Banana Date Smoothie Recipe – Easy Peanut Butter & Oat Blend

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Banana Date Smoothie Recipe – Easy Peanut Butter & Oat Blend

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, mornings can be… chaotic. Between getting ready and tackling the day, a quick, healthy breakfast is a must. And honestly? This Banana Date Smoothie has been my absolute go-to for ages. It’s creamy, naturally sweet, and gives me the energy boost I need without any guilt. I first whipped this up when I was desperately trying to find a way to sneak more goodness into my mornings, and it’s been a family favourite ever since!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another smoothie recipe. It’s a delicious blend of wholesome ingredients that tastes like a treat. It’s super easy to make – seriously, just a few minutes! – and it’s packed with nutrients to keep you going. Plus, it’s naturally sweetened with dates, so you can skip the refined sugar. What’s not to love?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing smoothie:

• 2 cups almond milk (about 475ml)
• 3 dates, pitted
• 1 banana
• ¼ cup old fashioned oats (about 30g)
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon hemp seeds
• 1 teaspoon instant coffee

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! Getting these right makes all the difference.

Dates: Types & Sweetness Levels

I prefer Medjool dates for this recipe because they’re soft and caramel-like. But Deglet Noor dates work too – they’re a little firmer, so you might want to soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before blending. Dates are naturally very sweet, so adjust the quantity to your liking!

Banana: Ripeness for Optimal Flavor

The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your smoothie will be. Those spotty bananas that everyone avoids? Perfect for this! They also blend up beautifully.

Old Fashioned Oats: Benefits & Substitutions

Old fashioned oats add a lovely creaminess and a boost of fiber. You can substitute them with rolled oats, but avoid instant oats as they can make the smoothie too gluey. If you’re looking for a grain-free option, try a tablespoon of chia seeds instead.

Almond Milk: Choosing the Right Kind

Unsweetened almond milk is my go-to, as it lets the natural sweetness of the dates and banana shine through. But feel free to use vanilla-flavored almond milk for a little extra something! You can also swap it for any other plant-based milk you like – soy, oat, or cashew milk all work well.

Peanut Butter: Natural vs. Processed

Natural peanut butter (the kind you have to stir!) is best, as it contains only peanuts and maybe a little salt. Avoid peanut butters with added sugar or oils. If you have a peanut allergy, almond butter or sunflower seed butter are great substitutes.

Hemp Seeds: Nutritional Powerhouse

Don’t skip the hemp seeds! They’re a fantastic source of protein and healthy fats. They have a mild, nutty flavour that blends in perfectly.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get blending!

1. First, add the almond milk and pitted dates to your blender. Blend until completely smooth – you don’t want any date chunks!
2. Next, toss in the sliced banana, old fashioned oats, peanut butter, hemp seeds, and instant coffee.
3. Now, blend everything together until it’s creamy and dreamy. You might need to scrape down the sides a couple of times to make sure everything gets incorporated.
4. Give it a taste! If you prefer a sweeter smoothie, add another date or two. A tiny pinch of sea salt can also enhance the flavours.
5. Pour into glasses and enjoy immediately!

Expert Tips

Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years:

Blending Techniques for a Smooth Smoothie

A high-speed blender will give you the smoothest results. If your blender isn’t super powerful, blend in stages – start with the liquids and softer ingredients, then add the oats and frozen banana.

Adjusting Consistency

Too thick? Add a splash more almond milk. Too thin? Add a few more oats or a handful of ice. It’s all about finding your perfect consistency!

Preventing Banana Browning

Smoothies are best enjoyed right away, but if you need to make it ahead of time, add a squeeze of lemon juice to help prevent the banana from browning.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Option

This recipe is already vegan! Just double-check that your peanut butter doesn’t contain any honey.

Gluten-Free Confirmation

This smoothie is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats.

Spice Level: Adding Cinnamon or Cardamom

A pinch of cinnamon or cardamom adds a lovely warmth and flavour. My grandmother always added a dash of cardamom to her banana treats!

Sweetness Level: Adjusting Dates for Preference

If you’re not a fan of super sweet smoothies, start with just two dates and add more to taste.

Boosted Protein: Adding Protein Powder

For an extra protein boost, add a scoop of your favourite protein powder. Vanilla or chocolate work particularly well.

Festival Adaptations: Navratri/Ramadan Friendly Options

During fasting periods like Navratri, you can skip the oats and use sabudana (tapioca pearls) for a filling and permissible alternative. For Ramadan, this smoothie is a great way to replenish energy after a day of fasting.

Serving Suggestions

This smoothie is perfect on its own for a quick breakfast or snack. You can also serve it with a sprinkle of granola, a few chopped nuts, or a drizzle of honey (if you’re not vegan).

Storage Instructions

While best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftover smoothie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. It may separate, so give it a good shake or stir before drinking.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?

You can, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. It might separate and the banana could brown slightly.

What if I don’t have instant coffee? Can I use brewed coffee?

You can definitely use brewed coffee! Just use about ¼ cup of cooled brewed coffee.

Can I use frozen bananas for a thicker smoothie?

Absolutely! Frozen bananas will make your smoothie extra thick and creamy.

Is hemp seed necessary? What can I substitute?

Hemp seeds add a nutritional boost, but you can substitute them with chia seeds, flax seeds, or even a tablespoon of nut butter.

How can I make this smoothie more filling?

Add a tablespoon of chia seeds, a scoop of protein powder, or a handful of nuts.

What are the health benefits of dates in this smoothie?

Dates are packed with fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. They provide a natural energy boost and are great for digestion!

Enjoy your delicious and healthy Banana Date Smoothie! Let me know in the comments what variations you try. Happy blending!