Strawberry Crisp Milkshake

Make the Oat Crumble Topping (Can be done ahead):
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons rolled oats, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt.
- Add 1 tablespoon of melted butter and stir until everything is moist and clumpy.
- Spread on a small baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes, until golden and crisp. Let it cool completely. This can be made in a larger batch and stored in an airtight container.
Blend the Milkshake:
- In a blender, combine the vanilla ice cream, frozen strawberries, milk, strawberry jam, and vanilla extract.
- Blend until smooth. For a thicker shake, use less milk; for a thinner one, use more.
Assemble the Masterpiece:
- Optional: Take a spoon and swirl a little extra strawberry jam inside the glass.
- Sprinkle a portion of the cooled oat crumble topping into the bottom of the glass.
- Pour the blended milkshake into the glass.
- Top generously with whipped cream.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of the oat crumble topping over the whipped cream, creating that “crisp” effect.
- Garnish with a fresh strawberry on the rim.

The “Crisp” Shortcut: No time to bake? Use granola! A crunchy, oat-based granola (especially one with brown sugar) is a perfect substitute for the homemade crumble. You can also crush up store-bought oatmeal cookies or Girl Scout Shortbread cookies (Trefoils).
Ice Cream Consistency: For a truly thick and creamy shake, let your ice cream sit on the counter for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly before blending. This makes it easier to blend without overworking it, which can make it runny.
Flavor Boost: For a deeper “baked” flavor, add a tiny pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the blender.
Texture is Key: The contrast between the smooth, cold milkshake and the crunchy crumble is what makes this drink special. Don’t skip the crunchy element!
Adult Version: Add a shot of vanilla vodka or bourbon for a delicious spike. Bourbon pairs wonderfully with the brown sugar and oat flavors.

For an even more dramatic presentation, serve the milkshake with the elements on the side:

Serve the plain strawberry milkshake in a glass.
Put the whipped cream in a small bowl.
Put the oat crumble in another small bowl.
Let everyone build their own perfect sip by dipping the rim of the glass into the crumble or adding a spoonful with each sip.

Enjoy your incredibly delicious and creative milkshake! It’s a dessert and a drink all in one.