Save to Pinterest This chocolate cherry protein shake combines frozen cherries, ripe banana, cocoa powder, and chocolate protein powder with almond milk for a rich, creamy blend that's ready in just 5 minutes.
Packed with 18g of protein per serving, it's an ideal post-workout recovery drink or a satisfying breakfast option when you're short on time. The natural sweetness from the banana and cherries means you may not need any added sweetener at all.
Customize it easily by swapping the milk base, adding chia seeds for extra fiber, or tossing in ice cubes for a thicker, frostier texture.
The blender was screaming at six in the morning and I did not care one bit because this chocolate cherry combination had me completely hooked after just one attempt.
A friend stopped by after a run last summer and I handed her one of these without explanation and she stood in my kitchen silently drinking the entire glass before saying a word.
Ingredients
- Unsweetened almond milk (1 cup): Keeps the shake light and lets the chocolate shine through without competing sugars.
- Chocolate protein powder (1 scoop): The backbone of the shake so choose one you actually enjoy tasting on its own.
- Frozen pitted cherries (1/2 cup): Frozen is key here because they thicken the blend while releasing that gorgeous tart sweetness.
- Banana (1 small): Adds creaminess and natural sweetness especially if you let it get slightly overripe first.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1 tablespoon): Deepens the chocolate flavor beyond what protein powder alone can deliver.
- Honey or maple syrup (1 teaspoon, optional): Only needed if your protein powder is on the bland side or you want it slightly sweeter.
- Vanilla extract (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Rounds everything off with a soft warmth that ties the chocolate and cherry together.
- Ice cubes (1/2 cup, optional): Toss these in if you like your shake extra thick and frosty.
Instructions
- Pile everything in:
- Drop the almond milk, protein powder, frozen cherries, banana, cocoa powder, and any optional sweetener or vanilla straight into the blender.
- Let it rip:
- Blend on high until you see a smooth velvety texture with no stubborn chunks hiding in there.
- Adjust the thickness:
- Add the ice cubes if you want a denser frostier shake and blend again until they disappear completely.
- Pour and enjoy:
- Transfer to a tall glass immediately because this one is best when it is cold and freshly blended.
Save to Pinterest There is something about holding a cold chocolatey drink after a workout that makes the effort feel officially complete and earned.
Making It Your Own
Oat milk gives a slightly sweeter and rounder result while soy adds a richness that almost mimics a real milkshake.
Toppings Worth Trying
A handful of fresh cherries on top turns this from a quick shake into something you would proudly serve to anyone.
Storing and Prep Shortcuts
You can pre portion the dry ingredients into small bags so morning blending takes almost no thought at all.
- Freeze overripe bananas in chunks so they are always ready to drop straight in.
- Keep a bag of frozen cherries stocked because fresh ones go bad fast and cost more.
- Give the blender a quick rinse right away unless you enjoy scrubbing dried protein residue later.
Save to Pinterest This is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your routine because it asks almost nothing and gives so much back. Blend it once and you will see what I mean.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?
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Yes, fresh cherries work fine. Just pit them before blending. Frozen cherries give a naturally thicker and colder consistency, so if using fresh ones, consider adding a handful of ice cubes to compensate.
- → What type of protein powder works best?
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Chocolate-flavored whey or plant-based protein powder both work well. Choose a brand that fits your dietary needs—whey for a creamier texture, or pea-based protein for a vegan-friendly option.
- → How can I make this shake thicker?
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For a thicker shake, use a frozen banana, increase the amount of frozen cherries, or add ice cubes. You can also reduce the almond milk slightly. Some people like adding a tablespoon of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
- → Is this shake suitable for vegans?
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It can be. Use plant-based protein powder, maple syrup instead of honey, and stick with almond, oat, or soy milk. All other ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
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It's best enjoyed immediately after blending for the smoothest texture and freshest flavor. If needed, you can store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours—just give it a good shake or quick blend before drinking.
- → What can I use instead of banana?
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Half a frozen avocado or a few tablespoons of oats can replace banana for creaminess. Keep in mind banana adds natural sweetness, so you may want to add a touch more honey or maple syrup to compensate.
