Date Shake with Banana and Cardamom

A date shake sits somewhere between a milkshake and a nourishing smoothie: cold, creamy and naturally sweet, with the fruit doing most of the work. In this version, dried pitted dates bring caramel depth, ripe banana adds body, and whole milk gives a smooth, drinkable texture without needing ice cream. Vanilla softens the sweetness while ground cardamom adds a warm, fragrant note often paired with dates in Middle Eastern-style drinks and desserts. Best served straight from the blender, it makes a quick breakfast drink, afternoon refresher or simple sweet finish.
Recipe by JustRecipes Editorial Team
Content validated: August 2026 How we create recipes
Made this recipe? Rate it
Cuisine style Middle Eastern-inspired
Flavor profile Creamy • Naturally sweet • Aromatic
Techniques Blending
Key equipment Blender
Cooking style No-cook preparation • Minimal cleanup
Time commitment Under 15 minutes

Why this recipe works

  • Ready in minutes: Everything goes straight into the blender, making it a fast no-cook drink with very little preparation.
  • Naturally thick texture: Ripe banana and whole milk give the shake body, while the dates blend into a smooth, softly rich finish.
  • Sweet without added sugar: Dried dates provide deep natural sweetness, balanced by the mellow spice of cardamom and the softness of vanilla.

Get the most out of this recipe

Ingredient notes

  • Choose soft dates: Soft, pliable dates blend more easily and give the shake a smoother texture than very dry dates.
  • Soften firm dates first: If the dates are quite firm, soak them briefly in a little of the milk before blending to help them break down fully.
  • Use cardamom lightly: Ground cardamom is aromatic and can quickly dominate, so start with a small pinch and adjust after blending.

Texture tips

  • Blend until silky: Run the blender long enough for the date skins to disappear into the milk rather than leaving small chewy pieces.
  • For a thicker shake: Blend a little longer to aerate the mixture and give the drink a fuller, milkshake-like body.
  • Refresh before serving later: If refrigerated, the shake may thicken and separate; a brief blend restores a smoother, silkier consistency.

Dietary alternatives

  • Dairy-free option: Use almond drink instead of whole milk for a lighter dairy-free version with a mild nutty flavour.
  • Vegan version: Switching the milk to a plant-based drink makes the shake vegan while keeping the same basic method.

Timing notes

  • Best served straight away: The shake has its freshest flavour and smoothest texture immediately after blending.
  • Short storage only: It can be refrigerated for up to a day, but the texture is best when re-blended briefly before serving.

Equipment you'll need

Blender Measuring spoons
Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Peel the banana and break it into a few pieces. Add it to a blender with the dates, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cardamom.
  2. Blend on high for 45 to 60 seconds, or until completely smooth and creamy. If any date pieces cling to the sides, stop and blend again until silky.
  3. Pour into a chilled glass and serve straight away. For a thicker shake, blend a little longer to aerate it.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • If your dried dates are very firm, soak them in a little of the whole milk for 5 minutes before blending for the smoothest texture.
  • Taste after blending and add an extra pinch of ground cardamom if you want a more pronounced aroma.

Substitutions

  • Replace whole milk with almond drink for a dairy-free version.
  • Replace vanilla extract with madagascar-vanilla-paste for a slightly richer vanilla flavour.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 1 days
  • Best served immediately. If needed, refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 1 day, then blend again briefly before serving as it will thicken and separate.

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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 1 glasses
  • Total time: 10min (10min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern
  • Allergens:
    Milk
Beginner friendly Kid friendly
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Equipment you'll need

Blender Measuring spoons

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Ground cardamom

1 cup ≈ 96 g
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Vanilla extract

1 cup ≈ 240 ml
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Whole milk

1 cup ≈ 240 ml
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