I’ve been on a cherry kick because a) it’s fresh cherry season and b) I’ve been reading research on cherries and fruit, in general, lately.
Did you know that a diet low in fruit is one of the leading causes of disease, according to a Global Burden of Disease study? (source) It’s listed shortly after smoking, which surprised me!
Cherries, in particular, have been studied for years as a potential treatment for gout, thanks to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. (source) Studies also suggest that they could improve sleep and cholesterol levels. (source)
Whether you’re here because you love the taste of cherries or you’re hoping to boost your nutrient intake, I think you’re going to love this cherry smoothie recipe. It’s made with frozen cherries, which helps keep it affordable, and as a result, you can enjoy it year-round.
Cherry Smoothie Recipe Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Frozen cherries. Frozen fruit tends to be more affordable, and in this case, the pits have been removed for you. That’s one of the most time-consuming parts of working with fresh cherries! Plus, using frozen fruit will give this smoothie a thicker, slushy texture.
- Frozen raspberries. Cherries, especially when frozen, can taste a little bland when blended with milk. The solution is to add a touch of frozen raspberries! They add a bright, tart flavor, almost like you’re adding a squeeze of lemon juice. (But I think this is easier.)
- Almond Butter. Adding a spoonful of almond butter makes this smoothie more filling. It provides healthy fats and fiber to keep you feeling satisfied longer.
- Frozen Banana. Bananas are surprisingly creamy when frozen (hence, why they make a good ice cream substitute) and add a little extra sweetness to this smoothie.
- Milk. You can use any milk you prefer for this, but I tend to use soy milk to keep it dairy-free and higher in protein. Even water will work for blending, though, if you don’t keep milk on hand.
- Collagen (optional). I’ve started adding a scoop of collagen to my smoothies because it is almost flavorless and makes drinks extra creamy. You can omit this, or use your favorite protein powder, just keep in mind that the flavor may change.
- Almond Extract. I discovered that almond and cherry flavors work amazingly well together when I first made cherry chocolate avocado pudding 10 years ago. Now, I always pair them together, but this is an optional add-in.
If you love adding greens to your smoothies, this recipe can also include a big handful of fresh spinach. It will change the color to a murky brown hue, but you won’t be able to taste it at all.
Cherry Smoothie Recipe How-To
Step 1:
Add the frozen cherries, raspberries, banana, almond butter, collagen (if using), milk, and almond extract to a high-speed blender. Secure the lid and blend until it looks smooth and creamy.
Stop and scrape down the sides of the blender, if needed, to incorporate all of the ingredients.
Step 2:
Taste the smoothie and make any necessary adjustments. This may mean adding an extra splash of milk to thin the consistency or adding a tiny splash of maple syrup for a sweeter flavor. The final result is up to you and your taste buds.
Serve the smoothie immediately for the best flavor and texture.
- ¾ cup frozen cherries (pitted)
- ½ frozen banana , cut into slices
- ¼ cup frozen raspberries
- 1 cup soy milk (or milk of choice)
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- 2 tablespoons unflavored collagen (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
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In a high-speed blender, combine the frozen cherries, banana, raspberries, milk, almond butter, collagen (if using), and almond extract. Secure the lid and blend until the mixture looks smooth.
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Stop and scrape down the sides of the machine, if necessary, to ensure the ingredients are fully incorporated. Then, taste the smoothie to ensure you’re satisfied with the flavor. For a slightly sweeter taste, add a teaspoon of maple syrup. Alternatively, for a more tangy option, add a few more frozen raspberries and blend again. Serve the smoothie right away for the best texture and flavor.
Protein Note: I use collagen peptides for protein because they add virtually no flavor to this smoothie. If you would rather use a different protein powder, feel free to experiment with it. Or, try using hemp hearts for plant-based protein.
Make it Sweeter: Replace a 1/4 cup of milk with orange juice instead. It will boost the overall flavor of the smoothie!
Calories: 384kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Sodium: 156mg | Potassium: 940mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 1042IU | Vitamin C: 37mg | Calcium: 410mg | Iron: 2mg
More Recipes to Try
If you try this smoothie recipe, please leave a comment and star rating below to let me know how you like it.
