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About This Recipe
This Cinnamon Vanilla Date Milkshake is one of those simple recipes that feels a little extra special with minimal effort. It’s inspired by classic date shakes, but with a cozy twist from a pinch of cinnamon, a hint of nutmeg, and rich vanilla flavor.
The dates add a natural caramel-like sweetness that blends perfectly with the creamy ice cream, giving you a milkshake that tastes indulgent without needing anything complicated. It’s the kind of treat that works just as well for a quick afternoon snack as it does for a simple dessert.
Even better, it’s easy to adjust based on what you have on hand, whether you want to lighten it up, boost the protein, or make it dairy-free.
For more yummy milkshake and smoothie recipes, try my Strawberry Banana Oat Smoothie, Peanut Butter and Jelly Smoothie, Pumpkin Protein Shake Recipe with Ice Cream (Like a Milkshake!), Skinny Peppermint Protein Milkshake (Chick-fil-A Copycat), Cookies and Cream Protein Shake, or Birthday Cake Protein Milkshake.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Date Milkshake
- Naturally sweetened with dates: Dates give this shake a rich, caramel-like sweetness, so no syrups or added sugars are needed.
- Creamy and satisfying: The combination of ice cream and blended dates creates the smoothest, thickest texture.
- Warm, cozy flavor: Cinnamon, vanilla, and a touch of nutmeg give it that comforting, dessert-like feel.
- Quick and easy: Just a handful of simple ingredients and a blender. Ready in minutes!
- Easy to customize: Lighten it up, make it dairy-free, or add protein depending on your goals.
- Vanilla bean ice cream: Vanilla bean ice cream works best here for the most balanced flavor. It has a richer, more real vanilla taste and isn’t as overly sweet, which pairs perfectly with the dates. Classic or “country” vanilla will work, but will make the shake a bit sweeter. French vanilla is richer and more custardy, but it can feel a little heavy with the cinnamon and date flavors.
- Milk (whole milk): Whole milk gives this milkshake the creamiest texture and best flavor. You can substitute with 2% or even skim if needed, though the shake will be slightly less rich. Any non-dairy milk (like almond milk, oat milk, or cashew milk) will also work. Just keep in mind that thinner milks may make the shake a bit less thick.
- Dates (Medjool dates, pitted): Medjool dates are ideal because they’re soft, naturally sweet, and have a deep caramel flavor. Make sure they’re pitted before blending. If your dates are firm, soak them in hot water for about 10 minutes to soften, this helps them blend smoothly into the shake.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor and brings out the sweetness of the dates. Even with vanilla ice cream, this extra layer makes a difference.
- Cinnamon and nutmeg: Cinnamon is the star spice here, adding warmth and depth. A small pinch of nutmeg rounds everything out and gives the shake a cozy, slightly spiced flavor. You can adjust both to taste depending on how strong you want the spice.
- Make it lighter: Use a lighter ice cream, or adjust milk and ice cream ratios (use 1/2 cup vanilla ice cream + 2/3 cup 2% milk instead, add a few extra ice cubes to get it thicker)
- Boost the protein (without adding protein powder): Swap out some of the ice cream for cottage cheese. Replace 1/4–1/2 cup of the ice cream with equal parts cottage cheese and blend very well until smooth. This shake is already sweet as is, and since protein powders can make things even sweeter, the tang from the cottage cheese can help balance it all out.
- Less sweet: For a less sweet shake, you can use just 2 dates instead of 3
- Dairy-free: Use your favorite dairy-free ice cream and milk.
How To Make
The full printable recipe is below, but let me walk you through the process so you know what to expect when you’re making it!
1. Pop two small glasses in the freezer to chill while you make the milkshake. If your dates feel firm, soak them in hot water for about 10 minutes, then drain well. This helps them blend up extra smooth and creamy.
2. Add the ice cream, milk, softened dates, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a few ice cubes to a high-speed blender.
3. Blend until thick, smooth, and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides if needed. Add an extra ice cube or splash of milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
4. Pour evenly into the chilled glasses. Finish with a light sprinkle of cinnamon and enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- Use soft, fresh dates: Fresh Medjool dates are naturally soft and caramel-like, which makes for the creamiest texture. If yours feel dry or firm, just give them a quick soak.
- Blend long enough: Dates can take a little extra time to fully break down. Let your blender run until completely smooth, so you don’t end up with tiny bits.
- Adjust consistency as needed: For a thicker shake, add more ice or a little extra ice cream. For a thinner, more sippable texture, add a splash of milk.
- Don’t skip chilling the glasses: This small step keeps your milkshake colder longer and gives it that extra “treat” feel.
- Taste and tweak: Depending on your dates and ice cream, sweetness can vary slightly. Add a pinch more cinnamon or a tiny splash of vanilla if you want to enhance the flavor.
What do dates taste like in a milkshake?
Dates add a rich, caramel-like sweetness that blends beautifully with vanilla and warm spices. They make the milkshake taste naturally sweet and a little more complex than using sugar alone.
Do I have to soak the dates?
Not always! If your Medjool dates are soft and fresh, you can skip it. But if they’re even slightly firm, soaking helps them blend smoothly and prevents small chunks.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Milkshakes are best enjoyed fresh, right after blending. If you need to prep ahead, you can measure everything out and store it in the fridge so it’s ready to blend quickly.
Can I add protein powder?
You can, but keep in mind it may make the shake sweeter or slightly chalky, depending on the brand. If you want to boost protein without affecting flavor too much, the cottage cheese swap works really well.
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure leave a review, tag me on Instagram or TikTok at @LaurenFitFoodie or hashtag #LaurenFitFoodie so I can see your creations!
Cinnamon Vanilla Date Milkshake
Ingredients
- 1 cup vanilla bean ice cream (240g)
- 1/3 cup whole milk (80g)
- 3 Medjool pitted dates (40g)
- 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
- 3-4 ice cubes as needed
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Instructions
- Pop two small glasses in the freezer to chill while you make the milkshake.
- If your dates feel firm, soak them in hot water for about 10 minutes, then drain well. This helps them blend up extra smooth and creamy.
- Add the ice cream, milk, softened dates, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a few ice cubes to a high-speed blender. Blend until thick, smooth, and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides if needed. Add an extra ice cube or splash of milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Pour evenly into the chilled glasses. Finish with a light sprinkle of cinnamon and enjoy!
Equipment
Notes
- Make it lighter – use a lighter ice cream, or adjust milk and ice cream ratios (use 1/2 cup vanilla ice cream + 2/3 cup 2% milk instead, add a few extra ice cubes to get it thicker)
- Boost the protein (without adding protein powder) by swapping out some of the ice cream for cottage cheese. Replace 1/4–1/2 cup of the ice cream with equal parts cottage cheese and blend very well until smooth.
This shake is already sweet as is, and since protein powders can make things even sweeter, the tang from the cottage cheese can help balance it all out. - Vanilla bean ice cream works best here for the most balanced flavor. It has a richer, more real vanilla taste and isn’t as overly sweet, which pairs perfectly with the dates.
Classic or “country” vanilla will work, but will make the shake a bit sweeter. French vanilla is richer and more custardy, but can feel a little heavy with the cinnamon and date flavors. - For a less sweet shake, you can use just 2 dates instead of 3.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition is hand-calculated and accurate. No autocalulations! However, note that values can vary based on the brands you use and if you substitute ingredients.
