If you are craving something creamy, refreshing, and bursting with natural sweetness, this Chocolate Cherry Smoothie Recipe is just the treat you need. It perfectly balances tart frozen cherries with the rich, smooth flavor of cacao and the subtle sweetness of vanilla soy milk. This smoothie not only tastes indulgent but also packs a nutritional punch with almond butter, collagen protein, spinach, and banana, making it a wholesome delight any time of day. Whether you want a quick breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a healthy dessert, this Chocolate Cherry Smoothie Recipe will become your new favorite go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind a great smoothie lies in having simple, fresh ingredients that each bring their own unique character to the blend. From the natural sweetness of the bananas and cherries to the creamy texture provided by almond butter and soy milk, every component is essential in creating that velvety smooth taste and inviting deep color.
- Frozen cherries (1/2 cup): Use frozen for a naturally chilled smoothie with vibrant tartness and beautiful color.
- Vanilla soy milk (8 ounces): The vanilla adds sweetness without overpowering and gives a smooth base liquid.
- Almond butter (1 tablespoon): Creamy and nutty, it enriches the texture and adds healthy fats.
- Half a banana: Brings natural sweetness and thickens the smoothie for a luscious mouthfeel.
- Spinach (1/4 cup, packed): Sneaks in greens without altering flavor much but boosts the nutrition.
- Unflavored collagen protein powder (1 scoop): Adds protein for sustained energy without changing taste.
- Cacao powder (2 tablespoons): Delivers deep chocolate flavor and antioxidants in every sip.
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Smoothie Recipe
Step 1: Gather and Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by measuring out each of your ingredients carefully. Frozen cherries give the smoothie its signature refreshing chill, so be sure they’re well frozen. Peel half a ripe banana and rinse the spinach to make sure it’s fresh and vibrant. Having all your ingredients prepped saves time and ensures a smooth blending process.
Step 2: Blend Everything Together
Place all of your ingredients into a blender—the more powerful the better to get that silky smooth texture. I love using a compact, high-speed blender like the Beast Mini Blender, but anything that can handle frozen fruit and leafy greens will do. Blend everything until you reach a creamy, smooth consistency without any chunks of spinach or frozen cherries lingering.
Step 3: Pour and Enjoy
Once blended to perfection, pour your Chocolate Cherry Smoothie Recipe into your favorite glass. At this point, you’ll notice the gorgeous deep pink-purple hue contrasted with the chocolate undertone that just makes you want to dive right in. This smoothie is best enjoyed fresh to savor the vibrant flavors and creamy texture!
How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Smoothie Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your smoothie visually and add a bit of texture, consider adding some garnishes. A few whole cherries or a sprinkle of cacao nibs on top give a lovely crunch and reinforce the key flavors. Toasted almond slivers or a small mint leaf can add a fresh twist that’ll wow anyone you share this with.
Side Dishes
This smoothie pairs wonderfully with light side dishes. Think along the lines of a handful of granola clusters, a slice of whole grain toast with nut butter, or even a small fruit salad. These add some extra chew and variety but keep the overall meal balanced and light.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve your Chocolate Cherry Smoothie Recipe in a mason jar layered with extra frozen cherries or swirl a little almond butter around the inside of the glass before pouring in the smoothie. Another idea is to freeze the smoothie into popsicle molds for a cooling treat that kids and adults alike will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to make more than one serving, store your leftover smoothie in an airtight container or jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Give it a good shake or quick stir before drinking because some separation naturally occurs, but it remains just as delicious.
Freezing
This Chocolate Cherry Smoothie Recipe also freezes wonderfully. Pour it into ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to a month. When you want a quick smoothie, just thaw the frozen cubes slightly or blend directly from frozen for a thicker, more frosty version.
Reheating
Typically, smoothies like this one are enjoyed cold or room temperature. Reheating is not recommended since it changes the texture and flavor profile, especially with the fresh fruit and greens. Instead, enjoy it freshly blended or chilled straight from the fridge or freezer.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries work well if blended with a few ice cubes to keep your smoothie chilled and refreshing. Frozen cherries just give a naturally thicker and colder texture with less dilution.
Is this smoothie vegan?
Yes, as long as you use vegan protein powder or collagen alternatives, this Chocolate Cherry Smoothie Recipe is completely plant-based and dairy-free.
Can I substitute almond butter with another nut butter?
For sure! Peanut butter or cashew butter would both add a delicious new layer of flavor and creaminess to the smoothie.
What’s the best way to add spinach without affecting the taste?
Using just a small handful or 1/4 cup packed, as in this recipe, keeps the flavor mild. Blending it well ensures you don’t get any leafy bits and it blends in nicely.
Can I use regular milk instead of soy milk?
You can, but vanilla soy milk adds a subtle sweetness and creaminess that complements the cherries and cacao better. Any plant-based or dairy milk can be used if adjusted to taste.
Final Thoughts
There really is nothing quite like whipping up this Chocolate Cherry Smoothie Recipe when you want a chocolate fix that also feels nourishing and fresh. It combines the best of both worlds—rich, indulgent chocolate with the bright juiciness of cherries and the goodness of wholesome ingredients. Give it a try and see how quickly this smoothie becomes a beloved staple in your smoothie rotation. Cheers to delicious, healthy treats that brighten your day!
Print
Chocolate Cherry Smoothie Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chocolate Cherry Smoothie is a deliciously rich and silky blend of frozen cherries, vanilla soy milk, almond butter, banana, spinach, collagen protein powder, and cacao powder. Perfect for a quick, nutritious breakfast or snack, it offers a balanced mix of fruits, plant-based protein, and antioxidants with a luscious chocolate-cherry flavor.
Ingredients
Fruits and Vegetables
- 1/2 cup frozen cherries (about 10)
- Half a banana
- A handful of spinach (1/4 cup packed)
Liquids
- 8 ounces vanilla soy milk (sweetened)
Proteins and Powders
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- A scoop unflavored collagen protein powder (approximately 1/4 cup)
- 2 tablespoons cacao powder (or cocoa powder)
Instructions
- Prepare the Blender: Gather all the ingredients and add them into your blender. Ensure you have a high-powered blender, such as the Beast Mini Blender, to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Blend Ingredients: Blend all the ingredients together until the mixture is completely smooth, ensuring no chunks remain and the texture is silky and rich.
- Serve: Pour the smoothie into a glass and enjoy immediately for the best taste and freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute cacao powder with cocoa powder if preferred.
- Use sweetened vanilla soy milk for a naturally sweeter smoothie or adjust to taste.
- Adding spinach enhances the nutrient content without altering the flavor significantly.
- For a colder smoothie, use frozen banana slices or add ice cubes before blending.
- Collagen protein powder adds extra protein and benefits skin health.
