INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled (you can use regular or decaf)
• 1/4 cup cashew butter
• 4-6 pitted dates, depending on sweetness preference
• 1 ripe banana
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup ice cubes
• Whipped cream and chopped cashews for garnish (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Prepare the Coffee:
Brew a cup of strong coffee and allow it to cool to room temperature. You can also refrigerate it for quicker cooling.

Soften the Dates:
If your dates are not very soft, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften. Drain before using.

Blend the Ingredients:
In a blender, combine the cooled coffee, cashew butter, pitted dates, ripe banana, almond milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon.

Add Ice:
Add the ice cubes to the blender. The ice will help give the smoothie a nice thickness and chill.

Blend Until Smooth:
Blend on high speed until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy. This might take a minute or so, depending on your blender’s power.

Taste and Adjust:
Taste the smoothie and adjust sweetness or coffee strength if needed. If you prefer it sweeter, you can add more dates. If you want a stronger coffee flavor, you can add a bit more brewed coffee.

Serve:
Pour the creamy coffee smoothie into glasses.

Garnish:
If desired, top the smoothie with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped cashews and ground cinnamon. This adds an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Enjoy:
Serve immediately and enjoy your Creamy Cashew Butter and Date Coffee Smoothie as a delightful and energizing treat.

VARIATIONS:
Chocolate Twist: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder or chocolate protein powder for a mocha-flavored twist.
Spiced Delight: Experiment with a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for an aromatic spiced version.
Dairy-Free: If you want to keep this smoothie completely dairy-free, ensure you use a non-dairy milk and skip the whipped cream garnish.

Remember, smoothies are versatile, so feel free to adjust ingredient quantities according to your preferences. Enjoy your rich, nutty, and naturally sweet coffee smoothie!