Choco-Cherry Chill Smoothie Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade Choco-Cherry Chill Smoothie with this easy baking recipe. Featuring frozen cherries, rich cacao powder, and creamy yogurt, this nutrient-dense breakfast treat combines simple blending techniques for a velvety-smooth chocolatey drink that's both indulgent and nourishing.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

10 mins

Cook Time:

0 mins

Serves:

2 smoothies

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">250g frozen cherries (pitted)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 frozen banana, sliced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200ml unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g Greek yogurt (or coconut yogurt for dairy-free)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">20g unsweetened cacao powder (not cocoa)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15g almond butter</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Pinch of salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For topping: Coconut cream, fresh cherries, cacao nibs or dark chocolate shavings (optional)</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 smoothie

🔥 Calories: 285 calories

🥑 Fat: 9 g

🧈 Saturated Fat: 2 g

🍞 Carbohydrates: 42 g

🍭 Sugar: 25 g

🍗 Protein: 10 g

🫀 Cholesterol: 5 mg

🧂 Sodium: 65 mg

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">High-powered blender</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Tamper or blender stick (if available)</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Place the almond milk in the blender first - this technique helps create a vortex for better blending and prevents ingredients from sticking to the bottom. The order of ingredients is crucial for smoothie success.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Add the Greek yogurt, cacao powder, almond butter, honey/maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt to the blender. These ingredients blend more easily before adding frozen items, ensuring a smooth texture without gritty cacao pockets.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Now add the frozen cherries and banana slices. Using frozen fruit creates that perfect thick, cold consistency without watering down flavors with ice. If your cherries have pits, double-check they've all been removed to protect your blender and teeth!</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Blend on low speed first for about 10 seconds to incorporate everything, then gradually increase to high speed. This gradual approach prevents air pockets from forming and helps break down the frozen fruits more effectively.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>If the mixture is too thick, stop the blender and use a tamper to push ingredients toward the blades, or add 1-2 tablespoons more liquid. Be patient here - adding too much liquid too quickly can turn your luxurious thick smoothie into a thin drink.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Continue blending until completely smooth and velvety, about 45-60 seconds. The smoothie should have a thick but pourable consistency, with no fruit chunks remaining. The natural pectin in cherries helps create this luxurious texture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. The riper your banana, the sweeter your smoothie will be naturally. Remember that cold temperatures slightly mute sweetness, so it might taste sweeter once it warms slightly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Pour immediately into chilled glasses for maximum coldness. If desired, top with a swirl of coconut cream, a few fresh cherries, and a sprinkle of cacao nibs or chocolate shavings for textural contrast and visual appeal.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Serve immediately with a straw or spoon - the thick texture might require both! For an even thicker, spoonable consistency like a smoothie bowl, reduce the milk by 50ml and serve in a bowl with additional toppings.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Choco-Cherry Chill Smoothie?

The Choco-Cherry Chill Smoothie combines frozen cherries, frozen banana, almond milk, Greek yogurt, cacao powder, almond butter, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Optional toppings include coconut cream, fresh cherries, and cacao nibs.

How to cook Choco-Cherry Chill Smoothie at home?

Learn how to cook Choco-Cherry Chill Smoothie by following a simple blending technique - add liquids first, followed by powders and nut butter, then frozen fruits. Blend gradually from low to high speed for 45-60 seconds until velvety smooth. No actual cooking required - just proper blending order for perfect consistency!

Can I make this smoothie dairy-free or vegan?

Absolutely! Simply substitute Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or any plant-based yogurt, and use maple syrup instead of honey. The almond milk already makes a great dairy-free base, but you can swap it for any plant milk you prefer like oat, soy, or cashew milk.

What's the difference between cacao powder and cocoa powder in smoothies?

Cacao powder is minimally processed and retains more nutrients and antioxidants than cocoa powder. It has a more intense, bitter chocolate flavour, making it ideal for smoothies where you want true chocolate taste without excessive sweetness. Cocoa powder can be substituted but may need less sweetener.

How can I meal prep this chocolate cherry smoothie for busy mornings?

Create smoothie freezer packs by portioning all ingredients except the liquid into freezer bags. You can even blend everything the night before and store in airtight containers in the fridge overnight. Give it a quick shake or brief reblend in the morning for a ready-to-go breakfast.

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