📝 About This Recipe
Born in the sun-drenched Coachella Valley during the 1930s, the Date Shake is the quintessential liquid gold of the California desert. This iconic West Coast treat blends the rich, caramel-like sweetness of sun-ripened Medjool dates with premium vanilla bean ice cream for a profile that tastes like a chilled, drinkable sticky toffee pudding. It is a nostalgic, nutrient-dense indulgence that perfectly captures the golden era of American roadside stops.
🥗 Ingredients
The Date Base
- 1 cup Medjool Dates (pitted and packed tightly; must be soft Medjool variety)
- 1/4 cup Hot Water (nearly boiling, to soften the fruit)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (pure Madagascar vanilla preferred)
- 1 pinch Sea Salt (to balance the natural sugars)
The Shake Body
- 3 large scoops Vanilla Bean Ice Cream (high-quality, full-fat dairy)
- 1/2 cup Whole Milk (cold; can substitute with oat milk for extra creaminess)
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (adds a subtle warm backbone)
- 1 tablespoon Malted Milk Powder (optional, for that vintage soda fountain flavor)
Garnish and Finish
- 1/2 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (whipped to stiff peaks)
- 2 tablespoons Toasted Pecans (finely chopped)
- 1 piece Reserved Date (sliced into slivers for topping)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Begin by slicing the Medjool dates lengthwise to remove the pits. Ensure no fragments of the pit remain, as they are extremely hard.
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2
Roughly chop the pitted dates into smaller pieces to assist the blender in achieving a completely smooth texture.
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3
Place the chopped dates in a small heat-proof bowl and pour the 1/4 cup of hot water over them. Let them soak for 5-10 minutes until they feel very soft and jam-like.
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4
Transfer the dates and any remaining soaking liquid into a high-speed blender.
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5
Add the vanilla extract, sea salt, and cinnamon to the blender. Pulse on high until a thick, smooth date paste forms. This ensures you don't have 'chunks' in your straw later.
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6
Place your serving glasses in the freezer for 5 minutes to chill; this keeps the shake thick while you finish the preparation.
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7
Add the 3 large scoops of vanilla bean ice cream directly onto the date paste in the blender.
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8
Pour in the cold whole milk and the malted milk powder if using.
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9
Blend on a medium-low speed. You want to incorporate the ingredients without whipping too much air into the mixture, which preserves the dense, velvety texture.
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10
Stop the blender and use a spatula to scrape down the sides, ensuring the date paste is fully integrated with the ice cream.
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11
Give it one final 5-second pulse on high. The consistency should be thick enough that a spoon could almost stand up in it.
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12
Remove your chilled glasses from the freezer and pour the shake evenly between the two.
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13
Top each shake with a generous dollop of fresh whipped cream.
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14
Sprinkle the chopped toasted pecans and the reserved date slivers over the whipped cream for texture and visual appeal.
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15
Serve immediately with a wide-diameter straw and a long spoon.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always use Medjool dates rather than Deglet Noor; Medjools have a higher moisture content and a richer caramel flavor essential for this dish. If your dates are particularly dry, increase the soaking time in hot water to 15 minutes to avoid a grainy texture. For a thicker shake, use slightly less milk; for a thinner, more drinkable version, add milk one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached. Avoid using ice cubes to chill the shake, as they will dilute the intense date flavor as they melt. To make it vegan, use coconut-based vanilla ice cream and cashew milk, which mimics the richness of the original dairy version perfectly.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair with a salty side like thick-cut potato chips or sea salt fries to contrast the intense sweetness. Serve as a refreshing afternoon treat alongside a plate of fresh California citrus slices. Enjoy as a dessert following a classic West Coast burger or fish tacos. For a boozy 'adult' version, add a splash of dark rum or bourbon during the blending process. Add a dusting of nutmeg on top for a festive, spiced aromatic finish.