Ready in: 10 minutes · Serves: 2 · Technique: Blending · Storage: Airtight container for up to 24 hours.
Quick Answer
For a quick and indulgent treat, blend frozen cherries, banana, cocoa powder, almond butter, and almond milk to create a creamy and delicious Chocolate Cherry Smoothie.
As the holiday season approaches, the bustling streets of New York City fill with lights, decorations, and an air of anticipation. Amidst this vibrant atmosphere, I often crave a quick yet indulgent treat that warms my soul—enter my Chocolate Cherry Smoothie. Packed with the rich flavors of chocolate and the natural sweetness of cherries, this smoothie is not only a delicious pick-me-up but also a delightful way to embrace the season.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
This recipe captures the essence of holiday indulgence while remaining nutritious and easy to prepare. Perfect for busy mornings or as a comforting afternoon snack, the Chocolate Cherry Smoothie brings a touch of luxury into everyday life.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Indulgent yet healthy—enjoy the rich chocolate flavor without guilt.
- Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy mornings or a sweet treat.
- Versatile—customize with your favorite nut butter or sweetener.
- A vibrant and visually appealing smoothie that’s sure to impress.
- Easy storage options for busy days—no waste here!
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create your delicious Chocolate Cherry Smoothie.
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen pitted cherries
- 1 medium ripe banana, frozen
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon almond butter (or your nut butter of choice)
- 1 cup almond milk (or any milk of your preference)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, for sweetness
- Optional: A pinch of salt, to enhance flavors
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Smoothie (Step-by-Step)
This easy and delicious recipe can be made in just a few simple steps, perfect for anyone looking to whip up a quick, indulgent treat.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
In the hustle and bustle of New York City life, I often crave a quick yet indulgent treat that warms my soul, especially with the holidays on the horizon—enter my Chocolate Cherry Smoothie. First, I gather my ingredients, making sure to have a lovely bag of frozen pitted cherries ready; the vibrant color alone gets my taste buds tingling.
Step 2: Blend the Base
I toss the frozen cherries, a medium ripe banana (which I always freeze for added creaminess), and a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder into my trusty high-speed blender. The moment the cocoa powder hits the cherries, the rich, chocolatey aroma starts intertwining with the fruity notes, creating a delightful anticipation.
Step 3: Add the Creaminess
Next, I scoop out a tablespoon of almond butter. The nutty aroma wafts up as I add it to the mix, providing that perfect creamy texture; if almond butter isn’t your style, feel free to swap in peanut butter or sunflower seed butter. Pour in one cup of almond milk—sometimes I use my homemade version to ensure freshness, but store-bought works just as well—then add a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness, if desired.
Step 4: Blend Until Smooth
I blend everything until the mixture is silky and well combined. At this stage, I usually pause to admire the vibrant, deep mahogany color of my smoothie. If you feel the mixture is too thick, add a splash more milk until it reaches your favored consistency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t skip the freezing of your banana and cherries; fresh fruit will yield a watery smoothie.
- Avoid over-blending; just blend until smooth, or you’ll lose that lovely texture.
- Be cautious with the sweetener; too much can overpower the natural flavors of the cherries and chocolate.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For a thicker consistency, try adding a handful of spinach or a scoop of Greek yogurt, which not only boosts nutrition but also enhances creaminess.
- Swap in different frozen fruits, like strawberries or blueberries, for a refreshing twist.
- If you love a touch of spice, try adding a dash of cinnamon or ginger for a holiday flair.
Variations
- Almond butter can be replaced with peanut butter or sunflower seed butter.
- Use different types of milk, such as oat milk or coconut milk.
- Sweeteners can be adjusted; use agave syrup or stevia for alternatives.
How to Serve
- Pour the smoothie into a tall glass for an elegant presentation.
- Top with cocoa nibs for added texture and flavor.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream for a festive touch.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the smoothie ingredients in advance and store them in the freezer for a quick blend in the morning.
- Storage: Store any leftover smoothie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Reheating: Re-blend stored smoothie before consuming, adding a splash of milk if needed.
- Freezing: Freeze leftover smoothie in ice cube trays for a quick treat, and blend with a splash of milk when ready to consume.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
This Chocolate Cherry Smoothie turned out to be the perfect blend of indulgence and nutrition, showcasing how easy it can be to enjoy a little luxury even in a busy city life. I’ve found that the balance of sweet and tart flavors makes it a great seasonal treat that fits right into those upcoming cozy holiday gatherings.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 2 cups · Serving Size: 1 cup
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~250 calories · 5g protein · 35g carbs · 10g fat
Chocolate Cherry Smoothie
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Gather all ingredients together, ensuring you have frozen pitted cherries and a frozen ripe banana for creaminess.
- Combine frozen cherries, frozen banana, and cocoa powder in a high-speed blender.
- Add almond butter and almond milk to the blender. Optionally, add honey or maple syrup and a pinch of salt.
- Blend until smooth. Adjust consistency with more milk if necessary.
- Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
Notes
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?
While fresh cherries can be used, they may result in a watery texture. Frozen pitted cherries maintain the smoothie’s creaminess and provide that delightful chilled effect.
How can I make this smoothie vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly; just ensure your cocoa powder and nut butter are labeled vegan, and choose a plant-based milk option.
What other fruits can I add to the smoothie?
You can experiment with various frozen fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or even mango for a refreshing twist. Each will impart its unique flavor and nutritional benefits.
