If you are lucky enough to find a bag of frozen cherries at the grocery store, stock up and make this creamy chocolate smoothie. The cherries add flavor, plus a potent boost of antioxidants! (If you find a frozen cherry berry blend, that will work, too.)
I started making this smoothie years ago while experimenting with a raw food diet. I couldn’t get enough of it!
Recently, I revisited this smoothie because I’m trying to get more protein into my life. Now I like to add a scoop of collagen, which adds creaminess and protein, but not much flavor, as well as a touch of frozen raspberries. These two additions make it taste better and will leave you feeling full longer.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Featured Review
“I’ve been making this for weeks now and love it so much. Definitely my favorite smoothie recipe!” -Anna
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Frozen Cherries. Starting with a bag of frozen cherries is not only more affordable than buying them fresh, but it will also save you the time and effort of pitting each cherry.
- Frozen Raspberries. Cherries don’t always have a bold flavor when frozen, so these tart berries help boost the overall flavor. You’ll still mostly taste cherries, but this addition makes a big difference.
- Frozen Banana. Adds sweetness and creaminess, along with an ice-cream-like texture.
- Cacao Powder. I keep raw cacao powder in my pantry for an antioxidant boost, but you can use regular Dutch-processed cocoa powder if you prefer.
- Milk. I use soy milk to keep this recipe dairy-free and higher in protein, but you can use any other milk you prefer, such as almond milk or cow’s milk.
- Almond Butter. This adds creaminess, as well as fiber and healthy fats. I always buy raw almond butter, so it has a mild, neutral flavor. Cashew butter would be similar!
- Optional Add-Ins. I like to add either a splash of vanilla or almond extract for a flavor boost, plus a scoop of collagen for added protein. For a vegan smoothie, try using hemp hearts and a handful of fresh spinach for more nutrients. (The spinach may change the color slightly, but you can’t taste it.
Cherry Chocolate Smoothie How-To
Step 1:
Add the frozen cherries, raspberries, banana, cacao powder, almond butter, and milk to a high-speed blender. This is also the time to add any extras you like, such as a scoop of collagen peptides or a splash of vanilla or almond extract.
Secure the lid and blend until the mixture looks smooth.
Step 2:
Once the smoothie is blended, taste it to be sure you’re satisfied with the flavor. Since fruit can vary in sweetness, you may want to add a teaspoon of maple syrup and blend again for a sweeter-tasting drink.
When you’re happy with the taste, pour it into a glass (or two) immediately and enjoy!
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Add the frozen cherries, banana, raspberries, cacao powder, vanilla extract, collagen (if using), and milk to a high-speed blender. Secure the lid and blend until the mixture is smooth.
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Once everything is blended smoothly, taste the mixture and make any adjustments needed. You can add a teaspoon of maple syrup for a sweeter taste, or a little extra cacao powder for more chocolate flavor. Then serve the smoothie right away for the best texture.
Flavor Variation: For a cherry almond flavor, substitute the vanilla extract with 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract.
Vegan Note: For a plant-based smoothie, use your favorite dairy-free milk and add hemp hearts instead of collagen for protein.
Calories: 321kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 156mg | Potassium: 975mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 33g | Vitamin A: 1063IU | Vitamin C: 40mg | Calcium: 365mg | Iron: 3mg
More Smoothie Recipes to Try
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and star rating below to let me know how you like it.
