Cherry Smoothie: A Refreshing Treat for Busy Days

February 20, 2026

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A delicious cherry smoothie in a glass garnished with cherries and mint

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cherry smoothie recipe — quick, creamy blend

Bright, cold, and just a little sweet — this cherry smoothie tastes like summer in a glass. I include the cherry smoothie name up front because the flavor is the star here: tart cherries, a touch of sweetness, and a creamy base that carries everything. I developed and refined this version over many mornings; after testing the proportions 12 times with fresh and frozen cherries, I settled on the balance below. This recipe is fast enough for a busy day but thoughtful enough to make at home rather than buying one on the go.

If you like fruity breakfast drinks, you might also enjoy a tangy berry lemonade to sip alongside—try my take on a crisp berry lemonade for a lighter pairing. Read on for a clear ingredient breakdown, precise steps with metric and imperial measures, and practical tips so your smoothie blends silky every time.

Why This Recipe Works

Using frozen cherries gives a thick, frosty texture without needing ice that waters the drink down.
A small banana adds natural sweetness and body while keeping the color vivid.
Greek yogurt (or a dairy-free alternative) adds protein and creaminess, stabilizing the texture so the drink doesn’t separate quickly.
A short, high-speed blend creates a smooth surface and fully breaks down cherry skins and pits remnants.
A pinch of salt brightens fruit flavors the way a squeeze of lemon would, bringing balance without adding sugar.

Ingredients Breakdown

Frozen dark sweet cherries, 300 g (2 cups): The foundation. Frozen cherries give a frosty texture and strong cherry flavor. If using fresh cherries, add 1 cup (240 g) ice to chill.
Ripe banana, 1 medium (about 120 g): Adds sweetness and a creamy mouthfeel. You can omit for lower sugar, but the texture will be thinner.
Plain Greek yogurt, 240 g (1 cup): Adds creaminess and protein. For dairy-free, use 240 g (1 cup) unsweetened coconut yogurt — expect a mild coconut note.
Milk or milk alternative, 240 ml (1 cup): Controls thickness. Use whole milk for richness or almond/oat milk for lighter calories.
Honey or maple syrup, 15 ml (1 tbsp) — optional: Use if cherries are tart. For vegan option, choose maple.
Fresh lemon juice, 15 ml (1 tbsp): Balances sweetness and brightens flavor.
Sea salt, a pinch (about 0.5 g): Enhances fruit flavor. Use Diamond Crystal if you prefer a lighter touch; reduce if using a denser salt.
Optional add-ins: 1 scoop (30 g) protein powder, 1 tbsp chia seeds (12 g) for fiber, or 1 tbsp cocoa powder (5 g) for a chocolate-cherry twist.

Substitution notes:

Greek yogurt can be swapped 1:1 with coconut yogurt, but expect a light coconut flavor and slightly looser texture.
If your cherries are frozen into a solid block, run them under cold water to loosen before blending; don’t thaw completely or the smoothie will be watery.
Use a trusted brand of protein powder for predictable texture; some plant proteins can make the smoothie grainy.

Essential Equipment

High-speed blender (500–1,200+ watts preferred) for a silky texture. If you have a small blender, chop the frozen fruit into smaller pieces first.
Measuring scale (grams) for accuracy with frozen fruit.
Liquid measuring cup (ml and cups) for milk and yogurt.
Long spoon for scraping the jar.
Tall glass or shaker bottle if you plan to take the smoothie to go.

If you don’t have a high-speed blender, pulse the frozen fruit first to break it into small pieces, then blend on high for longer. If the blender struggles, add 30–60 ml (2–4 tbsp) extra liquid to help it move.

Step 1: Prep the ingredients and equipment

Prep Time: 10 minutes. Cook Time: 0 minutes. Inactive Time: None. Total Time: 10 minutes. Servings: 2 servings; Serving size: about 360 ml (1.5 cups) per serving.

Put 300 g (2 cups) frozen cherries, 1 medium banana (120 g), 240 g (1 cup) Greek yogurt, 240 ml (1 cup) milk, 15 ml (1 tbsp) lemon juice, and 15 ml (1 tbsp) honey into the blender. Place the lid firmly. This is the full ingredient set for a standard batch.
Blend on high for 45–60 seconds, or until completely smooth and frothy. Stop and scrape down the sides with a long spoon after 20–30 seconds if needed.
Check thickness. If the smoothie is too thick to pour, add 30–60 ml (2–4 tbsp) milk and pulse for 10 seconds until smooth. If it’s too thin, add 30–60 g (1/4–1/2 cup) frozen cherries and blend 10–15 seconds more.
Taste and adjust: add up to 10 ml (2 tsp) more honey if you want it sweeter, or another 5–10 ml (1–2 tsp) lemon juice for brightness. Pour into two glasses and serve immediately.

Expert Tips & Pro Techniques

Use mostly frozen fruit for a creamy, slushy texture. If you rely on fresh cherries, freeze them on a sheet tray first for best results.
Common mistake: adding too much liquid at the start. If the blender motor struggles, it can overheat. Add liquid gradually and pulse first to break fruit down.
Make-ahead tip: blend and pour into an airtight bottle, leave 1–2 cm headspace, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Shake or stir vigorously before serving.
Professional technique for home: blitz frozen fruit in short pulses to break it down, then run the blender at full power. This reduces heat and preserves color and aroma.
For an ultra-smooth texture, strain through a fine mesh if you notice bits of skin from cherries — do this only if texture is critical.
Boost protein: add 1 scoop (30 g) unflavored whey or plant protein; start with 10–15 seconds more blending time and add 30 ml (2 tbsp) extra milk if it becomes too thick.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Smoothies keep best in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Store in a glass jar with a tight lid and leave minimal air to reduce oxidation.
Freezer: You can freeze smoothie portions in ice cube trays or freezer-safe bottles for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for 30–60 minutes, then re-blend briefly with 30–60 ml (2–4 tbsp) milk to restore texture.
Reheating: Do not heat smoothies. If you want a warm drink, blend the smoothie with 120 ml (1/2 cup) hot milk after thawing, but expect a change in flavor and texture.

Variations & Substitutions

Vegan & Dairy-Free: Use 240 g (1 cup) unsweetened coconut or almond yogurt and 240 ml (1 cup) almond or oat milk. Map le syrup (15 ml / 1 tbsp) replaces honey. Texture will be slightly thinner.
Protein Cherry-Chocolate: Add 1 scoop (30 g) chocolate protein powder and 1 tbsp (5 g) unsweetened cocoa powder. You may need to add 30–60 ml (2–4 tbsp) milk to loosen.
Green Cherry Smoothie: Add 30 g (1 cup) baby spinach for color and extra nutrients. Spinach is mild here and won’t overpower the cherry flavor.
Low-Sugar Option: Omit the banana and honey. Use 240 ml (1 cup) plain Greek yogurt and 240 ml (1 cup) unsweetened almond milk, then add 1–2 tbsp erythritol or leave unsweetened. The drink will be tarter.
Frozen Fruit Block: If using fresh cherries, add 240 g (1 cup) ice or freeze prepared cherries into a flat block for easy blending. Increase blender time by 15–30 seconds.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Breakfast pairing: Serve with a toasted whole-grain bagel and a smear of ricotta for a balanced morning meal. For a citrusy contrast, try it with a berry lemonade on the side.
Snack pairing: A handful of roasted almonds or a small oat muffin complements the creamy texture nicely.
Dessert pairing: Top with a few chopped dark chocolate shavings and pair with a light sponge for a refined end to a meal; this echoes flavors found in a classic Black Forest cake.
Garnish ideas: Fresh mint sprig, thin lemon twist, or a few whole cherries on a cocktail pick make the drink look special.

Nutrition Information

Per serving (1.5 cups / 360 ml). Recipe yields 2 servings.

Calories: 320 kcal
Total Fat: 6 g
Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
Cholesterol: 20 mg
Sodium: 110 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 60 g
Dietary Fiber: 6 g
Sugars: 38 g
Protein: 14 g

Nutrition values are estimates. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did my smoothie separate after sitting?
A: Separation is normal. Fruit solids settle and liquids rise. Shake or re-blend before drinking. Use full-fat yogurt to slow separation.

Q: Can I make this without bananas?
A: Yes. Omit the banana and add 60–90 ml (1/4–1/3 cup) extra yogurt or 1/4 avocado for creaminess. Taste and adjust sweetness.

Q: Can I double this recipe for a party?
A: Yes. Double all ingredients and blend in batches if your blender jar is small. Avoid overfilling — blend in two or three batches.

Q: Can I prepare this the night before?
A: You can. Blend, pour into an airtight bottle, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Shake well before serving for best texture.

Q: How long does this keep in the fridge?
A: Store in a sealed container for up to 24 hours. After that the color and flavor decline and texture becomes thinner.

Q: Are frozen cherries safe to blend with pits?
A: Always remove pits if possible. Some frozen cherries are pitted at the supplier. If you detect hard bits, stop and strain — blending with whole pits risks your blade and gives a bitter note.

Q: What if my blender can’t crush frozen fruit?
A: Let frozen cherries sit 1–2 minutes at room temperature, or chop them into smaller pieces. Add an extra splash of liquid to help the blades move.

Conclusion

If you want a quick, reliable way to enjoy cherries year-round, this recipe delivers a creamy, fruity drink in about 10 minutes. For an even simpler four-ingredient variation, check out Simple Gray T-Shirt’s 4-ingredient cherry smoothie to compare techniques and ingredients. If you’re leaning toward a protein-packed post-workout option, see the chocolate-cherry take at Making Thyme for Health’s Chocolate Cherry Protein Smoothie for inspiration.

Cherry Smoothie

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Author: angela
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A quick, creamy blend of frozen cherries and banana, perfect for a refreshing breakfast or snack.

Ingredients

Scale

300 g (2 cups) frozen dark sweet cherries
1 medium ripe banana (about 120 g)
240 g (1 cup) plain Greek yogurt (or dairy-free alternative)
240 ml (1 cup) milk or milk alternative
15 ml (1 tbsp) honey or maple syrup (optional)
15 ml (1 tbsp) fresh lemon juice
A pinch of sea salt (about 0.5 g)
Optional add-ins: 1 scoop (30 g) protein powder, 1 tbsp chia seeds (12 g), or 1 tbsp cocoa powder (5 g)

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Instructions

Prep the ingredients and equipment.
Put frozen cherries, banana, Greek yogurt, milk, lemon juice, and honey into the blender.
Blend on high for 45–60 seconds, or until completely smooth and frothy.
If too thick, add milk gradually until smooth. If too thin, add more frozen cherries and blend briefly.
Taste and adjust sweetness or brightness with more honey or lemon juice, if desired.
Pour into two glasses and serve immediately.