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This DIY version of Starbucks' Strawberry Shortcake Frappuccino has turned into my go-to summer treat without emptying my wallet. The smooth mix of ripe strawberries with vanilla ice cream brings that classic strawberry shortcake taste to a cool frozen drink that's just as good as what you'd buy.
I came up with this drink during an extra hot summer when my Starbucks trips were hurting my budget. These days my daughter asks for it as her weekend treat, and between us, she thinks it tastes way better than the coffee shop original!
What You'll Need
- Milk: Pick whatever type suits your taste buds
- Strawberry puree: Go with fresh for best flavor though frozen berries work too
- Vanilla ice cream: Brings that must-have smooth creaminess
- Ice cubes: More or less depending on how thick you want it
- Sugar: Add as much or little as you like
- Vanilla extract: Real extract makes a big difference in taste
- Whipped cream: Don't skimp on this fluffy topping
- Fresh strawberries: For topping, grab the reddest ones for eye appeal
- Shortbread cookies: Crushed up, they add that true shortcake feel and nice crunch
Easy Preparation Steps
- Whip Up The Strawberry Mix:
- For fresh berries, remove stems from about ½ cup and blend till smooth. Run through a fine strainer if you want to get rid of those little seeds for an extra smooth sip. This homemade mix packs way more punch than anything from a bottle.
- Mix Your Drink:
- Throw milk, strawberry mix, vanilla ice cream, ice, sugar, and vanilla into your blender. This layering helps everything mix better. Run on high for about 30-45 seconds until everything's smooth with no ice chunks left. You want it thick but still easy to pour, kind of like a good milkshake.
- Get The Right Thickness:
- Test by scooping some up with a spoon. Too thick? Add a splash of milk and pulse again. Too runny? Toss in more ice or a bit more ice cream and blend again. You want it to hold shape when poured but still work with a straw.
- Pour It Out:
- Fill a tall see-through glass, leaving room at the top for toppings. Using a clear glass lets you show off that pretty pink color and all the layers you've made.
- Finish It Off:
- Add a big swirl of whipped cream on top. Put some sliced fresh strawberries in a nice pattern. Sprinkle crushed shortbread cookies over everything for that real strawberry shortcake magic. The cookie bits get slightly soft sitting on the cold drink, giving you amazing texture in each sip.
- Drink Right Away:
- Stick in a big straw and enjoy while it's nice and cold. Best to drink it quick before the ice melts and waters down all those awesome flavors.
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The vanilla ice cream really makes this drink special. I tried making it with frozen yogurt once to be healthier, but it just wasn't the same. Some things are worth the extra calories, and real ice cream gives you that authentic feel that makes you forget you didn't pay $6 at a coffee shop.
Prep Ahead
You can make the strawberry mix up to 3 days early and keep it in a sealed container in your fridge. This makes throwing together a quick frappuccino super easy. Just stir it before using since it might separate a bit. But always blend the full drink right when you want it – these things turn soupy fast once they start melting.
Dairy Free Options
You can easily tweak this recipe if you can't do dairy. Oat milk works best for creaminess, and swap in coconut or cashew ice cream alternatives. Oat milk's natural sweetness works really well with strawberries. You might need to play with the sugar amount depending on how sweet your non-dairy ice cream is.
Fun For Kids
Make it extra special for little ones by serving in clear plastic cups with domed lids like real coffee shops use. Add fun paper straws and maybe some colorful sprinkles on top. Kids love helping blend their own drinks and picking their toppings, making this perfect for playdates or beating summer boredom.
Choosing Strawberries
Your berries can make or break this drink. Look for ones that are bright red all the way through with no white spots. They should smell amazing even before cutting. When good fresh berries aren't available, frozen ones can actually taste better since they're picked and frozen at peak ripeness, unlike those pale winter strawberries from the store.
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Common Questions
- → Will thawed frozen strawberries work for this drink?
Absolutely! Partly thawed frozen berries blend up nicely. Just let them soften a bit first for the smoothest results.
- → How do I make it more or less sweet?
You can throw in extra sugar if you like it sweeter, or cut back if you don't. Trying honey or other sweeteners works great too.
- → Can I make a dairy-free version?
For sure! Just swap regular milk for oat, soy or almond milk and grab some dairy-free ice cream instead.
- → What's the fanciest way to serve this drink?
Pour it into big see-through glasses with dome tops like they use at coffee shops. Don't forget colorful straws for sipping!
- → Is adding coffee an option?
You bet! Mix in some fresh espresso if you need a caffeine boost with your sweet treat.