There’s something magical about the combination of sweet strawberries and creamy bananas that just screams summer, don’t you think? This strawberry banana milkshake has been my family’s go-to treat for years, and I’m excited to share not just one, but two incredible versions with you!
Whether you’re looking for a wholesome breakfast shake to fuel your morning or a decadent dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe delivers both. My kids absolutely devour these milkshakes, and I love that I can feel good about the breakfast version while still indulging in the dessert one when the mood strikes. The best part? Both versions use the same beautiful base of fresh fruit and come together in just minutes!
Why This Recipe Works So Well
What makes this strawberry banana milkshake truly special is its incredible versatility and the way those two classic flavors complement each other perfectly. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas balances beautifully with the bright, tangy notes of fresh strawberries, creating a flavor combination that’s both nostalgic and irresistibly delicious.
This is one of our favorite ways to use up those perfectly ripe bananas and the abundance of summer strawberries. Plus, with two distinct versions, you can enjoy it as a nutritious start to your day or transform it into an indulgent treat that rivals any ice cream shop creation!
Perfect Strawberry Banana Milkshake (Two Ways)
This creamy, dreamy milkshake showcases the classic pairing of strawberries and bananas in two delightful versions. The breakfast version provides wholesome nutrition to start your day right, while the dessert version delivers pure indulgence with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream.
Ingredients
For the Breakfast Version:
- 2 large ripe bananas, peeled
- 26 oz (750g) fresh strawberries, tops removed
- 1 cup (240ml) milk of your choice
- 2 tablespoons sweetener (xylitol, sugar, agave syrup, or honey)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
For the Dessert Version:
- 2 large ripe bananas, peeled
- 26 oz (750g) fresh strawberries, tops removed
- 1 cup (240ml) milk of your choice
- 2 scoops vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream for topping
- Chocolate sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
For the Breakfast Milkshake:
- Prepare your fruit. Peel the bananas and remove the green tops from your strawberries. The riper your bananas, the sweeter and creamier your milkshake will be!
- Blend until smooth. Add the prepared bananas and strawberries to your blender container along with the milk, your chosen sweetener, and vanilla extract if using. Blend on high speed until completely smooth and creamy, about 60-90 seconds.
- Taste and adjust. Give it a quick taste and add more sweetener if needed. Remember, the sweetness will depend on how ripe your fruit is!
- Serve immediately. Pour into tall glasses and enjoy right away for the best texture and flavor.
For the Dessert Version:
- Prepare your fruit. Peel the bananas and remove the strawberry tops, just as you would for the breakfast version.
- Blend with ice cream. Add the prepared fruit, milk, and vanilla ice cream to your blender. Blend until smooth and thick, about 60 to 90 seconds.
- Serve with flair. Pour into tall glasses and top generously with whipped cream. Add chocolate sprinkles for an extra festive touch!
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 158 per serving (breakfast version), 284 per serving (dessert version)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Breakfast Version:
- Calories: 158
- Natural sugars from fruit provide energy
- Good source of vitamin C and potassium
- Dairy provides protein and calcium
Dessert Version:
- Calories: 284
- Higher in calories due to ice cream
- Still provides fruit nutrition benefits
Variations and Substitutions
You can easily customize this strawberry banana milkshake to fit your dietary needs! For a dairy-free version, swap the regular milk for almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. If you’re watching your sugar intake, consider using stevia or monk fruit sweetener as alternatives to traditional sweeteners.
Want to boost the protein? Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to either version. You could also add a handful of spinach for extra nutrition (trust me, you won’t taste it!), or include a tablespoon of chia seeds for omega-3s and fiber.
What Are My Best Tips for Perfect Milkshakes?
The secret to an incredible strawberry banana milkshake lies in using the ripest fruit possible! Look for bananas with brown spots and strawberries that are deep red and fragrant. Frozen fruit works beautifully, too, and creates an extra-thick, frosty texture. If your milkshake turns out too thick, add milk a little at a time until you reach your preferred consistency.
Too thin? Add more fruit or, for the dessert version, an extra half scoop of ice cream. Always taste before serving and adjust the sweetness accordingly, as the ripeness of fruit varies significantly.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Your strawberry banana milkshake will keep in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, although it’s best enjoyed fresh. The mixture will thicken as it sits, so you’ll want to stir it thoroughly before serving and, if necessary, thin it out with a splash of milk. The flavors actually develop beautifully overnight, so don’t worry about it tasting different. For the best experience, give it a good stir or even a quick re-blend before enjoying your leftover milkshake.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make a strawberry banana milkshake?
Making a strawberry banana milkshake is incredibly simple! Simply blend fresh or frozen strawberries and bananas with milk and your preferred sweetener. For a breakfast version, add vanilla extract and natural sweeteners. For dessert, include vanilla ice cream and top with whipped cream. The key is using ripe, flavorful fruit for the best taste.
Can I mix strawberry and banana with milk?
Absolutely! Strawberries and bananas blend beautifully with milk, creating a creamy, naturally sweet combination that’s both delicious and nutritious. The milk helps create that perfect milkshake consistency while adding protein and calcium. You can use any type of milk you prefer, from whole milk to plant-based alternatives.
Is a strawberry banana milkshake good for you?
The breakfast version of this strawberry banana milkshake is definitely a healthy choice! It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and natural fruit sugars that provide sustained energy. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, while bananas offer potassium and a natural sweetness. The dessert version is more of an indulgent treat, but even that contains beneficial nutrients from the fresh fruit.
What are the ingredients in a banana strawberry shake?
The basic ingredients are fresh bananas, strawberries, and milk. For the breakfast version, I add a natural sweetener, such as honey or agave, and optional vanilla extract. The dessert version includes vanilla ice cream instead of sweetener and is topped with whipped cream. Both versions utilize the same fruit-to-milk ratio to achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
The Perfect Summer Treat for Any Time of Day
So there you have it – the ultimate strawberry banana milkshake recipe, perfect for both healthy breakfasts and indulgent desserts! This has become one of our most requested treats, and I love how it transforms simple, wholesome ingredients into something so special. Whether you choose the nutritious breakfast version to fuel your morning or the decadent dessert version to satisfy your sweet tooth, you’re guaranteed a delicious experience that captures the best of summer’s flavors.
Ready to blend up some magic? Leave a comment below and let me know which version of this strawberry banana milkshake you tried first! Don’t forget to share your photos on social media, and be sure to check out my other refreshing drink recipes for more summer inspiration!
