Look, I get it. You're on keto, which means every time someone mentions “dessert,” you're supposed to smile politely and pretend like celery sticks are exciting. Well, not today.
This Keto Creamy Strawberry Shake is thick, cold, ridiculously creamy, and tastes like you just walked into a 1950s diner and ordered the good stuff—except it won't kick you out of ketosis or make your macros cry. It's basically a guilt-free milkshake that takes about 2 minutes to make if you're slow, and that includes cleanup.
No ice cream maker. No weird ingredients you can't pronounce. Just a blender, some frozen strawberries, and the kind of satisfaction that makes you wonder why you ever settled for sad protein shakes.
Why This Shake Slaps (And I Mean That)
Texture That Doesn't Lie
Thanks to heavy cream and a sneaky bit of cream cheese, this thing has the body of a legit milkshake. Not that thin, watery nonsense some keto recipes try to pass off as “creamy.”
Actually Low-Carb (No Tricks)
When you use the right sweetener and don't go rogue with portions, this stays solidly keto-friendly. Strawberries are one of the lower-carb fruits out there, so you're good.
Stupid Easy to Make
Freezer to glass in under 5 minutes. Zero cooking. Minimal dishes. Maximum vibe.
You Control the Sweetness
Pick your favorite keto sweetener and adjust however you want. Your taste buds, your rules.
Real Strawberry Flavor
Using frozen berries = stronger flavor + thicker texture. Fresh strawberries are fine too, but frozen ones really deliver that punch without watering things down.
What You'll Need (AKA the Dream Team)
Frozen Strawberries (1 cup, hulled)
These are your main character. Frozen works best because they make the shake thick and frosty without needing a ton of ice. Fresh berries work in a pinch—just add ice cubes to compensate.
Heavy Whipping Cream (1/2 cup)
This is where the magic happens. Rich, creamy, decadent. If you're dairy-free, coconut cream is a solid swap.
Unsweetened Almond Milk (1/2 cup)
Thins things out just enough so you can actually drink it through a straw instead of eating it with a spoon. Any unsweetened nut milk works.
Cream Cheese (2 tablespoons, softened)
Okay, hear me out. This adds a slight cheesecake vibe and makes the texture insanely thick. Technically optional, but why would you skip it?
Collagen Peptides or Unflavored Whey (1 scoop)
Bumps up the protein and keeps you full longer. Collagen = silky smooth. Whey = fluffier texture. Both work great.
Powdered Erythritol/Monk Fruit Blend (1–2 tablespoons)
Sweetness without the carb bomb. Go powdered if you can—it dissolves way better than the granulated stuff.
Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon)
A little vanilla makes strawberry taste even more strawberry. Don't skip this.
Pinch of Sea Salt
Sounds weird, I know. But it balances the sweetness and makes everything pop. Trust me.
Ice (optional, 1/2 cup)
Only if you're using fresh berries or want it extra thick. Otherwise, the frozen strawberries have you covered.
Whipped Cream (optional, for topping)
Because we're not animals.
How to Make It (In Painfully Simple Steps)
Step 1: Chill Your Glass
Toss a tall glass in the freezer while you work. Cold glass = shake stays thick longer. Small move, big difference.
Step 2: Load the Blender Like a Pro
Add the liquids first (almond milk, heavy cream, cream cheese, vanilla, salt, sweetener). This helps everything blend smoothly without your blender having a meltdown.
Step 3: Add Your Protein Boost
Toss in the collagen or whey. This also helps emulsify everything into that silky milkshake texture.
Step 4: Drop in the Strawberries
Add the frozen berries last. If your blender is struggling, let them sit for a minute or two to soften slightly—no shame in that.
Step 5: Blend Low, Then High
Start on low for about 10 seconds, then crank it to high for 25–40 seconds until it's smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides if needed.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
Not sweet enough? Add another teaspoon of sweetener and pulse a few times. Want it thicker? Toss in some ice and blend again.
Step 7: Pour and Top
Grab that frosty glass, pour it in, and top with whipped cream if you're feeling fancy. A strawberry slice on the rim makes it Instagram-worthy, if that's your thing 🙂
How to Store It (Without Ruining Everything)
Short-Term Storage
Keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. It might separate a bit—just shake it up or re-blend with a couple ice cubes.
Turn It Into Popsicles
Pour leftovers into popsicle molds and freeze for 4–6 hours. Boom—instant keto strawberry pops.
Meal Prep Hack
Pre-portion your dry ingredients (sweetener and protein powder) in small jars. Freeze individual servings of strawberries in baggies. Blend fresh whenever you want.
Don't Freeze the Whole Thing
If you freeze it in a jar, it turns into a rock-solid ice brick. Not fun to deal with. Slushies = yes. Ice bricks = no.
Why This Shake Is Actually Good for You
Low Net Carbs
Strawberries are already pretty low-carb for a fruit, and when you use smart sweeteners, the sugar count stays near zero.
Keeps You Full
The fat from the cream and protein from collagen/whey actually keep you satisfied. No crash, no weird cravings 30 minutes later.
Collagen Bonus
If you go with collagen peptides, you're also supporting your skin, hair, nails, and joints. Basically, you're drinking a milkshake and a beauty supplement.
Electrolyte-Friendly
That pinch of salt? It helps with hydration balance, which is super helpful if you're deep in keto mode and trying to avoid the dreaded “keto flu.”
Don't Sabotage Yourself (Common Mistakes)
Hidden Sugars Are Sneaky
Check your almond milk label. Some brands sneak in sugar or sweeteners. Same goes for any yogurt or add-ins. Read everything like you're a detective on a crime show.
Too Much Ice = Watery Disaster
Stick with frozen berries for thickness. Only add ice if you're using fresh strawberries or want it ultra-thick.
Granular Sweetener Grit
If you only have granular sweetener, blitz it in a coffee grinder first. Otherwise, you'll get that sandy texture that ruins the vibe.
Portion Control (Sorry, But Yeah)
This shake is rich. Pour it into one large or two modest servings. It's delicious, but calories still matter, IMO.
Fun Ways to Switch It Up
Strawberry Cheesecake Mode
Add an extra tablespoon of cream cheese and a squeeze of lemon juice. Dessert vibes = unlocked.
Tropical Strawberry Coconut
Swap almond milk for full-fat canned coconut milk and skip the cream cheese. Dairy-free and ridiculously creamy.
Chocolate Swirl
Blend as usual, then drizzle sugar-free chocolate syrup inside the glass before pouring. Chef's kiss.
Strawberry Mint Refresh
Throw in 2–3 fresh mint leaves before blending. Sounds weird, tastes elite.
Berry Medley (Still Keto)
Replace 1/4 of the strawberries with raspberries or blackberries for a deeper, more complex berry flavor.
Coffee + Strawberry (Yes, Really)
Add 1–2 tablespoons of chilled espresso. I know it sounds random, but trust me—it's surprisingly good.
Questions You're Probably Wondering About
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
Yep! Just add 1/2 cup of ice to keep it thick and frosty. Frozen berries do give you a better milkshake texture, though.
What's the best sweetener for this?
A powdered monk fruit-erythritol blend is top tier. Clean sweetness, smooth texture, no weird aftertaste. Allulose is also great but makes it slightly softer—still delicious.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, skip the cream cheese (or use coconut yogurt), and grab a plant-based protein powder. Easy.
Is this actually keto?
When you use unsweetened milk and keto-approved sweeteners, yes. Strawberries are low-carb, and portion control keeps the net carbs in check.
Can I add MCT oil?
Absolutely. Start with 1 teaspoon (unless you want digestive chaos). It makes the shake creamier and gives you an extra energy boost, FYI.
What if I don't have protein powder?
Skip it or add 1 tablespoon of chia seeds and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken. The texture changes a bit, but it's still tasty.
How thick should this be?
Thick enough to feel indulgent but still drinkable through a straw. Too thick? Add more almond milk. Too thin? More frozen berries or ice.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It's best fresh, but you can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, freeze it as popsicles or just prep the ingredients and blend on demand.
My Honest Take
This shake is the kind of recipe that makes keto feel less like a diet and more like a lifestyle you actually want to stick with. It hits that nostalgic milkshake craving without wrecking your macros, and it takes less time than ordering takeout.
If you keep frozen strawberries in your freezer and a good sweetener in your pantry, you've basically got a dessert safety net ready to go whenever cravings hit. And once you nail the base recipe, you can tweak it however you want—because the best keto plan is the one you'll actually follow.
So yeah, if you've been looking for a dessert that doesn't taste like a compromise, give this a shot. Your taste buds (and your macros) will thank you. 😉
