If you have a soft spot for creamy, fruity indulgences then you are in for a treat with this Strawberry Cheesecake Milkshake Recipe. Imagine the luscious blend of ripe strawberries, velvety cream cheese, and rich vanilla ice cream coming together into a silky, dreamy milkshake that tastes just like dessert in a glass. This recipe masterfully balances fresh fruitiness with the decadent flavors of cheesecake, highlighted by a hint of graham cracker crunch, making it the perfect sweet refreshment for any time you crave something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Strawberry Cheesecake Milkshake Recipe calls for a straightforward list of ingredients that are simple but essential. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s adding rich creaminess, fresh fruit flavor, or that signature cheesecake texture that sets this milkshake apart.
- Crushed graham cracker crumbs: Adds a delightful crunch and authentic cheesecake crust flavor to the shake.
- Fresh strawberries: Keeps the shake vibrant and bursting with natural sweetness.
- 4 oz. cream cheese, softened: The star that brings that unmistakable cheesecake creaminess.
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled: Whipped later to create the fluffy cream cheese topping.
- 5 Tbsp. powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the whipped cream topping perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor profile and enhances sweetness.
- Homemade Strawberry Sauce: Optional but highly recommended to intensify strawberry flavor and add a gorgeous drizzle.
- 4 cups (8 scoops) vanilla ice cream, softened: The creamy base that makes this milkshake so comforting.
- 1/2 of a (6-inch) store-bought cheesecake, cut into pieces: Using a strawberry swirl cheesecake adds extra swirls of flavor and texture.
- 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs (for garnish): Adds an extra layer of crunch and ties the flavors together beautifully.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Milkshake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Sauce
Start by making a batch of my Homemade Strawberry Sauce and allow it to chill completely. This sauce is optional, but trust me, it’s a game changer that boosts the strawberry flavor, giving your milkshake an irresistible fruity punch that fresh strawberries alone can’t achieve.
Step 2: Blend the Base
Add the softened vanilla ice cream, cheesecake pieces, and graham cracker crumbs into your blender. For a more intense strawberry flavor, add 1/4 cup of the cooled strawberry sauce. Blend everything until smooth and creamy, making sure not to over-blend to maintain some delightful texture.
Step 3: Decorate the Glass
Using a spoon, drizzle some of the strawberry sauce inside the glasses. This extra swirl of sauce makes the presentation stunning and delivers a concentrated burst of juicy strawberry in every sip.
Step 4: Pour and Top
Pour the perfectly blended milkshake into the glasses. After that, it’s time to top it off with the crowning glory — the cream cheese whipped cream. This topping adds a light, fluffy texture that beautifully contrasts the dense shake base and elevates the whole experience.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Whipped Cream
In a medium stainless steel bowl, whip the softened cream cheese on medium speed using a handheld mixer until it becomes light and fluffy. This process aerates the cream cheese, lending it an almost cloud-like feel perfect for topping milkshakes.
Step 6: Add Cream and Sweetener
Add the chilled heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese and continue whipping at medium-high speed until the mixture holds soft peaks. The result is a luscious whipped cream that’s both tangy and sweet, a perfect complement to the milkshake below.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Milkshake Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your Strawberry Cheesecake Milkshake Recipe with a drizzle of strawberry sauce, a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs, and a fresh strawberry perched on the rim. These garnishes not only look stunning but also add exciting layers of sweetness and texture that make each sip a delight.
Side Dishes
This milkshake pairs wonderfully with light, delicate dishes like lemon shortbread cookies or buttery sugar snaps. The crispness and slight tartness balance the milkshake’s rich creaminess without overshadowing its decadent strawberry cheesecake flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra fun twist, serve this milkshake in a mason jar with a colorful striped straw and a mini spoon to scoop up the thick whipped cream topping. You can also rim the glass with crushed graham crackers for added crunch and style that dazzles at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Stir gently before serving again since the milkshake might separate slightly after sitting.
Freezing
You can freeze the milkshake in sealed jars for up to 2 weeks. When you want to enjoy it again, let it thaw for a few minutes at room temperature and then stir or briefly blend to restore that creamy texture.
Reheating
Since this is a cold dessert, reheating is not recommended. Instead, simply allow frozen milkshake portions to soften until drinkable for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work fine if you don’t have fresh ones handy. Just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid to keep your milkshake from becoming too watery.
What type of cheesecake works best for this recipe?
A store-bought strawberry swirl cheesecake is perfect because it complements the strawberry theme, but classic New York style cheesecake works beautifully too for a richer, creamier shake.
Do I have to make the homemade strawberry sauce?
Not necessarily, but it really amps up the strawberry flavor and adds a beautiful vibrant swirl. If you’re short on time, a high-quality store-bought sauce can work in a pinch.
Can I make this milkshake dairy-free?
While traditional cream cheese and whipping cream are key to the authentic texture and flavor, you can try substituting with vegan cream cheese and coconut cream, but the taste and consistency will be a bit different.
How thick should the milkshake be?
The milkshake should be thick enough to sip through a straw but still pour smoothly into your glass. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash of milk to loosen it up slightly.
Final Thoughts
From the first creamy sip to the last crumbly graham cracker, this Strawberry Cheesecake Milkshake Recipe is a wonderful way to treat yourself and your loved ones. It’s simple to make yet feels incredibly special—a perfect combination of comfort and celebration in a glass. Go ahead, give it a whirl, and make this delightful milkshake your new favorite sweet indulgence.
PrintStrawberry Cheesecake Milkshake Recipe
This Strawberry Cheesecake Milkshake is a luscious blend of creamy cheesecake, fresh strawberries, and vanilla ice cream, topped with a rich cream cheese whipped cream and garnished with graham cracker crumbs and homemade strawberry sauce. Perfect for a decadent dessert or a sweet treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Milkshake Base
- 4 cups (8 scoops) vanilla ice cream, softened
- 1/2 of a (6-inch) store-bought cheesecake, cut into pieces (strawberry swirl recommended)
- 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 recipe Homemade Strawberry Sauce (chilled) – optional
Cream Cheese Whipped Cream
- 4 oz. cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 5 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnishes
- Strawberry sauce (for drizzling)
- Crushed graham cracker crumbs
- Fresh strawberries
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberry Sauce: Make one batch of homemade strawberry sauce and allow it to chill completely. This step is optional but recommended for enhanced strawberry flavor.
- Blend Milkshake Base: In a blender, combine the softened vanilla ice cream, cheesecake pieces, and 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs. Blend until smooth. Optionally, add 1/4 cup of the chilled strawberry sauce into the blender for more strawberry flavor and blend briefly to combine.
- Prepare Glasses: Using a spoon, drizzle some strawberry sauce inside the glasses to add flavor and decoration.
- Pour Milkshake: Pour the blended milkshake mixture into the prepared glasses.
- Make Cream Cheese Whipped Cream: In a medium stainless steel bowl, use a handheld mixer to whip the softened cream cheese on medium speed until light and fluffy. Then add chilled heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip on medium-high speed until the cream holds peaks.
- Top and Garnish: Pipe or spoon the cream cheese whipped cream onto each milkshake. Drizzle extra strawberry sauce on top, sprinkle with crushed graham cracker crumbs, and garnish with a fresh strawberry. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use any store-bought cheesecake; a strawberry swirl cheesecake pairs best for enhanced flavor.
- Crushed graham cracker crumbs add a nice texture and complement the cheesecake flavor.
- Allow the strawberry sauce to chill fully before use for optimal flavor and consistency.
- Softening the ice cream and cream cheese ensures smooth blending and whipping.
- This recipe yields two servings.
