This banana date smoothie is naturally sweet with subtle banana notes, a caramel-like flavor from the dates, and a cozy hint of vanilla. It's super creamy, made with just 5 simple ingredients, and easy to customize.
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After my Banana Date Muffins, Peanut Butter Date Balls, Chocolate Date Cake and Carrot Date Cake, you've probably noticed that I love sweetening with dates. They are a great natural sweetener, add that rich, caramel-like flavor and pack in plenty of fiber!
This smoothie is also naturally vegan (as long as you pick a plant-based milk) and gluten-free and you can easily swap a few ingredients to tweak the flavor to your liking.
Ingredients & substitution notes
- Medjool dates: I recommend Medjool here because they have the best caramel-like flavor and are naturally softer, which makes them easier for your blender to handle. You could use Deglet Noor, but for ultimate flavor, Medjool wins every time.
- Frozen banana (overripe): This is what makes the smoothie ultra creamy while also adding natural sweetness. (Bonus: it saves those overripe bananas from going to waste!)
- (Plant) Milk: I went with soy milk for an extra protein boost, but unsweetened oat milk, almond, or really any plant-based milk will work. Regular whole milk is also possible.
- Cinnamon: Just a little adds those cozy, warm spice notes that pair beautifully with banana and dates.
- Vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla extract if you can, without additives, for the best flavor.
See recipe card for quantities.
Step-by-step photo instructions
Step 1: Put all the ingredients to a (high-speed) blender. Blend until smooth.
Step 2: Taste and adjust sweetness and consistency.
Top tips
- Use a high-speed blender- A blender like a Vitamix will make the smoothie extra creamy and silky.
- Soften your dates if needed- Medjool dates are usually nice and soft, but if yours feel a bit dry and firm, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes before blending.
- Adjust thickness to your liking- For a thicker, almost milkshake-like smoothie, use less milk. For something lighter and more sippable, just add a splash more.
Topping and serving suggestions
- Cardamom- a pinch adds a lovely warming, slightly exotic flavor
- Nut butter- try my Roasted Almond Butter or peanut butter for a protein boost and extra thick texture
- Protein powder- a great way to turn this smoothie into a post-workout snack
- Seeds- chia seeds, hemp seeds, or even flaxseeds add healthy fats, fiber, and a little extra protein
- Sea salt- just a tiny pinch really brings out the caramel flavor of the dates
- Cocoa powder- for a chocolatey, almost dessert-like version
Storage
This smoothie really does taste best fresh but if you've got leftovers, you can pop them in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 day. Just give it a good shake or stir before drinking, as it may thicken slightly while it sits.
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📖 Recipe
Banana Date Smoothie
Equipment
- 1 (high speed) blender
Ingredients
- 1 frozen banana
- 2-3 Medjool dates (seeds removed) *see notes
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup unsweetened soy milk *or other milk of choice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Blend: Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender. Blend on high until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides if needed.
- Taste and adjust: Taste and adjust sweetness or thickness by adding more dates or milk as desired.
Video
Notes
- Frozen banana: I recommend slicing your bananas before freezing them. That way your blender won't have such a hard time breaking them down.
- Dates: Medjool dates are usually nice and soft, but if yours feel a bit dry and firm, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes before blending.
- Sweetness: Using 2-3 Medjool dates gives the smoothie a nice, naturally sweet flavor without being overpowering. If you prefer it sweeter, just add an extra date or two to taste.
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