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I reach for this cherry smoothie all the time when I’m racing through my morning and need something cold and fruity that fills me up fast. Kids absolutely go crazy for it. Plus, it’s the perfect way to make sure those frozen cherries in the back of the freezer don’t go to waste.
The first time I whipped this up was after a long sunny pool day when we walked in hungry. That creamy, bold flavor instantly hooked us. It’s now our go-to whenever we want a quick cool treat.
Tasty Ingredients
- Banana: Just toss in one spotted, ripe banana—it’ll add creamy body and sweetness. Bananas with freckles make it taste just right.
- Vanilla Greek Yogurt: This brings a creamy tang and a protein boost, making things thick and yummy. Use the thickest yogurt you can find for best results.
- Frozen dark sweet cherries: These make everything frosty and brighten the color big time. Grab the plumpest, shiniest frozen cherries for awesome flavor.
- Juice: Any kind will do—cherry juice, cran-cherry, apple, or white grape. Chill it ahead so everything blends up icy cold—it sweetens and keeps it smooth in the blender.
- Mint sprigs and fresh cherries: Totally optional, but adding these on top makes each glass pop. If you want it Instagram-worthy, pick the glossiest cherries and brightest mint.
Simple Directions
- Add Garnish and Pour:
- Divide your smoothie into two cups. For extra flair, pile on a sprig of mint and a few cherries—makes it feel special.
- Blend Till Smooth:
- Let the blender run about a minute, starting low and pushing up the speed if things get stuck. Stop, scrape down any chunks, and blend again to get everything silky.
- Get the Ingredients in:
- Pop in your chilled juice first, then the banana, cherries, and finally the Greek yogurt. Starting with juice on the bottom helps everything move around and blend up easier.
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What I love most about this drink? Cherries go in frozen and instantly cool the whole thing down. When cherry season rolls around, my daughter always begs to drop the cherries in the blender and insists on picking out the prettiest garnish.
Save and Store Right
Best to drink cherry smoothies right after you make them—the texture’s creamiest then. If you need to stash some for later, just cover and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep up to about twelve hours. Give your drink a quick shake or stir before sipping, since it might separate.
Swaps and Changes
Missing Greek yogurt? Regular vanilla yogurt or plain yogurt with a splash of vanilla works great too. No banana? Try tossing in frozen mango for the same creamy vibe. Going dairy-free? Swap in coconut yogurt or something made from almond milk. Don’t stress about the juice—use whatever you’ve got on hand.
Fun Ways to Serve
Make it breakfast with a side of crunchy granola or sip it as a chilly pick-me-up in the afternoon. Want to shake things up? Pour your smoothie into a bowl, then pile on berries and seeds for a killer smoothie bowl.
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History and Traditions
People have loved cooking with cherries for ages thanks to their sweet taste and health perks. In the U.S., cherry drinks and goodies are a classic part of warm-weather parties and backyard gatherings. This smoothie gives you all that cherry fun in a snap.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?
Go for it—fresh cherries work too. You might want to drop in a few ice cubes, or chill your cherries to keep things thick and frosty.
- → What kind of juice is best for blending?
Use apple juice, cherry juice, cran-cherry, or white grape juice. They each add a sweet, fruity taste.
- → How can I make this drink dairy-free?
Just use your favorite non-dairy yogurt, like almond or coconut yogurt. The drink will still turn out creamy and smooth.
- → Can I add other fruits or greens?
For sure! Spinach, blueberries, kale, or even some strawberries will all blend in well and change up the flavors.
- → Is this smoothie kid-friendly?
Definitely. Little ones usually love the sweet fruity taste, and it’s smooth enough for them to enjoy, too.