Looking for a delicious and nutritious plant-based recipe that will transport you to the Golden State? Try this Plant-Based California Date Shake! Made with wholesome ingredients like ripe dates, walnut-cashew milk, and vanilla extract, this shake is perfect for a quick breakfast or snack. Soak the dates in hot water for a few minutes to soften them up, then blend all of the ingredients together until smooth. Enjoy!
Table of Contents
PSA: this is not a smoothie.
As a California-girl, I’m unsure how I had never heard of a Date Shake until a visit to Frankie & Jo’s in Seattle. The plant-based ice cream shop serves up on ode to the real-deal Palm Springs date shake in a dairy-free, vegan and paleo revival that tastes exactly like its dairy version.
Since my last trip to Seattle, I’ve been dreaming of Date Shakes, and quite frankly, dreaming of Coachella. In years past, it was right about now that my group of friends would start getting excited, making final prepping for the fun-filled Music and Arts Festival down in the Coachella Valley. It was also the unofficial start of warm weather season.
What is a California Date Shake?
A California Date Shake is a delicious and refreshing drink typically made with milk, ice cream, and dates. The dates give the shake its characteristic sweetness, while the milk and ice cream provide a rich and creamy texture. This shake is a popular treat in California, and it can be found in many cafes and restaurants throughout the Coachella Valley.
Thanks to its simple ingredients and easy-to-make recipe, the California Date Shake is also a popular choice for home cooks. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy summer dessert or a unique way to use up some ripe dates, a california date shake is always a delicious option.
Making the California Date Shake Plant-Based
Date shakes are a well-known Coachella Valley desert. Although I’ve been to Palm Springs numerous times, I’ve never (officially) tasted these legendary shakes been to Palm Springs. (At least not that I’m aware of!) I heard about their deliciousness from friends, from strangers, from the Insta and Pinterest world. Dates blended into a milkshake? Sounds like absolute perfection. I knew right away that I needed to recreate the date shake at home.
You’re going to love this thick and creamy plant-based California Date Shake made with dates, walnuts, and frozen bananas instead of ice cream. The plant-based date shake is a delicious, healthy drink that is perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Plus, it’s a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals! Not to mention, it’s dairy-free, gluten-free and plant-based/vegan.
Health Benefits of Dates
Dates have been a part of the human diet for centuries, and for good reason. These delicious fruits are not only sweet and satisfying, but they also offer a host of heath benefits. For example, dates are a good source of fiber, which can help to promote digestive health. They are also a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect cells from damage. Additionally, dates contain vitamins and minerals that are essential for good heath, including potassium, magnesium, and zinc. So next time you’re looking for a healthy snack, reach for some dates!
California Date Shake (Plant-Based)
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, Plant-Based
Recipe makes 2 servings
What You’ll Need
Walnut-Cashew Milk:
1/2 cup raw walnuts
1/2 cup cashews
2 Medjool dates pitted and soaked for 10 minutes
5-6 cups water
Shake:
8 Medjool dates pitted and soaked for 10 minutes
1 banana sliced and frozen
1 cup walnut-cashew milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 tbsp walnut-cashew pulp
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
A pinch sea salt
5-7 ice cubes
Tools:
High-Speed Blender (I used I used a Vitamix 5300 Blender)
What You’ll Need To Know
Walnut-Cashew Milk:
Using the Almond Cow Nut Milk Maker Machine, Once the cashews, walnuts and dates have been soaked, drain and add them to a high-speed blender.
Add in the walnut-cashew milk, vanilla, ground cinnamon, salt, pulp, and ice cubes and blend on high until thick and creamy, about 60-90 seconds.
Pour and enjoy!
Store the extra walnut-cashew milk in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for 5-7 days.
Final Bite
The California Date Shake is a delicious and nutritious plant-based option for those looking for a refreshing summer drink. With its sweet and earthy flavors, this shake is perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth. Be sure to give it a try!
This article was first published March 2017 and updated June 2022.