This Black Forest Smoothie is one of the best smoothie concoctions I’ve ever created, so it deserves its own dedicated blog post – here we are! This smoothie packs a rich chocolate-y taste, thanks to the cocoa powder, and it’s equally balanced out by the cherries for a little tartness.
And, this smoothie is packed with protein, for a perfect boost any time you need to meet your protein quota for the day. Speaking of protein daily quotas, did you know that most people don’t consume enough protein daily? If you don’t believe me, Google it, and see what you find! The reality is, you need more protein in your diet than you might think you do.
What you need to make this smoothie
To make this smoothie, you just need a handful of ingredients.
- Frozen cherries: In this recipe, you need cherries! Otherwise it wouldn’t be a cherry smoothie! I love using frozen cherries in this recipe, and that’s because frozen cherries make for a super creamy smoothie, and I find that the flavors of the cherries really comes through! If you use fresh cherries, be sure to pit them first (of course!).
- Frozen banana: I always keep a bag full of frozen bananas in my freezer, for smoothies. The banana is the key to the perfect sweetness in this recipe, so please don’t skip it, unless you have good reason to!
- Cocoa powder: This smoothie gets its chocolate flavor from the cocoa powder. I go for the unsweetened variety because regular cocoa powder contains added sugar, which is simply not needed in this recipe (we have the banana for sweetness). If you don’t want to use cocoa powder, you can substitute for cacao powder.
- Vanilla protein powder or collagen peptides: I love adding some extra protein to this smoothie, and I do that either with a plant-based vanilla protein powder or some plain or vanilla collagen peptides. Use what ever you’d like, or feel free to omit entirely. If you want extra protein/fiber, you can also add hemp hearts or ground flaxseed meal.
- Almond butter: I love adding almond butter to my smoothies for an extra fat boost; because remember, healthy fats are so important to keep you full, longer. If you are nut-free, feel free to omit entirely or substitute for sunflower seed butter.
- Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract is what makes this smoothie taste so decadent, so don’t omit it.
- Almond extract: The real magic in this recipe is the almond extract, because it’s this ingredient which truly makes this smoothie taste like a chocolate cherry cake! I know many people don’t have almond extract on hand, but it’s pretty inexpensive and is such a great staple to have on hand, always!
- Almond milk: I always have almond milk on hand, but you can use any non-dairy milk of choice.
- Sea salt: Now, you might be wondering why I’m telling you to add salt to your smoothies. The reason? Because a tiny pinch of salt will enhance and bring out the flavors of every other ingredient in this recipe, and no, I promise your smoothie won’t taste salty!
Tips for making the perfect smoothies
- Just like I’ve recommended in this recipe, using frozen fruit is best. Why? Because that’s what helps keep the smoothie cold and thick. If you go with fresh fruit and add ice cubes instead, you won’t be able to achieve the same creaminess!
- Play around with the liquid amount! If you find that your smoothie is too thick to blend, don’t panic! It happens! Just add a bit more milk, blend, open the cover, scrape down the sides if needed, and blend again. And if you have both a high-speed blender and a smaller blender (like a Nutri-bullet), use the high-speed blender instead, as it will blend the frozen fruit much better.
- Blend your smoothie on medium speed. If you blend the smoothie too fast from the beginning, it’s really hard for the blender to properly blend the frozen ingredients – so start lower and then gradually increase the speed.
- Looking for an extra nutrition boost? Add a handful of fresh spinach. Although the color of your smoothie won’t be as decadent and brown as the photos here, you can’t taste the spinach, and it’s so damn good for you!
Other smoothie recipes you will love!
Peanut Butter & Jelly Protein Smoothie
Peanut Buttter Cold Brew Smoothie
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a rating below! And of course, since I practically live on Instagram, tag me in your creations so I can see them and repost on my IG stories! Enjoy! xx
Servings: smoothie
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup frozen cherries
- 1 frozen banana
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder or collagen peptides, optional
- 1 tablespoon almond butter, optional
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 ½ cups plain almond milk
- Pinch sea salt
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a high speed blender.
- Blend until the desired consistency is reached.
- Note, you might need to add more milk to thin it out, so feel free to experiment and find the right consistency for you.
- Enjoy as-is, or top with shaved chocolate and cherries.
Rate & review
SELECT A RATING and tell me what you think!
What others are saying
This is amazing! I just tried it this morning and it’s delicious. I’d definitely have it as a sweet treat if I’m looking for something sweet but still trying to be healthy. I don’t think I added enough banana because it was a little thinner than I’d prefer so next time I’ll add more banana – one whole frozen or maybe add some Cauliflower to it to add some more creaminess and get the extra veggies. Hopefully it will still taste as good as this did! @kalejunkie what are your thoughts if I added cauliflower?
Hi! Definitely try adding frozen cauliflower! I add it to almost ALL of my smoothie recipes! The only reason I didn’t for this one, was to give people a break for those that don’t like it – but, you can’t taste it, and it adds amazing creaminess, not to mention you get some extra nutrients in!
You can add cauliflower, of course. But if the only issue is that it came out thinner than you’d like, I’d use less liquid. But I’m all for adding more veggies to a smoothie, so you can add cauliflower and leave the liquid amount the same! Should be perfect! Enjoy!
This smoothie is a showstopper! It is decadent, creamy and completely nails the Black Forest cake flavor. I love that it tastes like dessert but is healthy, and my body feels good after! One serving was perfect for two drinks in our house. So good!
I am honored and so happy to hear that! It’s a feel good smoothie, for sure!
This smoothie is amazing! I crave it and make it several times a week! Perfection! It is thick and creamy and flavorful! Thank you Nicole!
I never would have thought to make this flavor combination as a smoothie, but it’s so perfect. 😍
I’m so happy you love it, Colleen! Thank you so much for your support!
This smoothie just changed my life 😆 SO good! Thanks for this recipe! ❤️
Hi Sonia! Isn’t it WONDERFUL!!! I love it too! So happy you enjoyed it!
this is DELICIOUS!
I made it earlier as a post workout smoothie and it was just what I needed.
Your smoothies, Nicole, are always bomb. Still have a few more to try, but whenever I feel like having a tasty smoothie, something to ENJOY or to spoil myself a little bit, I always pick something from your site. You’re seriously my “go-to tasty smoothie favorite blogger”. 😀 😡
thank you!
Ioana, you are so kind and I am so happy to hear that you loved this smoothie recipe! Thank you so much for making it, and for all of your support!
*forgot to rate
AND
since I used PC keyboard, apparently the symbols I wanted to use for “heart/love” emoticon, were actually for “angry face” emoticon, which is NOT the case. 🙂
sorry about that.
i wanted to express “LOVE your smoothies” 🙂
Haha, no worries at all! Thank you so much for the love, and for leaving a rating!
I made this and I highly recommend! I can’t wait to try your other smoothie recipes!
I am so glad that you enjoyed this recipe, Tanya! Thank you so much for making it, and for leaving such a kind review!
Another tasty smoothie from @kalejunkie. Thank you Nicole for creating a Black Forest Smoothie 😋 🍒 🍫
Yay! Thank you so much for your review, Agnes!
Can’t believe I forgot to leave a rating! This smoothie is so so delicious and I find myself craving it. Tysm, I love your website!
You are so welcome, Asa! Thank you for your review!
I was craving a cherry smoothie because it’s summer and I’m loving the fresh cherries. This smoothie is so good, as are all of the smoothies on this site! Thank you for creating!
My new favourite cherry smoothie. Very tasty! Fitting name because it actually tastes like a liquid cake.
I am so happy that you enjoyed it, Viktoriya! Thank you so much for making it and for leaving a review!