Pin it Indulge in a luscious, six-ingredient Cherry Almond Smoothie that perfectly balances tart cherry flavor with creamy almond richness. Whether you're looking for a quick breakfast or a refreshing mid-day snack, this vibrant beverage is both satisfying and simple to prepare, bursting with a hint of sweetness in every sip.
Pin it This American-style beverage yields two servings, making it an ideal healthy treat to share. By combining frozen fruit with nutrient-dense almond butter and yogurt, you create a thick, smooth texture that feels indulgent while remaining light enough for a daily routine.
Ingredients
- Fruit: 1 cup frozen tart cherries (pitted), 1 ripe banana (fresh or frozen, sliced)
- Dairy/Alternatives: 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or plant-based yogurt for dairy-free)
- Liquid: 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- Nuts & Flavor: 2 tablespoons almond butter
- Sweetener: 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup (optional, adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine Ingredients
- Add the cherries, banana, Greek yogurt, almond milk, almond butter, and maple syrup to a blender.
- Step 2: Blend
- Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.
- Step 3: Adjust Sweetness
- Taste and adjust sweetness if needed by adding more maple syrup.
- Step 4: Serve
- Pour into two glasses and serve immediately, garnished with sliced almonds or extra cherries if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For extra thickness, use a frozen banana and/or add a handful of ice cubes before blending. This ensures a frostier, more milkshake-like consistency that is particularly refreshing on warm days.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can swap maple syrup for honey or agave if preferred. Additionally, substitute cashew or oat milk for almond milk for a different flavor profile. For an extra protein boost, consider adding a scoop of vanilla protein powder.
Serviervorschläge
Serve your smoothie immediately in tall glasses. To enhance the presentation, garnish the top with a sprinkle of sliced almonds or a few fresh cherries. For those with nut allergies, sunflower seed butter and a nut-free milk alternative serve as excellent substitutes.
Pin it Each serving of this Cherry Almond Smoothie contains 215 calories, 8g of protein, and 8g of healthy fats, making it a balanced and nutritious choice for any time of day.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?
For best texture and flavor, enjoy immediately after blending. If storing, keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours and give it a quick stir or re-blend before serving.
- → What can I substitute for almond butter?
Cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, or peanut butter work well as alternatives. For a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter and choose oat milk or another nut-free milk.
- → How can I make this smoothie thicker?
Use frozen banana instead of fresh, add a handful of ice cubes before blending, or include an extra tablespoon of almond butter. Greek yogurt also contributes to a creamier texture.
- → Is this smoothie suitable for meal prep?
Yes! Portion frozen ingredients into freezer bags ahead of time. When ready to enjoy, simply dump the contents into your blender, add liquid and yogurt, then blend.
- → Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?
Fresh cherries work but may result in a thinner consistency. Add extra ice or half a frozen banana to maintain the creamy texture. Frozen fruit also provides a colder serving temperature.
- → How do I make this completely dairy-free?
Replace Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt, almond yogurt, or another plant-based alternative. The result remains creamy and delicious while being fully dairy-free.