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This tasty cherry almond smoothie hits the sweet spot between fruity cherries and rich almond flavors, making a protein-loaded breakfast that tastes like a treat. I whipped up this drink last summer when cherries were everywhere and I've been hooked ever since - it keeps me going strong all morning long.
I first came up with this blend when I was getting ready for a half marathon and needed something filling but easy on my stomach before my early runs. The protein keeps hunger away while the fruit gives me quick energy.
Ingredients
- Frozen cherries: these gems bring natural sweetness and loads of antioxidants to your glass
- Frozen banana: makes everything creamy and sweet without dumping in extra sugar
- Ice cubes: create that perfect thick texture we all want
- Vanilla protein powder: pumps up the protein while working nicely with the cherry taste
- Plain Greek yogurt: adds a protein punch and tangy creaminess
- Almond butter: packs good fats and strengthens the almond flavor
- Almond extract: just a tiny bit makes the cherry flavor pop and boosts the almond taste
- Almond milk: gets the texture just right for pouring while sticking with the almond theme
How To Make Cherry Almond Smoothie
- Stack Your Stuff:
- Put everything in your blender following the list order with heavier stuff on top. This method helps create a whirlpool effect that pulls everything down to the blades for super smooth results.
- Blend It Right:
- Begin on low for about 15 seconds to crush the frozen fruit then slowly turn it up to high. Keep blending for around 45 seconds until everything looks smooth with no little chunks left.
- Get The Texture Right:
- If it seems too thick to drink easily, pour in a bit more almond milk. If it's running too thin, toss in some extra ice and blend quickly again.
- Drink Up Now:
- Pour it into your glass and enjoy right away when it's at its creamiest and most delicious.
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I've always been amazed how cherries and almonds taste so good together even though they come from totally different plants. My grandma used to bake cherry almond cookies every Christmas, and drinking this smoothie brings back those cozy holiday feelings but in a healthy breakfast form.
Make Ahead Options
You can mix this smoothie up the night before and store it in a sealed container or mason jar in your fridge. It'll get a bit thicker overnight, so you might want to stir it up or give it a quick whirl in the blender come morning. For busy weeks, you can also set up smoothie packs by putting all ingredients except the milk into freezer bags, then just dump into the blender with almond milk whenever you're ready for breakfast.
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Ingredient Substitutions
If you can't find cherries, grab some mixed berries instead to keep that gorgeous color. Got nut allergies? Try sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter, and go with oat milk rather than almond milk. You can swap out almond extract for vanilla extract, but you'll miss some of that classic almond kick. Want to go tropical? Use coconut milk instead of almond milk and throw in a quarter cup of pineapple chunks.
Nutrition Boost Ideas
Turn this already healthy smoothie into a total superfood meal by tossing in a handful of spinach that you won't even taste but adds tons of nutrients. A spoonful of chia seeds will give you more omega fats and extra fiber. Looking for more antioxidants? Add a tablespoon of cacao powder which goes great with cherries and adds a hint of chocolate to your drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can fresh cherries replace frozen ones?
Fresh cherries work great! Just add some ice cubes to keep it nice and cold.
- → What’s a good almond butter substitute?
You can swap it with peanut, cashew, or sunflower seed butter for the same creamy result.
- → Can I use a different type of milk?
Sure! Pick any milk you like—oat, soy, or regular all work fine.
- → How do I make it vegan?
Pick vegan protein powder, plant-based Greek yogurt, and non-dairy milk to keep everything vegan-friendly.
- → How can I adjust sweetness?
Want it sweeter? Add a date or a dash of honey. Prefer less? Skip the banana or go for unsweetened almond milk.
- → Can I mix in extra ingredients?
Of course! Add some greens like spinach, stir in chia seeds for fiber, or mix in cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist.