Got dates on hand? Let’s make a Date Smoothie! Dates are ideal in smoothies: they’re a natural sweetener with a caramelly sweet flavor. They add a great source of fiber and enhance the creamy texture of a smoothie. Here’s how to make a naturally sweet smoothie using this tasty fruit: it comes out creamy and fruity, with a rich vanilla finish.
Ingredients in this date smoothie
This vanilla date smoothie is inspired by a date shake we had in Palm Springs (which is made with ice cream and a whole separate recipe!). We wanted to harness the flavor power of vanilla and dates, but make it into a healthier puree. Here’s what you’ll need for this date smoothie:
MilkGreek yogurtFrozen bananaFrozen pineappleMedjool dates (or deglet noor; see below)Vanilla extract CinnamonIce
Blend it up, and you’ve got a tasty smoothie puree that tastes deliciously fruity. The only thing you have to remember: to freeze the banana in advance! You can also use purchased frozen bananas. Frozen banana and pineapple work together to provide a frosty base to this smoothie.
Medjool dates vs deglet noor
Medjool dates are our top choice for this date smoothie. They’re very large, soft dates with an intense caramel sweet flavor. This type of date has become popular for their use in energy bars and they can be used in many types of recipes to add sweetness. If you can’t find them, deglet noor dates can work too. However, this type of date is much harder in texture and not as sweet. How many deglet noor dates to substitute for Medjool? Use 8 deglet noor dates to equal 4 Medjool dates.
Vegan variation
Want to make this date smoothie into a vegan smoothie? Simply substitute oat milk or almond milk for the milk and Greek yogurt. Use oat milk in place of the Greek yogurt and milk, starting with ¾ cup and adding more as needed. You also may want consider adding a protein source, since Greek yogurt has lots of protein. Try 1 tablespoon almond butter, chia seeds or vanilla protein powder.
More smoothie recipes to use dates
Want to make a different flavor fruit smoothie using dates as a sweetener? Here are a few great smoothie options where you can use dates as a substitute for the maple syrup or honey in the recipe:
Try this Strawberry Smoothie with 3 Medjool dates (instead of honey)Go for a Spinach Smoothie with 2 Medjool dates (instead of honey)Try a Berry Smoothie with 3 Medjool dates (instead of honey)Grab a Cherry Smoothie with 1 to 2 Medjool dates (instead of maple syrup)Opt for this Glowing Green Smoothie with 2 Medjool dates (instead of maple syrup)
5 from 1 review *Medjool dates are the best for this smoothie. If you can’t find them, deglet noor dates can work too. However, this type of date is much harder in texture and not as sweet. Use 8 deglet noor dates to equal 4 Medjool dates.
