Keto Strawberry Milkshake Recipe: A Creamy, Low-Carb Delight

This keto strawberry milkshake is a thick, creamy, and refreshing treat that captures the essence of summer. If you're following a ketogenic or low-carb diet, this recipe allows you to indulge in a classic milkshake without the guilt. Made with simple ingredients and naturally sweetened, this smoothie is easy to customize and perfect for any time of day.

Why This Keto Strawberry Milkshake Works

Traditional milkshakes are often loaded with sugar, making them unsuitable for low-carb diets. This recipe solves that problem by using keto-friendly ingredients like strawberries, almond milk, and a touch of sugar-free condensed milk. The result is a delicious and satisfying milkshake that won't spike your blood sugar.

Key Ingredients

  • Frozen Strawberries: The star of the show, frozen strawberries provide the classic strawberry flavor and help to thicken the milkshake without the need for ice. Strawberries are naturally high in fiber and antioxidants while being low in carbs and calories.
  • Unsweetened Almond Milk: A low-carb alternative to traditional milk, almond milk adds creaminess without the added sugars.
  • Keto Condensed Milk (Optional): A little bit of keto condensed milk adds extra richness, sweetness, and thickness. You can find sugar-free versions available or make your own.
  • Heavy Cream: For extra creaminess and fat content.
  • Erythritol: A natural sweetener with minimal impact on blood sugar.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • Unflavored Whey Protein Isolate: Adds a boost of protein and can help thicken the shake.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Blend: In a high-speed blender, combine the milk, keto condensed milk (or Greek yogurt), and ice. Blend until well combined.
  2. Add Strawberries: Add the frozen strawberries and blend until the desired texture is achieved.
  3. Serve: Pour the smoothie into a glass and enjoy immediately. For an extra touch, top with whipped cream and a cherry.

Detailed Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 5.5 oz (~150 g) Frozen Strawberries
  • 6 oz (~170 ml) unsweetened Almond Milk
  • 1 scoop unflavored whey protein isolate
  • 5 tbsp heavy cream
  • 4 tbsp erythritol
  • ¼ tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions:

  1. De-stem your strawberries and rough chop them. Then place into the freezer for at least 2 hours.
  2. Remove your strawberries and add the ingredients into the blender.
  3. Blend until smooth.
  4. Pour into a cup and top with whipped cream and a cherry!
  5. Enjoy!

Tips:

  • If you're using a blender style cup, put the wet ingredients in first, that way when you place the cap with the blades on and flip it to blend, the dry ingredients are sitting on the blade. This works better to prevent the dry caking that can happen with powders.
  • If you're using a regular blender, add the dry ingredients first, then the liquids for the same reasons as tip 1.
  • If you have strawberries that are about a day away from going bad: wash, de-stem, and throw them in the freezer. They will hold for a long time - and now you have fresh frozen strawberries!
  • You can also use strawberry protein powder if you want a super punch of strawberries - I have found that a lot of the proteins will use sweeteners like sucralose which trigger an insulin response. Also, it's not as good as the flavor you get from real strawberries, but it too works well.
  • Can you use ice? No. This recipes works 10000x better with frozen strawberries. If you add ice, it dilutes it, which requires more strawberries, and the addition of a thickener such as xanthan gum or guar gum. Trust me - just use frozen strawberries.

Customization Options

  • Make it Even Creamier: Add more heavy cream or a tablespoon of MCT oil.
  • Bulk it Up: Add a tablespoon of chia seeds for a thicker, smoothie-like shake.
  • Add a Touch of Sweetness: While the recipe is naturally sweetened with strawberries and erythritol, you can add a few drops of stevia if desired.
  • Mixed Berry: Incorporate other keto-friendly berries like blackberries, raspberries, or blueberries.
  • Chocolate: Add a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder for a chocolate strawberry milkshake.
  • Spinach: Sneak in some extra greens by adding a handful of spinach. The strawberry flavor will mask the spinach taste.
  • Strawberry Cheesecake: Add a tablespoon of cream cheese for a cheesecake-like flavor.
  • Strawberry Almond Butter: Add a tablespoon of almond butter for a nutty twist.

Storing Instructions

  • To Store: While the strawberry smoothie is best enjoyed fresh, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours in an airtight container.
  • To Freeze: The smoothie cannot be frozen as a whole. Instead, pour the smoothie mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze. When ready to enjoy, break out the smoothie cubes into a blender and blend until thick and smooth.

Tips for the Perfect Keto Strawberry Milkshake

  • Use Frozen Strawberries: Frozen strawberries are essential for achieving the right consistency. They replace the need for ice, which can dilute the flavor.
  • Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Depending on the sweetness of your strawberries and your personal preference, you may need to adjust the amount of sweetener.
  • Don't Over-Blend: Over-blending can result in a runny milkshake. Blend until just smooth.
  • Add Fat for Extra Creaminess: If you need more fat in your diet, use heavy whipping cream instead of almond milk.

The Joy of a Keto-Friendly Treat

There’s something about the sweetness and slight tangy-ness of a strawberry milkshake that’s alluring any time. And you have to have whipped cream with a cherry on top - which makes no sense, but the traditions is always followed and to be expected. Berry shakes and smoothies are delicious on hot summer days.

This Keto Strawberry Milkshake reminds me of summer and diners. Growing up, I usually preferred vanilla, or another staple - the chocolate milkshake. But when I did have a strawberry milkshake, it was always incredible and unforgettable.

Health Benefits

This low-carb strawberry milkshake is not only delicious but also offers several health benefits:

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

  • Low-Carb: Suitable for ketogenic and low-carb diets.
  • Gluten-Free: Made with gluten-free ingredients.
  • Vegetarian-Friendly: Contains no meat or animal products (except for whey protein, which can be omitted or substituted).
  • High in Antioxidants: Strawberries are rich in antioxidants, which help protect your body against cell damage.
  • Good Source of Fiber: Strawberries are a good source of fiber, which promotes digestive health.
  • Suitable for Diabetics: Since this Strawberry Milkshake is low-carb, it’s great for diabetics - the carbs from the strawberries are minimal and it shouldn’t trigger a large insulin response/requirement.

Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide

Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto

tags: #keto #strawberry #milkshake #recipe