Name: Creamy Strawberry Vegan Milkshake Recipe
Prep time: 12 h 15 min
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 (14-oz.) can full-fat coconut milk (a thick, creamy brand is best; there will be ice cubes left over after making this recipe); 3/4 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered (measured after slicing); 4 Tbsp maple syrup (depending on sweetness of strawberries); 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 8-12 standard-size full-fat coconut milk ice cubes (from above); Coconut whipped cream; Fresh strawberries; Freeze-dried strawberries, crushed

Nothing beats a cool, velvety drink on a warm day, and this Creamy Strawberry Vegan Milkshake Recipe hits every note just right. Imagine fresh strawberries blended with rich coconut milk ice cubes to create a luscious, dairy-free treat that feels like an indulgence, but is totally plant-based!

A clear glass filled with a creamy light pink strawberry milkshake overflowing slightly down the sides with a thick texture, topped with a fluffy white whipped cream sprinkled with small red strawberry bits. A bright red strawberry with green leaves is placed on the rim of the glass next to a shiny metal straw. The glass sits on a wooden table with scattered whole bright red strawberries around it, all set against a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Strawberry Vegan Milkshake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Strawberry Vegan Milkshake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Strawberry Vegan Milkshake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I have to admit, this creamy vegan strawberry milkshake quickly became one of my go-to refreshing drinks. It's so simple, yet every sip feels dreamy and satisfying without any dairy fuss.

Rich, natural creaminess: Thanks to coconut milk ice cubes, the smoothie is perfectly thick and silky.
Fresh strawberry flavor: Using fresh, ripe strawberries lets the fruit shine as the star of the show.
Dairy-free and vegan: A delicious indulgence that's totally plant-based, perfect for any diet.
Easy and customizable: You can adjust sweetness with maple syrup and add fun garnishes to make it your own.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before we blend, let’s talk about the ingredients that make this milkshake truly special. When shopping, look for a thick, full-fat coconut milk for that rich creaminess. Also, fresh strawberries should be ripe and juicy to keep the shake naturally sweet. Here’s a quick rundown of the key players:

Flat lay of fresh hulled and quartered strawberries arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl filled with smooth, creamy full-fat coconut milk, a few perfectly frozen full-fat coconut milk ice cubes glistening with frost, a small white ceramic bowl holding rich amber maple syrup, and a small white ceramic bowl containing clear pale vanilla extract, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Full-fat coconut milk: I recommend choosing a creamy brand for smooth coconut milk ice cubes that blend into perfect richness.
Fresh strawberries: These provide natural sweetness and vibrant flavor – always hull and quarter them before blending.
Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that you can tweak depending on how sweet your strawberries are.
Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, warming note that complements the strawberry and coconut flavors beautifully.
Coconut whipped cream (optional): For garnish, this adds extra richness and a pretty finishing touch.
Freeze-dried strawberries: Crushed on top for a crunchy, fruity garnish that boosts the strawberry experience.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Creamy Strawberry Vegan Milkshake Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you love it ultra-sweet or just a hint of maple syrup, or you want to add a little twist for different seasons, this shake can flex to fit your cravings perfectly.

Variation: For a tropical twist, try adding a handful of frozen mango or pineapple chunks along with the strawberries. I found it brightens up the shake and brings a sunnier vibe that's perfect for warm afternoons.
Dairy-Free Chocolate: Mix in a teaspoon of cocoa powder or dairy-free chocolate syrup to turn this into a luscious strawberry-chocolate combo that's both indulgent and vegan-friendly.
Nutty Boost: Add a tablespoon of almond butter or peanut butter if you want a richer texture and a subtle nutty flavor. It’s also great for an extra protein kick!
Seasonal Swaps: When strawberries aren’t in peak season, frozen berries like raspberries or blueberries can work beautifully here, especially with the creamy coconut milk ice cubes providing that signature thickness.
Sweetness Adjustment: If your strawberries are super sweet, feel free to reduce the maple syrup or swap it for agave syrup or another sweetener you prefer.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Strawberry Vegan Milkshake Recipe

Two clear glasses are filled with a pale pink creamy strawberry drink, topped with thick white whipped cream sprinkled with bright red powder. Each glass has a whole red strawberry with green leaves on the rim. One glass has a clear straw inserted in it. The glasses sit on a white marbled surface, scattered with fresh whole strawberries around them. A white spoon with some whipped cream rests near the bottom right of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Freeze Your Coconut Milk Ice Cubes

The night before or at least 6 hours ahead, open your 14-ounce can of full-fat coconut milk. Give it a good stir or blend it until the cream and water parts seamlessly combine into a smooth, creamy mixture — no separation allowed! Pour this silky goodness into an ice cube tray, about 1 ½ tablespoons per cube, and freeze until completely solid. Having these cubes ready is a game changer; they’re the secret to that perfectly thick, creamy texture.

Step 2: Blend Your Strawberry Shake Base

Grab your high-speed blender and add ¾ cup of fresh, hulled, and quartered strawberries, 4 tablespoons of maple syrup (adjust to taste), and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Hit the high setting and blend until it’s totally smooth with no big chunks left. The aroma of fresh strawberries combined with vanilla will fill your kitchen and get you excited for that first sip!

Step 3: Add Coconut Milk Ice Cubes and Blend Until Creamy

Turn off your blender, then slowly add about 2-3 coconut milk ice cubes at a time. Blend on medium-high speed until those cubes are fully incorporated and the shake becomes luxuriously creamy. Keep adding cubes gradually until you reach your preferred thickness — usually around 8 to 12 cubes does the trick. Don’t hesitate to use your blender’s tamper to keep everything blending evenly without trapping air pockets.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish Your Dream Shake

Pour your milkshake straight into your favorite glass and dress it up with a generous swirl of coconut whipped cream, a few fresh strawberries on top, and a sprinkle of crushed freeze-dried strawberries for that extra burst of flavor and color. It’s not just tasty—it’s a delight for the eyes too!

Step 5: Storing Tips for Later Enjoyment

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), cover and refrigerate the shake for up to 24 hours. Just keep in mind it will thin out a bit as it sits. Or, for a fun twist, freeze it for up to a week—then scoop it like a creamy, dairy-free strawberry ice cream treat whenever you like.

Top Tip

Mastering the texture and flavor balance really takes your Creamy Strawberry Vegan Milkshake Recipe from good to unforgettable. Here are some insider tips I’ve gathered through plenty of blending and sipping!

Freeze the Coconut Milk Smoothly: Blending the coconut milk thoroughly before freezing it into ice cubes ensures each cube is creamy and avoids icy separation in your shake.
Adjust Maple Syrup to Taste: I’ve learned that strawberry sweetness varies a lot by season and batch, so start with less maple syrup and add more if you want it sweeter.
Add Ice Cubes Slowly: Adding 2-3 ice cubes at a time helps achieve the perfect creamy thickness without overwhelming your blender or creating lumps.
Use a High-Speed Blender: This was a game changer for me. A powerful blender makes sure there are no chunky bits and the shake is velvety smooth.

How to Serve Creamy Strawberry Vegan Milkshake Recipe

The image shows a top view of a blender with a pink smoothie inside. The smoothie fills about half of the blender's clear container, and it has a thick, frothy texture with many small bubbles on the surface. The blender's blades are visible at the bottom under the smoothie. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra-special presentation and flavor boost, top your strawberry shake with a generous swirl of coconut whipped cream, a few fresh strawberry slices, and some crushed freeze-dried strawberries. These add a lovely texture contrast and a pop of vibrant color that makes the shake feel like a treat.

Side Dishes

This shake is fantastic as a refreshing dessert or midday pick-me-up. Pair it with crisp vegan cookies, crunchy granola bars, or a light fruit salad to keep things fresh and complementary. A warm vegan muffin or slice of banana bread also pairs beautifully for a cozy combo.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any shake left over, keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just keep in mind it will thin out over time as the coconut milk ice cubes melt, so give it a quick stir before drinking.

Freezing

You can freeze the shake for up to one week to enjoy a thick, creamy strawberry ice-cream-esque dessert anytime. Freeze in airtight containers and thaw just enough to scoop or blend again before serving.

Reheating

This shake is best enjoyed chilled or frozen, so reheating isn’t recommended. However, if you prefer a softer texture after freezing, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to soften before blending or stirring gently.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes! Frozen strawberries will work well and can make your shake even colder and thicker. Just let them thaw slightly to help with blending smoothly.

What if I don’t have a high-speed blender?

A strong blender helps achieve the best creamy texture, but if yours isn’t super powerful, blend the strawberries first well, then add the coconut milk ice cubes gradually, blending thoroughly between additions.

Can I substitute the coconut milk with another plant milk?

Coconut milk gives the milkshake its rich creaminess and flavor. Using other plant milks may result in a thinner texture. For best results, stick with full-fat coconut milk for this recipe.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This Creamy Strawberry Vegan Milkshake Recipe yields 2 one-cup servings, perfect for sharing or enjoying over a couple of sittings.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Strawberry Vegan Milkshake Recipe is one of those simple pleasures that really feels like a little celebration in a glass. It’s naturally sweet, indulgently creamy, and so satisfying on a sunny afternoon or any time you want a dairy-free treat. Keep those coconut milk ice cubes ready in your freezer and you’ll always have the perfect base for a quick, healthy, and delicious shake. Happy blending and sipping!