Chocolate Cherry Smoothie (Black Forest-Inspired!)
Inspired by the flavors of Black Forest cake, this chocolate cherry smoothie may taste like an indulgent chocolate-y treat, but it’s actually made entirely with nutritious whole foods like cherries, banana, cacao, flax, and almond butter. It’s insanely delicious and will satisfy your taste buds while also nourishing your gut!
Picture this: a giant, unopened, 4-pound bag of frozen cherries emerges before your eyes. What do you do with it? What’s the first thing that comes to mind? If you’re me, probably something like, “who in the world buys 4 pounds of cherries for 2 people?!”. While visiting my parents recently, I was confronted with his exact scenario, and I instantly thought of a smoothie. Sure, I’d made plenty of chocolate smoothies in the past, but chocolate cherry? That could be a game changer. While the first test was far from perfect, I knew the concept had some serious potential. Turns out the joke was on me because when I got home, I immediately bought my very own giant 4-pound bag of cherries so that I could make more smoothies. How else would I test more smoothie versions to create a recipe that’s worth sharing?! What’s that saying again, “When life gives you…cherries, make a banger chocolate cherry smoothie” is it?” 🙃
Bad jokes aside, this smoothie is awesome. It’s got all the indulgent flavors that come from pairing cherries with chocolate (a classic combo!), but it’s made with nutritious whole foods, so you’ll feel both nourished and satisfied. I particularly love having one whenever I feel in need of a mid-day pick up, as it satisfies my cravings for something sweet while also fueling me with some nutrients. Can’t beat it!
Why You’ll Love this Smoothie
Tastes like Black Forest cake. Let’s talk about the FLAVORS! Not only does the smoothie boast the delicious timeless combo of cherries and chocolate, but to take it a step further,I added in almond extract. The result? A flavor combo that strongly resembles Black Forest cake. The extract really emphasizes the flavors of the cherries, and it’s what takes this smoothie from “good” to “unbelievably good.” (BTW, if you’re looking for a more indulgent, dessert-y take on these flavors, check out my No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Tart recipe - it’s an absolute crowd pleaser!)
Packs in nutritious whole foods. Not only does this smoothie taste incredible, but it’s also good for you! Nearly every ingredient in this smoothie is a whole food - cherries, bananas, almond butter, plant milk, and cacao, along with nutrient-boosting flax and maca powder - so you’ll be getting a huge dose of fiber, nutrients, and vitamins. There’s no added sweeteners and no ultra processed foods, so you can rest assured that this smoothie will leave you feeling nourished and energized!
Sneaks in extra nutrients. Adding in some ground flax boosts fiber and packs in healthy omega-3 fatty acids, while the maca powder (which is totally optional - don’t let the maca stop you from making the smoothie if you don’t have any) has high levels of iron, iodine, and potassium. And don’t worry, you can’t even taste them!
Enjoy any time of the year! Because this smoothie uses frozen cherries, which are very accessible year round, you don’t have to wait until peak summer (when fresh cherries are finally in season) to make it! I love it in the winter/spring because it gives me some of those summer vibes (mixed with the flavor of chocolate, which is a staple of my diet during the winter months 😂), and (I can only dream at this point 😢) it’ll be great to cool down with on a hot summer day as well.
Incredibly simple and easy to make. Like most smoothies, this one’s incredibly easy to make. Simply add everything to a blender, blend, and pour into a glass and drink. And if you’re feeling fancy or like a bit of texture with your smoothie, you can top it off with some hemp seeds (for some extra nutrients!) and crunchy cacao nibs.
Ingredient Overview
Frozen sweet cherries. The base of this smoothie! Definitely opt for frozen over fresh as they’re the only frozen ingredient in the smoothie, so they’re responsible for cooling it down. Cherries are absolutely loaded with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins (particularly C, A, and K), along with potassium and magnesium!
Banana. Adding in a banana helps make the smoothie creamier while also adding some extra sweetness. Plus bananas are a great source of potassium, magnesium, and vitamins B6 and C. Since there’s already a lot of frozen cherries, I recommend using a fresh banana for the best texture.
Non-dairy milk. Any plant milk works, so use your favorite! I’ve started using soy milk in smoothies because it’s a great way to sneak in some extra protein. Depending on the brand, 1 cup of soy milk contains up to 9 grams or even 12 grams of protein, which is actually more than cow’s milk (which has 8 grams/cup) and without all the downsides of dairy! Although I wouldn’t really drink unsweetened, single-ingredient soy milk on its own as I don’t particularly enjoy the flavor, you can’t really taste it in a smoothie, so using it is a great way to bump up the smoothie’s nutrition! Alternatively, oat milk is a crowd pleasing favorite (it tastes great!) and was my prior go-to for almost everything.
Cacao powder. To add the chocolate flavor! Plus, cacao powder, which is unroasted and different from the cocoa powder many of us grew up with, is loaded with antioxidants (especially flavanols, which are associated with increased brain function and lower blood pressure), fiber, and even protein (!), along with iron, potassium, and magnesium.
Almond butter. Adds creaminess and some healthy fats, along with a bit of extra protein and fiber.
Ground flaxseed. For a nutrition boost of fiber, protein, and healthy omega-3 fatty acids! Flax is one of those foods that’s insanely nutritious and that I try to consume every day, and adding some into smoothies is my favorite (and easiest!) way to get it in.
Almond extract. The secret ingredient, if you can call it that (it’s not so secret if it’s in the recipe, right?!). Almond extract enhances the flavor of the cherries and makes the smoothie taste 🔥!
Maca powder (optional). Don’t feel like you need to run to the store for maca powder before you can make this smoothie - it’s not essential. Maca is a superfood that comes from the root of a Peruvian cruciferous vegetable, and it’s been linked with remedying hormonal imbalances, muscle building, and increasing energy. So you’ve got some, sprinkling in ½-1 teaspoon (total) will up the smoothie’s nutritional benefits without noticeably altering the flavor.
Let’s toast to this nutritious and delicious smoothie!
Chocolate Cherry Smoothie (Black Forest Cake-Inspired!)
Vegan, Naturally-Sweetened
Makes 2
Ingredients
Smoothie:
2 cups frozen pitted cherries
1 fresh banana
1 cup non-dairy milk (soy, oat, almond, etc.)
¼ cup cacao powder
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
1 tablespoon almond butter
½ teaspoon almond extract
½-1 teaspoon maca powder (optional)
For topping (optional):
Hemp seeds
Cacao nibs
Directions
Add all the smoothie ingredients to a blender and blend on medium speed for a few seconds, then blend on high until smooth and creamy, using a tamper as needed to help the ingredients blend completely.
Pour into two glasses and sprinkle on any toppings, if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Hope this smoothie adds some chocolate-y goodness into your life! If you have a moment, please leave a review in the comments below - I always appreciate your support. And if you’re on Instagram (@teostinykitchen), tag me so I can see!