A vibrant, creamy shake that celebrates the sweetness of ripe bananas and fresh strawberries. With its fruity flavor, rich vanilla ice cream, and playful toppings, this shake is the perfect refreshment for warm days or anytime you crave a bright, indulgent treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Bursting with natural fruit sweetness and creamy vanilla richness.
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Quick to prepare—ready in under 5 minutes.
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Versatile—customize with your favorite toppings or use dairy-free alternatives.
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Ideal for breakfast, snack time, or a dessert-worthy treat any time of day.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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ripe bananas
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vanilla ice cream
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milk (any kind)
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fresh strawberries (plus extra for topping)
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strawberry syrup (plus extra for glass drizzle)
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whipped cream
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crushed nuts, chocolate shavings, or granola (for topping)
directions
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Prepare the glass
Drizzle some strawberry syrup inside two tall glasses, allowing it to cascade down the sides. -
Blend the shake
In a blender, combine 2 ripe bananas, 1½ cups vanilla ice cream, 1 cup milk, ½ cup fresh strawberries, and ¼ cup strawberry syrup. Blend until smooth and creamy. -
Pour and garnish
Pour the shake into the prepared glasses. Top each shake with a generous swirl of whipped cream, sprinkle crushed nuts, chocolate shavings, or granola, and garnish with a fresh strawberry on top. -
Serve immediately
Enjoy while cold and refreshing!
Servings and timing
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Yield: 2 shakes
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Total time: Approximately 5 minutes
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Prep time: ~5 minutes (no cook time required)
Variations
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Dairy-free version: Use plant-based ice cream and almond, soy, or oat milk.
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Protein boost: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder before blending.
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Green twist: Include a handful of spinach for added nutrients without altering the flavor.
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Peanut-butter swirl: Blend in a tablespoon of peanut butter, and top with chopped peanuts.
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Chocolate strawberry: Substitute strawberry syrup with chocolate syrup for a chocolate-covered strawberry flavor.
storage/reheating
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Storing: Best enjoyed immediately. If necessary, pour leftovers into an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 week.
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Re-serving: Thaw slightly at room temperature, then stir or re‑blend briefly to restore creamy texture.
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Reheating: Not applicable—this is a cold shake.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries or bananas?
Yes. Both work well and make a thicker, colder shake. No need to thaw before blending.
How can I make this shake thinner or thicker?
Add more milk to thin it, or more ice cream or fruit to thicken it.
Can I omit the ice cream for a lighter version?
Yes. Replace the ice cream with additional frozen bananas or strawberries for a smoothie-style drink.
Is strawberry syrup essential?
No. It enhances color and strawberry flavor, but you can increase fresh strawberries or use a berry purée instead.
What toppings work best?
Crushed nuts, granola, chocolate shavings, coconut flakes, or fresh fruit all pair nicely with this shake.
Can I prepare this ahead?
Better served fresh. If prepping ahead, freeze portions and blend just before serving.
Can I add a vegetable without affecting taste?
Yes—a small handful of spinach or kale adds nutrients without overpowering the fruit flavors.
How do I store leftovers?
Place in a sealed container in the freezer, then thaw and stir or blend before drinking.
Can I use flavored milk?
Absolutely. Chocolate or strawberry milk can add extra flavor dimensions.
What’s the best blender setting?
Start on low to break up fruit, then increase to medium-high for a smooth consistency.
Conclusion
The Summer Strawberry Banana Shake is an effortless, delicious way to enjoy fruity indulgence. With its blend of ripe fruits, creamy ice cream, and customizable toppings, it’s a refreshing treat for any time of day. Blend one up for a taste of summer—no matter the season.
Print
Summer Strawberry Banana Shake
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
Cool off with this Summer Strawberry Banana Shake — a fruity, creamy treat made with ripe bananas, sweet strawberries, and vanilla ice cream. Perfectly refreshing and easy to whip up, it’s the ultimate summer smoothie milkshake combo! Keyword: Summer Strawberry Banana Shake
Ingredients
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2 ripe bananas
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1 1/2 cups vanilla ice cream
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1 cup milk (any kind)
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1/2 cup fresh strawberries (plus more for topping)
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1/4 cup strawberry syrup (plus extra for glass drizzle)
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Whipped cream
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Crushed nuts, chocolate shavings, or granola (for topping)
Instructions
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Blend the Shake:
In a blender, combine bananas, vanilla ice cream, milk, fresh strawberries, and strawberry syrup. Blend until smooth and creamy. -
Drizzle and Pour:
Drizzle extra strawberry syrup inside serving glasses. Pour the blended shake into glasses. -
Top It Off:
Add a generous dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with crushed nuts, chocolate shavings, or granola. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices.
Notes
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Use frozen strawberries or bananas for an extra-thick, icy shake.
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Swap vanilla ice cream for strawberry ice cream for a fruitier twist.
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Add protein powder or oats for a breakfast-style version.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American