Date and Banana Milkshake with Cardamom
Why this recipe works
- Ready in minutes: Everything is blended cold, so there is no cooking or chilling time beyond using very cold milk.
- Naturally creamy: Ripe banana gives the shake body, while dates soften briefly in the milk for a smoother blend.
- Sweet without added sugar: Dates and banana provide mellow sweetness, with cardamom and cinnamon adding fragrance rather than heaviness.
Get the most out of this recipe
Ingredient notes
- Choose soft dates: Soft, pitted dried dates blend most easily. If they feel dry or firm, let them stand in the milk a little longer before blending.
- Use a ripe banana: A ripe banana gives better sweetness and a fuller texture, helping the milkshake taste rounded without extra sugar.
- Keep cardamom forward: Cardamom is the main aromatic here; cinnamon works best as a background warmth rather than the dominant spice.
Texture tips
- Blend until fully smooth: If the shake still looks speckled after the first blend, continue briefly until the dates are fully incorporated.
- For a thicker shake: Use a very ripe banana and blend long enough to build a light froth and a fuller texture.
Timing notes
- Serve straight away: The milkshake is coldest and frothiest immediately after blending. If held in the fridge, shake or re-blend before serving.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour the cold milk into a blender, then add the dates and leave to stand for 2 minutes to soften slightly. This helps the shake blend silky smooth.
- Peel the banana and break it into the blender. Add the vanilla, cardamom and cinnamon.
- Blend for 45 to 60 seconds until completely smooth and lightly frothy. If it looks speckled, blend a little longer.
- Pour into an ice-cold glass and serve straight away. For the coldest result, chill the glass in the fridge while you blend.
Recipe notes
Tips
- For a thicker milkshake, use a very ripe banana and blend for a full minute to build more froth.
- If your dates are very dry, let them soak in the milk for 5 minutes before blending for a smoother finish.
Substitutions
- Replace Whole milk with Lactose-free milk for a lactose-free version with the same creamy texture.
- Replace Ground cinnamon with a pinch of Allspice for a slightly more complex, warming spice note.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 1 days
- Best served immediately. If needed, refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 1 day; shake or re-blend briefly before serving as it will separate.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 1 glasses
- Total time: 10min (10min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
-
Allergens:
Milk
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