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    Home » Recipes » Smoothie

    Chocolate Cherry Almond Smoothie

    Feb 2, 2022 by Kaitlin

    A vegan Chocolate Cherry Smoothie recipe with almond and banana (or avocado or yogurt). Deliciously rich, easy to make, and healthy... but tastes like a decadent dessert! (Gluten-free + oil-free.)

    Vegan chocolate cherry almond smoothie in a small glass

    Chocolate and cherries are such a dreamy, classic combination.

    This chocolate cherry smoothie is so rich + flavorful it tastes like a decadent dessert. But it's made with only 6 healthy ingredients.

    It's a great option for breakfast, a midday snack, or even a healthier dessert.

    Plus you can make it with your choice of either banana, avocado, or vegan yogurt!

    Banana, milk, frozen cherries, and cacao powder ingredients on a bamboo cutting board

    Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Smoothie

    For this recipe you will blend together in a high-speed blender:

    • Plant milk: Any non-dairy milk will work. I use homemade cashew milk, but almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or oat milk are all great.
    • Frozen cherries: I use frozen pitted sweet cherries, organic when possible. I have not tested this with fresh cherries, but those could work too. Just be sure to remove the pits. (And you will probably want to use a frozen banana so the smoothie stays cold and creamy.)
    • Almond butter: This is optional but recommended. I don't always have almond butter on hand, so feel free to omit if you don't have it. But a tablespoon or two of almond butter thickens the smoothie and creates a creamier texture. Plus it adds more plant-based protein and fiber. (I purchase unsalted + creamy almond butter with no added sugar, salt, or oil.)
    • Cacao powder: Or substitute cocoa powder. We add this to achieve the rich, deep chocolate flavor. Most often I use "Navitas Organics" brand raw cacao powder. It is an unprocessed version of the cacao bean, and contains antioxidants + flavanols, iron, fiber, magnesium, and other minerals. (Be aware that it does contain some caffeine however.)
    • Banana: Be sure to use a ripe/overripe banana (one with lots of brown spots) because it will add tasty natural sweetness to this smoothie. If you have frozen banana, that works great in smoothies to help create a creamier texture. (See below for banana-free options.)
    • Almond extract: This has a strong, sweet flavor that is delightful in this smoothie. A little goes a long way, so start with 1/4 teaspoon and add more to taste if desired. (I really enjoy almond extract so I'll often add 1/2 teaspoon to mine.) If you don't have almond extract, then almond flavoring can be used as well. The taste is fairly similar. Pure almond extract is made from natural ingredients, while the flavoring is artificially and synthetically produced.
    Ingredients in a blender for cherry smoothie

    Customizing

    Smoothies are forgiving and versatile, so change up this recipe as you see fit. A few ideas include:

    Banana-free: If you would like to make this without banana, then simply substitute with half of an avocado or vegan yogurt. (Either of these will help create the creamy component of the smoothie.) Or you can simply omit the banana.

    Sweeten it: This smoothie isn't overly sweet. So for a sweeter taste, add 1 to 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup, a pitted date, a little agave, or simply your own favorite sweetener.

    Other additions: Include fresh spinach or greens, ground flax seeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, maca powder, or pure vanilla extract. Or you can also add an extra boost of nutrients with your favorite chocolate protein powder.

    Blended vegan smoothie in blender cup

    Serving

    Toppings: Before serving, you can garnish your glass with a dollop of coconut whipped cream, cacao nibs, fresh cherries, vegan chocolate chips, etc.

    Smoothie bowl: Instead of a drink, you can also enjoy this recipe as a smoothie bowl. Slightly decrease the amount of milk when blending to help keep the texture thick. Then top it with coconut flakes, granola, sliced banana, fresh berries, or your own favorites.

    Pouring a chocolate cherry almond smoothie into a small glass

    For more inspiration, also browse all smoothie recipes or dessert recipes.

    Vegan chocolate cherry almond smoothie in a small glass

    Chocolate Cherry Almond Smoothie

    A healthy cherry smoothie that tastes like a decadent dessert! Naturally sweetened and so rich. Plus it can be made with banana, avocado, or yogurt.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Comment
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Author: Kaitlin - The Garden Grazer
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Oil-Free, Vegan
    Servings: 1 large (or 2 small)

    Ingredients

    • 3/4 cup plant milk (more/less for desired texture)
    • 3/4 cup frozen sweet cherries, pitted
    • 1 small ripe banana (or 1/2 avocado or vegan yogurt)
    • 1 1/2 Tbsp. cacao powder
    • 1-2 Tbsp. almond butter (optional, but recommended)
    • 1/4 tsp. almond extract (or up to 1/2 tsp.)

    Toppings (optional):

    • Coconut whipped cream, cacao nibs, fresh cherries, etc.

    Instructions

    • Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender. Blend until smooth, about 15-20 seconds.
    • Taste and adjust flavors if desired. (See notes for suggestions.)

    Notes

    Sweeten it: Add 1-2 tsp. pure maple syrup, a pitted date (diced), or agave.
    Other additions: Add spinach/greens, protein powder, vanilla extract, chia seeds, etc.
    Banana: Using frozen banana will create a creamier texture.

    Nutrition Per Serving (Estimate)

    Nutrition Facts
    Chocolate Cherry Almond Smoothie
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    315
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    13
    g
    20
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    6
    %
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    3
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    7
    g
    Potassium
     
    888
    mg
    25
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    52
    g
    17
    %
    Fiber
     
    10
    g
    42
    %
    Sugar
     
    29
    g
    32
    %
    Protein
     
    8
    g
    16
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    142
    IU
    3
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    18
    mg
    22
    %
    Calcium
     
    310
    mg
    31
    %
    Iron
     
    2
    mg
    11
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Did you make this recipe?Leave a star rating or comment below!

    If you are enjoying this vegan chocolate cherry almond smoothie recipe, also check out:

    • Chunky Monkey Protein Smoothie
    • Creamy Banana Matcha Smoothie
    • Vegan Almond Maple Cookies (Gluten-Free)

    Follow The Garden Grazer on Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook for more updates and inspiration.

    More Vegan Smoothie Recipes

    • Chunky Monkey Protein Smoothie
    • Healthy Vegan Cake Shake
    • Creamy Banana Matcha Smoothie
    • Tropical Sunshine Smoothie

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating:




    1. Catrin Clarke

      December 20, 2022 at 1:53 pm

      5 stars
      This is delicious. I make this almost every day.

      Reply
      • Kaitlin

        December 20, 2022 at 3:04 pm

        Wonderful to hear you're enjoying it so often, Catrin! Thank you for taking the time to come back and let me know. Wishing you a beautiful week!

        Reply
    2. Marissa Frost

      February 09, 2022 at 10:15 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious!! I wanted a new smoothie in my breakfast rotation and this fit the bill. I added a couple of dates and next time will probably add spinach and chia! Loved it. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin

        February 10, 2022 at 7:48 am

        Awesome to hear, Marissa! Great call adding dates, spinach, and chia too. Thanks so much for giving it a try and sharing your kind feedback!

        Reply
    3. Michelle

      February 08, 2022 at 1:32 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so good! Great idea to serve it as a bowl with a few toppings for dessert.

      Reply
      • Kaitlin

        February 08, 2022 at 1:50 pm

        Thanks, Michelle!

        Reply
    4. Terri

      February 03, 2022 at 2:12 am

      Hi, thank you. Would like to know where you get your containers too.

      Reply
      • Kaitlin

        February 03, 2022 at 10:17 am

        Hello! These are Weck brand glass mini tulip jars. They come with glass lids and clamps too. (I think I bought them at World Market many years ago.) They're very cute and have held up well!

        Reply

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    The Garden Grazer - Kaitlin profile photo

    Hi, I'm Kaitlin!
    I share vegan recipes that are easy & healthy. (Mostly whole food plant-based, oil-free, & gluten-free.) About Me →

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