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This creamy strawberry shortcake drink turns a beloved dessert into a healthy, smooth beverage that'll satisfy your sweet tooth without any regrets. I came up with this when I was hunting for better options to replace my childhood dessert favorites, and it quickly turned into my favorite afternoon pick-me-up.
I've been using this drink as my go-to during those sweltering summer afternoons when I'm dying for something sweet but don't want actual cake. The butter extract is what really makes the magic happen, giving you that true shortcake taste you're after.
What You'll Need
- Frozen strawberries without added sugar: They bring natural sweetness and make your drink nice and thick without needing ice
- Nonfat milk: Gives you protein and that smooth texture without extra calories; swap in whatever milk works for your diet
- Butter extract: This little game-changer is what makes your drink taste just like real shortcake
- Sweetener if needed: Toss some in if your berries aren't sweet enough on their own
How To Make It
- Get Everything Ready:
- Pull out 1 cup of totally frozen strawberries for the best texture. Pour 3/4 cup of your milk and grab your butter extract. Setting everything out first makes the whole process quick and easy.
- Stack Your Ingredients:
- Put everything in your blender in this order: frozen berries on the bottom, then pour in milk, and finish with the butter extract. This setup helps everything blend smoothly without getting stuck.
- Mix It All Up:
- Hit pulse a few times to break up the strawberries, then crank it to high until everything's smooth and creamy. This usually takes around 30-45 seconds depending on your blender. If it's coming out too thick, splash in a bit more milk.
- Check The Sweetness:
- Take a quick sip to see if it needs sweetening. Add a little Truvia or whatever sweetener you like, blend again, and taste until it's just right for you.
- Drink It Right Away:
- Pour it in a tall glass and enjoy immediately while it's still perfectly smooth and cold. It'll start to separate if you leave it sitting too long.
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When I first made this for my daughter, she rolled her eyes at another "healthy mom drink" until I called it "strawberry shortcake you can sip." Now she asks for it practically every other day and has learned to make it herself, which makes me feel like I've won at both mom-ing and sneaking in good nutrition.
Prep It Early
While this drink tastes best fresh, you can set yourself up for success by doing some prep work. Divide strawberries into individual freezer bags with just the right amount for one serving. When you're ready for your drink, just dump a bag into the blender with fresh milk and extract. This little trick saves precious morning minutes and means you'll always be ready when cravings hit.
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Mix It Up
Switch things around with this starter recipe to create totally different flavors. Try making a chocolate strawberry version by throwing in a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa. Go for strawberry banana shortcake by swapping half your berries for frozen banana chunks. Want something a bit more fancy? Top your drink with a small spoonful of whipped coconut cream and a fresh strawberry. These little changes keep things interesting when you make this drink often.
Health Perks
This tasty drink packs some serious nutrition behind its dessert-like flavor. The strawberries give you vitamin C, manganese, potassium, and loads of antioxidants that boost your immune system and fight inflammation. The milk adds calcium and vitamin D for stronger bones, while the low calorie count fits into most eating plans. Regular strawberry shortcake can pack 400+ calories per serving, but this drink gives you all that yummy flavor for about a third of that.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I pick a different milk option?
Sure! Go for any milk type you like—dairy versions like 1% or 2% work, or non-dairy options like almond, coconut, or soy milk fit perfectly too.
- → What if I don’t have butter extract?
No worries! Swap it with vanilla extract. The flavor will be a bit different, but it still pairs nicely.
- → How do I make it sweeter?
Sweeten it up with Truvia, honey, or any natural sweetener you prefer. Just tweak the amount to match your taste.
- → Is this drink vegan-friendly?
Yep! To make it vegan, go for plant-based milk like almond, soy, or coconut.
- → Can I make more servings?
Absolutely! Just double or triple the ingredients to make enough for everyone.