Date Caramel Frappe

I’ll admit, this recipe isn’t exactly a frappe, nor is it true caramel—it contains no caramel sauce, ice cream or espresso. However, I’m not sure what else to call it.

It has that sweet, milky flavour you’d expect from a frappe, but is made entirely from dates, tahini and maple syrup. And like frappe, it is refreshing and delicious on a hot summer’s day. Trust me, it’s not for drinking in the Winter, which is why I haven’t made it as frequently since moving to New Zealand.

This is the sort of drink that will give you a brain freeze if drunk too fast, and it will definitely cool you down.

It’s a drink that could be a snack on a scorching afternoon or enjoyed before or after physical activity that requires extra hydration. Or you could enjoy it on any hot evening when you want something sweet but not too heavy.

You won’t believe how good it is until you try it!

What is a date caramel frappe?

This date caramel frappe is a sweet, dairy-free frozen drink made by blending soaked dates, tahini and maple syrup with water, then blending with ice. The combination creates a caramel-like flavour and a texture somewhat like a slushie.

Is this frappe dairy-free?

Of course, you could make a dairy-free frappe with any alternative milk. However, I’ve made this frappe without any type of milk.

The milkiness comes from dates and tahini blended with water. The flavours of tahini, dates and maple syrup combine to create a caramel-like taste.

Ingredients for this vegan frappe

To make this frappe, you’ll need a blender and a few simple ingredients:

• Dried dates: Soaked in boiling water for 15 minutes to soften.
• Hulled tahini: Adds creaminess without the bitterness of unhulled tahini.
• Maple syrup: Combines with tahini to create a caramel-like flavour.

That’s it!

Ice, ice baby

The ingredients are blended together with water and ice to make this frappe.

It’s the ratio of ice to the date-tahini sauce that gives this drink its frappe-like texture. If your blender isn’t very powerful, or you don’t want it so icy that you can eat it with a spoon, you can replace some of the ice with water.

I like a frappe that requires a spoon, but each to their own—over to you to give it a try!

Storage

This frappe is best enjoyed immediately, as the ice melts quickly. However, you can prepare the date caramel mixture in advance and refrigerate it. Then, when you’re ready to enjoy, simply blend it with ice to make your frappe. 

Recipe variations: Peanut butter and chocolate frappe

You can swap the tahini for peanut butter and add a tablespoon of cacao powder to make a chocolate peanut butter frappe. For a creamier version, try adding a banana for a “chunky monkey” smoothie-style frappe.

Want more ways to use tahini?

Tahini isn’t just for hummus.

You can use it in salad dressings, savoury sauces or desserts like tahini caramel-filled dates or my tahini vegan slice. It’s a versatile ingredient that adds creaminess and can be paired with other ingredients for both sweet and savoury creations.

Let me know how you enjoy this date caramel frappe recipe

If you give this frappe a try, I’d love to hear how you enjoyed it. Tag me @tansy_joyfuleating or leave a comment below.

If you are looking for more desserts or sweet snacks with dates, you may like to try my recipes for avocado chocolate mousse, vegan chocolate truffles, gluten-free banana cake or vegan tahini slice.