Breakfast is not my fifth grader’s favorite meal of the day. (My first grader, on the other hand, practically jumps directly from his bed into a seat at the kitchen island with a spoon in his hand.)
I invented this breakfast shake one morning to sweeten the deal. It’s something fun and filling. I also love that it’s full of calcium, potassium, and protein to start his day.
You can easily adjust this recipe to your tastes and needs by:
- Subbing in a non-dairy milk such as almond or soy
- Using your favorite kind of nut butter
- Adding just one date (or omitting them completely) if you want less sweetness
I first heard of blending dates into a shake from Katie of Mom’s Kitchen Handbook, whose Creamy Dreamy Banana Date Shake is another sweet and satisfying favorite. Dates can be tough to pulverize completely in the blender, but I got this great tip from a reader: Soak them in a little dish of milk overnight (see how at My 10 Favorite Kitchen Tricks).
For more breakfast ideas, listen to the new episode of my podcast with Dr. Dina Rose, The Happy Bite, which is all about breakfast this week. Want more breakfast recipes? Try my Scrambled Egg Muffins and Yogurt & Flaxseed Waffles.
Back-To-School Peanut Butter Breakfast Shake
- 1 frozen banana (peeled and broken in half)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter
- 2 small pitted dates (or 1 regular size date)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Serve immediately.
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Plano Girl says
This recipe was not a hit with my family at all!
Sally says
Bummer. Oh well, everyone is different!
Suzanne Schlosberg says
This is exactly what I make for breakfast and snack all the time! Except I don’t measure anything out — same ingredients. I use dates all the time to sweeten smoothies — the Vitamix pulverizes them so well. I sometimes throw in unsweetened cocoa powder for a chocolate-banana smoothie. Dates provide plenty of sweetness (well, for my kids — my husband seems to require added sweetener).
Marigolds says
Is there any nutrition information available? I know I could figure it out myself, but if it’s available so much the better.
Zoe Kingsley says
I love this so much! This was a big hit for me. I used one and a half dates, and it was probably the best smoothie I’ve ever had! Definitely going to be on the eating list. Five stars for sure!
Sally says
Zoe–so glad to hear it was a hit!!
Susan says
Hello Sally!
So for your son, is this his whole breakfast? If not, what else do you serve with the shake? I’m excited to give this a try!
Sally says
Hi Susan–he’s not a big breakfast eater, so sometimes this is it. Or he will have a slice of toast or bowl of cereal with it. On days when he has a bigger appetite, a scrambled egg.
Angela says
What could you substitute for the dates instead that is Low FODMAP friendly?
Sally says
Hi Angela–You could swap in a teaspoon or two of maple syrup (to taste).