Cherry Chocolate Smoothie – plant-based on a budget

This thick, creamy, delicious, plant-based cherry chocolate smoothie tastes like dessert but is packed with antioxidants, fiber, protein, and beneficial nutrients. A vegan, dairy-free, refined-sugar-free breakfast or snack that’s ready in just 5 minutes!

Creamy, decadent and nutritious cherry chocolate smoothie

We love smoothies for their ability to make us feel like we’re enjoying a treat while loading up on beneficial nutrients and macros. We’re already obsessed with this Pineapple Kale Smoothie, Peach Cream Smoothie Bowl, and Orange Cream Smoothie. Still, this dairy-free, creamy, delicious cherry chocolate smoothie recipe tastes the most like dessert yet!

Combining cocoa powder and cherries, this smoothie tastes like a slice of Black Forest cake without the unhealthy ingredients. Instead, the combination of cocoa powder, cherries, banana, and nut butters creates a sweet and dessert-like chocolate-cherry smoothie that tastes great (and has kids approval) and is packed with nutrients.

Is this cherry smoothie healthy?

This cherry smoothie is packed with fiber, antioxidants, plant-based protein, and several beneficial botanicals and micronutrients, including vitamin C, potassium, and copper, among others.

Combined, these promote post-workout recovery, lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and may improve sleep quality (thanks to melatonin!). Plus, unlike real milk chocolate, you’ll enjoy an endorphin rush without an impending sugar crash.

You can even throw in extra nutrient-boosting ingredients like omega-3-rich chia seeds, a scoop of your favorite plant-based protein powder, or even a handful of leafy greens (trust me, you won’t be able to taste them!). Read on for our favorite add-ins.

The ingredients

This recipe uses 5 simple ingredients for a flavorful, sweet, dessert-like, healthy Black Forest smoothie.

• cherries: They taste great and offer a ton of health benefits. You can use fresh (pitted) or frozen cherries, although we use the latter for the thickest cherry shake (and enjoy it all year round!).
• Banana: Use a slightly overripe banana to add natural sweetness to the berry chocolate smoothie. It can be fresh or frozen, although the latter is thicker and more dessert-like. For a banana-free smoothie, try substituting 1/2 an avocado or 1/2 to 3/4 cup frozen cauliflower, although you’ll likely need to add sweetener.
• plant milk: You can use any non-dairy milk depending on the creaminess and flavor you want. Ie almond milk (our favorite pair with cherries), cashew milk, oat milk, soy milk, etc. Use a little vegan yogurt for an even thicker, creamier frozen cherry smoothie.
• cocoa powder: To provide the chocolate flavor, use unsweetened cacao or cacao powder (the latter is less processed, which means more antioxidants and nutrients like magnesium and iron, but it’s more bitter so may require an additional sweetener).
• nut butter: This adds more belly-filling protein, fiber, richness, and heart-healthy fats. We used peanut butter, but almond butter or cashew butter also works. For a nut-free cherry smoothie recipe, use sunflower seed butter.
• Sweetener: (OPTIONAL) If the banana isn’t sweet enough (or you substituted the banana), you may need more sweetness. You can add 1-2 Medjool dates, date syrup, maple syrup, agave, or even a sugar-free option like erythritol.

What could I add to a cherry smoothie?

• vanilla extract: Add ½-1 teaspoon for extra dessert-like flavor when combining with the cocoa powder.
• Almond Extract: A small amount of almond extract enhances the cakey flavor of this berry chocolate smoothie.
• Cinammon: Added to taste for added flavor and multiple health benefits.
• Sea-salt: Just a pinch of salt enhances the flavor of this smoothie.
• strawberries: Use a combination of cherries and strawberries if you like.
• Protein powder: Add 1 scoop (approx. 30g) of vanilla, chocolate or cherry flavored vegan protein powder for a protein cherry shake.
• Oats: ¼ cup oatmeal adds fiber for a filling, meal-replacing cherry smoothie.
• Ground seeds: Add 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds, chia seeds, or hemp seeds for fiber, plant-based protein, and heart-healthy omega-3s to fight inflammation.
• Spinach/kale: Adding 1-2 handfuls of veggies will pump up the nutrients and antioxidants, but you won’t be able to taste them at all.

How do I make a chocolate cherry smoothie?

This Cherry Chocolate Smoothie is easy to make, inexpensive, and ready in minutes for a nutritious breakfast, snack, or midday pick-me-up.

• 1) Place all the ingredients, starting with just ½ cup plant-based milk, in a high speed blender (runny and soft ingredients near the blade) and process until smooth and creamy.

• 2) If needed, add more plant-based milk to desired consistency.
• 3) Pour the chocolate cherry smoothie into a glass, optionally top with toppings (like cacao nibs or grated vegan dark chocolate) and enjoy!

When using a poorly performing/old blender, first puree the plant-based milk and ¼ cup cherries, then slowly add the remaining ingredients. This makes it easier for the blades. You may also need to give the machine breaks to scrape the sides.

Top tips for the best results

• Adjust the consistency: Add more plant-based milk or use fresh (not frozen) ingredients for a thinner smoothie. For a thicker mix, add some ice cubes or ground oatmeal.
• Optimize to your liking: We’ve included several optional add-ins for you to experiment with depending on whether you prefer more fiber, protein, antioxidants, etc.
• For a lighter smoothie: Substitute half of the banana for frozen cauliflower or leave it out entirely, adjusting the amount of liquid accordingly.
• Tips for the best mixing: Always put the liquids and softest ingredients close to the blades.

Storage Instructions

We highly recommend always keeping a supply of frozen fruit (like frozen bananas, which are the basis of so many smoothies) in your freezer so you can make a smoothie whenever you want.

Smoothies, which are made primarily from frozen ingredients, are best consumed right away for the best texture. Fresh fruit smoothies will be keeps for a day in an airtight container with a lid. Note, however, that the nutrients are highest the first time you mix them. Shake/stir the smoothie before drinking.

You can also freeze leftover smoothies for up to 3 months in ziplock/stasher bag to remix from frozen (with additional liquid if necessary) or thaw first. Alternatively, you can pour the leftovers into a popsicle mold for a healthy vegan ice cream-like treat.

More smoothie recipes

Photos by Alfonso Revilla