Date Shake Recipe

Common Questions

Can I make a date shake ahead of time?

These shakes are best served right away while they’re still thick. However, if you have leftovers, you can freeze them in mason jars for up to 1-2 months! Just thaw them in the fridge for a few hours beforehand to enjoy.

Do I have to soak the dates for a date shake recipe? 

No, soaking the dates isn’t 100% necessary, but I usually recommend it! It doesn’t take much time and can make the mixing process so much easier, especially if you don’t have a super powerful blender. 

What does a date shake taste like?

A date shake is famous for its sweet, warm flavors and thick, creamy texture! It’s typically made with ice cream, seasonal dates, and cinnamon for the best taste. Here we’re making a healthier version that has all the same sweet flavor and creamy texture as the original, but made with better-for-you ingredients and higher protein.

I tried the famous Date Shake on a trip to Palm Springs a few years ago, and it was love at first sip! I was instantly hooked, and I knew I had to recreate my own version at home. Needless to say, I’ve been making this copycat Palm Springs Date Shake recipe for YEARS and it’s still one of my favorite healthy frozen treats! It has all the same sweet flavor and creamy texture as the original, but I make mine with healthy ingredients and higher protein. All you need are 6 ingredients, a blender, and 10 minutes. It’s one of my favorite breakfasts, and my kids love it for dessert! 

Higher Protein Date Shake Recipe

I’ve been making homemade date shakes for years, and they’re always so good! The combination of sweet dates and ripe bananas with creamy cottage cheese (or yogurt) and a touch of cinnamon is seriously incredible. And because they’re made with healthier ingredients, I feel good about giving them to my kids (they love them just as much as I do, by the way!) 

Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, post-workout fuel, or a fun weekend dessert, these shakes are quick and easy to make. They might even be tastier than the original! 

What is a Date Shake? 

If you’ve never had a date shake (opens in a new tab) before, it will totally change your life! Essentially, it’s a milkshake made with dates. The drink is popular in Palm Springs, California, an area where dates, the key ingredient in the recipe, are grown. The ripe, juicy fruit gives the mixture a thick, milkshake-like texture and deliciously sweet taste. 

In California, the shakes are extremely popular and well-known, and they make for a fun, indulgent treat, especially when the weather is super warm! 

Why You’ll Love This Date Shake Recipe

• 6 Simple Ingredients – Just five kitchen staples and ice. 
• Less Than 10 minutes to Make – Combine the ingredients, blend, and serve. That’s it!
• Naturally Sweetened – Made with dates instead of refined sugar. Add maple syrup to taste!
• Tastes Like Dessert! – You won’t believe there’s no ice cream involved. These shakes are that good! 
• Higher Protein – The cottage cheese or yogurt provides a solid boost of protein, making these shakes super filling. Each one has 12 grams of protein!

You’ll also love: Ninja Creami Protein Milkshake

Date Smoothie Recipe Ingredients

You only need 6 ingredients for this healthy date shake recipe, and you probably already have them on hand! 

• Cottage Cheese (opens in a new tab) – You can also use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative. Full-fat cottage cheese works best, but any type is great.
• Dates – I like Deglet Noor (opens in a new tab) or Medjool dates, but any variety will work. Just make sure they’re pitted! 
• Maple Syrup – This is optional, but provides the perfect touch of extra sweetness without the need for refined sugar. Honey will also work, but I much prefer the taste of maple syrup. 
• Frozen Bananas – Creates a creamy, ice cream-like consistency. Freeze your bananas at the peak of ripeness or when they’re brown and spotty for a sweeter taste! 
• Cinnamon – Adds depth and a touch of warmth to balance the sweetness. 
• Milk Ice – Freeze any kind of milk you have on hand. Regular milk, cashew milk, almond milk (although not as creamy), oat milk, or soy are all great options. This creates a thick, fluffy consistency without watering down the flavor of the shake.

How to Make a Date Shake with Cottage Cheese

You’ll just need a few minutes and a high-speed blender (opens in a new tab) to get started. All you have to do is combine, blend, and serve! Here’s how to make the BEST date shake recipe: 

1. Blend – Add all the ingredients to a blender, and blend until smooth. 
2. Adjust – At this point, the mixture will be super thick! Scrape the sides, and use a blender tamper to make sure all the ingredients are well combined. 
3. Serve – Pour the mixture into glasses, add your garnishes of choice, and enjoy!

RELATED: Blueberry Vanilla Protein Shake Recipe

Tips for Best Date Smoothie

This recipe is pretty failproof already, but I do have a few extra tips and tricks to make sure it always comes out perfect! 

• Soften the Dates – Chop and soak the dates in water for about 10 minutes before you begin. This will soften them up and make them easier to blend. 
• Blend Well – Because we aren’t using liquid, this shake will be SUPER thick. For a smooth, creamy consistency, make sure to use a high-powered blender, scrape the sides of the blender, and use a blender tamper to incorporate all the ingredients.
• More Dates – Feel free to add more dates to taste!
• Adjust the Consistency – Add more or less ice and cottage cheese, depending on how thick you want your shake. You can also add a little bit of milk (2 Tablespoons at a time) to thin out this shake, if desired!
• Serve Immediately – For the best taste and texture, serve your date shakes right away!

Easy Date Shake Recipe Variations

A classic Palm Springs date shake is already delicious, but there are plenty of ways to customize it! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Vanilla Protein Boost – Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder for an extra protein-packed shake. This pairs well with the natural sweetness of dates.
• Mocha Date Shake – Blend in 1 teaspoon of instant coffee or a shot of espresso for a coffee-infused twist.
• Chocolate Delight – Add 1 Tablespoon of cocoa powder or a few chocolate chips for a chocolatey treat. A pinch of sea salt enhances the flavor even further!
• Nut Butter Creaminess – Blend in 1 Tablespoon of almond butter or peanut butter for a richer, nuttier taste.
• Pumpkin Spice Twist – Replace cinnamon with 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for a fall-inspired version.
• Green Date Shake – Add a handful of spinach or kale for a nutrient boost without affecting the flavor too much. I like to use frozen greens for easy blending! 
• Extra Fruity – Blend in 1/2 cup of frozen mango or strawberries for a fruity variation.

Date Shake Recipe FAQs

Frozen Treats You’ll Love

• Ninja Creami Dole Whip
• Whipped Lemonade Recipe
• Peppermint Frosty
• Lemon Ice Cream
• Protein Ice Cream Recipe

More Delicious Ways to Use Dates

• Date Snickers
• Pumpkin Butter Date Bark
• Homemade Date Twix Bars
• Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Date Bars
• Almond Joy Chocolate Covered Dates
• Healthy Chocolate Brownies with Date Caramel Sauce

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