Experience the rich, naturally sweet flavor of a classic date shake-a nostalgic treat that combines tradition with wholesome nutrition. This recipe is inspired by the famous shakes from Dateland, Arizona, and you can easily make it at home using my homemade date paste!
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What is A Date Shake?
A date shake is a sweet, creamy beverage made by blending dates, typically Medjool, with milk and ice cream. Originating in California's Coachella Valley, it's known for its rich flavor, natural sweetness, and health benefits, including fiber, antioxidants, and energy-boosting sugars!
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My Quest to Recreate Dateland Date Shakes
If you've ever driven from San Diego to Arizona along Highway 8, you might know about Dateland, tucked between Yuma and Gila Bend. It's here, at the Dateland Travel Center and Gardens, that you'll find some of the most legendary date shakes you'll ever taste!
Over the years, while driving from San Diego to Flagstaff, Arizona, the thing I looked forward to most was stopping at Dateland and getting my favorite treat: a classic date shake.
(Even while my family sampled their shakes made with prickly pear syrup, I stayed loyal - maybe it's in my DNA?)
Now that I live in Montana, I wanted to recreate that magic at home.
After lots of experimenting, dare I say my version might even be better than the original? (At least, that's what my friends and family keep telling me.) Give it a try and let me know what you think!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy, and naturally sweet
- Easy to customize
- Inspired by famous Dateland shakes
- Packed with nutrients
- Quick and easy - ready in minutes
Ingredients & Substitutions
Many shake recipes call for additional ingredients such as frozen bananas, Greek yogurt, and protein powder. Start with this recipe, then experiment with these other ingredients!
- Medjool Dates: Soft, rich, and caramel-like. Look for them at Costco or most grocery stores. A more expensive option is to purchase them directly from Dateland.
- Date Paste: Helps achieve the signature color and smooth sweetness. Try my easy date paste recipe, or find date paste at any Middle Eastern market or on Amazon. Another option is to purchase date mix from the Dateland website. If using that, you'll only need a few tablespoons.
- Ice Cream: French vanilla, vanilla bean, or old-fashioned vanilla work best.
- Milk: Whole milk for richness, or use almond/coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
- Flavoring: I added ground cinnamon and vanilla extract.
- Optional Add-Ins: For flavor variations, add a splash of almond extract and ½ teaspoon cardamom powder.
How To Make A Date Shake
Step 1: Add chopped dates to a blender along with ½ cup milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon powder, and sea salt. Pulse a few times, then add date paste. Pulse a few more times for a chunky consistency or blend until smooth.
Step 2: Add ice cream and pulse. If needed, add an additional ¼ cup of milk to make the mixture blendable. Pour shake into two tall glasses. Add chopped dates as garnish, and serve!
Pro Tip: Since these shakes are thick and chunky, you'll need extra-wide straws to drink them. These extra-wide reusable straws are perfect for the job!
Health Benefits of Date Shakes
According to Healthline.com, dates are loaded with health benefits!
- Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Dates are high in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants.
- Natural Sweetener: Dates provide a healthier alternative to refined sugars.
- Digestive Aid: The fiber content supports digestive health.
- Energy Boost: Natural sugars in dates offer a quick energy source.
- Bone Health: Rich in calcium and magnesium for strong bones.
- Brain Health: Dates reduce inflammation markers, improving memory, anxiety, and the ability to learn.
Healthier Alternatives to the Classic Date Shake
- Vegan Option: Use almond milk and/or frozen bananas instead of ice cream for a dairy-free version.
- Low-Sugar Version: Opt for unsweetened almond milk and reduce the date quantity.
- Protein Boost: Add a scoop of protein powder or Greek yogurt.
- Flavor Variations: Add a pinch of cardamom for extra warmth. Incorporate a few tablespoons of tahini for a nutty twist.
Creative Twists on the Traditional Date Shake
- Tropical Shake: Blend in pineapple and coconut milk for a tropical flair.
- Spiced Shake: Add chai spices for a cozy, spiced version.
- Chocolate Shake: Mix in cocoa powder or chocolate chips for a dessert-like treat.
- Nutty Shake: Include almonds or pistachios for added texture and flavor.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, use frozen bananas or plant-based yogurt for a creamy texture.
In moderation, dates have a low glycemic index and can be part of a balanced diet.
Store in an airtight container in the freezer; blend again before serving.
You can absolutely make date shakes without a blender. Substitute whole dates with date paste or purchase date shake mix from Dateland.com.
The best dates to use for making date shakes are Medjool dates. They have a softer, meatier texture, perfect for blending into shakes. Deglet Noor dates are smaller and have a firmer texture. They don't blend well, so they're not recommended. 
Pro Tips
- Defrost vanilla ice cream on the counter for 10 minutes so that it blends more easily.
- Chilling your glass will help keep your shake cold longer.
- Dateland shakes have date pieces and skins. They're not completely smooth.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, soaking your dates in warm milk for 10 minutes before blending will create an ultra-smooth, creamy shake!
Date Shakes Fun Facts
Medjool dates originated in the Middle East, where dates are consumed in large quantities. Ancient civilizations considered the "date palm" the "tree of life."
In the early 20th century, six shoots from Medjool date palms were brought to the US from North Africa and the Middle East. These shoots account for all the Medjool dates grown in the US since then!
Where to Enjoy Date Shakes In Palm Springs
Today, dates are consumed everywhere around the world. Date shakes, in particular, are quite popular in Dateland, Arizona, and in Southern California. More specifically, Shield's Date Garden in Indio is famous for its original recipe.
Many establishments in Palm Springs offer their unique takes. In Coachella Valley, date shakes are referred to as "the unofficial drink of the Coachella Valley" and the "unofficial drink of Palm Springs." You can also experience a variety of date shakes at local festivals celebrating the fruit.
Date shakes offer a delightful blend of taste and nutrition, with endless possibilities for customization. Try making your own today and explore the rich flavors and health benefits it offers.
More Date Recipes
If you enjoy this date shake recipe, check out these other date recipes!
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Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add chopped dates to a blender along with ½ cup milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon powder, and sea salt. Pulse a few times, then add date paste. Pulse a few more times for a chunky consistency or blend until smooth.
- Add ice cream and pulse. If needed, add an additional ¼ cup of milk to make the mixture blendable. Pour the date shake into two tall glasses. Add chopped dates as garnish, and serve.
Nutrition
Notes
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- Since these date shakes are thick and chunky, you'll need extra-wide straws to drink them. These extra-wide reusable straws are perfect for the job!
- Defrost vanilla ice cream on the counter for 10 minutes so that it blends more easily.
- Chilling your glass will help keep your shake cold longer.
- Dateland shakes have date pieces and skins. They're not completely smooth.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, soaking your dates in warm milk for 10 minutes before blending will create an ultra-smooth, creamy shake!
nicole demink says
This is by far the best date shake I’ve ever had!! I definitely want more!!
Hilda Sterner says
Thanks, Nicole, come one over with a gallon of vanilla ice cream. I'll make you one. 😃
Kelly Methey says
This recipe is the best! Your date shake is truly better than the original! I speak from experience, since I have had both. The flavor is delightfully sweet, the texture is creamy with the bits of dates adding to the uniqueness of the shake. Your additions of cinnamon, vanilla and a pinch of salt round it all out to make this the best date shake I have ever had! Yum!!!!
Hilda Sterner says
Thank you so much, Kelly! That means a lot!
Kathy Fisher says
Well, we gave it a try and it was a home run. So delicious. Brought back so many memories of my days on the desert, driving Indian Pass to the Colorado River then going south along the River and ending up at one of the date gardens along the lower Colorado. We always looked forward to a date shake. So refreshing at the end of an adventure on the desert. Thanks Hilda for the recipe.
Hilda Sterner says
I know all about looking forward to date shakes, but unfortunately we had to make a long trip to get one. So excited about being able to make them at home now!
Hilda Sterner says
I hope you love these date shakes as much as we do!