I can’t believe how much I adore cherries—and almonds, oh, they bring back childhood memories of those fragrant almond cookies my grandma used to bake. This smoothie, though? It’s like a refreshing summer breeze in a glass, with that sweet-tart cherry flavor mingling with creamy almond goodness. You know, it’s the kind of drink that feels like a hug in a cup, perfect for when you need a little pick-me-up.
Steps
- Begin by gathering all the necessary ingredients, including 1 cup of frozen cherries and 1 frozen banana. Ensure the banana is peeled and chopped before freezing for a smoother blending process.
- Prepare your high-speed blender by adding the frozen cherries, followed by the frozen banana. Include 6 ice cubes to achieve a frosty texture, and then add 2 scoops of vanilla protein powder.
- Incorporate ½ cup of plain Greek yogurt, which will add protein and creaminess to your smoothie. Pour in ¾ cup of almond milk, selecting either sweetened or unsweetened based on your taste preference.
- Add 2 tablespoons of almond butter for a rich, nutty flavor. To enhance the cherry flavor, include ½ teaspoon of pure almond extract.
- Secure the blender lid and blend all ingredients until the mixture is silky smooth. This may take a minute or two, depending on your blender’s power.
- Once blended, pour the smoothie into two tall glasses and serve immediately for the best taste and texture. Enjoy this nutritious and delicious start to your day!
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen cherries
- 1 frozen banana
- 6 ice cubes
- 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3/4 cup almond milk
- 2 tbsp almond butter
- 1/2 tsp pure almond extract
FAQ
- Can I substitute the almond milk in the smoothie recipe?
- Yes, you can replace almond milk with any other milk you prefer, such as oat milk, soy milk, or dairy milk. Keep in mind that this might slightly alter the flavor and consistency, but it will not drastically change the overall taste.
- How do I adapt the recipe for someone with a nut allergy?
- You can make a nut-free version of this smoothie by substituting the almond ingredients: replace almond milk with oat, soy, or dairy milk; swap almond butter for sunflower seed butter; and either omit the almond extract or use a nut-free imitation.
- Is the cherry almond smoothie suitable for a vegan diet?
- The original recipe is nearly vegan, except for the plain Greek yogurt. To make it fully vegan, substitute the yogurt with a dairy-free alternative such as Kite Hill Greek-Style Yogurt, which also offers a high protein content.
- How can I make the smoothie sweeter?
- To increase sweetness, opt for a very ripe banana or use sweetened versions of almond milk, almond butter, or Greek yogurt. Additionally, you can add a little maple syrup, stevia, or agave syrup to enhance the sweetness.
- Can I include greens in the cherry almond smoothie?
- Certainly! Adding a handful of fresh baby spinach will boost the nutritional value without altering the smoothie’s flavor significantly.
Tips
- Prepare Ingredients in Advance: To streamline the smoothie-making process, peel and chop your banana before freezing it. This will save you time and make blending easier.
- Use a High-Powered Blender: A high-speed blender is essential to effectively break down ice cubes and frozen fruits, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: For a sweeter smoothie, use an ultra-ripe banana or sweetened almond milk. Alternatively, you can add a touch of maple syrup, stevia, or agave nectar.
- Enhance Nutrition with Greens: Add a handful of fresh spinach for extra nutrients without altering the smoothie’s flavor. It’s an easy way to boost the health benefits.
Equipment
- High-speed blender: Essential for blending the frozen ingredients and ice cubes into a smooth consistency.
