Prepared with cocoa powder, frozen cherries, dates and milk, this cherry smoothie tastes just like a dessert: fruity and chocolatey, sweet and creamy. A real delight!
This chocolate cherry smoothie is not only delicious but also good for you, thanks to its beneficial antioxidants. It's the perfect recipe for a quick health fix!
Chocolate and cherries are some of the highest antioxidant foods. They are such precious allies to our health that we should include them in our everyday diet.
Luckily, blending cocoa and cherries into a smoothie is super easy to do. So, let's get whizzing!
Can you put cherries in a blender? And frozen cherries?
Cherries are an excellent addition to smoothies, and, as long as they have no pits, it's completely safe to blend cherries in a smoothie.
Both fresh and frozen cherries can be used for smoothies.
Frozen cherries are cheaper and just as nutritious. They also blend quite easily and make your smoothie creamier and thicker.
If your blender is not very powerful, you can also let frozen cherries thaw a little before blending.
What are the health benefits of this chocolate cherry smoothie?
This cherry chocolate smoothie recipe is not only tasty but also comes with the added benefits of cherries and cocoa.
Both ingredients are incredibly rich in antioxidants.
These protective, powerful plant compounds help prevent diseases, boost brain function, support healthy ageing, and reduce inflammation.
So, a glass of this antioxidant chocolate cherry smoothie makes an all-around health booster!
What goes well with cherries in a smoothie?
Nutritious and delicious, cherries are perfect for a healthy smoothie.
And if you're wondering what else to put in a cherry smoothie, here are the ingredients that pair best with cherries:
cocoa powder or dark chocolate
apricots, peaches, plums, strawberries, and mango
acai berry powder
almond milk or almond butter
coconut milk or coconut water
cinnamon or vanilla
beets
Ingredients
| Frozen Cherries (Pitted) | 100 g |
| Cocoa Powder | 2 tsp |
| Small Dates (Pitted) | 2 |
| Milk (Oat/Soy/Almond or Dairy Milk) | 125 mL |
Step 1
Use frozen cherries and soft dates for a creamier smoothie.
Fresh cherries will work too; if your dates aren't too soft, you can soak them in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes before using.
Add the pitted cherries, cocoa powder, pitted dates, and milk to a blender or food processor.
Step 2
Blitz all the ingredients into a creamy cherry smoothie.
Taste for sweetness, adding more dates if you like.
If you prefer a runnier smoothie, you can thin it out with extra milk.
Step 3
Your healthy antioxidant cherry chocolate smoothie is ready!
Enjoy it right away or store it in the fridge for 2 days in a sealed jar.
Tips
For extra creaminess, you can swap milk with the same amount of yoghurt (like soy or dairy yoghurt) or replace dates with half a banana.
Stir in a tablespoon of almond butter or sprinkle with dark chocolate shavings for an indulgent (yet healthy!) finish.
Try making this cherry smoothie with raw cacao powder, a less refined alternative to cocoa powder. It is made from low-temperature roasted cacao beans, which retain more beneficial nutrients.
Like this recipe?
Check out these super-healthy antioxidant smoothies:
Or discover more ways to use cherries in healthy recipes: