Black Forest Smoothie

The Black Forest Smoothie is a delightful and nutritious beverage inspired by the iconic German dessert, Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte. It masterfully blends the deep, rich flavor of cocoa with the sweet and slightly tart notes of dark cherries. The addition of a frozen banana provides a natural sweetness and an incredibly creamy, thick texture, transforming simple ingredients into a guilt-free indulgence suitable for any time of day.
Black Forest Smoothie

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Black Forest Smoothie is classified as a smoothie due to its blended nature. It falls into the dessert category because its flavor profile mimics the famous Black Forest cake, making it a sweet and indulgent-tasting treat that can also be enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack.

Serving

Serve this smoothie cold in a large pint glass or tumbler. It's a substantial, non-alcoholic drink that is best enjoyed immediately after blending.
Serving size
Approximately 450 ml (15 oz)
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Pint glass or large tumbler
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

While the Black Forest cake has roots in 1930s Germany, this smoothie is a modern, health-conscious adaptation. It was created by smoothie enthusiasts and food bloggers aiming to replicate the beloved dessert's flavor combination in a simpler, quicker, and more nutritious format. The goal was to capture the essence of chocolate, cherry, and cream without the baking and high sugar content of the original cake.
Origin
The flavor profile is inspired by Germany, but the smoothie itself is a contemporary creation with no single point of origin, likely emerging from modern wellness and food blogging culture in the 21st century.

Black Forest Smoothie

This smoothie is most commonly known as the Black Forest Smoothie, a name derived from its inspiration, the German Black Forest cake. It is sometimes called a Cherry Chocolate Smoothie for its primary flavors, or a Black Forest Gateau Smoothie to emphasize its dessert-like qualities.
Original name
Black Forest Smoothie
Alternative names
  • Cherry Chocolate Smoothie
  • Black Forest Gateau Smoothie

Characteristics overview

This smoothie boasts a rich chocolate and cherry flavor with a creamy, thick texture. Its deep reddish-brown color and sweet aroma make it an appealing and refreshing treat year-round.
Flavor
Chocolatey, cherry, sweet, rich, fruity, slightly tart
Aroma
Rich cocoa, sweet cherry, hint of banana
Taste balance
Primarily sweet with a touch of tartness
Aftertaste
Lingering chocolate and fruit sweetness
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Deep reddish-brown, opaque, thick
Texture
Thick, creamy, smooth
Seasonality
Refreshing, suitable for all seasons

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is intensely creamy and fruity, dominated by natural sweetness with a slight bitterness from the cocoa. It is a completely non-alcoholic and still beverage.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This smoothie requires frozen cherries and banana for a thick base, blended with almond milk and unsweetened cocoa powder. Optional additions like plant-based yogurt and maple syrup can enhance creaminess and sweetness.
  • Frozen Dark Sweet Cherries1 cup / 150 grams
    Pitted. Using frozen cherries makes the smoothie thick and cold without ice.
  • Frozen Banana1 medium
    Peeled and sliced before freezing for easier blending. Adds creaminess and natural sweetness.
  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder2 tablespoons
    Use high-quality cocoa or raw cacao powder for the best flavor.
  • Unsweetened Almond Milk1 cup / 240 ml / 8 oz
    Can be substituted with any other plant-based or dairy milk.
  • Plant-Based Yogurt1/4 cup / 60 grams(optional)
    Optional, for extra creaminess and a slight tang. Unsweetened coconut or soy yogurt works well.
  • Maple Syrup1-2 teaspoons(optional)
    Optional, adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of your fruit.

Ice type

  • None

Mixing equipments

The only equipment needed to make this smoothie is a high-speed blender capable of breaking down the frozen fruit into a smooth, creamy consistency.
  • High-speed blender for blending all ingredients until smooth.

Instructions

To prepare, simply combine all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Pour into a glass, garnish as desired, and serve immediately for the best texture.
1. Place all the ingredients—frozen cherries, frozen banana, almond milk, cocoa powder, and optional yogurt and maple syrup—into a high-speed blender.
2. Secure the lid and blend on high for 30-60 seconds, or until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. If the smoothie is too thick, add a small splash of milk and blend again.
3. Pour the smoothie into a large glass.
4. Garnish with a sprinkle of chocolate shavings, a fresh cherry, or a dusting of cocoa powder, if desired.
5. Serve immediately with a wide straw.

Garnishing

Garnish with chocolate shavings, a fresh cherry, or a dusting of cocoa powder to elevate the presentation and hint at its dessert inspiration.
  • Chocolate shavings for a decadent finish.
  • A fresh cherry placed on top.
  • A light dusting of cocoa powder.

Dietary Information

This recipe is vegan, dairy-free, egg-free, and gluten-free, but it is not nut-free due to the use of almond milk. It contains a trace amount of caffeine from the cocoa powder.
✕ Contains alcohol
✕ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✕ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This smoothie is moderately caloric, primarily from carbohydrates and natural sugars found in the fruit. The exact nutritional values can vary based on optional additions like yogurt and sweetener.
Calories
Averagely 380 kcal / 1590 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 65 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 45 grams
Sugar level

Occasions

This versatile smoothie is perfect for a quick and filling breakfast, a healthy dessert to satisfy sweet cravings, or a revitalizing post-workout snack.
  • Breakfast
  • Healthy Dessert
  • Afternoon Snack
  • Post-workout Recovery

Pairing suggestions

This smoothie is substantial enough to be enjoyed on its own. For a larger meal, it pairs well with granola, oats, or a simple piece of toast to complement its rich flavors and provide extra texture.
  • A bowl of granola or oats for a more substantial breakfast.
  • Enjoyed on its own as a fulfilling snack or dessert.
  • A simple piece of toast with nut butter.

The Decadent & Healthy Black Forest Smoothie

The Black Forest Smoothie is a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make beverage that successfully translates the indulgent flavors of a classic German cake into a nutritious format. It combines the rich taste of chocolate with the natural sweetness of cherries and banana, resulting in a thick, creamy, and satisfying drink. Perfect as a quick breakfast, a guilt-free dessert, or a post-workout refuel, this smoothie is a versatile and decadent treat for any occasion.

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