Strawberry Vegan Milkshake cravings are real, right? If you want a creamy, sweet sip you can feel good about, you’re in the right kitchen. I started making this because I wanted a treat that didn’t sit heavy or leave me sleepy, and this one checks every box. I learned a lot from watching my own habits and reading about more mindful kitchen swaps, like these helpful sustainable juicing tips, and now I’ve got a go-to method that tastes like a dream. You’ll get a shake that’s thick, fresh, and totally dairy free, plus it blends up fast even on a busy weekday afternoon. Ready to sip smart and smile big?
What Non-Dairy Milk is Best for Milkshakes?
Here’s the short answer. Use the plant milk that gives you the texture and flavor you love. The longer answer is that each milk brings something different to the party, so your choice changes how your shake feels on the tongue.
My go-to milk choices and why they work
Almond milk is light and nutty. It keeps the shake refreshing, not heavy, which is great when you want a big glass with lunch. If you like a thicker sip, try oat milk. Oat milk has a natural creaminess that makes your blender feel like a soft-serve machine. It’s also a little sweet on its own, so you can add less maple syrup. Soy milk is protein rich and neutral, a good choice if you want a classic diner-style texture without extra add-ins. For pure indulgence, coconut milk gives lush body and a whisper of tropical flavor. If you’re chasing the silkiest result, cashew milk blends up ultra smooth and soft, almost buttery.
Here’s a quick matrix in plain words. Light and crisp equals almond. Creamy and dessert-like equals oat or coconut. Balanced and classic equals soy or cashew. If you’re into low-waste habits, the same milk that works for your morning coffee works here too. And if you’re curious about sustainable kitchen routines, I loved these simple ideas from this post on sustainable juicing, which nudged me to try making more plant-based swaps at home.
“My kids asked for seconds and didn’t even realize it was dairy free. We used oat milk and frozen berries, and it tasted like a strawberry sundae in a glass.”
Pro tip: Chill your milk first for the thickest shake. Warm milk equals thin shake, and nobody wants that when you’re blending a treat.
How to Make a Vegan Milkshake Without Ice Cream
You don’t need a tub of ice cream to make a rich, creamy treat. You just need a smart combo of frozen fruit, plant milk, and a little fat for body. This is where the magic happens and why this Strawberry Vegan Milkshake delivers every time.
Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 cups frozen strawberries
- 3/4 cup to 1 cup cold oat milk or your favorite plant milk
- 2 to 3 tablespoons raw cashews or 1 tablespoon almond butter
- 1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup or 2 soft dates, pitted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt to wake up the flavor
- Optional: 4 to 6 ice cubes for extra chill, or 1/4 of a frozen banana for extra body
Directions
- Add milk first so the blades catch quickly, then strawberries, nuts or nut butter, sweetener, vanilla, and salt.
- Blend on low to start, then increase to high for 30 to 45 seconds until smooth. Scrape the sides if needed.
- Taste and adjust. Too thick? Add a splash of milk. Too thin? Add a few ice cubes or a couple more frozen berries.
- Pour into a chilled glass for the thickest sip.
Make it richer: Add 1 tablespoon of coconut cream. Make it lighter: Swap almond milk and skip the nut butter. Make it extra cold: Freeze your glass for 5 minutes while you blend.
Want to make your kitchen routine even greener while you blend? These small, doable ideas from one shift that changes everything helped me cut waste and still keep my treats.
The Best Strawberries
Strawberries are the star, so pick the sweetest ones you can. When they’re in season, I grab fresh local berries and freeze them myself. In winter, I buy a big bag of frozen organic berries and call it a day. Either way, the key is ripe fruit. This is the difference between good and mind-blowing.
Fresh vs Frozen
Fresh berries that are deep red and fragrant will deliver a bright, jammy flavor. Hull them, slice them, and freeze in a single layer so they don’t clump. Frozen berries are picked ripe and often taste great year-round. They’re also budget friendly. If you use frozen berries, your Strawberry Vegan Milkshake will be thicker and colder without extra ice. If you only have fresh berries today, toss in a few ice cubes and a bit more nut butter to add body.
Do you need organic? Choose organic when possible since strawberries can be high on the spray list. If that’s not available, rinse well and let them dry before freezing. I also find that buying frozen organic berries is often cheaper than fresh. Smart and tasty wins every time.
One more kitchen nudge. Keep a small container in the freezer for strawberry ends or berries that are a bit soft. They’re perfect for a quick smoothie or milkshake, and you’ll waste less. If that kind of mindful cooking is your vibe, here’s a simple resource I keep coming back to: sustainable juicing made easy.
Making Ahead and Storage
This drink is best fresh, but you can absolutely plan ahead. I batch the dry add-ins and keep them ready so I can toss everything in the blender without thinking. Here’s what works for me.
- Prep packs: Portion frozen strawberries, a pinch of salt, and the cashews into small freezer bags or containers. In the morning, dump into the blender, add milk and sweetener, and blend.
- Fridge time: If you need to stash it, keep the shake in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake well before drinking.
- Thick again: After sitting, the shake can thin out. Reblend with a handful of frozen berries or 2 ice cubes to restore the thick, creamy feel.
- Lunchbox trick: Freeze the shake in a small jar with extra headspace. Pack it in an insulated bag. It will thaw by lunchtime and be perfectly cold.
For anyone refining their routine, tiny improvements add up. I learned to make better use of freezer space thanks to guides like this simple sustainability post. It inspired me to prep smoothie packs, which means a Strawberry Vegan Milkshake is never more than five minutes away.
More Kid-Friendly, Parent-Approved Desserts
I love treats that feel fun but still offer some goodness. When my niece comes over, we turn snack time into a blender party and everyone wins. If your kids are adventurous, let them push the buttons, taste, and suggest add-ins. Ownership turns picky eaters into proud kitchen helpers.
Quick ideas you can try tonight
Chocolate-banana shake: Frozen bananas, oat milk, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. PB and jelly shake: Strawberries, peanut butter, soy milk, dates, and vanilla. Sunshine citrus slush: Frozen mango, a splash of orange juice, coconut milk, and a small squeeze of lime. Keep the blender out and play with flavors. Simple swaps make every glass feel new, and you’ll still come back to your favorite Strawberry Vegan Milkshake when you want that classic, pink perfection.
Curious how small kitchen habits can stay eco friendly even with treats? I like revisiting this quick read on sustainable juicing for steady inspiration.
Common Questions
Can I make this without nuts? Yes. Skip the cashews or almond butter and use a tablespoon of sunflower seed butter or just rely on oat milk for creaminess.
How do I sweeten without syrup? Two soft dates blended smooth are amazing. You can also try a ripe banana for a lightly sweet twist.
My shake isn’t thick. What happened? Your ingredients might not be cold enough. Use frozen berries, chilled milk, and add a few ice cubes. A small handful of oats can add body too.
Can I add protein powder? Absolutely. Use an unflavored or vanilla plant-based powder, then balance with extra strawberries if the flavor gets too strong.
Does this work with other berries? For sure. Blueberries and raspberries both blend well. If seeds bother you, strain through a fine mesh or use strawberries for the smoothest result.
Your new favorite pink treat
You’ve got everything you need to nail a creamy, bright, and satisfying Strawberry Vegan Milkshake at home. Start with ripe berries, pick the plant milk that matches your vibe, and blend until silky. If you want more ideas for shaking up your routine, this guide to a Strawberry Vegan Milkshake is a lovely read, and I also like this take on an Easy Vegan Strawberry Milkshake Without Milk when I’m craving something a little different. Now grab your blender and treat yourself today. You’ve got this, and your taste buds are about to be very happy.
Strawberry Vegan Milkshake
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A creamy, refreshing, and completely dairy-free strawberry milkshake that can be blended quickly for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 cups frozen strawberries
- 3/4 cup to 1 cup cold oat milk or your favorite plant milk
- 2 to 3 tablespoons raw cashews or 1 tablespoon almond butter
- 1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup or 2 soft dates, pitted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 4 to 6 ice cubes or 1/4 of a frozen banana
Instructions
- Add milk first, then strawberries, nuts or nut butter, sweetener, vanilla, and salt to the blender.
- Blend on low to start, then increase to high for 30 to 45 seconds until smooth. Scrape the sides if needed.
- Taste and adjust consistency; add milk if too thick or ice cubes if too thin.
- Pour into a chilled glass for the thickest sip.
Notes
Chill your milk for a thicker shake. You can prepare ingredients ahead of time for quick blending.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg