Name: Insanely Good Dairy-Free Strawberry Milkshake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups fresh sliced strawberries, stems removed; ¼ cup organic cane sugar; ¼ cup water; ½ lemon, freshly-squeezed; 3 tablespoons strawberry preserves/jam; ¼ teaspoon Dessert Lover Blend (or homemade alternative – see Notes); 2 cups dairy-free vanilla ice cream (e.g., So Delicious Dairy-Free); 1 ½ cups almond milk (or whole milk/plant-based milk of choice); Cooled strawberry sauce (from above); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Coconut whipped cream; Sliced fresh strawberries; Cooled strawberry sauce, drizzle; Rainbow sprinkles, vegan-friendly

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 77 reviews

If you’re craving something refreshingly sweet but want to keep things dairy-free, this Insanely Good Dairy-Free Strawberry Milkshake Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s bursting with the vibrant flavors of ripe strawberries, enriched by a luscious homemade strawberry sauce, and blended with creamy dairy-free ice cream to create a milkshake that feels indulgent without the dairy. Whether you’re new to dairy-free treats or a longtime enthusiast, this shake hits every note—sweet, smooth, and utterly satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A wooden cutting board with a mix of halved and quartered bright red strawberries, some showing the white inner flesh and seeds, arranged in a small pile mostly in the center. To the right of the strawberries lies a silver kitchen knife with a light wooden handle resting horizontally. In the upper left corner, a white bowl filled with whole strawberries and strawberry halves sits partly visible. The scene is set on a white marbled surface that contrasts with the warm tones of the wooden board and the rich red of the strawberries. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Whipping up this Insanely Good Dairy-Free Strawberry Milkshake Recipe requires simple, wholesome ingredients that work together to build layers of fresh flavor, creamy texture, and eye-catching color. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect milkshake experience.

Fresh sliced strawberries: The star of the show, these provide natural sweetness and that irresistible fruity brightness.
Organic cane sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the tartness and enhance the natural berry flavor.
Water: Helps cook down the strawberries into a smooth, luscious sauce without overpowering their taste.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Adds a bright, zesty note that elevates the strawberry flavor beautifully.
Strawberry preserves/jam: Boosts the richness and depth of the strawberry sauce with concentrated berry goodness.
Dessert Lover Blend: A special spice mix that gives the sauce an authentic, unique warmth (you can use a homemade substitute if you prefer).
Dairy-free vanilla ice cream: The creamy base that makes this shake utterly indulgent without any dairy.
Almond milk: Adds smoothness and helps blend everything perfectly while keeping it plant-based.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet floral note.
Optional toppings: Coconut whipped cream, fresh strawberries, extra strawberry sauce drizzle, and vegan rainbow sprinkles add fun and flair.

How to Make Insanely Good Dairy-Free Strawberry Milkshake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Sauce

Start by combining fresh sliced strawberries, organic cane sugar, water, and freshly squeezed lemon juice in a saucepan. Simmer this mixture gently over medium heat until the strawberries break down into a thick, fragrant sauce—about 10 to 15 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once it’s thickened, stir in the strawberry preserves and the Dessert Lover Blend to deepen the flavor, then set it aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Blend the Milkshake Base

In a high-speed blender, add 2 cups of your favorite dairy-free vanilla ice cream along with 1 ½ cups of almond milk. Pour in the cooled strawberry sauce and splash in a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Blend on high until everything is smooth, creamy, and perfectly mixed—about 30 to 45 seconds. The result should be thick but sippable.

Step 3: Taste and Adjust

Give your shake a quick taste. If you want it sweeter or more strawberry-forward, feel free to add a little more strawberry sauce or a drizzle of jam, then blend again briefly. Adjusting to your personal taste at this point ensures every sip feels like a treat.

Step 4: Serve Immediately

Pour the milkshake into tall glasses right away to enjoy it at its creamiest and coldest. Don’t forget to leave room for all those delightful toppings!

How to Serve Insanely Good Dairy-Free Strawberry Milkshake Recipe

A tall clear glass holds a layered strawberry milkshake with three main layers: at the bottom, a deep red strawberry sauce with a slightly chunky texture; the middle layer shows a creamy white ice cream mixed with swirls of the red sauce; the top layer is light and foamy white whipped cream that spills over the rim with colorful small round sprinkles on top. A yellow and white striped paper straw is placed in the glass, which sits on a wooden table scattered with fresh whole strawberries and green leaves. A soft beige cloth is draped nearby, and the background is a soft pink color with another similar milkshake blurred behind. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The fun part is adding your favorite finishing touches. A generous cloud of coconut whipped cream adds gorgeous height and a light, tropical sweetness. Top with sliced fresh strawberries for extra fruitiness and a vibrant pop of color. Drizzle some of the remaining cooled strawberry sauce over the top for indulgent sweetness. If you’re feeling playful, sprinkle vegan-friendly rainbow sprinkles for a nostalgic, celebratory vibe.

Side Dishes

This shake is a fantastic stand-alone treat, but pairing it with simple snacks can elevate your experience. Lightly toasted almond biscotti or crispy vegan cookies provide a crunchy contrast. For a cozy pairing, a fresh fruit salad or dairy-free yogurt parfait complements the strawberry flavor beautifully without overwhelming it.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, serve your Insanely Good Dairy-Free Strawberry Milkshake Recipe in vintage glass tumblers or mason jars with fun striped paper straws. You can even rim the glasses with crushed freeze-dried strawberries mixed with a bit of sugar for an extra burst of flavor and texture. Layer the milkshake with fresh strawberry slices and whipped cream for an eye-catching layered effect that’s almost too pretty to drink.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store your milkshake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because it’s dairy-free, the texture may separate slightly, so give it a good stir or re-blend before serving to bring back that creamy consistency.

Freezing

You can freeze the milkshake mixture in individual portions or as a whole batch. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and blend once more to restore its shake-worthy texture. This also works great if you want to prep this ahead of time for hot summer days.

Reheating

Since this is a cold milkshake, reheating is generally not recommended. However, if you want a warm strawberry treat, you can gently heat leftover strawberry sauce and enjoy it over your favorite dairy-free desserts, but keep the shake itself chilled for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work well, especially when fresh strawberries are out of season. Just thaw them first before making the strawberry sauce to keep the texture perfect.

What dairy-free ice cream do you recommend?

I really love the creamy texture of So Delicious Dairy-Free vanilla ice cream, but there are many fantastic brands out there. Just choose one with a rich, smooth texture to get that authentic milkshake feel.

Can I substitute almond milk with another plant-based milk?

Definitely! Oat milk, cashew milk, or soy milk all work beautifully. Just select unsweetened varieties if you want to control the sweetness more precisely.

Is there a way to make the strawberry sauce without the Dessert Lover Blend?

You can leave it out or substitute with a simple mix of ground cinnamon and a hint of ground nutmeg. The sauce will still be deliciously fresh and flavorful!

How thick should the milkshake be?

The ideal milkshake consistency is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but thin enough to sip easily through a straw. If yours is too thick, add a splash more plant-based milk; if too thin, add a bit more ice cream or frozen strawberries.

Final Thoughts

This Insanely Good Dairy-Free Strawberry Milkshake Recipe is a genuine crowd-pleaser that proves you don’t need dairy to enjoy a creamy, dreamy shake. Every sip bursts with fresh strawberry goodness and that classic comforting richness you crave. Whether for a sunny day treat or a sweet indulgence anytime, I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love just like I did.

Insanely Good Dairy-Free Strawberry Milkshake Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need