strawberries n’ cream milkshake

I don’t buy ice cream too frequently.  However, I do love it.  Those addicting little pints are expensive and they’re gone in like 2 sittings, if you’re lucky.

What I love even more than ice cream are milkshakes.  It probably comes from my undying love for the soupy melted ice cream left at the bottom of the bowl. 

I used to [um, still do] whip my ice cream with a spoon to get the melt-action happening even faster.  I know you did that too!

Well today I have a recipe requiring no ice cream but resulting in a creamy milkshake.  It takes just 5 simple ingredients.

• strawberries
• raw honey
• half + half creamer
• 2% or whole milk
• whole milk plain yogurt

Maybe a little pinch of sea salt if you’re into that kind of thing.

This is beyond easy but takes a little patience waiting for the ingredients to freeze.

It’s funny that you can easily tell which milk product is which in the photo below.  I love how the creaminess from the half + half is sucked into the dimples around the strawberry seeds.

Freeze for 4 hours.

Add a little more milk then blend.

Instant single serving milkshake.  Instant savings for your pocket.  Instant satisfaction.

But if you’re thinking something is missing…

Feel free to add a chocolate coconut butter topping.  Your call.

Print this!

Strawberries n’ Cream Milkshake [yields 1, ~14oz shake]

*you may have larger ice cube tray molds but these are the measurements I used to fit mine – follow ingredient amounts to achieve the same taste

• 6 medium strawberries, chopped
• 6 Tbsp half + half
• 7.5 Tbsp 2% or whole milk + 1/2c for blending
• 4.5Tbsp whole milk plain yogurt
• 1 Tbsp raw honey
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1. Add the chopped strawberries to 12 ice cube molds.
2. Add about 1.5 Tbsp of the yogurt into 3 molds and shake to settle the yogurt.
3. Add about 1.5 Tbsp of the half + half to 4 more molds.
4. Add about 1.5 Tbsp of milk to 5 molds.
5. Set flat in the freezer for about 4hrs until frozen.
6. Empty cubes into a blender along with the vanilla and honey. 
7. Add in 1/4 cup milk [to start] and turn on.  Blend until creamy adding more milk if needed.  I used 1/2 cup total.
8. Pour + serve.

Chocolate Coconut Butter Topping

• 1T coconut butter
• 1t cocoa powder

1. Melt the coconut butter over low heat and mix in the cocoa powder until smooth.
2. Drizzle over the milkshake.

Definitely chugged this down as half of my lunch today!

And speaking of lunch, can I mention the quinoa broccoli casserole leftovers??  I’m pretty sure I liked it even more today!  I added a drizzle of oil to my cast iron skillet over medium heat, then mashed it down a bit in the pan and cooked for 5-7min, flipping once.  It was still incredibly creamy and flavorful but was also crispy from the skillet.  Then I added a 2-drippy-egg topping.  Making it again this weekend!  Okay, I’m done.

Ashley

Comments

[Jessica @ Chockohlawtay]

For a second there, I was thinking, "that's the best idea ever!"
But then I saw the chocolate topping and I almost crapped my pants. NEED.TO.MAKE.


Ashley--> Haha, you are awesome!

[Gina @ Running to the Kitchen]

This is such a good idea for a healthier milkshake at home! As if the chocolate coconut butter is even an option ;)


Ashley--> Yup! No funky ingredients and so easy!

[stephycupcake]

You are correct, I too whip my ice cream up with my spoon to get it all soft and melty. I thought I was the only one!

[Angela]

Yum!! I bet this would be amazing with coconut milk. I might have to try this soon given all this hot weather. :) I love the choco coconut shell on top too.
Oh and yea, the melty part at the bottom of the bowl is the best part.


Ashley--> Yes, definitely! I plan on making a coconut milk version next week!

[Cait's Plate]

Love the idea of putting it into the ice cube tray first!

[Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar]

Mmmm I love the sound of this! It looks so creamy ans tasty!

[Ashley M. [at] (never home)maker]

OMG. Delish. PS: I can ALWAYS tell what photos are yours on Pinterest. You def. have a signature style. <3


Ashley--> It's probably because of the background! haha Thanks girl!

[Kate @lifespreciousmoments]

Yumm! Looks delicious as always :) Can't wait to try it!

[Carissa]

I'm a chocolate ice cream girl, all the way, but sometimes I just want that melty bit in the bottom of a bowl of vanilla. Usually that means I steal it from my hubby. :-)

[Lauren @ Oatmeal after Spinning]

Ooh I love the idea of "being prepared" to make a milkshake at any time. I need to go home and fill up my ice cube trays right now!
Ice cream is my favorite dessert ever (and I like it the best when it's on top of some kind of fruit cobbler or crisp). I'm a fan of it in any form- hand-dipped, soft-serve, melted, you name it. And I was a big fan of "ice cream soup" as a kid.
Blame it on Pee-Wee.


Ashley--> I just filled mine up again!

[Aimee M]

This is genius!! Definitely one of those times I say, "why haven't I thought of that??"
Do you think this combo would work for a dairy free alternative: sub dairy-free creamer for the half & half and almond milk for the regular milk?


Ashley--> Yes for sure! I think coconut creamer and coconut milk/almond/soy would work. Instead of yogurt I would maybe use 1/2 creamer and 1/2 milk. I'm going to make a vegan version soon!

[Catalina @ Cake with Love]

This milkshake sounds amazing!! I love that you freeze itno cuber first, great idea!

[Heather]

i've been waiting for this post since i saw the teaser on instagram! yummmmmm :)

[Jill]

I love this! Can't wait to try it. Thanks for sharing!

[Krissy @ Make it Naked]

SAY WHAAAT?!?!?! i haven't seen a strawberry like that in VA yet this year :( i'll be making this as soon as our berries get less green. the stores are totally rushing summer and the fruit just isn't there yet.

[Amy @ Inspired Amy]

Oh that coconut butter chocolate concoction looks so good! I may have to try it on top of oats, sweet potato, or just by the spoon ;)

[janetha]

mind blowing! gotta make this goodness.

[Eileen]

We totally stirred up our ice cream until it liquefied! Ice cream soup FTW. :) I love the strawberry ice cube idea for quick shakes!

[Brooke @ In Full Bloom]

I love your idea of using the ice cubes! I'll definitely have to try this soon!

[Kelly @ Foodie Fiasco]

Heck, who needs ice cream in milkshakes anyway? Not when we've got brilliant Ashley. Thank you so much for sharing your delicious creativity once again!

[Natalie]

How do you think it would work with only skim milk!? I tend to have lactose intolerance symptoms when I consume "heavier" dairy products.


Ashley--> It would definitely be more smoothie-like than milkshake. I would just make a dairy-free version instead. I suggest full fat coconut milk from the can [shaken up] instead of the half + half, and then regular coconut milk or soy milk from a carton [since they're a bit thicker]. Leave out the yogurt and just use 1/2 full fat coconut milk and 1/2 non-dairy milk. That should work but I'm going to experiment with it next week!

[Lauren]

As everyone else is saying, this looks amazing! By any chance do you know of a healthy way to get a malt taste? Preferably without mesquite?



Ashley--> I've never used mesquite before and haven't tried to mimic a malt flavor...hmmm, very good question! Here's a link to malted milk powder but it's not GF. http://www.kingarthurflour.com/shop/items/malted-milk-powder-16-oz

[Monica Davis]

Do you put all the ingredients in all the cubes? it looks like some only got 1 of three... ?


Ashley--> I'm not exactly sure what you mean by 1 of the 3 ingredients, since there are a total of 5 ingredients. The only thing you're adding to the cubes are strawberries and then either yogurt, milk, or half + half, as specified in the instructions. The vanilla, honey, and extra milk are added in the blender, per steps 6+7. Hopefully this answers your question!