Spiced Date Coffee Smoothie

Name: Spiced Date Coffee Smoothie
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 6 dates (about 3 oz) (85 g) Medjool dates, pitted, stems removed, soaked in hot water for 15 minutes, then drained; ½ cup (120 ml) hot water, just off the boil, for soaking the dates; 1 cup (240 ml) cold brew coffee, unsweetened, chilled; 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, cold; 1 medium (120 g) ripe banana, peeled, sliced and frozen; 1 tablespoon (15 g) tahini, stirred well before measuring (optional); ½ teaspoon (1 g) ground cardamom, freshly ground if possible; ¼ teaspoon (½ g) ground cinnamon; 1 pinch (0.3 g) fine sea salt; 1 cup (150 g) ice cubes, standard cubes; 1 tablespoon (9 g) unsalted pistachios, finely chopped, for garnish (optional)

From the MyKitchenBank Kitchen

A creamy, naturally sweetened coffee smoothie inspired by Middle Eastern flavors. Soft Medjool dates, cold brew, cardamom and a pinch of cinnamon blend into a silky, caramel-like drink with no added sugar.

Prep: 10 min
Cook: —
Wait: 15 min
Total: 25 min
Makes: 2 smoothies (about 12 oz / 350 ml each)

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Ingredients

2 servings

6 dates (about 3 oz) (85 g) Medjool dates, pitted, stems removed, soaked in hot water for 15 minutes, then drained
½ cup (120 ml) hot water, just off the boil, for soaking the dates
1 cup (240 ml) cold brew coffee, unsweetened, chilled
1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, cold
1 medium (120 g) ripe banana, peeled, sliced and frozen
1 tablespoon (15 g) tahini, stirred well before measuring (optional)
½ teaspoon (1 g) ground cardamom, freshly ground if possible
¼ teaspoon (0.5 g) ground cinnamon
1 pinch (0.3 g) fine sea salt
1 cup (150 g) ice cubes, standard cubes
1 tablespoon (9 g) unsalted pistachios, finely chopped, for garnish (optional)

Equipment (4)

Blender (high-speed preferred)
Small heatproof bowl for soaking dates
Measuring cups and spoons
2 tall glasses (12–14 oz / 350–400 ml)

Steps

Before you start

Soak the dates in hot water for 15 minutes; this softens them so the smoothie blends perfectly smooth.
Use cold brew that is already chilled, and freeze the banana in advance (peeled and sliced) for a thick, frosty texture.
Check each date for pits, even if the package says pitted.
Use freshly ground cardamom if you can; crack the pods and grind the seeds for the best aroma.

1
Soak the dates
- Place the pitted dates in a small heatproof bowl and pour the ½ cup (120 ml) hot water over them.
- Let sit 15 minutes, then drain well, discarding the soaking water.
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Ready when: Dates are very soft and squish easily when pressed
Tip: Check again for pit fragments before blending to protect your blender blades.
2
Add the liquids
- Pour the cold brew and cold milk into the blender jar first.
- Liquids go in first so the blades catch the solids easily.
3
Add solids and spices
- Add the drained dates, frozen banana slices, tahini if using, cardamom, cinnamon and salt.
- Top with the ice cubes.
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Tip: Skip the ice if your banana is very frozen and you prefer a less icy, creamier texture.
4
Blend until smooth
- Secure the lid and blend on low for 10 seconds, then increase to high for 45–60 seconds.
- Stop and scrape down the sides once if bits cling to the jar.
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Ready when: Completely smooth and thick with no visible date flecks or ice chunks, and a uniform light-brown color
Tip: If the blender stalls, add 2–3 tablespoons more milk and resume.
5
Taste and adjust
- Taste the smoothie.
- If you want more sweetness, blend in one more soaked date for 15 seconds.
- For more spice, add a small pinch of cardamom.
- To thin, blend in 2 tablespoons milk.
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Ready when: Pourable but thick, like a milkshake, with balanced coffee, caramel and cardamom flavor
6
Serve
- Divide between two tall glasses, about 12 oz (350 ml) each.
- Sprinkle with the chopped pistachios if using and serve immediately with a wide straw.
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Tip: Serve right away; the smoothie thickens and separates as it sits.

Good to know

Tips

Use unsweetened cold brew, since the dates provide all the sweetness needed.
Freeze the cold brew in an ice cube tray and use it in place of ice for a stronger coffee flavor without dilution.
Cardamom is potent; start with ½ teaspoon and add more only after tasting.
A pinch of salt sharpens the caramel notes of the dates, so don't skip it.

Make ahead

Soak and drain the dates up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate in a covered container. Slice and freeze the banana up to 3 months ahead. Blend just before serving.

Storage & reheating

Best enjoyed immediately. Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed jar up to 24 hours; shake or re-blend before drinking as it will separate. Freeze in ice cube trays up to 2 months and re-blend with a splash of milk. Not suited to room-temperature storage beyond 30 minutes.

Substitutions

whole milk → oat milk or unsweetened almond milk. Makes it dairy-free; oat milk gives the creamiest result.
Medjool dates → 8 Deglet Noor dates. Smaller and less caramel-like; soak a full 20 minutes.
tahini → almond butter. Same amount; gives a slightly sweeter nutty flavor.
cold brew coffee → cooled strong brewed coffee or espresso (2 shots plus 3/4 cup water). Flavor will be slightly more acidic; chill completely first.