Strawberry & Cream Smoothie might sound modern, but for me, it’s rooted in tradition. Growing up, our kitchen was filled with the scent of sugar, fresh fruit, and family stories. My grandma didn’t make smoothies—she made fresas con crema, the classic Mexican treat of strawberries drenched in thick cream. There was no strict recipe, just a gentle rhythm: sliced berries, sweetened cream, maybe a pinch of cinnamon or a hint of vanilla. I’d help stir while she smiled and told stories—it was comfort in a bowl.
Now, with my daughter tugging at my apron and the Santa Fe sun pouring through our kitchen window, I’ve blended that memory into a modern twist: the Strawberry & Cream Smoothie. It’s creamy, easy to whip up, and exactly what you want in your glass on a hot summer afternoon. Whether you’re prepping for brunch or just craving something refreshing and nostalgic, this smoothie blends tradition and indulgence in every sip.
Print
Strawberry & Cream Smoothie: Creamy, Easy & Perfect for Summer
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 smoothies 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Blended
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy, refreshing strawberry & cream smoothie that’s easy to make, rich in flavor, and perfect for summer mornings or dessert.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups fresh or frozen strawberries
½ cup heavy cream or media crema
½ cup whole milk (or dairy-free alternative)
½ cup plain Greek yogurt (optional)
1–2 tablespoons honey or agave
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup ice cubes
Optional: whipped cream, mint, chia seeds
Instructions
1. Add milk, cream, and yogurt to blender.
2. Add strawberries, vanilla, and honey.
3. Top with ice cubes.
4. Blend until smooth and creamy.
5. Pour into chilled glasses and garnish.
Notes
Use frozen strawberries for a thicker texture.
For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and almond milk.
Leftovers can be frozen into smoothie cubes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Coming up, I’ll show you what goes into the creamiest strawberry smoothie, plus how to customize it for your taste or dietary needs. But first, let’s talk about ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need for a Strawberry & Cream Smoothie
Strawberry & cream smoothies are all about rich flavor and creamy texture—with just a few ingredients. Here’s exactly what you’ll need to blend this summery treat at home:
For the smoothie:
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen strawberries (hulled)
- ½ cup heavy cream or media crema (for rich creaminess)
- ½ cup whole milk (or use almond/oat milk for dairy-free)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (optional, adds protein and thickness)
- 1–2 tablespoons honey or agave (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup ice cubes
Optional toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Sliced strawberries
- Mint leaves
- Chia seeds or granola for texture
You can easily double the recipe for a larger batch or pour it into popsicle molds for a fun frozen treat
Blending Techniques for a Smooth Texture
What Makes a Smoothie Creamy?
The secret to a luscious, creamy smoothie isn’t just cream. It’s the combination of ingredient balance and blending technique. You want your strawberry & cream smoothie to have that milkshake-like consistency, but still feel light enough to sip through a straw.
Start by adding liquids to the blender first—this helps the blades move freely and blend everything more evenly. So pour in your cream, milk, or dairy-free base, then add your strawberries and Greek yogurt. Ice should always go last to prevent the smoothie from getting stuck.
Use frozen strawberries if you want a thicker, colder result without watering it down. If you’re using fresh berries, make sure your ice cubes are solid and add just enough to keep the texture rich, not slushy.
Smoothie too runny? Add a few more frozen strawberries or a spoonful of yogurt. Too thick? Splash in more milk or cream.
These tips are especially helpful on hot days when your kitchen heats up fast. I’ve tested this recipe with my daughter in tow and trust me, the faster it blends, the better. It’s a family win when it’s creamy, cold, and done in under 5 minutes.
Best Tools to Use for a Perfect Smoothie
You don’t need a fancy blender, but a strong motor (900 watts or higher) helps create that silky finish. High-speed blenders like Ninja, Vitamix, or NutriBullet break down fruit fibers more efficiently and blend ice without leaving chunks.
If your blender has a tamper, use it. This tool helps push ingredients down toward the blade without over-blending or overheating your motor.
Another trick? Pre-chill your serving glasses in the freezer while you blend. It keeps your strawberry & cream smoothie colder longer—especially important in summer.
And don’t forget to rinse your blender immediately after use. Dried cream and berry bits can stick, and nobody wants to scrape strawberry seeds the next day.
The tools may be simple, but they make a difference. Just like with my margarita tres leches cake, it’s the method that transforms everyday ingredients into something special.
Serving & Storing Tips for Summer Bliss
How to Serve Strawberry & Cream Smoothies Beautifully
When you’re making something this creamy and colorful, presentation matters. After all, strawberry & cream smoothies aren’t just delicious—they’re beautiful too.
For the best look and chill, pour your smoothie into pre-chilled mason jars or tall glasses. I like to garnish mine with a swirl of whipped cream, a few strawberry slices on the rim, and sometimes a sprig of mint if I’m feeling fancy. If I’m serving brunch, a sprinkle of chia seeds or granola on top adds crunch and nutrition without losing that dessert-like vibe.
This smoothie is also a fun drink to serve at a breakfast spread. I’ll often pair it with mangonada sorbet bars for a vibrant summer table that everyone loves—from toddlers to abuelitas.
Want to get creative? Pour the blended mixture into popsicle molds for frozen smoothie treats. These are a hit with my daughter, especially when Grandma’s visiting and sharing her stories while we snack on the porch.
How to Store or Prep Ahead
Strawberry & cream smoothies are best served right after blending, but you can make them ahead with a few tricks.
To prep ahead, blend all ingredients except the ice and store in the fridge up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, re-blend with ice for that just-made texture.
You can also portion the fruit and liquid into freezer bags to create DIY smoothie packs. Freeze flat, then toss the contents into your blender whenever you need a cool treat.
Got leftovers? Freeze the smoothie in an ice cube tray. Later, pop the cubes into a blender with a splash of milk or cream for a quick refresh.
And just like I do with dumpling-style empanadas, having freezer-friendly options is a lifesaver on busy summer days when you want something sweet without the fuss.
Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry & Cream Smoothies
Can you put cream in a smoothie?
Yes, absolutely. Adding cream to a smoothie—especially heavy cream or media crema—makes it rich, velvety, and dessert-like. It’s perfect for a treat-style smoothie like this strawberry & cream smoothie. Just use it in moderation, especially if you’re balancing flavor with nutrition.
Can I use heavy cream instead of milk in a smoothie?
You can. Heavy cream adds incredible creaminess and a decadent flavor. If you want your smoothie thicker and more indulgent, swap milk for cream. That said, using half cream and half milk (or even Greek yogurt) can give you the best of both: richness and drinkability.
Are strawberry and cream healthy?
Strawberries are naturally low in calories and high in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. The cream adds richness, which can increase calories and fat—but it also offers satisfaction and flavor. For a more balanced smoothie, you can use light cream, plant-based alternatives, or yogurt. This way, your strawberry & cream smoothie stays both tasty and nourishing.
What makes a smoothie creamy?
Several things can make a smoothie creamy: full-fat dairy like heavy cream or Greek yogurt, frozen fruit (especially bananas or strawberries), and blending technique. The creaminess of a strawberry & cream smoothie comes from its balance of thick, rich ingredients and enough liquid to keep it smooth—not icy or watery.
Conclusion
There’s something timeless about strawberries and cream. Whether served in a bowl or blended into a glass, that combination brings back memories, stories, and smiles. This Strawberry & Cream Smoothie blends tradition with simplicity—just like Grandma Carmen would’ve wanted.
It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and perfect for summer mornings, sunny afternoons, or a dessert that doesn’t heat up the kitchen. Whether you enjoy it solo or alongside mini chocoflan, this smoothie is a sweet reminder that family recipes can evolve—and still feel like home.
Try it this week. Pour it into a frosty glass, sip slowly, and let it take you somewhere warm, happy, and just a little nostalgic.
