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Nothing beats this homemade Starbucks-style Strawberry Shortcake Frappuccino when summer hits. It's a creamy mix of fresh strawberries and vanilla ice cream that brings that classic strawberry shortcake taste in a cool frozen treat without the coffee shop cost.
I whipped this up during a hot summer when going to Starbucks every day was getting pricey. Now my daughter asks me to make it every weekend and she swears it tastes even better than the real thing!
Ingredients
- Milk: Pick whatever kind you like best
- Strawberry puree: Fresh is best but frozen berries work fine
- Vanilla ice cream: Key for that creamy richness
- Ice cubes: Add or cut back to get your perfect thickness
- Sugar: Adjust to how sweet you like it
- Vanilla extract: Pure stuff gives the best flavor
- Whipped cream: Top it generously for that classic finish
- Fresh strawberries: Use vibrant red ones for a pretty look
- Shortbread cookies: Crushed up, they bring in the shortcake texture
How to Make It
- Get the Strawberry Puree Ready:
- If you’re using fresh strawberries, remove stems from about ½ cup and blend until smooth. For the creamiest feel, push it through a fine sieve to get rid of tiny seeds that can mess with the smoothness. This fresh puree packs way more flavor than store-bought ones.
- Mix Up the Base:
- In a blender, toss together your milk, strawberry puree, vanilla ice cream, ice cubes, sugar, and vanilla extract. The order helps get it extra smooth. Blend on high for 30-45 seconds until it’s thick and creamy, no ice chunks left. It should pour like a thick milkshake but not be chewy.
- Tweak the Texture:
- Use a spoon to check. If it’s too thick, add a little milk one tablespoon at a time and blend again. If it’s too runny, toss in extra ice cubes or a bit of ice cream and blend till just right. It should hold shape but still be easy to sip.
- Put the Drink Together:
- Pour the creamy mix into a tall see-through glass, leaving space at the top for whipped cream. Seeing those pink layers through a clear glass is part of the fun.
- Top It Off:
- Heap on a big dollop of whipped cream in a dome shape. Decorate with fresh strawberry slices. Sprinkle crumbled shortbread cookies on top for that true strawberry shortcake feel. The cookie bits soften in the cold drink, giving a nice texture contrast.
- Serve Right Away:
- Pop in a wide straw and enjoy while it’s icy cold. Best eaten before the ice melts and wateries down the flavor.
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The vanilla ice cream really makes this special. I tried swapping it for frozen yogurt once to be healthier but it just wasn’t creamy enough. Some things are worth the little splurge and the real ice cream gives that rich texture that makes this drink stand out.
Make Ahead Tips
You can make the strawberry puree up to three days early and keep it sealed in the fridge. This makes putting together the frappuccino quick and easy. Just stir it before using since it might separate naturally. But the blended drink’s best when made fresh since it changes texture once it starts melting.
Non-Dairy Options
If you’re avoiding dairy, this still works great. Use oat milk for a creamy dairy-free base and swap vanilla ice cream for coconut or cashew versions. Oat milk’s natural sweetness pairs nicely with the strawberries. You might want to adjust the sugar depending on how sweet your alternative ice cream is.
Fun for Kids
Make it a fun treat for little ones by serving in plastic cups with dome lids like at coffee shops. Add colorful paper straws and maybe a sprinkle of fun toppings on top. Kids love joining in to blend their own drinks and pick their favorite toppings. It’s a perfect activity for summer hangouts or playdates.
Choosing Strawberries
How good your strawberries are really shows in the final taste. Pick fully ripe berries that are deep red all over with no pale spots. They should smell sweet and fresh even before cutting. When berries aren’t at their best in season, frozen ones stored at peak ripeness can actually taste better than average fresh ones.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use frozen strawberries for the puree?
Definitely, frozen strawberries work fine. Just let them thaw a bit before blending so it’s smooth.
- → How can I adjust the sweetness level?
You can add more or less sugar to fit your taste. Honey or sugar alternatives work too.
- → Can I make this drink vegan?
Sure, swap out dairy milk for almond, oat, or soy milk. Use non-dairy ice cream to keep it vegan.
- → What is the best way to serve this drink?
Put it in a tall clear glass with a dome lid to get that coffee shop look. A straw makes sipping easy.
- → Can I add coffee to this drink?
Yes, adding a shot of espresso gives it a nice caffeinated kick.