Remember my beautiful best ever cherry pie recipe? Well after making it over the holiday season, I just so happen to have leftover cherries lurking in my freezer that needed to be used and this gorgeous almond cherry smoothie was the result.
My inspiration from this recipe comes from my friend Mia over at Gathered Nutrition; she had been making a cherry smoothie on her IG stories for a few weeks and inspired me to do the same!
I have to say that this cherry smoothie has become one of my absolute favorite smoothie recipes on the blog. Even Tony, my husband who isn’t the biggest fan of smoothies, said that this was the best smoothie he’s ever had! If that doesn’t convince you, I don’t know what will.
Reasons to love cherries
I’ve been a huge fan of tart cherries for as long as I can remember. Not only do they taste amazing (and look beautiful) in recipes, but they also have a wide range of health benefits.
- They help reduce inflammation & may help with muscle recovery (post-workout perfection)
- They naturally have melatonin, which can help with sleep
- They’re heart-healthy and packed with antioxidants & vitamin C
What you’ll need to make this almond cherry smoothie
The best part about this vegan cherry smoothie recipe is that you need minimal ingredients to get a smoothie that’s bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s perfect for customizing with your fav mix-ins! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Banana: you’ll need one ripe banana to thicken and naturally sweeten the smoothie. A frozen banana works best!
- Frozen cherries: the star of this smoothie. I love using frozen tart cherries but regular frozen cherries or a cherry & berry mix would be perfect.
- Almond butter: add a touch of creaminess & healthy fat with a little almond butter. Peanut butter works too, but almond butter tastes so much better in this!
- Vanilla + almond extracts: I use both vanilla and almond extracts in this smoothie and it makes the flavors next-level delicious. Trust me! The almond extract makes this smoothie taste like cherry garcia ice cream. YUM!
- Milk: I use unsweetened almond milk in this smoothie, but feel free to use any milk (dairy free or non) that you like.
- Optional: add a boost of veggies with some fresh spinach! It will change the color of the smoothie but you won’t be able to taste it at all.
Optional cherry smoothie add-ins
Have fun with some delicious add-ins to really make this cherry smoothie your own! Here are some suggestions:
- Flaxseed meal: this is one of my favorite ingredients to add to shakes and smoothies for a little boost of fiber and minerals. It’s especially great for nursing mamas as flaxseed can help increase milk supply. Usually a tablespoon is plenty! Here’s a brand I love.
- Chia or hemp seeds: add in a tablespoon of chia seeds or hemp seeds for a boost of healthy fats, fiber & omega-3s.
- Greek yogurt: add a boost of protein with a scoop of Greek yogurt (or your favorite dairy free yogurt). You may have to reduce the almond milk to 3/4 cup in this recipe when adding yogurt.
- Protein powder or collagen peptides: another great way to add some protein. A plain, vanilla or even chocolate flavored protein powder in this recipe. Here is a great plant-based option.
- Cocoa or cacao powder: turn this into an amazing chocolate cherry smoothie while adding a great source of antioxidants. I recommend 1 tablespoon of cocoa or cacao powder.
How to make the best cherry smoothie
It couldn’t be easier! Simply add all of your ingredients (and any optional mix-ins) to a high powered blender and blend it until it’s smooth and creamy. Feel free to add some fun toppings, too, like coconut flakes, slivered almonds, more frozen cherries or even cacao nibs.
Tips for making a super creamy smoothie
- Use frozen fruit. this will help to keep the smoothie cold and thick. Sometimes ice doesn’t blend as well (or can make your smoothie watery), so it’s best not to skip unless absolutely necessary.
- Add more liquid. Don’t be afraid to add more liquid if your smoothie is too thick or won’t fully blend. High powered blenders tend to blend frozen ingredients much better, so if you have a regular or personal size blender, you may need to add more milk.
- Start low, go high. Start the blender on low speed, then gradually increase the speed to high to help blend all ingredients. End with the blender on low speed.
Meal prep this cherry smoothie
Make this tart cherry smoothie ahead of time to enjoy later! I have three amazing methods for prepping and storing smoothies right in your freezer. You’ll learn the ice cube tray method, the mason jar method and the freezer pack method.
See how to make this cherry smoothie
More smoothies you’ll love
St. Nick’s Naughty & Nice Chocolate Peppermint Smoothie
Get Your Greens in Smoothie (the best green smoothie!)
Vitamin C Packed Strawberry Orange Banana Smoothie
Peanut Butter Blueberry Banana Smoothie
Good Morning Coffee Lover’s Smoothie
I hope you love this delicious & easy almond cherry smoothie recipe! If you make it, be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it. Enjoy, xo!
Almond Cherry Smoothie (my favorite smoothie ever!)
Delicious cherry smoothie recipe made with tart cherries, banana, creamy almond butter and a hint of almond extract. Add your favorite mix-ins, a boost of protein and a handful of spinach to this vegan cherry smoothie for a wonderful and refreshing breakfast or snack.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana, preferably frozen
- 1 cup frozen cherries (or a cherry and berry mix is great!)
- 2 cups organic spinach
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 cup almond milk (or dairy free milk of choice)
- Optional add-ins:
- 1 scoop your favorite protein powder
- 1 tablespoon cocoa or cacao powder
Instructions
-
Add all ingredients to a high powered blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Add more milk if necessary. Serves 1. Feel free to double the recipe to serve 2!
Recipe Notes
Have fun with some delicious add-ins to really make this cherry smoothie your own! Here are some suggestions:
- Flaxseed meal: this is one of my favorite ingredients to add to shakes and smoothies for a little boost of fiber and minerals. It’s especially great for nursing mamas as flaxseed can help increase milk supply. Usually a tablespoon is plenty! Here’s a brand I love.
- Chia or hemp seeds: add in a tablespoon of chia seeds or hemp seeds for a boost of healthy fats, fiber & omega-3s.
- Greek yogurt: add a boost of protein with a scoop of Greek yogurt (or your favorite dairy free yogurt). You may have to reduce the almond milk to 3/4 cup in this recipe when adding yogurt.
- Protein powder or collagen peptides: another great way to add some protein. A plain, vanilla or even chocolate flavored protein powder in this recipe. Here is a great plant-based option.
- Cocoa or cacao powder: turn this into an amazing chocolate cherry smoothie while adding a great source of antioxidants. I recommend 1 tablespoon of cocoa or cacao powder.
Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen | Photography by: Eat Love Eats
22 comments
It’s like you read my mind when I replenished my tart cherry supply yesterday from the cherry pie recipe. This smoothie is absolutely delicious and just the thing I was looking for after my workout today! Whoever discovered that the flavors of almond and cherry compliment each other is a genius!
Perfect timing! So glad you enjoyed!
So incredibly yummy and satisfying. Everything I dream of in a smoothie. I added some yogurt, 1 scoop of pea protein powder, and a little avocado for extra creaminess and it was simply delightful!
Perfect! Glad you liked it 🙂
I just couldn’t wait to find out how to make smoothie with the all the fruits I freeze in the summer time. Thank you
Perfect! Enjoy!
Delicious!
Glad you liked it!
Yum!!! This smoothie is delicious! I added some collagen peptides. The almond extract adds that extra almond flavor that is so amazing with the cherries! Thanks Monique!
Perfect! Glad you loved it 🙂
I looked everywhere for frozen tart cherries because I wanted to make the pie at Christmas. Any hints on where to find them? All I could find were sweet cherries.
I usually find them at Whole Foods!
I subbed peanut butter, and it tasted decent, but not as great as I hoped. Maybe it’s better with only the almond.
Hmm both should be delicious but let me know if you give it a try with almond butter!
The almond extract really adds some nice flavor! Will definitely be making again!
It’s a game changer! Glad you liked it 🙂
WOW, I can praise this smoothie enough! Have made it every day for the past 3 days – the almond extract is a must. Doubled the recipe but just used one banana and topped with cacao nibs…just incredible!
Love it! Glad you enjoyed 🙂
I would leave out the Green veggies and definitely add the chocolate powder or cocoa powder!
Perfect! Enjoy 🙂
This smoothie tastes delicious! But, w 2 cups of spinach how do u get that color in the pic?? Also, needed about 1c of almond milk.
Wow! This great! The flavors go really well together! I used A2 milk bc that’s what I had. To get the last bits out of the blender I added in a bit of black coffee and that was great. I’ll probably add coffee again next time.
Thanks!’