Cherry Almond Smoothie

My college roommate used to make these bright pink smoothies every morning before our 8 AM classes, and I'd tease her about drinking "dessert for breakfast" until she finally made me one. The tart cherry flavor hit me first, then this creamy almond richness that somehow felt sophisticated yet comforting. Now it's my go-to when I need something that feels indulgent but actually fuels me properly.

Last summer, my sister was recovering from surgery and couldn't stomach solid food, so I brought over a batch of these. She took one sip and actually cried a little, saying it was the first thing that tasted good and felt nourishing all week. Sometimes the simplest recipes end up meaning the most.

Ingredients

• 1 cup frozen tart cherries: Frozen fruit gives you that thick, milkshake-like texture without diluting the flavor with ice
• 1 ripe banana: Even fresh bananas work, but freezing them first makes this smoothie luxuriously creamy
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt: The secret ingredient that adds protein and makes the texture velvety
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk: Lets the tart cherry shine through without added sugar
• 2 tablespoons almond butter: This is what transforms it from a basic fruit smoothie into something with staying power
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup: Tart cherries need a little help in the sweetness department

Instructions

Rinse produce, clean cookware, and fill pots smoothly with flexible spray options for everyday cooking.

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Add everything to the blender:

Toss in your cherries, banana, yogurt, almond milk, almond butter, and maple syrup all at once

Blend until completely smooth:

Let it run on high for about a full minute, stopping to scrape down the sides if needed

Taste and adjust:

Give it a quick taste and add more maple syrup if your cherries were especially tart

Pour and serve:

Divide between two glasses and enjoy immediately while it's perfectly cold

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This became my daughter's favorite after soccer practice last spring. She'd walk through the door already scanning the counter for the blender, and honestly, seeing how something this simple could make her whole afternoon better reminded me why I bother making anything from scratch.

Making It Thicker

Sometimes you want that spoonable smoothie bowl consistency. I've discovered that freezing the banana the night before makes the biggest difference, and adding a handful of ice cubes right before that final blend creates this amazing soft-serve texture that holds up to toppings.

Flavor Variations

My husband prefers swapping almond butter for cashew butter, which gives it this milder, creamier finish. In the fall, I've added a pinch of cinnamon and a drop of vanilla extract, and honestly, it tastes like a cherry pie in a glass.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These smoothies are best enjoyed immediately, but I've learned a few workarounds for busy mornings. You can prep little freezer bags with the fruit and almond butter, then just dump in the liquids and blend.

• The smoothie will separate if stored, so give it a quick re-blend or vigorous shake
• Don't add ice if you're making it ahead, it waters everything down as it melts
• Frozen smoothie packs will keep for up to three months in the freezer

Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.

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Hope this becomes your quick fix for mornings that need something bright but substantial. Sometimes the most healing recipes are the ones that come together in five minutes.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

For best results, blend and serve immediately. The mixture will separate if stored, though you can give it a quick stir before drinking. Prep ingredients in advance and blend when ready to serve.

→ How can I make it thicker?

Use frozen banana instead of fresh, add a handful of ice cubes while blending, or reduce the almond milk by 1/4 cup. Greek yogurt also provides natural thickness.

→ What milk alternatives work best?

Cashew milk creates an even creamier texture, while oat milk adds natural sweetness. Coconut milk works well but adds subtle coconut flavor. Choose unsweetened varieties to control sweetness.

→ Can I use fresh cherries?

Fresh cherries work but won't provide the same icy thickness. Add extra ice cubes to compensate. Frozen cherries also tend to be more cost-effective and available year-round.

→ Is this suitable for meal prep?

Portion frozen ingredients into freezer bags for quick assembly. Simply dump into blender with liquid and yogurt when ready. This method preserves texture and saves prep time during busy mornings.