This cherry banana smoothie is a delicious and refreshing beverage that combines the flavors of cherries and bananas. It's a simple and easy-to-make recipe that can be enjoyed as a quick breakfast, a snack, or a post-workout drink.
When June is here that means it’s cherry season. I like cherries in all forms and shapes and I also have them fresh. some people like to bake and incorporate cherries into different dishes, others just use them as garnish.
I already shared here on the blog an amazing vegan chocolate cherry cake and also gluten free almond cherry clafoutis. If you have a lot of cherries you should try these recipes. This time I decided to add the cherries to my breakfast smoothie - delicious!
how to make a cherry smoothie
With only 5 ingredients and a blender, you can sip this smoothie and have a refreshing morning start.
To whip up this cherry smoothie, I used my Ninja blender. I have the smallest one with the 160 oz | 400ml cup. It’s very useful when I need to blend small quantities. It's also easy to clean because it only has 2 pieces and it doesn’t create a sink full of dishes to wash.
This smoothie contains a frozen banana, and I always have a few bananas frozen so it’s easier to make smoothies. If you want a banana-free smoothie then check out my apple oat smoothie. Another option is to change the banana to yogurt but this will create a slightly different texture to the smoothie.
The other ingredients for this yummy cherry smoothie is obviously cherries, and I choose to use fresh ones, it can work with frozen ones too. In addition to the cherries and frozen banana, I added vanilla paste, almond extract and soy milk. The vanilla and almond boost the cherries flavors and create the extra yummy kick in this smoothie. You can use any milk type that you prefer for this recipe though. This smoothie is more on the thicker side, if you prefer it runnier then add more milk or add water to dilute it. Once the smoothie is blended to your liking, pour it into glasses and serve immediately. Enjoy this cherry banana smoothie as a refreshing and nutritious treat!
The smoothie is healthy, sugar free, creamy and refreshing, you can also add a few ice cubes to make it even more refreshing on a hot summer day. The recipe is non-dairy (pareve) and vegan too since I used soy milk.
tips for making a delicious cherry smoothie:
- Use ripe and flavorful cherries: For the best taste, choose ripe cherries with a vibrant color. Sweet cherries like Bing or Rainier varieties work well in smoothies.
- Balance sweetness: If your cherries are not very sweet, you can add a natural sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or dates to enhance the sweetness of the smoothie. Adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.
- Add a liquid: To achieve a smooth and blendable consistency, add a liquid component to your smoothie. You can use milk (dairy or plant-based), yogurt, coconut water, or even fruit juice. Start with a smaller amount and add more as needed to reach the desired consistency.
- Consider adding a creamy element: To make the smoothie even creamier, you can add a creamy ingredient like yogurt, almond milk, coconut milk, or a scoop of nut butter. This adds richness and depth to the smoothie.
- Experiment with flavor additions: If you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with flavor additions like almond extract, vanilla extract, cinnamon, or fresh herbs like mint or basil. These can add a delightful twist to your cherry smoothie. As I mentioned, I added almond extract.
- Blend thoroughly: To ensure a smooth and well-incorporated smoothie, blend all the ingredients thoroughly. Blend for a bit longer if necessary to break down any chunks and create a smooth consistency.
- Garnish and serve: To make your cherry smoothie visually appealing, consider garnishing it with some fresh cherries, a sprinkle of coconut flakes, or a drizzle of honey. Serve it chilled in a glass or a bowl and enjoy! I served it in a glass so I didn't add any garnish but when served in a bowl it does add extra appealing look.
FAQS
Yes, I used fresh cherries in this recipe. However, using frozen cherries will give your smoothie a thicker and colder consistency. Because I used frozen banana and fresh cherries the consistency still ended up being thicker. If you choose to use fresh cherries and also fresh banana, you may want to add some ice cubes to achieve a similar texture.
Absolutely! You can use regular milk or any other plant-based milk as a substitute for soy milk. It will add a slightly different flavor profile to the smoothie, but it will still taste delicious.
Yes, you can omit the almond extract if you prefer. The smoothie will still taste great with the natural flavors of the cherries and bananas. The almond extract adds an additional layer of flavor, but it's optional and can be skipped if you don't have it on hand or if you're not a fan of almond flavor.
Absolutely! Smoothies are versatile, and you can customize them to your liking. You can add other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or mangoes for extra flavor. Additionally, you can incorporate spinach or kale for a nutrient boost, or even add a scoop of protein powder for an added protein kick.
It's generally recommended to consume the smoothie immediately after blending to enjoy its freshness and optimal texture. However, if you need to make it ahead of time, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few hours. Give it a good stir or shake before serving, as separation may occur.
Other smoothie recipes on my blog:
For other breakfast ideas, check out my breakfast recipe index.
Make this cherry smoothie today!
This cherry smoothie is a delicious and refreshing beverage that highlights the sweet and tangy flavors of fresh cherries. Whether savored as a nourishing breakfast or a refreshing afternoon snack, this beverage is sure to bring you pure enjoyment and satisfaction.
Recipe yields two 200 ml | 80 oz cups or one big 400ml | 160 oz cup
Cherry Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
- ¾ cup soy milk (or any other milk of your choice)
- 1 banana frozen
- ½ teaspoon vanilla paste / extract
- 2-3 drops almond extract
Instructions
- In a blender, add the cherries, banana, vanilla and almond extract.
- Add the soy milk.
- Blend to a smooth consistency.
- Pour to cups.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Leave a Reply