This thick, creamy chocolate cherry high-protein smoothie blends sweet-tart cherries with cocoa, banana, Greek yogurt, and protein powder for a dessert-inspired drink that still feels practical for breakfast, snack time, or a post-workout sip. It tastes like a chocolate-covered cherry milkshake, but uses simple freezer and fridge staples you can measure, blend, and enjoy in minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen pitted cherries
- 1/2 medium banana, fresh or frozen
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3/4 cup unsweetened milk of choice
- 1 scoop chocolate or vanilla protein powder
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey, optional
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup ice, optional for a thicker smoothie
How To Make It
1. Add the milk to the blender first. This helps the blades move smoothly and makes blending easier. 2. Add the Greek yogurt, banana, frozen cherries, protein powder, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt. 3. Blend on high for 30 to 60 seconds, or until the smoothie is completely creamy and no cherry pieces remain. 4. Check the texture. If it is too thick, add milk 1 tablespoon at a time and blend again. If you want it frostier, add the ice and blend until smooth. 5. Taste and adjust. If your cherries are extra tart, add the maple syrup or honey and blend once more. 6. Pour into a glass and enjoy right away while it is cold, thick, and silky.
Tips
- Frozen cherries make the best texture and keep the smoothie chilled without watering it down.
- Use chocolate protein powder for a richer cocoa flavor, or vanilla protein powder for a slightly lighter, creamy taste.
- For a thicker smoothie bowl, reduce the milk to 1/2 cup and top with sliced banana, granola, cacao nibs, or extra cherries.
- If your protein powder is very sweet, skip the maple syrup or honey until after blending and tasting.
- A tiny pinch of salt is optional, but it helps the chocolate and cherry flavors stand out.
- To make it dairy-free, use a thick dairy-free yogurt and your favorite plant-based protein powder.
- If your blender struggles with frozen fruit, let the cherries sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before blending.
Blend it up and enjoy every chocolate-cherry sip!