Easy Thick Strawberry Chocolate Chip Milkshake Recipe

If you are a fan of old-fashioned drive-in treats, there is nothing quite like a thick, Chip Milkshake that stands tall above the rim of the glass. This homemade strawberry chocolate chip milkshake is inspired by the legendary shakes at Iceberg Drive-Inn, where the texture is so dense you absolutely need a spoon to eat it.

By combining the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries with crunchy flecks of semi-sweet chocolate, you get the absolute best of both flavor worlds. While many recipes use thin syrups, this version relies on whole fruit and a clever chocolate melting technique to create that authentic shop-style experience right in your own kitchen.

Why You Will Love This Milkshake

Most homemade shakes end up too runny because of too much milk. This recipe focuses on a high ice-cream-to-fruit ratio to ensure a velvet-like consistency. The addition of a quick homemade chocolate hard-shell creates those signature tiny chocolate bits that snap when you bite into them, rather than waxy frozen chips.

Ingredients For The Perfect Shake

4 large fresh strawberries (stems removed)
1 ½ cups premium vanilla ice cream (about 3 large scoops)
1 tablespoon semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon shortening (this helps the chocolate reach the right consistency)

How To Make A Thick Strawberry Chocolate Chip Milkshake

1. Prepare the Chocolate Flecks

Standard chocolate chips can become very hard and waxy when frozen in ice cream. To fix this, place the chocolate chips and shortening in a small microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for about 15 seconds. Stir the mixture until it is completely melted and glossy. Set this aside for a moment.

2. Blend the Base

Add the fresh strawberries and the vanilla ice cream into your blender jar. If you are using a high-powered blender like a Blendtec with a Twister Jar, push the ice cream down toward the blades. Secure the lid and blend on a medium-to-high speed. If your blender has a pulse setting, use it to keep the mixture thick. Blend only until the fruit is incorporated but the mixture remains very stiff.

3. The Chocolate Swirl

Once the strawberry base is ready, pour the melted chocolate mixture directly into the blender. Pulse the blender just a few times. You don’t want to fully emulsify the chocolate; you want it to hit the cold ice cream, harden instantly, and break into tiny, delicious flecks throughout the shake.

4. Serve Immediately

Pour the mixture into a tall glass. Because this shake is extra thick, skip the straw and serve it with a long handled spoon and perhaps an extra slice of strawberry on top.

Expert Tips for Success

Use Cold Equipment: If you have time, place your blender jar and your serving glass in the freezer for 15 minutes before starting. This prevents the friction of the blades from melting the ice cream.
Fresh vs. Frozen Strawberries: Fresh strawberries provide the best flavor, but if you use frozen berries, let them thaw for about 5 minutes first so they don’t make the shake too icy.

Choose High-Quality Ice Cream: Since there are very few ingredients, the quality of your vanilla ice cream makes a huge difference. Look for a brand that is dense and has a high cream content.
Skip the Milk: To achieve a spoonable consistency, do not add milk. The moisture from the fresh strawberries is enough to get the blender moving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this without a high-powered blender?

Yes! If you are using a standard blender, you may need to let the ice cream soften on the counter for 5 minutes before blending. You can also use a sturdy spatula to manually stir the ice cream if it gets stuck.

What can I use instead of shortening for the chocolate?

If you prefer not to use shortening, you can substitute it with a teaspoon of coconut oil. This serves the same purpose of helping the chocolate melt smoothly and creating a snap once it hits the cold cream.

How do I make this a malt?

To turn this into a strawberry chocolate chip malt, simply add 1 to 2 tablespoons of malted milk powder during the first blending step.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely. Replace the vanilla ice cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut or oat milk-based vanilla frozen dessert. Ensure your chocolate chips are vegan-friendly as well.