How to make a milkshake thicker without ice cream

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This strawberry milkshake without ice cream can be enjoyed anytime – even if you don’t have ice cream on hand! With just 4 ingredients you can make a thick and creamy strawberry milkshake that tastes just like the real deal!

How to make a milkshake thicker without ice cream

This might be one of the strangest recipes I ever wrote, but it’s completely original.

I recently posted a recipe for Fresas con Crema (Mexican Strawberries & Cream) which reminded me of this strawberry milkshake no ice cream recipe which I had to share!

How to make a milkshake thicker without ice cream

I love ice cream, like really love it.

One year when I was in high school, I ate a bowl of ice cream every night for the whole summer.

I’m the kind of girl who likes soft serve, or to let my ice cream melt until I can stir it up and then eat it. Don’t judge.

When I go out, I love to order milkshakes or, even better, malts.

Unfortunately, I am not that young anymore and my metabolism cannot match my love for ice cream!

How to make a milkshake thicker without ice cream

In fact, I can’t even stock ice cream in my freezer because I would eat it all at once.

It’s a smart idea not to have ice cream on hand, but sometimes I can’t resist the cravings and I learned how to make milkshakes without ice cream.

Yes, you read that right. Mock milkshakes!

I have recipes for all different flavors (chocolate, cheesecake, mint chocolate chip, etc), but this strawberry milkshake without ice cream is one of my absolute favorites.

It tastes like a real strawberry milkshake and it’s thick and creamy.

How to make a milkshake thicker without ice cream

How to make strawberry Milkshake without ice cream

A milkshake without ice cream is basically deconstructed ice cream.

Take the regular ingredients for ice cream such as milk, cream, sugar and blend them up like a smoothie.

The results are usually not quite as thick, but the flavor is spot on.

I like using frozen strawberries for this recipe because it helps to thicken without diluting the taste.

How to make a milkshake thicker without ice cream

You will see in the recipe that it is optional to add a raw egg – key word is optional.

Consuming raw eggs can be unsafe. Use pasteurized eggs or from a source you trust.

This will add velvety smooth richness to your shake and a more authentic flavor.

I also use raw egg in my Pumpkin Eggnog and my Blue Cheese Walnut Pasta, which was inspired by how they serve pasta here in Japan.

How to make a milkshake thicker without ice cream

Another optional ingredient you can add is malt powder. It makes it taste sooo gooood!

The recipe below will make about 3 cups or 2 (12 ounce) servings if you’re nice enough to share.

Please make it and let me know what you think!

If you love it, I’m happy to share my other milkshake without ice cream flavors as well.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup milk, half-and-half, cream or evaporated milk
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 cup (heaping) frozen strawberries
  • 1 large egg (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons malt powder (optional)
  • Ice (optional)
  • Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a blender, add the milk, sugar, vanilla and strawberries. If using egg and/or malt powder, add this now as well.
  2. Blend ingredients until thick and smooth. If shake is not thick enough, add some ice and blend again.
  3. If desired, top with whipped cream and serve.

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  • How to make a milkshake thicker without ice cream

    Vitamix Blender

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 247Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 107mgSodium: 101mgCarbohydrates: 38gFiber: 1gSugar: 33gProtein: 9g

Nutritional information provided is an estimate only. Please consult the labels of ingredients you use for more accurate results.

What can you use instead of ice cream in a milkshake?

For the simplest no-ice-cream milkshake, simply blend ice cubes with milk, sugar, and a dash of vanilla extract. The more fat that's in the milk, the creamier your milkshake will be—if you want a super-creamy milkshake, use equal parts heavy cream and milk.

How do you thicken a milkshake?

The trick to a thicker milkshake is the ice cream to milk ratio. For one serving I use 2 cups of ice cream to 1/2 cup of milk. You will need a spoon to eat this milkshake, not a straw! If you prefer to use a straw and want a thinner milkshake just add in more milk or less ice cream.

Does adding ice to a milkshake make it thicker?

While you may think the added cold would thicken the shake, ice will do the exact opposite. While the ice will temporarily create a thicker, colder shake, it will melt fairly quickly. From the time you make the milkshake to the time it reaches your customer, the resulting water will greatly thin the milkshake.

How do you make a milkshake thicker without a blender?

Instructions.
Place ice cream in a large, microwave-safe jar. ... .
After your ice cream is softened, add milk and any mix-ins..
Place lid on the jar and shake vigorously until well-mixed. ... .
Pour shake into a glass, top with whipped cream, and enjoy!.