Chocolate Covered Cherry Smoothie Recipe

When I’m craving a sweet yet guilt-free escape, this cherry-chocolate bliss smoothie is my go-to blend, bursting with rich flavors that feel like a decadent treat without the extra baggage.

Creating healthy yet indulgent treats is my passion. One of the treasures in my cookbook (which is still very much in progress) is my recipe for Chocolate Covered Cherry Smoothies.

They pulse with the deep, dark, and rich flavors of cocoa powder and their two base fruits, but the smoothie has three other ingredients that take it over the top: creamy Greek yogurt, hint-of-vanilla almond milk, and dreamy balance between nutrition and decadence. Health food does not equal deprivation.

Ingredients

• Frozen Cherries: Packed with antioxidants and vitamins, they add natural sweetness.
• Cocoa Powder: Rich in flavonoids, enhances flavor, and offers mood-boosting properties.
• Greek Yogurt: High in protein and probiotics, adds creaminess and tanginess.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Natural sweeteners providing energy and subtle sweetness.
• Almond Milk: Low-calorie, lactose-free option with vitamin E for smooth texture.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup frozen cherries
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 cup almond milk or milk of choice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3-4 ice cubes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chocolate chips or shavings, for garnish
• 1 tablespoon whipped cream, for garnish (optional)

How to Make this

1. 1 cup frozen cherries
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
Blend in fruit and cocoa powder.

2. Combine 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt in the blender.

3. Add 1/2 cup of almond milk or any milk of your choice.

4. Include 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to add sweetness.

5. Add 0.5 teaspoons vanilla extract for flavor.

6. For a colder, thicker smoothie, include 3-4 ice cubes in the blender.

7. Combine the ingredients in a blender and process on high until the mixture is totally smooth and creamy, with no visible chunks. You know they’re there if you can see them.

8. Sample the smoothie and amend sweetness if necessity demands, by incorporating more honey or syrup.

9. Pour the smoothie into a glass. Top with 1 tablespoon of chocolate chips or shavings for garnish.

10. If desired, add a dollop of whipped cream on top as an extra treat and serve right away.

Equipment Needed

1. Blender
2. Measuring cups
3. Measuring spoons
4. Glass (for serving)
5. Spoon (for stirring and adding ingredients)
6. Table knife (optional, for adding whipped cream and garnishes)

FAQ

• Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?Certainly! To reach a more rigid consistency with the liquid, you will want to incorporate more ice cubes. And if that slab still seems a little too soft for your taste, then go ahead and chop it up.
• Is there a non-dairy alternative for Greek yogurt?You can use yogurt made from coconut or almond for a dairy-free option.
• How can I make this recipe vegan?Instead of honey, opt for maple syrup and select a non-dairy milk and yogurt.
• Can I omit the cocoa powder?Chocolate flavor relies on cocoa powder—but you can cut back on it if you want.
• What’s a good substitute for almond milk?Use any milk you prefer—a plant-based option or an animal-based one. Soy milk, oat milk, and regular cow’s milk work great.
• Is the whipped cream necessary?It is not required and is primarily for decoration, so you can forgo it or use a non-dairy substitute.
• How can I make the smoothie thicker?To achieve a thicker consistency, add more Greek yogurt or use less liquid.

Chocolate Covered Cherry Smoothie Recipe Substitutions and Variations

1 cup frozen cherries – replace with 1 cup frozen mixed berries or frozen pitted cherries
1 tablespoon cocoa powder – substitute with 1 tablespoon cacao powder or chocolate protein powder
1/2 cup Greek yogurt – can be replaced with 1/2 cup coconut yogurt or regular yogurt.
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup – substitute with 1 tbsp agave syrup or a sugar-free sweetener
1/2 cup almond milk or milk of choice – substitute with 1/2 cup oat milk or coconut milk.

Pro Tips

1. For a richer chocolate flavor, use dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa powder.

2. If you prefer a thicker consistency, freeze the Greek yogurt into cubes before adding it to the blender.

3. To enhance the cherry flavor, add a splash of cherry juice or a few extra frozen cherries.

4. Blend the ingredients at intervals, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender to ensure everything is well mixed.

5. For an extra nutritional boost, consider adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder or a tablespoon of chia seeds before blending.