Cherry Vanilla Smoothie

Name: Cherry Vanilla Smoothie
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups frozen cherries (pitted); 1 cup vanilla yogurt (low-fat); 0.5 cup almond milk (unsweetened); 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

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By: Maria
Posted: 05/20/2025

There’s nothing quite as refreshing as a Cherry Vanilla Smoothie to invigorate your senses and give you an all-natural boost of energy. Bursting with flavor and packed with nutrients, this delightful smoothie can easily become your go-to breakfast or a midday snack. The combination of sweet cherries and creamy vanilla presents a heavenly treat for any palate.

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Growing up, cherry season was always eagerly anticipated in my family. My grandmother would make the most delightful concoctions, but nothing compared to her signature smoothie. Even now, the cherry vanilla blend brings back treasured memories of enjoying simple yet delightful treats on sunny afternoons. Today, I continue this family tradition, sharing it with my own children, with as much love as my grandmother did.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cherry Vanilla Smoothie stands out for its perfect balance of taste and health benefits. It’s a quick and easy recipe, taking just five minutes to make, making it ideal for those busy mornings. Moreover, it’s versatile; you can enjoy it as a light breakfast, post-workout refresher, or a nutritious dessert option. The natural sweetness of cherries combined with the creamy texture of vanilla yogurt makes this smoothie irresistible.

Ingredients Notes

Here’s what you’ll need for this refreshing smoothie:

Cherries: Fresh or frozen cherries work perfectly. If using fresh, be sure to pit them first. Frozen cherries give a thicker consistency.
Vanilla Yogurt: This adds creaminess and body to the drink. Greek yogurt is an excellent choice if you prefer it thicker.
Milk: Choose regular milk or any plant-based milk like almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness. You can substitute with agave syrup or skip it for a lower sugar option.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the vanilla flavor and is highly recommended for that extra aroma.

Recipe Steps

Step 1

Gather your ingredients and ensure the cherries are properly pitted if you’re using fresh ones. This will save you from unwanted seed surprises.

Step 2

In a blender, combine the cherries, vanilla yogurt, milk, and honey. Adding the liquids first can help everything blend smoothly.

Step 3

Add the vanilla extract into the blender to enhance the overall flavor profile of the smoothie.

Step 4

Blend all the ingredients on high speed until smooth and creamy. Depending on your blender, this generally takes about a minute.

Step 5

Pour into a glass and serve immediately. For added flair, top with a few fresh cherries or a sprinkle of granola.

Storage Options

This smoothie is best consumed immediately, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. If you want to freeze it, pour the smoothie into ice cube trays and blend again when ready to serve, adding a splash of milk if necessary to achieve the desired consistency.

Variations & Substitutions

For a tropical twist, consider adding half a banana or a handful of mango chunks. If you’re looking to boost your protein intake, throw in a scoop of protein powder. For a more decadent dessert smoothie, add a swirl of chocolate syrup before serving.

Serving Suggestions

The Cherry Vanilla Smoothie pairs wonderfully with a light salad for lunch or simply on its own as a delicious snack. It’s also an excellent option for brunch gatherings or post-workout refreshment. Serve chilled in tall glasses with colorful straws for an inviting presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned cherries for the smoothie? Yes, you can use canned cherries if fresh or frozen ones are unavailable. Make sure to drain any syrup before adding the cherries to the blender to avoid excess sweetness and liquid.

Is there an alternative to vanilla yogurt for this recipe? Certainly! Plain yogurt with an added teaspoon of vanilla extract can work as a substitute. If you’re dairy-free, coconut yogurt is a fabulous option with a slight hint of coconut flavor.

How can I make this smoothie more filling? To make the smoothie more filling, consider adding a tablespoon of flax seeds or chia seeds. These will not only increase the fiber content but will also add to the texture and nutrition of the smoothie.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare the Cherry Vanilla Smoothie ahead of time?

While the Cherry Vanilla Smoothie is best enjoyed immediately, you can prepare components in advance. Pit and freeze the cherries beforehand, and measure out your dry ingredients. You can also blend the smoothie and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, the consistency might change, so you may need to add a splash of milk when serving.

What are some ingredient substitutions I can use for the Cherry Vanilla Smoothie?

You can easily customize this smoothie. Instead of vanilla yogurt, use plain yogurt with a teaspoon of vanilla extract. For a dairy-free option, coconut yogurt works well. Honey can be replaced with agave syrup or omitted altogether. If you don’t have milk, you can use any plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. For a tropical twist, add half a banana or a handful of mango chunks.

How do I know when the Cherry Vanilla Smoothie is perfectly blended?

The perfect Cherry Vanilla Smoothie is smooth and creamy, with no visible chunks of fruit or ice. The blending process should take about a minute on high speed, depending on your blender’s power. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture is a uniform consistency, and the color is a vibrant pink or red. The texture should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Can I double or scale up the Cherry Vanilla Smoothie recipe?

Yes, you can easily double or scale up the recipe. Simply double or adjust the quantities of each ingredient proportionally. Ensure your blender has enough capacity to accommodate the increased volume. If you are making a very large batch, consider blending in multiple batches to ensure everything blends evenly. Adjust the blending time as needed to achieve the desired consistency.

What are the nutritional benefits of the Cherry Vanilla Smoothie?

This Cherry Vanilla Smoothie is packed with nutrients. Cherries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Vanilla yogurt provides probiotics and calcium. Milk adds protein and more calcium, while honey offers a touch of natural sweetness. It’s a great source of energy and can contribute to overall health and well-being.