
Strawberry Shortcake Milkshake
Alternative names
  • Strawberry Biscuit Milkshake
  • Deconstructed Strawberry Shortcake Shake

Characteristics overview

This milkshake boasts a very sweet and creamy flavor profile dominated by fresh strawberry and vanilla, with a unique biscuity texture. Its inviting aroma and thick, pale pink appearance make it a quintessential refreshing summer dessert.
Flavor
Strawberry, vanilla, creamy, sweet, biscuity, cake-like
Aroma
Fresh strawberries, vanilla bean, sweet cream, baked goods
Taste balance
Sweet
Aftertaste
Creamy, sweet, lingering strawberry
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Light pink, opaque, thick, speckled with red strawberry seeds and biscuit crumbs
Texture
Thick, creamy, smooth with small, soft chunks of biscuit and fruit
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is intensely sweet, fruity, and creamy, with no alcohol or carbonation. A slight tartness from the strawberries provides a subtle balance to the rich dessert profile.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This recipe requires vanilla ice cream, fresh strawberries, milk, and shortcake biscuits as its base. Optional but highly recommended garnishes include whipped cream, strawberry syrup, and a fresh strawberry.
  • Vanilla Ice Cream3 large scoops (about 1.5 cups) / 350 ml
    Use a good quality, full-fat vanilla ice cream for the best texture and flavor. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based vanilla ice cream.
  • Fresh Strawberries1 cup, hulled and sliced / 150 grams
    Frozen strawberries can be used, but fresh ones provide a brighter flavor. Reserve one for garnish.
  • Whole Milk1/2 cup / 120 ml
    Adjust quantity for desired thickness. Plant-based milks like oat or almond milk can be used as a substitute.
  • Shortcake or Plain Biscuits2 small pieces
    Sponge cake, pound cake, or shortbread cookies also work well. Use gluten-free biscuits for a gluten-free version.
  • Whipped CreamFor topping(optional)
    A generous swirl on top adds to the dessert experience.
  • Strawberry SyrupFor drizzling(optional)
    Can be swirled inside the glass before pouring and drizzled on top of the whipped cream.
  • Fresh Strawberry1, for garnish(optional)
    A whole or sliced strawberry placed on the whipped cream makes a beautiful garnish.

Ice type

  • None

Mixing equipments

The only essential piece of equipment needed to create this milkshake is a sturdy blender. A high-powered blender will ensure a perfectly smooth and creamy consistency.
  • Blender for mixing the ingredients until smooth.

Instructions

The process is straightforward: chill a glass, blend the ice cream, milk, strawberries, and biscuits until smooth, then pour and garnish. Serve immediately for the best temperature and texture.
1. Prepare the glass by placing it in the freezer for 10 minutes to chill. Once chilled, you can swirl strawberry syrup on the inside walls for a decorative effect.
2. In the pitcher of a blender, combine the vanilla ice cream, 1/2 cup of milk, most of the sliced strawberries (reserving a few for garnish), and one and a half of the shortcake biscuits (crumbled).
3. Blend on high speed for 30-45 seconds, or until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If the shake is too thick, add a little more milk and blend briefly to combine.
4. Pour the milkshake carefully into the prepared chilled glass.
5. Top the milkshake with a generous swirl of whipped cream.
6. Garnish with a drizzle of strawberry syrup, the remaining crumbled shortcake, and a fresh strawberry slice on top. Serve immediately.

Garnishing

To complete the "shortcake" experience, garnish lavishly with a swirl of whipped cream, a drizzle of strawberry syrup, a fresh strawberry, and some crumbled shortcake bits.
  • Whipped Cream: A generous swirl on top of the milkshake.
  • Strawberry Syrup: Drizzled over the whipped cream and swirled inside the glass.
  • Fresh Strawberry: A single sliced or whole strawberry placed on top.
  • Crumbled Shortcake: A sprinkle of shortcake crumbs over the whipped cream.

Dietary Information

This milkshake is vegetarian, alcohol-free, and caffeine-free, but it is not vegan and contains dairy, gluten, and likely soy. Dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan versions can be made with appropriate substitutions.
✕ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✕ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✕ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✕ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a highly indulgent drink, very high in calories, carbohydrates, and sugar, consistent with a rich dessert. It should be considered a special treat rather than a regular beverage.
Calories
Averagely 650-850 kcal / 2720-3556 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 90-110g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 80-100g
Sugar level

Occasions

Perfect as a standalone dessert, this milkshake is an excellent treat for warm summer days. It's also a festive addition to birthday celebrations, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for something sweet and special.
  • Dessert
  • Summer Treat
  • Celebration
  • Family Gathering

Pairing suggestions

This milkshake is rich enough to be a dessert in itself. For a full meal experience, it pairs wonderfully with savory, classic American diner food like a hamburger and french fries. Alternatively, simple cookies can complement it without being overwhelming.
  • On its own as a complete dessert.
  • A classic burger and fries for a retro diner meal.
  • Light shortbread cookies or wafers.

A Sip of Summer: The Strawberry Shortcake Milkshake Experience

The Strawberry Shortcake Milkshake is the ultimate dessert indulgence, perfectly capturing the essence of a classic summer treat in a glass. Its rich, creamy texture, bursting with the fresh flavor of strawberries and punctuated by satisfying bits of shortcake, makes it an unforgettable experience. Easy to prepare and endlessly enjoyable, this alcohol-free milkshake is a fantastic way to treat yourself, celebrate a special occasion, or simply cool down on a sunny afternoon.

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