Naturally sweetened with Medjool dates, a date shake is the perfect indulgence! I’m showing you how to make it with homemade vanilla date ice cream, or with store-bought vanilla ice cream. Both are equally delicious!
Date shakes originated in the Coachella Valley in Southern California. This popular shake is said to have been created in the 1930s or 1940s, as that region has lots of date palm groves. You can get versions of this in the area still.
🌟Why you’ll love this recipe
Looking for something to layer this milkshake with? Try this amazing matcha milkshake or strawberry milkshake! My recent favorite is this diner-style blackberry milkshake.
🧾Ingredients in this recipe
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
🤎 Pro Tip
When shopping for Medjool dates, look for plump, soft dates with intact skins. Remove the pit from the dates before using them.
👩🍳How to Make This Recipe
This recipe works best using an immersion blender if making just one and a high-speed blender if making more than one.
If using vanilla date ice cream, start at step 3!
Note on scoopability & amount of milk
If the ice cream is not scoopable straight out of the freezer, you’ll need to let it soften slightly before attempting to blend it. If the ice cream is super soft, you can get away with mixing the blended date mixture into the ice cream instead of having to blend it.
Optional: Top with whipped cream, chocolate flakes, crushed nuts, or any other toppings you like!
3-Ingredient Date Shake
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Ingredients
- ½ cup Medjool dates rough chopped & seeded
- ¼ cup milk dairy or non-dairy, plus more if needed
- 3 scoops vanilla ice cream 1.5 cups or see notes if using vanilla date ice cream*
- 1 pinch cinnamon optional
Instructions
- Roughly chop the dates.
- Add the chopped dates and the milk to a blender and run until smooth.
- Add the ice cream to the blender, and blend until just incorporated. Do not over-blend or it will get runny. See notes.**If using vanilla date ice cream, add 3 tablespoons of milk or non-dairy milk to help blend the milkshake.
- Pour into your favorite milkshake glass and add a milkshake straw. Optional: top with whipped cream, shaved chocolate, crushed nuts
My husband and I grew up in Southern California, and trips to Palm Springs were always highlighted by stopping and getting a Date Shake on the way in and then another Date Shake on the way home. (always the large on the way home). We have since moved to Idaho – and ): no date shakes. We bought a package of dates and then went looking on how to make a good Date Shake – came across your post and I must say they have turned out “wonderfully GREAT!” Thank you from the bottom of our contented taste buds and tummies.