diff --git a/frappe/utils/data.py b/frappe/utils/data.py
index 1ac19052d3..937f7ae4e5 100644
--- a/frappe/utils/data.py
+++ b/frappe/utils/data.py
@@ -223,7 +223,8 @@ def formatdate(string_date=None, format_string=None):
 
 	date = getdate(string_date)
 	if not format_string:
-		format_string = get_user_format().replace("mm", "MM")
+		format_string = get_user_format()
+	format_string = format_string.replace("mm", "MM")
 	try:
 		formatted_date = babel.dates.format_date(date, format_string, locale=(frappe.local.lang or "").replace("-", "_"))
 	except UnknownLocaleError: