Cinnamon Date Smoothie

Published: Jan. 17, 2025

Time to Prepare

• Total Time: 10 minutes

• Prep Time: 5 minutes (including ingredient prep)

• Blending Time: 5 minutes

Overview

A nutrient-dense, naturally sweet smoothie highlighted by warm cinnamon and caramelized date flavors, balanced with a creamy base from buttermilk and fiber-rich flax seed. Ideal for breakfast, a post-workout snack, or a comforting treat.

Ingredients

Serves 1

• 1 cup low-fat buttermilk (substitute: regular milk, almond milk, or oat milk for customization)

• 1 ripe small banana, frozen and cut into ½-inch pieces (critical for texture)

• 2 medium medjool dates, pits removed (chopped into chunks for easier blending)

• ½ cup ice cubes (crushed ice optional for extra creaminess)

• 1 tablespoon flax seed or flax meal (adds omega-3s and fiber)

• ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus extra for garnish)

• ¼ teaspoon vanilla paste or extract (pure vanilla enhances depth)

• Pinch of salt (balances sweetness)

• 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt (optional; for added creaminess)

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Prep Ingredients

• Freeze the banana in advance: Slice a ripe banana into ½-inch chunks and freeze for at least 24 hours (or use a pre-frozen banana from the freezer). This ensures the smoothie achieves a thick, milkshake-like consistency without excessive melting.

• Prepare dates: Remove pits from medjool dates and chop into ½-inch pieces (if large, halve first to speed blending).

Step 2: Blend the Base

• Add buttermilk to a high-speed blender (e.g., Vitamix, Blendtec) or a powerful standard blender.

• Add the frozen banana chunks, chopped dates, ice cubes, flax seed, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt to the blender.

• Secure the lid and blend on HIGH speed for 30–45 seconds, pausing halfway to scrape down the sides with a spatula if needed. The goal is a completely smooth, lump-free texture.

• Adjust texture: If too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of additional liquid (e.g., milk); if too thin, blend for 10 more seconds. Taste and adjust salt or cinnamon to preference.

Step 3: Assemble & Serve

• For the optional yogurt swirl: Pour 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt into a chilled glass. Use the back of a spoon to gently swirl the yogurt along the inside of the glass, creating a decorative “swirl” layer.

• Pour the blended smoothie into the glass, filling it to ¾ full.

• Garnish with a light dusting of extra ground cinnamon and, if desired, a sprinkle of chopped dates or a thin date strip for presentation.

Customer Reviews & Variations

Review 1: (Pea Protein & Mesquite Twist)

“I make daily variations! Key swaps: (1) Oat milk, (2) 2 dates, (3) 1 frozen banana, (4) 1–2 scoops pea protein, (5) Cocoa powder, (6) Vanilla splash, (7) Salt, (8) Mesquite bean powder (mimics malt). Blend wet ingredients first, then add ice. Mesquite and good dates shine—common in Phoenix, but dates work anywhere!”

Review 2: (Buttermilk Swap Success)

“Substituted regular milk for buttermilk (had no buttermilk on hand) and it was the BEST smoothie ever! Cinnamon is the star—warm, sweet, and perfectly balanced.”

Review 3: (Espresso Boost)

“Used regular milk + a shot of espresso! Omitted flax seeds, but the date-cinnamon combo is still divine. Great pick-me-up!”

Review 4: (Coconut Milk & Cardamom)

“Swapped coconut milk for creaminess, added cardamom instead of cinnamon. Simple ingredients, nutrient-dense, and refreshing!”

Review 5: (Cinnamon Roll Equivalent)

“Made this with cinnamon rolls in the kitchen—texture and taste mirror a cinnamon roll in a glass! Warm, comforting, and healthier.”

Review 6: (Peanut Butter & Cardamom Twist)

“Love the milkshake texture! Swapped flax for 1 tbsp peanut butter and used cardamom. Rich, indulgent, and satisfying.”

Note: All reviews reflect personal variations; adjust ingredients to suit dietary preferences (e.g., omit yogurt for vegan, add protein for post-workout).