Rich, naturally sweet, and lusciously smooth, this Creamy Banana Date Smoothie is the perfect blend of indulgence AND good-for-you ingredients. Ripe bananas and soft, caramel-like dates create a naturally sweet base, while a splash of vanilla adds warmth. Perfect for a morning pick-me-up or anytime treat.
I'm back on my date kick, and for good reason. Dates are a powerhouse when it comes to flavor, and it doesn't stop with baked goods. These days, I'm popping them like candy, and I'm not going to apologize for it anytime soon.
When you add dates to smoothies, the natural sugars will sweeten it up, similar to caramel. Throw in your favorite milk (or yogurt), and you have a 4-ingredient smoothie that tastes like a milkshake. Um, is that so wrong?
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What you will need
You're only 4 basic ingredients away from a delicious morning smoothie!
- Dates- Medjool dates are softer and sweeter than Deglet Noor dates.
- Bananas- Choose ripe bananas for added sweetness. I always use frozen bananas in my smoothies for the creamiest results. If you are using fresh bananas, you will need to add ice to get that smooth consistency.
- Milk or yogurt- Use any milk (including plant-based). If you are going the yogurt route, I prefer plain yogurt (not Greek). I find that Greek yogurt adds too much of a sour flavor.
- Vanilla- Add a splash of vanilla for warmth and depth. If using vanilla-flavored milk or yogurt, you can omit the vanilla.
- Cinnamon- For topping, optional.
- Salt- Optional- to balance out the sweetness.
Full ingredient list is located in the recipe card.
Step-by-step instructions
Here is a quick overview of how to make a delicious date smoothie.
Step 1. If prepping, freeze sliced bananas ahead of time. Step 2. Remove the pits from the dates. Step 3. Soak the dates in hot water to soften. Step 4. Add the milk, dates, bananas, and vanilla to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
👩🍳Expert tip
For the creamiest smoothies, use frozen bananas. To plan, chop your ripe bananas, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and then place them in the freezer. When frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, such as Ziploc.
Variations
Don't have an ingredient? Check out these variations.
- Add peanut butter or tahini for a nutty twist.
- Play around with spices such as nutmeg, cloves, or allspice.
- Add fruit such as blueberries or strawberries along with the bananas.
- Blend with chocolate spread, such as Nutella, for the ultimate treat.
Storage and prep
Smoothies are meant to be sipped right away. So make only enough for what you can consume.
To ensure you can always have smoothies on the fly, freeze your bananas ahead of time. Buy a few bunches of bananas, allow them to ripen on the counter, and then cut, freeze, and store for later use. I portion them into individual baggies, enough for one smoothie at a time.
Serving suggestions
Some days, all I need is my morning date smoothie to keep me full until lunch. Other days, I like to have my smoothie on the side of a simple breakfast, such as overnight oats or this yogurt brulee.
Frequently asked questions
Medjool dates can be found in well-stocked grocery stores, usually in the fruit aisle or near the nuts or bulk bin section. They can also be found online at popular retailers such as Amazon.
More fruity recipes
We are bananas for all things fruit!
Did you make this recipe? I would love to hear about it! Please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating with a comment right below the recipe card. If you snap a photo of your creation, don't forget to tag me on Instagram @brunchandbatter.
📖Recipe
Creamy Banana Date Smoothie
Equipment
- blender
Ingredients
- 2-3 Medjool dates, pitted
- 1 frozen banana (about 1 heaping cup of sliced frozen bananas)
- ½ cup milk, plus more as needed I always start with ½ cup, then add more
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ice cubes, as needed
- cinnamon, optional
- pinch sea salt, optional
Instructions
- Optional: If your dates are firm, you will want to soak them first. To soften the dates, place them in a bowl with warm water and allow them to soak for 10 minutes. Drain.2-3 Medjool dates, pitted
- To a blender, add the milk, dates, and vanilla and blend until smooth. Start on low speed and gradually increase to high until creamy and fully blended. Add more milk as needed to reach your desired consistency. If you like your smoothie extra cold, toss in a few ice cubes.1 frozen banana (about 1 heaping cup of sliced frozen bananas), ½ cup milk, plus more as needed, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, ice cubes, as needed
- Top with cinnamon and sea salt if using. Serve immediately.cinnamon, optional, pinch sea salt, optional
Notes
- For the creamiest smoothies, use frozen bananas.
- Freezing bananas: Slice ripe bananas, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and then place the baking sheet in the freezer. When frozen, transfer the banana slices to a freezer-safe bag, such as Ziploc.
Nutrition*
*Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. Nutrition information can vary depending on many factors, such as products used, measurements and substitutions, therefore it is recommended that you obtain nutritional calculations based on your own finished recipe.
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