A creamy, nutritious shake that tastes like Southern California in a glass is truly the best way to welcome in the warmer weather. And what could be better than my Gut-Healthy Cashew Date Shake? This milkshake is a staple within the Coachella Valley of California (aka, where dates grow in abundance) and is made healthier and dairy-free with the help of a not-so-secret ingredient: cashews! This shake was one of my favorite treats a child, and I know it will become one of your favorites, too!
Growing up, my family didn’t have much. My dad was an immigrant from Armenia, and worked extremely hard to provide us with what he could. But even despite not having much, my immigrant father always found ways to make our trips to Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley special. One of my fondest memories from those trips was getting a date shake. These delicious treats were a staple in the area and made with dates, ice cream, and milk. While they were a rare indulgence for us, they always brought a smile to mine and my sister’s faces.
As I grew older, I became more conscious of my health and realized that the traditional date shake wasn’t the best option for my gut. As someone who can be sensitive to dairy, a shake loaded with milk and ice cream isn’t necessarily ideal. That’s when I decided to create my own spin on this recipe, that was just as creamy and delicious, but much better for my body.
To make this shake gut-healthy, we’ll be swapping out the ice cream for cashews. Cashews are a great source of healthy fats and can help improve digestive health. They also add a delicious nutty flavor to the shake. If you want an even creamier shake, you can soak the cashews overnight or for at least 4 hours. However, if you’re short on time, you can soak them in hot water for 30 minutes before blending.
And let’s not forget the star ingredient of the shake – dates! Dates are a natural sweetener and are also rich in fiber, making them great for gut health. To make them easier to blend, we’ll need to soften them first. To do this, soak the dates in boiling water for 10 minutes. This will make them plump and soft, allowing them to blend easily with the other ingredients.
What You Need to Make This Creamy Date Shake
- Banana: Bananas are one of my favorite smoothie ingredients, and you’ll want to make sure that you use FROZEN bananas. Frozen bananas make this smoothie nice and thick, without adding additional ice that will water it down.
- Raw Cashews: Raw cashews are the secret to making this shake nice and creamy. Unfortunately it can’t be substituted out for another type of nut.
- Medjool Dates: Of course, you need dates in order to make this date shake. My favorite dates are by Joolies, and are sourced straight from the Coachella valley!
- Cinnamon & Nutmeg: The combination of cinnamon and nutmeg adds the best flavor to this shake. Don’t skip these!
- Ice Cubes: Ice cubes will ensure that this shake turns out thick and creamy!
- Almond Milk: I like using almond milk in this recipe, but you can use any non-dairy milk that you’d like.
- Yogurt: This is optional, but I highly recommend topping your shakes with a dollop of coconut yogurt for the best flavor! My absolute favorite coconut yogurt is by The Coconut Cult.
My Secret to A Happy, Healthy Gut
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How to Make This Creamy & Delicious Shake
It only takes four steps in order to bring this delicious shake to life! Simply start by adding all of your ingredients (minus the coconut yogurt) to a high-speed blender.
Next, blend your ingredients together on high until they’re fully combined. If needed, you can pause the blender, remove the lid, and scrape down the sides so that everything is fully incorporated.
Once done, divide your smoothie across two glasses and top each smoothie with a dollop of coconut yogurt. Serve immediately, and enjoy!
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a review and rating below! To see more recipes and behind the scenes, follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube! I’m also now on Pinterest, so stop by and take a look at what’s new.
** Photography by Tanya Pilgrim
Ingredients
- 1 Banana, frozen
- ¾ Cup Raw Cashews, soaked for extra creaminess – see notes!
- 6 Large Medjool Dates, pitted
- ½ Teaspoon Cinnamon
- ¼ Teaspoon Nutmeg
- 1 Large Handful Ice Cubes
- ¾ Cup Almond Milk
- 1 Dollop Coconut Yogurt
Instructions
- Start by adding all of your ingredients (minus the coconut yogurt) to a high-speed blender.
- Next, blend your ingredients together on high until they're fully combined.
- If needed, you can pause the blender, remove the lid, and scrape down the sides so that everything is fully incorporated.
- Once done, divide your smoothie across two glasses and top each smoothie with a dollop of coconut yogurt. Serve immediately, and enjoy!
Rate & review
SELECT A RATING and tell me what you think!
What others are saying
SO good! Always looking for more nutrient-dense drink recipes. This one is so unique and delicious- it will be in constant rotation!
I am so thrilled that you loved this recipe, Hannah! Thank you so much for making it, and for leaving such a kind review!
OMG YUMMMMM! Didn’t have coconut yogurt, so used plain.
So delicious and filling
Thanks for another winner 🙂
I’m so glad you loved this recipe, Nancy! Thank you so much for making it, and for leaving such a kind review!
When I visited Palm Springs I was introduced to the date shake. This recipe makes an amazing shake. I halved everything because it was just for me. I didn’t have any nutmeg so I added more cinnamon. This is so delicious.
I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed this recipe, Sherry! Thank you for your review!
I crave this smoothie! It’s so delicious but I admit I take some shortcuts when making this recipe. I use cashew butter instead of soaking cashews, I don’t soak my dates (I just throw them right in the blender), and I add riced cauliflower (a trick Nicole uses in many of her other smoothie recipes to sneak in a veggie!
Yum! I am so happy that you loved this recipe, Megan, and that you found an alternative that works for you! Thank you so much for making it, and for leaving such a kind review!
Seven heaven this smoothie is so delicious 😋 I will make it again and again! Thank you Nicole for another great smoothie 💕
How many calories is this?