I remember making this date smoothie the day before I gave birth to Sidney. Tony and I were bored out of our freaking minds and I wanted to make something with dates because I had heard that they were a great way to naturally induce labor and shorten labor time. Not sure if that’s an old wives tale because my labor was 36 hours, but I digress.
I whipped up this date smoothie and immediately knew it had to go on the blog. It’s OUTRAGEOUSLY DELICIOUS, slightly nutty thanks to tahini, and reminded me of my brown butter snickerdoodle cookies that are infused with sweet vanilla and cinnamon flavor. I couldn’t get enough!
Wanna know the crazy part though? There’s a secret veggie hiding inside that you won’t even taste or see. I promise! This smoothie is nut free and packed with fruit and veggies–making it perfect for you OR the kiddos!
Ingredients in this date smoothie recipe
While I’m a big fan of bananas in smoothies, this tahini date smoothie recipe is made without banana and is still perfectly sweet and delicious thanks to dates. It’s easy, creamy and a great breakfast or afternoon snack to make. You’ll need is:
- Medjool dates: you can purchased already pitted dates, or just take out the pit yourself.
- Non-dairy milk: this will keep the smoothie dairy free and vegan while giving it the perfect consistency. Start with 1 cup and add more to thin out the smoothie, if necessary. I prefer almond milk in this recipe but light coconut milk would also be delicious.
- Frozen cauliflower: you read that right! The frozen cauliflower gives this date smoothie the perfect, thick texture plus a boost of veggies. You will not be able to taste it – promise!
- Tahini: a wonderful nut-free option that adds a delicious creaminess to the smoothie. I love this brand!
- Vanilla & cinnamon: this combo gives the smoothie that true snickerdoodle cookie flavor. So good.
- Toppings: make a yummy smoothie bowl or just top your glass with a drizzle of tahini, sprinkle of cinnamon and your fav granola (or try my best-ever homemade granola recipe!)
Optional date smoothie additions
Feel free to truly make this smoothie your own! Here are a few nutritional suggestions for this date smoothie recipe:
- Flaxseed meal: this is one of my favorite ingredients to add to smoothies for a little boost of fiber and minerals. It’s especially great for nursing mamas as flaxseed can help increase milk supply. Usually a tablespoon is plenty! Here’s a brand I love.
- Chia seeds: add in a tablespoon of chia seeds to your smoothie for a boost of healthy fats and fiber.
- Hemp seeds: feel free to throw in those hemp seeds lurking in your cupboard for a boost of healthy fats, omegas and minerals.
- Oats: add about 1/3 cup oats to your smoothie for an additional thickness & heartiness. Do not use steel cut oats as they will not blend well.
- Organic spinach: if you’re looking to get more greens in your smoothie, try adding a few cups of spinach. It may turn the smoothie a slightly off-putting color, but you won’t be able to taste the spinach at all.
- Greek yogurt: add a boost of protein with a scoop of Greek yogurt (or your favorite dairy free yogurt). You may have to reduce the almond milk to 3/4 cup in this smoothie when adding yogurt.
- Protein powder or collagen peptides: another great way to add some protein. I recommend a plain or vanilla flavored protein powder in this recipe. Here is a great plant-based option.
- Cacao powder: this would add a delicious, chocolate-y flavor to the smoothie along with a great source of antioxidants. I recommend 1/2 tablespoon to start.
Tips for making this date smoothie recipe
Here are a few of my favorite tips for making this date smoothie creamy and delicious:
- Using frozen cauliflower as it helps keep the smoothie cold and thick. Sometimes ice doesn’t blend as well, so it’s best to skip unless absolutely necessary.
- Don’t be afraid to add more liquid if your smoothie is too thick or won’t fully blend. High powered blenders tend to blend frozen ingredients much better, so if you have a regular or personal size blender, you may need to add more milk.
- Start the blender on low speed, then gradually increase the speed to high to help blend all ingredients. End with the blender on low speed.
How do you soften dates for smoothies?
You’ll simply soak your pitted dates in 1 cup of warm water for at least 5 minutes. This will help them soften up and make sure that you can easily blend them.
Meal prep this healthy date smoothie
Yes, you can make this easy smoothie ahead of time to enjoy later! I have three amazing methods for prepping and storing smoothies right in your freezer. You’ll learn the ice cube tray method, the mason jar method and the freezer pack method. Get all of my tips and tricks here!
See how to make the vegan date smoothie
I know you guys are going to love this tahini date smoothie recipe! It makes the perfect breakfast or quick afternoon pick-me-up. Enjoy! xo.
Snickerdoodle Tahini Date Smoothie
Creamy snickerdoodle tahini date smoothie made in just 10 minutes with no banana! This delicious, vegan date smoothie has Medjool dates, almond milk, cauliflower, tahini, vanilla and cinnamon for a wonderful flavor that tastes just like your favorite snickerdoodle cookie. Options to add extra protein and your favorite mix-ins.
- For the date smoothie:
-
3
pitted large Medjool dates (¼ cup packed pitted Medjool dates) -
1
cup
unsweetened almond milk (or sub light coconut milk), plus more to thin smoothie if necessary -
¾
cup
frozen cauliflower -
1
tablespoon
tahini -
½
teaspoon
vanilla extract -
¼
teaspoon
cinnamon - Optional smoothie add-ins:
-
1
tablespoon
cacao powder -
1
scoop your favorite protein powder -
1
tablespoon
flaxseed meal -
¼
cup
gluten free rolled oats
First soak your pitted dates in 1 cup of very warm water for at least 5 minutes. This will help them soften up and perfect for blending. While the dates are soaking you can get all your other ingredients out, measured and ready.
Next add all ingredients to a high powered blender: pitted dates, almond milk, cauliflower, tahini, vanilla extract and cinnamon. Feel free to add any optional add-ins to your smoothie if you’d like. Blend until smooth, adding more almond milk to thin, if necessary. Pour into a glass and enjoy! Serves 1. Feel free to double the recipe to serve 2.
Feel free to sub any kind of nut butter you’d like for the tahini, although, I think tahini makes a world of difference. Peanut butter would also be amazing.
Nutrition
Servings: 1 serving
Serving size: 1 smoothie
Calories: 310kcal
Fat: 11.3g
Saturated fat: 1.2g
Carbohydrates: 54.8g
Fiber: 9.1g
Sugar: 40.3g
Protein: 6.6g
Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen | Photography by: Eat Love Eats
