This cherry vanilla protein smoothie is a creamy, fruity breakfast blend with that classic cherry-and-vanilla flavor that feels a little like a milkshake, but works beautifully for busy mornings. Frozen cherries bring bright sweetness, banana adds body, Greek yogurt makes it extra smooth, and vanilla protein powder gives it a simple, satisfying boost for breakfast or a post-workout snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen pitted cherries
- 1 small ripe banana, sliced
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup milk of choice
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, optional
- 1/2 cup ice, optional for a thicker smoothie
Use frozen cherries for the best texture and a chilled, creamy finish. If you only have fresh cherries, pit them first and add a little extra ice before blending. A ripe banana works best because it sweetens the smoothie naturally and helps everything blend into a thick, spoonable texture.
How To Make It
Add the milk to the blender first. This helps the blades move smoothly and makes it easier to blend the frozen fruit. Add the Greek yogurt, banana, frozen cherries, vanilla protein powder, vanilla extract, and honey or maple syrup if using.
Blend on high until the smoothie is completely creamy, about 30 to 60 seconds. If the mixture is too thick, add another splash of milk and blend again. If you want it thicker, add the ice or a few extra frozen cherries and blend until smooth.
Taste before serving. Depending on your protein powder and the sweetness of your cherries, you may not need any added sweetener. Pour into a tall glass and enjoy right away while it is cold, creamy, and bright.
Tips
For the best cherry vanilla flavor, choose a vanilla protein powder you already enjoy, since it will be one of the main flavors in the smoothie. If your protein powder is very sweet, skip the honey or maple syrup at first and add it only after tasting.
For a thicker smoothie bowl style, reduce the milk to 1/3 cup and blend slowly, scraping down the sides as needed. Top with granola, sliced banana, chopped almonds, or a few extra cherries.
For a lighter texture, use regular milk or almond milk and add a little more as needed. For an extra creamy result, use whole milk Greek yogurt or a thick-style yogurt. If you want more cherry flavor, add a few drops of almond extract along with the vanilla, but keep it small because almond extract is strong.
Blend it up and enjoy a bright, creamy breakfast sip!