Remember my beautiful best ever cherry pie recipe? Well after making it over the holiday season last year, I just so happened to have leftover cherries lurking in my freezer that needed to be used and this gorgeous almond cherry smoothie was the result.
My inspiration for this recipe comes from my friend Mia over at Gathered Nutrition; she had been making a cherry smoothie on her IG stories last year and inspired me to do the same!
I have to say that this cherry smoothie has become one of my absolute favorite smoothie recipes on the blog. Even Tony, my husband who isn’t the biggest fan of smoothies, said that this was the best smoothie he’s ever had! If that doesn’t convince you, I don’t know what will.
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Reasons to love cherries
I’ve been a huge fan of tart cherries for as long as I can remember. Not only do they taste amazing (and look beautiful) in recipes, but they also have a wide range of health benefits.
- They help reduce inflammation & may help with muscle recovery (post-workout perfection)
- They naturally have melatonin, which can help with sleep
- They’re heart-healthy and packed with antioxidants & vitamin C
What you’ll need to make this almond cherry smoothie
The best part about this vegan cherry smoothie recipe is that you need minimal ingredients to get a smoothie that’s bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s perfect for customizing with your fav mix-ins! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Banana: you’ll need one ripe banana to thicken and naturally sweeten the smoothie. A frozen banana works best!
- Frozen cherries: the star of this smoothie. I love using frozen tart cherries but regular frozen cherries or a cherry & berry mix would be perfect.
- Almond butter: add a touch of creaminess & healthy fat with a little almond butter. Peanut butter works too, but almond butter tastes so much better in this! Use the code ‘AMBITIOUS15‘ to get 15% off of my fav nut butter brand, Wild Friends!
- Vanilla + almond extracts: I use both vanilla and almond extracts in this smoothie and it makes the flavors next-level delicious. Trust me! The almond extract makes this smoothie taste like cherry garcia ice cream. YUM!
- Milk: I use unsweetened almond milk in this smoothie, but feel free to use any milk (dairy free or non) that you like.
- Optional: add a boost of veggies with some fresh spinach! It will change the color of the smoothie but you won’t be able to taste it at all.
Optional cherry smoothie add-ins
Have fun with some delicious add-ins to really make this cherry smoothie your own! Here are some suggestions:
- Flaxseed meal: this is one of my favorite ingredients to add to shakes and smoothies for a little boost of fiber and minerals. It’s especially great for nursing mamas as flaxseed can help increase milk supply. Usually a tablespoon is plenty! Here’s a brand I love.
- Chia or hemp seeds: add in a tablespoon of chia seeds or hemp seeds for a boost of healthy fats, fiber & omega-3s.
- Greek yogurt: add a boost of protein with a scoop of Greek yogurt (or your favorite dairy free yogurt). You may have to reduce the almond milk to 1/4 cup in this recipe when adding yogurt.
- Protein powder or collagen peptides: another great way to add some protein. A plain, vanilla or even chocolate flavored protein powder in this recipe. Here is a great plant-based option.
- Cocoa or cacao powder: turn this into an amazing chocolate cherry smoothie while adding a great source of antioxidants. I recommend 1 tablespoon of cocoa or cacao powder.
How to make the best cherry smoothie
It couldn’t be easier! Simply add all of your ingredients (and any optional mix-ins) to a high powered blender and blend it until it’s smooth and creamy. Feel free to add some fun toppings, too, like coconut flakes, slivered almonds, more frozen cherries or even cacao nibs.
Tips for making a super creamy smoothie
- Use frozen fruit. this will help to keep the smoothie cold and thick. Sometimes ice doesn’t blend as well (or can make your smoothie watery), so it’s best not to skip unless absolutely necessary.
- Add more liquid. Don’t be afraid to add more liquid if your smoothie is too thick or won’t fully blend. High powered blenders tend to blend frozen ingredients much better, so if you have a regular or personal size blender, you may need to add more milk.
- Start low, go high. Start the blender on low speed, then gradually increase the speed to high to help blend all ingredients. End with the blender on low speed.
Meal prep this cherry smoothie
Make this tart cherry smoothie ahead of time to enjoy later! I have three amazing methods for prepping and storing smoothies right in your freezer. You’ll learn the ice cube tray method, the mason jar method and the freezer pack method.
More smoothies you’ll love
- St. Nick’s Naughty & Nice Chocolate Peppermint Smoothie
- Get Your Greens in Smoothie (the best green smoothie!)
- Vitamin C Packed Strawberry Orange Banana Smoothie
- Peanut Butter Blueberry Banana Smoothie
- Good Morning Coffee Lover’s Smoothie
Get all of my smoothie recipes here!
I hope you love this delicious & easy almond cherry smoothie recipe! If you make it, be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it. Enjoy, xo!
Almond Cherry Smoothie (my favorite smoothie ever!)
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana, preferably frozen
- 1 cup frozen cherries (or a cherry and berry mix is great!)
- 2 cups organic spinach (note that this will change the color of the smoothie, but not the flavor)
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 cup almond milk (or dairy free milk of choice)
- Optional add-ins:
- 1 scoop your favorite protein powder
- 1 tablespoon cocoa or cacao powder
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a high powered blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Add more milk if necessary. Serves 1. Feel free to double the recipe to serve 2!
Recipe Notes
- Flaxseed meal: this is one of my favorite ingredients to add to shakes and smoothies for a little boost of fiber and minerals. It’s especially great for nursing mamas as flaxseed can help increase milk supply. Usually a tablespoon is plenty! Here’s a brand I love.
- Chia or hemp seeds: add in a tablespoon of chia seeds or hemp seeds for a boost of healthy fats, fiber & omega-3s.
- Greek yogurt: add a boost of protein with a scoop of Greek yogurt (or your favorite dairy free yogurt). You may have to reduce the almond milk to 1/4 cup in this recipe when adding yogurt.
- Protein powder or collagen peptides: another great way to add some protein. A plain, vanilla or even chocolate flavored protein powder in this recipe. Here is a great plant-based option.
- Cocoa or cacao powder: turn this into an amazing chocolate cherry smoothie while adding a great source of antioxidants. I recommend 1 tablespoon of cocoa or cacao powder.
Nutrition
Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen | Photography by: Eat Love Eats
This post was originally published on January 8th, 2021, and republished on January 10th, 2023.
152 comments
It’s like you read my mind when I replenished my tart cherry supply yesterday from the cherry pie recipe. This smoothie is absolutely delicious and just the thing I was looking for after my workout today! Whoever discovered that the flavors of almond and cherry compliment each other is a genius!
Perfect timing! So glad you enjoyed!
So incredibly yummy and satisfying. Everything I dream of in a smoothie. I added some yogurt, 1 scoop of pea protein powder, and a little avocado for extra creaminess and it was simply delightful!
Perfect! Glad you liked it 🙂
I just couldn’t wait to find out how to make smoothie with the all the fruits I freeze in the summer time. Thank you
Perfect! Enjoy!
Delicious!
Glad you liked it!
Yum!!! This smoothie is delicious! I added some collagen peptides. The almond extract adds that extra almond flavor that is so amazing with the cherries! Thanks Monique!
Perfect! Glad you loved it 🙂
I looked everywhere for frozen tart cherries because I wanted to make the pie at Christmas. Any hints on where to find them? All I could find were sweet cherries.
I usually find them at Whole Foods!
Unfortunately, my Whole Foods only had sweet cherries, so I threw caution to the wind and used Costco’s organic frozen dark sweet cherries, and holy cow, this smoothie is totally out of this world!!! I did need a whole cup of almond milk because it was super thick (I used frozen banana too), but it was awesome–as all your recipes are! Thanks so much Monique!!!
Perfect!! So glad you loved it!
I subbed peanut butter, and it tasted decent, but not as great as I hoped. Maybe it’s better with only the almond.
Hmm both should be delicious but let me know if you give it a try with almond butter!
The almond extract really adds some nice flavor! Will definitely be making again!
It’s a game changer! Glad you liked it 🙂
WOW, I can praise this smoothie enough! Have made it every day for the past 3 days – the almond extract is a must. Doubled the recipe but just used one banana and topped with cacao nibs…just incredible!
Love it! Glad you enjoyed 🙂
I would leave out the Green veggies and definitely add the chocolate powder or cocoa powder!
Perfect! Enjoy 🙂
This smoothie tastes delicious! But, w 2 cups of spinach how do u get that color in the pic?? Also, needed about 1c of almond milk.
I left the spinach out for photos but love adding it in! And feel free to add as much milk as you like to blend it up 🙂
Wow! This great! The flavors go really well together! I used A2 milk bc that’s what I had. To get the last bits out of the blender I added in a bit of black coffee and that was great. I’ll probably add coffee again next time.
Thanks!’
Perfect! Glad you enjoyed!
Wow! This smoothie was the perfect way to sneak some fruits and veggies into this 13-week-prego body. NOTHING seems appealing lately except for carbs – and this smoothie! So rich, creamy, and delicious – thank you!
Absolutely! So glad you loved this one!
This recipe peaked my interest but I also thought “meh, a smoothie is a smoothie.” WRONG. This is the BEST smoothie I have ever made, and it now my go-to breakfast or snack. Thanks!
Isn’t it amazing?? Glad you gave it a try!
Absolutely delicious! Pairing the cherry and almond gives a depth of flavor that is delicious and the banana gives it just the right amount of smooth and sweet. Definitely making this again! (I also added a scoop of collagen)
This has gone into weekly rotation… it is SO good. Absolute perfection. Thank you!!
So happy to hear that!
Loved this smoothie!
I’m so glad!
I have already made this a bunch of times since first discovering it! Frozen cherries are now a staple on my grocery list so I can make this smoothie!
Amazing! Glad you love it!
Really delicious! Cherry and almond are so fantastic together. Thanks for a great recipe.
Glad you loved it!
This smoothie is absolutely amazing! I used cashew butter, since I didn’t have almond butter on hand, and it was equally yum! Thank you for this yummy smoothie! I have it almost every day!
Perfect! Glad you loved it!
Mine did not look pretty like the picture, but it was so delicious! I used peanut butter instead of almond butter since that’s what I had on hand and it was great.
Amazing and sweet! I am not a huge fan of cherries, but oh boy this smoothie is truly amazing. The first time I made it I didn’t have the almond extract so I did it without and I liked it, but after I tried it with it I absolutely LOVED it!
This is one of the best homemade smoothies I’ve ever had!!! I’ve never used cherries in a smoothie before (which is crazy because I love them), and I am obsessed! My fiancé was also impressed and has already requested I make it again – definitely a winner!
So delicious! Made it as an after dinner dessert/snack and it was AMAZING!
This is the best smoothie I have ever made! It feels me up, provides protein (I use the BeWellByKelly protein powder) greens, fats and tastes amazing. I am in my first trimester and this has been a life saver for getting some nutrients in without feeling sick!!
This smoothie was too good! I felt like I’d tried every smoothie combo out there but adding almond extract + cherries was new and so so delish. I’ve been making this everyday on repeat❤️
Back again! My comment should’ve been 5 stars 🤦♀️
I LOVE this smoothie so much. The almond extract makes it over the top. My two comments/questions are this… (1) I wasn’t able to fit all the ingredients at the measurements in my bullet style blender. So I improvised, but it was still delish. (2) my smoothie is not nearly as vibrant pink. It’s more of a greenish/pink/brown. Still tastes delish but definitely not pink!
So glad you love it! The color can really just depend on the cherries you use, whether or not you add spinach, etc. but the taste is what matters 🙂
Most amazing tasty smoothie like a liquid cherry bakewell tart 😂
SO good! I love the mix of almond with the cherries. Tastes amazing. Also love the addition of spinach in there to get some greens without noticing.
Absolutely! Glad you enjoyed 🙂
LOVE this smoothie!! My 2 kiddos love it too! What a great way to get some spinach in! No subs but I added a little frozen cauliflower.
Love it! Perfect breakfast or snack.
Been making this smoothie on repeat 😋
The best!!
Loveeee this smoothie! I added some cauliflower for extra vitamins. My husband said it tastes like Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia!
Love it! And YES it’s just like that!
Love this smoothie. You cannot taste any greens and it’s a nice change up with the cherries. I also add flax seed and sometimes oats for extra boost and it def always satisfies. Highly recommend!
Absolutely! Glad you enjoyed!
this really is the best smoothie ever
I would love to try this but am trying to avoid banana. Do you have a suggestion for an alternative? Thank you!
Frozen pineapple would be delicious!
One of my favorite smoothies; it’s delicious and has spinach in it! I like adding a scoop of vanilla protein powder! I probably make this smoothie weekly. Love it!
Mine, too! So glad you love it!
This smoothie was delicious! I added vanilla protein powder and some frozen riced cauli. The almond extract is KEY- don’t skip it! I also made this a second time with 1/2 c frozen blueberries because I didn’t have banana on hand and I thought it tasted just as great.
The best!! Glad you loved it!
Delicious!!! This smoothie made me so happy! Added bwbk vanilla protein powder, 2 C spinach, and 1 TBSP flaxmeal. I found frozen cherries at Walmart grocery!
This smoothie is the best I’ve ever best I’ve ever had! I make it at least once a week now for me and my toddler (who also loves it). It’s the creamiest and is an amazing flavor combo. The frozen banana and frozen cherries are perfect!
So happy to hear that! My fav, too 🙂
This is soooooo good. I made the recipe as written and it was definitely thicker than a normal smoothie, but I just ate it with a spoon and it was still delicious. My 7 month old son recently started solids and has had a tough time with it because he seems to hate every food he’s given, but I gave him a taste of this smoothie and he was practically lunging at me for more!
Amazing! Feel free to add a bit more milk to thin it out if you’d like, too 🙂
Welp, that’s the best smoothie I’ve ever had, easily! The only, and I do mean only, downfall is the meltdown my son had when we finished it!
So glad it was a hit! Aww I know how that goes haha.
Oh my goodness this smoothie is SO GOOD!! What a surprisingly amazing combination cherries and almonds are! I don’t even know what else to comment other than that everyone needs to try this lol. Thank you!
So glad you loved it!! My fav, too 🙂
This smoothing is amazing! I had to use peanut butter instead of almond since that’s what I had on hand added protein powder a d flaxseed meal! Yum! The almond extract is a must and ties it all together!
Perfect! So glad you enjoyed!
So delish! Love the cherries 🍒
Glad you loved it!
This smoothie is delicious! Even my husband (who is picky about smoothies) said it was now his all-time favorite.
So happy to hear that!! Glad you guys are enjoying it 🙂
I didn’t have any almond butter so I skipped that. We went cherry picking and the kids picked some non-dark ones, so I figured that they would work well in this recipe – they did! In fact, I just used a super ripe banana and cherries (frozen) with a little vanilla and almond extract and vanilla almond milk sweetened with honey (Almond Breeze). It was delicious!
Oh how FUN to use the cherries you picked! Glad that you enjoyed it!
This is my favorite smoothie recipe! I did the AK 7 day smoothie challenge and this is the smoothie I keep coming back to every week! It’s so delicious! With or without spinach, it’s great either way!
😍 YAY! I’m so happy you’re loving this one. And that you did the challenge!!
Very yummy! However, question…. How is yours red?! I followed the recipe exactly and mine is very very GREEN.
Haha good question!! The smoothie in this photo doesn’t have the spinach in it 🙂 It definitely does turn green with spinach! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
This smoothie changed my life..haha SO good!
OMG I’m so happy to hear that!! Glad you’re loving it 🙂
The recipe says you may have to REDUCE the almond milk to 3/4 of a cup when using yogurt. But the recipe only calls for 1/2 cup. Would appreciate your clarification. Made it once without yogurt and loved it. Want to try it with yogurt.
Hi, Kathi! Sorry about that typo! We meant to say reduce to 1/4 cup of almond milk 🙂 Hope you enjoy it with yogurt!
Hey, I have a. Question! Have you ever made this with summer Bing cherries? I dont know if I can find sour cherries???? Thanks! I want to try this on my sister coming to town in a couple days, who’s favorite foods in the world is cherries!
I think those should work just fine in here! Just be sure to pit them before freezing 🙂 Hope you and your sis love it!
Thee best ever!
Right?! My fav flavor combo 😍
Best smoothie ever for all you cherry lovers. So refreshing after a hot sweaty workout.
This is my favorite smoothie ever. The mixture of the cherry with the almond extract is soooo freaking good. YOU NEED this in your life!!!
Best smoothie including cherries I’ve had – thank you!
The perfect healthy dessert smoothie! I subbed peanut butter because I didn’t have almond butter and added cocoa. My boyfriend and I both loved it! Will definitely be making it again 😁
Delicious and so refreshing! My new favorite smoothie!
The most delicious way to use up frozen summer cherries. My toddler and I share this smoothie and equally love!
Aw so glad to hear that, it’s one of my fav smoothies ever!
It tastes great but it’s definitely a green smoothie- not cherry 🍒 looking and I used whole dark frozen cherries.
Hey, Jen 🙂 Yep, that’ll happen! The photos in this blog post don’t have the spinach in the smoothie. A little prettier without it but glad that you thought it still tasted good!
Always seem to add more almond butter than it calls for for the sweetness and extra almond flavor, but it’s great! However never once has it turned out as beautiful bright pink as in the picture! I think with the spinach it’s bound to become a shade of brown that only I can find appetizing in my household.
Yes, the photos in this blog post are of a smoothie made without spinach! It will definitely darken the smoothie, like you experienced, but I find it still tastes the same! Glad you still enjoyed it 🙂
Wow, this smoothie should be ILLEGAL because it’s so delicious. It could be mistaken for dessert… absolutely amazing. The almond + cherry combo is out of this world. Well done, Monique!
Let me start with the fact that I am not a huge almond flavor fan, BUT this smoothie is delicious. I have eliminated it in the past and it’s still just as delicious! Used cashew milk and the almond extract this time and so flavorful and yummy. It’s hot here in Florida so perfect way to cool off (in January! Wth?). Added flavorless collagen for added protein. I would hate to add flavored protein powder to this in fear it would take away from the flavor of the cherries. Love it!
This is now MY favorite smoothie ever. And I LOVE smoothies!! The flavor is divine, I have it almost every day. I don’t add spinach since I’m not that much of a veggie person, but WOW!! I love this smoothie so much! Thanks Monique!
Happy new year 2022 and thanks for reposting this delicious smoothie! I just made and drank and loved. I used fresh kale, seed butter, and fat free milk. Next time I’ll add the cocoa powder for the full Cherry Garcia experience. I’ll probably have to go out and buy cherries soon since this smoothie will deplete my supply of home grown frozen cherries.
Happy new year! I’m so happy you loved it, Teresa! Love that you used your own cherries — so cool 🙂
Wow!! My new fave smoothie and I can’t stop making it. So delicious! The almond and vanilla add amazing flavor!
I’m so glad you love it, Crystal — it’s my fav too!!
Great healthy recipe! I would not have thought about the spinach! The only thing I will leave out the next time I make this is the vanilla extract, so that I can taste the cherries better.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Sarah! Totally fine to leave out the vanilla next time 🙂
Okay, this was SO good. We drink a lot of healthy smoothies that taste very “healthy.” This one was like dessert and it has no sweetener and all the good stuff. My new fave for sure! Thanks for another great recipe.
As a cherry-obsessed gal, I find this smoothie to be SO yummy! I use chocolate almond butter and always add 1T of cocoa powder too.
I tried this recipe with yogurt instead of almond butter and aloe Vera juice instead of milk, and it was delicious and a little tart! Added some sliced almonds on top for a bit of crunch.
Delicious!! Spinach wreaks havoc on my gut so I used riced cauliflower for my veggies instead. And apparently I don’t have any bananas in my house?! (This never happens…) I added a scoop of my vanilla protein powder to make this a post-workout shake and it’s so good!
Those are excellent additions! SO glad you loved it, Melissa 🙂
Cherry smoothieeeee. i love you!
Thank you for this amazing recipe, it has been my go to post workout smoothie the past couple months. I add flax meal to it as well. Such a tasty And refreshing smoothie. Now I need to check out more of your recipes!
So yummy!
LOVE THIS! If you like Cherry Garcia ice cream, this smoothie is a MUST MAKE. We make this all of the time and my children (5 &2) love it as well.
This smoothie was absolutely delicious! I had never added vanilla or almond extract to smoothies prior to this recipe… what a game changer!
This smoothie is like the Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia – but nutritious! Sooo delicious. It is my third trimester obsession.
I drink this smoothie at least once a week & it truly is the best of the best! Perfect consistency & a great boost of antioxidants!
I’ve been making this smoothie for a year now. It’s really amazing. I only make a half-recipe but I still like to use a whole banana. I usually add in an extra half cup of spinach, and 3 large ice cubes. It seems to really bring out the cherry flavor.
I love the look of this recipe as I love cherries in any form but I am not very fussy on the almond can I do this smoothie without it>. Love to make my own Cherry Alcoholic drink too HMMM YUMMY!!.
Totally fine to leave the almond extract + almond butter out! Enjoy 🙂
Love this smoothie – and I often add cocoa powder, and some silken tofu for protein (can’t taste it and it’s perfectly creamy)!
I like most smoothies, but this Almond Cherry smoothie is excellent. I used almond milk & all of the flavorings but for my taste, the smoothie need a flavoring. I added additional almond extract & the Almond Cherry smoothie was excellent (& enough for tmro).
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Good call to amp up the almond extract 🙂
Yum! Even though mine wasn’t the pretty pink color, it was still delicious.
Hi! Yes, the photos in the blog post are without the spinach 🙂 Glad it still tasted amazing!
This is a delicious smoothie but I used 1/2 the amount of cherries and didn’t use banana and the 1/2 cup of milk was not enough liquid. Added 1/4 cup more and even then it turned out pretty thick. Not sure how this can be made with only 1/2 cup of milk
Delicious! I didn’t have any frozen bananas but can’t wait to try it with that instead of just a regular banana. I added cocoa powder and collagen to mine 🙂 thanks for the recipe!
This is now my go to Sunday Smoothie. I add pea protein powder, the spinach ( it’s true you can’t taste it), and yes I needed to add more almond milk, so almost 2 servings! Tastes great and yes the almond extract was worth going out and buying it! A nice change for breakfast! Will now venture into the other smoothie recipes you post. Thank you!
I didn’t have almond extract so I left it out. But this was absolutely delicious. It tastes like a chocolate shake and I didn’t add chocolate. This will definitely be a regular thing!
I have added this awesome recipe to our favorite smoothies. Love the taste of cherries and the bit of almond butter really makes a difference.
This is scrumptiously delicious. I used oats milk and added the cocoa powder and a scoop of vanilla protein powder. Dessert in a cup ummm
This is one of my favorite smoothie recipes I’ve ever made! My kids request this smoothie 2-3 times a week and they can’t get enough of the delicious cherry and almond combination
Aw yay! I am so glad this recipe is a hit and your kiddos are loving this smoothie ❤️
So yummy. I added cottage cheese for protein and it was delicious.
Oh that’s a great idea!! So glad you are enjoying this smoothie 🙂
Mmmmmmm….SOOOOO GOOD!
Thank you Monique!
Of course! Glad you are loving this smoothie 🙂
Delicious! The almond flavor really makes it better than all the other fruit and veg smoothies. I doubled the almond butter and added chia and hemp seeds. I also used a 10oz package of frozen spinach. Since it was watery, I didn’t add the almond milk. Last time I made it I accidentally added 1 tsp of almond extract. This time I followed the recipe, but I think I’ll use 1/2 tsp to get more almond flavor.I may add some yoghurt for extra protein.
Perfect! This one’s great for customizing with your fav nutritional boosters 🙂
This was delicious! How did your pic not end up looking dark?