Sweet and juicy cherries blended with your favourite milk, cocoa powder and bananas to thicken make a rich and delicious Chocolate Cherry Smoothie that the whole family will love. It tastes like a milkshake, but it's much healthier and naturally sweetened. Lots of ways you can adapt it too.
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Chocolate and cherry is a classic flavour combination. Waking up and having something chocolatey for breakfast seems so indulgent, but this chocolate cherry smoothie tastes more indulgent than it actually is!
It is pretty healthy and you could easily sneak in some greens too.
If you are looking for some other ways to enjoy cherries, then why not try our Apple and Cherry Crumble?
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Why You Will Love It
- Chocolate and cherry are a delicious combination - The flavours just work so well together.
- A healthier way to have chocolate for breakfast - Who doesn't want to have chocolate first thing in the morning? This is a great way to start the day!
- An easy way to introduce kids to smoothies - If you want your kids to drink more smoothies, then they will love this.
- Low in calories - Just 250 calories a smoothie, but we have given some ways that you can bulk it out too.
Ingredients and Substitutions
A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Bananas - This is what makes the smoothie nice and thick. It doesn't have an overly banana flavour, but if you really don't like banana then you can swap it for avocado instead, which will make it extra creamy. You will need to add some extra sweetness though, as avocados aren't sweet like banana.
- Cherries - The star of the smoothie. Ue the ripest cherries you can, for the best flavour.
- Cocoa powder - We used unsweetened cocoa powder. Try to use the best quality you can.
- Maple syrup - You can use honey if you prefer, but maple syrup will keep it vegan.
- Milk - We used almond milk to keep it vegan, but any milk will work. Add some coconut milk to make it extra thick and creamy.
Variations
There are so many different ways you can adapt this smoothie and these are just some of our favourite. Add some extra protein and make it thicker and creamier by blending in some Greek yogurt. You could also add nut butter (cashew is our favourite) for a protein boost.
If you want to sneak some greens into this smoothie, then go with either avocado, spinach or kale. If you are using leafy greens then make sure you are using a high powered blender so everything is nice and smooth.
How to Make a Chocolate Cherry Smoothie
- Step 1: Pit the cherries and slice the banana. Put into a blender.
- Step 2: Top up with the rest of the ingredients and blend until smooth.
Healthy Swap
To make this lower in calories, you can use half a banana. It won't be as thick though.
Give it a green boost with some spinach.
How to Thicken a Smoothie
During the warmer months we usually use frozen cherries and bananas, and that really helps to thicken the smoothie.
It is fairly thick anyway, but you can add oats or avocado to make it thicker, or if you aren't a fan of banana. Using frozen banana makes it taste more like a thick and creamy milkshake too.
Dannii's Top Tips
- If you bananas are really ripe, then you might find that you don't need to add any extra sweetener. It depends on your taste.
- Use frozen bananas to make it extra creamy.
- Add some extra protein this chocolate smoothie with either some Greek yogurt or nut butter.
- Give the smoothie a green boost by blending in some avocado, kale or spinach.
- To make the smoothie thicker, use frozen fruit or adding some oats.
- Add some ground flax seeds or chia seeds for extra nutrition.
- A little cinnamon adds some warmth and extra nutrition too.
- To make this a little more indulgent, top the smoothie with some chopped up dark chocolate.
- When adding ingredients to a blender, always add liquids first. This will help your blender run easily and will help stop any lumps in your smoothie.
- Use a high powdered blender to make sure everything is really smooth.
- Make this extra thick and serve it as a smoothie bowl loaded with toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can really use any milk you like. We went with almond milk to make it a vegan option, but dairy milk or another plant based milk will work too. If you want to make this smoothie feel extra indulgent, then swap some of the milk for coconut milk and it will make it extra thick and creamy.
This is such a quick and easy recipe, so it's always best to make it fresh. However, if you have made too much or you want to make it ready for an easy breakfast the next day, then you can store it in the fridge. It will be fine for 24 hours - just make sure to give it a really good stir before serving.
There are 251 calories in this smoothie.
More Smoothie Recipes
If you've tried this chocolate cherry smoothie, hen let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - You can use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.
Recipe
Chocolate Cherry Smoothie
Ingredients
- 2 Banana
- 200 g (7 oz) Cherries - pitted
- 4 tablespoon Cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoon Maple syrup
- 350 ml (1.5 cups) Almond milk
Instructions
- Pit 200 g Cherries and slice 2 Banana. Put into a blender.
- Top up with 350 ml Almond milk, 2 tablespoon Maple syrup and 4 tablespoon Cocoa powder. Blend until smooth.
Recipe Tips
- If you bananas are really ripe, then you might find that you don't need to add any extra sweetener. It depends on your taste.
- Use frozen bananas to make it extra creamy.
- Add some extra protein this smoothie with either some Greek yoghurt or nut butter.
- Give the smoothie a green boost by blending in some avocado, kale or spinach.
- To make the smoothie thicker, use frozen fruit or adding some oats.
- Add some ground flax seeds or chia seeds for extra nutrition.
- A little cinnamon adds some warmth and extra nutrition too.
- To make this a little more indulgent, top the smoothie with some chopped up dark chocolate.
- When adding ingredients to a blender, always add liquids first. This will help your blender run easily and will help stop any lumps in your smoothie.
- Use a high powdered blender to make sure everything is really smooth.
- Make this extra thick and serve it as a smoothie bowl loaded with toppings.
Nutritional Information
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The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.
Cara says
I am sad that cherry season is coming to an end.
Katie says
Do you worry about the sugar levels in smoothies with all that fruit?
Charlie says
Chocolate and cherry together is the best. I am a big smoothie fan, as I don't have a lot of time for breakfast in the morning.
Gemma says
I had this for breakfast this morning and it's so good.
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong says
Yumm! Delicious healthy chocolate smoothie for breakfast... Love it.. :)
kezia @ super naturally healthy says
I tried making a cherry smoothie but was too impatient when pitting the dates! I love chocolate for breakfast too and that chocolate can actually be healthy!
Tamzin says
I love chocolate and cherry smoothies and I totally agree about frozen bananas so good!
Favourite smoothie combo would have to be coffee and cashew or blueberry and tahini x
Matt @ Runner Savvy says
Looks good!
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
This is essentially my life. Chocolate, cherries, and almond milk. Thank you and goodnight.
Maria @ runningcupcake says
Mmmm I love the chocolate and cherry combo- I often buy the frozen cherries from Sainsbury's and they go really well in smoothies.
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
Love the flavors of this smoothie, Dannii! Chocolate and cherries are the best combo!
Oh So Gawjess says
Chocolate and cherrys are one of my favourite combos ever!!!! This was delicious!!!
xXx
Charlene @ That Girl Cooks Healthy says
Oh no you didn't Dannii, this is my favourite smoothie. I'm going to Tesco tomorrow to stock up on more cherries for my smoothie.
Alison says
I am a fan of chocolate and cherry too. Great idea for breakfast.
laura@wholeheartedlyhealthy says
Chocolate cherry is one of my fave smoothie combos, I like to add a bit of spinach to mine as well :-)