This delicious Cherry Smoothie is perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon energy boost. The flavor of sweet cherries is accented with rich vanilla and swirled together for a thick and filling "eat it with a spoon to get every drop" smoothie. Full of protein, potassium, antioxidants, and healthy fats, it's a healthy treat any time of day.
I love to start out the day with a workout and a breakfast that will fuel me through the morning. And, if you're like me, I always feel better when I eat the right foods.
And, when the weather turns hot, starting my day with a smoothie just hits the spot. Smoothies like my Margarita Smoothie and Banana Oatmeal Smoothie are always on the menu. Now I'm adding this chilly, healthy Cherry Vanilla Smoothie to the list.
Table of contents
What type of cherries should I use?
Any type of cherries are great in this smoothie and each offers up a slightly different flavor.
- Black Cherries or Dark Sweet Cherries - A Black Cherry Smoothie or Dark Sweet Cherry Smoothie is usually made with the most popular Bing Cherry. The darker it is, the riper it is. This type of cherry is one you can pop in your mouth and enjoy the sweet taste or add to a smoothie for a sweeter treat. This Cherry Yogurt Smoothie uses the dark sweet cherry.
- Tart Cherries - Tart cherries are usually used to make jams, fruit pies, preserves, and juice. However, if you like things a bit on the tarter, more sour side, these cherries can be substituted for the sweet variety for a fantastic Tart Cherry Smoothie. Believe it or not, this type of cherry, the most popular being the Montmorency cherry, actually offers more in the antioxidant department than the sweeter version.
- Sweet Cherries - For a Sweet Cherry Smoothie just change out the dark sweet cherry for the even sweeter Ranier cherry with their yellowish-golden hue.
Frequently asked questions about smoothies
No, you don't. You can use frozen fruit to add that extra thickness in place of the ice.
Dark leafy greens such as spinach and kale can be added for extra vitamins and fiber, while nuts, seeds, and berries make great toppings. You can also sub avocado for yogurt and achieve the same creamy smooth texture.
I like to make mine just before I drink it, but you can make it up to 24 hours ahead of time and it will still be OK.
Sure thing! Just blend it then pour into a mason jar, cover, and freeze. When ready to eat just leave the jar on the counter for several hours to defrost.
Pro-Tip: Add liquid and yogurt first to the blender, followed by powders and sweeteners. Top with greens, soft ingredients, nuts, and seeds, then frozen or hard ingredients. This will prevent frozen fruit from getting caught in the blades.
Ingredients
Yogurt - brings the creaminess to the forefront. It also makes this cherry yogurt smoothie a rich source of protein. For a dairy-free smoothie, opt for almond milk yogurt.
Milk - is used to help blend all the ingredients together. Any type of milk will work here. Add a little bit for a thicker smoothie or more for a sippable version. Keep it dairy-free with almond, oat or cashew milk.
Banana - just one frozen banana will make this a potassium-rich breakfast bowl. For a more liquidy smoothie you can sip through a straw, use a room temperature banana. Want to make this a banana-free smoothie? Just add more frozen fruit or avocado.
Cherries - are very high in antioxidants and are chock full of fiber, vitamins C, A & K as well as potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Opt for frozen or fresh.
Almond Butter - contains protein and good-for-you fats as well as being high in vitamin E. It also gives a bit more body, fiber, and texture to the finished smoothie.
Vanilla Extract - adds an extra flavor boost to the mix.
Protein Powder - is a totally optional addition. If you work out regularly this is a great way to get a boost in your protein intake.
Garnishes - Pile on the goodies! Add more cherries, strawberries, blueberries and kiwi as well as sliced almonds. Or go the Cherry Garcia route and add a few chocolate chips to the mix too.
How to Make a Cherry Smoothie
- Combine milk, yogurt, vanilla extract, almond butter, frozen banana and protein powder, if using. Blend until smooth.
- Remove ⅓ of smoothie and set aside.
- Add frozen cherries to the remainder and blend again until smooth.
- Divide cherry smoothie equally between 2 glasses.
- Rinse blender cup and pour vanilla smoothie back in. Add another ½ frozen banana or ice and blend. Add more ice for a thicker smoothie.
- Pour on top of the cherry smoothie.
- Swirl with a long spoon.
- Garnish your Cherry Vanilla Smoothie with desired toppings.
This Cherry Smoothie is reminiscent of my favorite cherry vanilla ice cream but without all the guilt! It's a great way to cool off this summer and enjoy a creamy treat. Think of it as a tasty option for breakfast, an afternoon energy boost or even dessert. Enjoy!
More delicious smoothie recipes:
Peach Smoothie with almonds and cinnamon tastes like peach pie in a glass.
Mango Orange Smoothie with peanut butter and protein powder to fuel up for the day.
Pineapple Banana Smoothie tastes like you are sipping on sunshine.
Find lots of healthy smoothie recipes here on 2CM!
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Cherry Smoothie
Ingredients
Smoothie Base
- ½ cup milk use almond milk for dairy-free version
- 1 frozen banana sliced
- 5-6 oz Greek yogurt plain or use an almond milk based yogurt for dairy-free
- 2 Tablespoons almond butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Cherry Smoothie
- 1 cup frozen dark sweet cherries
Vanilla Smoothie
- ½ frozen banana sliced or use a handful of ice until desired thickness
Instructions
- Combine all smoothie base ingredients in blender or blender cup.
- Blend until smooth.
- Take ⅓-1/2 of mixture and save to the side.
Cherry Smoothie
- Add cherries to the remaining smoothie base mixture and blend again.
- Divide Cherry Smoothie evenly between 2 tall slim glasses.
Vanilla Smoothie
- Clean out the blender cup and add remaining smoothie base back in.
- Add either ½ frozen banana or a handful of ice and blend until smooth.
To assemble
- Pour on top of cherry smoothie mixture, dividing evenly between glasses.
- Give it a nice swirl.
- Top with chopped fruits, nuts, granola and/or chocolate chips.
Notes
Nutrition
This post has been updated with more information, photos, and step-by-step instructions. It was first published on May 18, 2019.
