Pin It Last summer my sister visited and walked into my kitchen at 7 AM to find me blending what looked like a shocking pink milkshake. She laughed until I handed her a glass, then proceeded to make one every single morning of her week-long stay. Now I get texts from her asking if I've started my morning cherry ritual yet.
I discovered tart cherries when I was training for a half-marathon and read about their anti-inflammatory benefits. What started as a functional addition to my diet became the smoothie I genuinely crave. The almond butter was a happy accident—I ran out of peanut butter one morning and never looked back.
Ingredients
- Frozen Tart Cherries: These are the star of the show and using them frozen eliminates the need for ice
- Ripe Banana: Fresh or frozen works, but frozen gives you that thicker milkshake texture
- Greek Yogurt: Adds creaminess and protein—plant-based yogurt works beautifully too
- Unsweetened Almond Milk: Keeps things dairy-light while letting the cherry flavor shine
- Almond Butter: Richness and healthy fats that make this smoothie satisfying
- Maple Syrup: Just enough to balance the tart cherries without overpowering them
Instructions
- Add everything to the blender:
- Toss in those frozen cherries, banana, yogurt, almond milk, almond butter and maple syrup—no need to thaw anything first
- Blend until completely smooth:
- Let your blender run on high for a full minute to break down the cherry skins and get that creamy consistency
- Taste and adjust:
- Give it a quick sip and add another splash of maple syrup if your cherries were especially tart
- Serve immediately:
- Pour into glasses and maybe add a few sliced almonds on top if you are feeling fancy
Pin It My neighbor texted me at 10 PM once asking what I was making because she could smell cherries through our shared wall. I brought her a glass and now we have a standing smoothie date every Tuesday morning. Some recipes just bring people together like that.
Make It Thicker
Use a fully frozen banana and consider adding a handful of ice cubes if you want something you can eat with a spoon. I do this when it is 90 degrees out and want something closer to soft serve.
Sweetener Swaps
Maple syrup adds a lovely depth, but honey works beautifully if you prefer that floral note. Agave nectar is another option if you want something more neutral in flavor.
Protein Boost Options
Sometimes I add a scoop of vanilla protein powder after a morning workout. Just be aware that some powders can make the texture chalky, so start with half a scoop.
- Collagen peptides dissolve completely without altering the taste
- Hemp hearts add protein and a nice nutty undertone
- Greek yogurt already provides 8 grams per serving
Pin It This smoothie has become my answer to everything from post-workout recovery to afternoon cravings to just needing something beautiful in a glass. Hope it finds a permanent spot in your kitchen too.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?
Fresh cherries work but will produce a thinner consistency. Add ice cubes to achieve the same thick, frosty texture that frozen cherries provide naturally.
- → How can I make this dairy-free?
Substitute the Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt, almond yogurt, or your preferred plant-based alternative. The creamy texture remains excellent with dairy-free options.
- → Can I prepare this the night before?
For best results, blend and enjoy immediately. However, you can portion ingredients into freezer bags the night before and blend in the morning for even faster preparation.
- → What can I substitute for almond butter?
Cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, or even peanut butter work well as substitutes. Each brings a slightly different nutty profile while maintaining creaminess.
- → How do I make it thicker?
Use frozen banana instead of fresh, add a handful of ice cubes, or include an extra tablespoon of almond butter. Greek yogurt also contributes natural thickness.
- → Is the maple syrup necessary?
The maple syrup is optional since ripe banana provides natural sweetness. Taste before adding—the cherries and banana may offer sufficient sweetness for your preference.