Cherry Almond Smoothie

This Cherry Almond Smoothie is a delicious and satisfying beverage perfect for any time of day. It combines the sweet and slightly tart flavor of frozen cherries with the creamy texture and nutty taste of almond butter and almond milk. A hint of vanilla and optional additions like spinach or protein powder make it a versatile and healthy choice for a quick breakfast or a post-workout recovery drink.
Cherry Almond Smoothie

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

The Cherry Almond Smoothie is classified as a smoothie, a type of blended, non-alcoholic beverage. It falls into the category of healthy breakfast drinks due to its nutritious and filling nature. This drink is a popular choice for those seeking a quick and easy meal replacement.

Serving

Serve this substantial, non-alcoholic smoothie cold in a large pint glass or tumbler. No special glass treatment is needed.
Serving size
Approximately 450 ml / 15 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Pint glass or a large tumbler
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

This smoothie is a modern health-conscious creation, inspired by the classic flavor pairing of cherry and almond, often found in desserts like cherry bakewell tarts or clafoutis. Its popularity grew with the rise of home blending and the demand for nutritious, easy-to-make meals. There is no single creator; it's a recipe that has evolved organically within health food communities and online forums.
Origin
This is a modern recipe, likely originating in the United States or other Western countries in the early 21st century. It emerged as part of the broader health and wellness movement, which emphasizes whole foods and nutrient-dense meals.

Cherry Almond Smoothie

The drink is primarily known as the Cherry Almond Smoothie. Alternative names like Almond Cherry Smoothie are also used, simply reversing the main ingredients. It's sometimes called a "breakfast smoothie" due to its filling and nutritious ingredients, perfect for starting the day.
Original name
Cherry Almond Smoothie
Alternative names
  • Almond Cherry Smoothie
  • Cherry Almond Breakfast Smoothie

Characteristics overview

This smoothie offers a sweet and fruity flavor with nutty undertones, complemented by a pleasant cherry and almond aroma. It presents a thick, creamy texture and a vibrant, opaque pinkish-purple hue.
Flavor
Sweet, Tart, Nutty, Fruity
Aroma
Cherry, Almond, Vanilla
Taste balance
Sweet, Slightly sour
Aftertaste
Clean, Fruity, Nutty
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Deep pinkish-purple, Opaque, Thick
Texture
Creamy, Thick, Smooth
Seasonality
Refreshing, All-season

Flavor intensity & Experience

This smoothie features a pronounced fruity sweetness and creaminess, balanced by a gentle tartness from the cherries. It is completely non-alcoholic and still, with a smooth, rich flavor profile.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The core ingredients for this smoothie are frozen sweet cherries, unsweetened almond milk, and creamy almond butter. Vanilla extract adds depth, while optional ingredients like spinach can boost nutrition without affecting the taste.
  • Frozen Sweet Cherries1.5 cups (approx. 210g)
    Pitted. Using frozen cherries is key for a thick, cold smoothie without needing ice.
  • Unsweetened Almond Milk1 cup / 240 ml / 8 oz
    Can be substituted with any other milk, dairy or non-dairy.
  • Almond Butter2 tablespoons
    Provides creaminess, protein, and healthy fats.
  • Vanilla Extract0.5 teaspoon
    Enhances the sweet flavors of the smoothie.
  • Spinach1 large handful(optional)
    Adds nutrients without significantly altering the taste. The dark color of the cherries will hide the green.
  • Maple Syrup1-2 teaspoons(optional)
    To taste, if cherries are not sweet enough or for extra sweetness. Honey or agave can also be used.

Ice type

  • None

Mixing equipments

A high-speed blender is the only essential piece of equipment needed to achieve a perfectly smooth and creamy texture.
  • High-speed blender

Instructions

To prepare this smoothie, simply combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender and process until completely smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk if necessary, then pour into a glass and serve immediately.
1. Gather all your ingredients: frozen cherries, almond milk, almond butter, vanilla extract, and optional spinach and maple syrup.
2. Place all ingredients into the jug of a high-speed blender, starting with the almond milk to help with blending.
3. Secure the lid and blend on high speed for 30 to 60 seconds, or until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
4. Check the consistency. If the smoothie is too thick for your liking, add another splash of almond milk and blend briefly to combine.
5. Taste the smoothie. If you prefer it sweeter, add the optional maple syrup and blend for another 5 seconds to incorporate.
6. Pour the smoothie into a tall glass.
7. Garnish with sliced almonds or a whole cherry if desired, and serve immediately with a wide straw.

Garnishing

Garnishing is optional, but a sprinkle of sliced almonds or a few fresh cherries on top can add a pleasant visual and textural contrast.
  • A few whole cherries or a sprinkle of sliced almonds on top.

Dietary Information

This smoothie is alcohol-free, caffeine-free, and typically dairy-free, vegan, and gluten-free. However, it contains nuts (almonds), so it is not suitable for those with nut allergies.
✕ 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, providing around 350-450 kcal per serving. It is relatively high in carbohydrates and natural sugars, primarily from the cherries.
Calories
Averagely 350-450 kcal / 1464-1883 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 50-60g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 30-40g
Sugar level

Occasions

This smoothie is ideal for a quick and nutritious breakfast, a replenishing post-workout drink, or a healthy afternoon snack. Its satisfying ingredients also make it a great option for a light meal replacement when you're short on time.
  • Breakfast
  • Post-workout
  • Healthy Snack
  • Quick Meal

Pairing suggestions

While quite filling on its own, this smoothie pairs well with light breakfast items for a more complete meal. Consider enjoying it alongside a slice of whole-grain toast, a hard-boiled egg for extra protein, or a small bowl of granola for added crunch.
  • A slice of whole-grain toast with avocado
  • A small bowl of granola or muesli
  • A hard-boiled egg
  • Homemade energy balls

The Delicious and Nutritious Cherry Almond Smoothie

The Cherry Almond Smoothie is a delightful and healthy beverage that perfectly balances the sweetness of cherries with the rich, nutty flavor of almonds. It's incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and a blender, making it perfect for busy mornings. This versatile smoothie serves as an excellent breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a post-workout recovery drink, offering a delicious way to pack in fruits, healthy fats, and nutrients.

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