Cherry Almond Smoothie Recipe

I absolutely love this smoothie recipe because it’s a perfect blend of sweet and creamy with the frozen cherries and almond butter, making it feel like a deliciously indulgent treat without the guilt. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it my go-to morning pick-me-up that keeps me energized and ready to tackle the day!

My favorite way to begin the day is with a Cherry Almond Smoothie. This creamy combination features 1 cup of frozen cherries, a perfectly ripe banana, and 1/2 cup of protein-packed Greek yogurt.

That yogurt is the key to one of the tastiest smoothies I’ve ever had. And the almond butter, with a sprinkle of cinnamon, is what takes this smoothie right over the top in tastiness.

I can’t believe how delicious this Cherry Almond Smoothie is!

Ingredients

• Frozen cherries: Packed with antioxidants, add natural sweetness and tartness.
• Banana: High in potassium, provides creamy texture and natural sugars.
• Almond milk: Low-calorie, dairy-free option, adds a nutty flavor.
• Greek yogurt: Rich in protein, gives creaminess and tangy taste.
• Almond butter: Source of healthy fats and protein, enhances the nuttiness.
• Honey or maple syrup: Natural sweeteners, if added, enhance sweetness.
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor and subtle sweetness.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth, enhances overall flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup frozen cherries
• 1 banana
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon almond butter
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Ice cubes (optional, for a thicker smoothie)
• Dash of cinnamon (optional, for flavor)
• 1 tablespoon sliced almonds (for topping, optional)

Instructions

1. Collect all your components: 1 cup of cherries taken from the freezer; 1 banana; 1/2 cup of almond milk; 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt; 1 tablespoon of almond butter; 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup (if you’re using it); 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract; ice cubes (if you want them); a dash of cinnamon (if you want to use it); and 1 tablespoon of sliced almonds (for topping, if you want to).

2. Remove the peel from the banana and break the fruit into smaller pieces to facilitate the blending process.

3. Combine the frozen cherries and banana chunks in a blender.

4. Place the Greek yogurt and almond milk into the blender.

5. Spoon the almond butter and add the honey or maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter smoothie.

6. Add a splash of vanilla. If you’re feeling a little wild, throw in a dash of cinnamon for a flavor high-five.

7. Mixture is blended on high speed until smooth and creamy. If necessary, stop and scrape down the sides of the container to ensure everything is combined.

8. To achieve a smoothie of thicker consistency, you may wish to add a handful of ice cubes and blend until the ice is crushed and incorporated.

9. Savor the smoothie and change its sweetness or thickness to your preference by incorporating additional honey, maple syrup, or ice cubes.

10. Serving the smoothie in a glass with sliced almonds on top offers a delightful and crunchy experience. One should definitely savor this!

Equipment Needed

1. Blender
2. Spoon
3. Measuring cups
4. Measuring spoons
5. Knife (for slicing banana, if needed)
6. Cutting board (for banana preparation)
7. Glass (for serving)

FAQ

• Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?Indeed, you can use fresh cherries; however, you may want to add in a few ice cubes to help thicken the overall consistency, a la using frozen cherries.
• Is there a substitute for almond milk?Of course. You can substitute almond milk with any milk you prefer—soy, oat, or regular cow’s milk.
• What if I have a nut allergy?Almond butter and sliced almonds can be omitted and, instead, a nut-free milk option such as coconut or rice milk can be used.
• How can I make this smoothie vegan?Substitute plant-based yogurt for Greek yogurt, and choose maple syrup in place of honey, to make this dish completely plant-based.
• What kind of banana should I use?The best choice is a ripe banana, which provides natural sweetness and a smooth blend with the other ingredients.
• How can I increase the protein content?A scoop of your favorite protein powder or some extra Greek yogurt will give you a protein boost.
• Can I skip the vanilla extract?Absolutely, it introduces a lovely depth of flavor. If you leave it out, maybe enhance it with a bit more cinnamon or some other delightful flavor you adore.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitute frozen mixed berries or frozen strawberries for a flavor profile that is different from that of frozen cherries.
Replace almond milk with oat milk or soy milk for a different dairy-free option.
Substitute coconut yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt for a vegan alternative to Greek yogurt.
Opt for peanut butter or sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter, if you prefer it or need a nut-free choice.
Substitute agave nectar or a couple of pitted dates for natural sweetness in place of honey or maple syrup.

Pro Tips

1. Frozen Banana Tip For an extra creamy texture, consider peeling and slicing the banana before freezing it. Using both frozen cherries and banana helps achieve a thicker and colder smoothie without needing as much ice, which can dilute the flavor.

2. Blending Order Always start by adding the liquid ingredients at the bottom of the blender (almond milk and Greek yogurt), followed by the softer ingredients (banana), and finally the frozen items (cherries and ice). This helps the blades get moving easily and blends everything smoothly.

3. Layering Flavors If you love a more robust nutty flavor, you can toast the almond slices lightly before using them as a topping. This will enhance the almond aroma and add a richer flavor profile to the smoothie.

4. Sweetness Check Before adding honey or maple syrup, blend the smoothie and taste it first. The ripeness of the banana and cherries can vary, and they might provide enough sweetness on their own, helping you avoid added sugars.

5. Boosting Nutrition If you want to turn this smoothie into a more filling meal replacement, consider adding a scoop of protein powder or a tablespoon of chia seeds. Both options will add nutritional value without altering the taste significantly.