Description
A delicious and nutritious Chocolate Cherry Protein Shake, perfect for a quick breakfast or post-workout boost. This dairy-free, plant-based shake combines frozen sweet cherries, chocolate protein powder, and optional nutrient-packed ingredients like baby spinach and cashew butter, blended into a smooth, rich smoothie.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen sweet cherries
- 3/4 cup standard-size ice cubes
- 3/4-1 cup dairy-free milk (plain, unsweetened; almond milk preferred)
- 1-2 scoops chocolate protein powder (or sub vanilla or unflavored)
- 1-3 tsp cocoa powder (or cacao powder)
Optional Ingredients
- 1 small handful baby spinach (for added nutrition)
- 1 Tbsp cashew butter (for richness)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tsp maple syrup (include if using unsweetened protein powder or substitute with pitted dates)
Instructions
- Add ingredients to blender: To a high-speed blender or a smaller powerful blender like a Nutribullet, add the frozen cherries, ice cubes, dairy-free milk starting with the lesser amount, protein powder, and cocoa powder. Use less cocoa powder if using chocolate protein and more if using unflavored or vanilla protein. Optionally add baby spinach, cashew butter, and vanilla extract. For extra sweetness, add maple syrup starting with the lesser amount if using unsweetened protein powder.
- Blend the shake: Blend on high speed until the mixture is thick and smooth. Use the blender tamper as needed to encourage blending and add more dairy-free milk if the shake is too thick. Taste the shake and adjust sweetness or chocolate flavor by adding more maple syrup or cocoa powder as preferred.
- Serve or store: Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. Alternatively, freeze the shake in an ice cube tray to reblend later by adding dairy-free milk as needed to adjust consistency.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness based on the protein powder used; unsweetened powders will need more maple syrup or dates.
- Baby spinach is optional but adds extra nutrients without altering the flavor much.
- Cashew butter enriches the texture and provides healthy fats.
- Use dairy-free milk of choice such as almond, oat, or soy.
- Use the tamper tool on your blender to help blend thicker mixtures smoothly.
- For a colder shake later, freeze portions in an ice cube tray and reblend when ready.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Smoothie
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American