Satisfy your chocolate cravings with this thick and creamy Tart Cherry Chocolate Smoothie! It tastes like dessert and is perfect for a nourishing breakfast. Recipe in partnership with Montmorency Tart Cherries.
Is there ANYTHING better than the wicked combo that is cherries and chocolate?
I mean chocolate and anything, really.
What’s that saying? “If it’s not good with chocolate, it’s good with hot sauce.” I couldn’t agree more.
But these U.S grown tart cherries. I’m just so into them these days!
In smoothies. In oatmeal bakes. In salads with sharp cheddar. In trail mix with walnuts and chocolate chips. I’m drooling on the keyboard just thinking about it.
Today’s chocolate tart cherry smoothie is one of those recipes that I make several times a week. Whether it’s for breakfast topped with almond butter and cacao nibs or as an afternoon pick-me-up, it’s so darn satisfying and tasty that you forget it’s even good for ya.
How to make a smoothie that tastes like a milkshake
How to make a smoothie that tastes like a milkshakeLet me let you in on a little secret. Plant-powered fat, plenty of frozen goodies (fruit + veg), and not too much liquid are the keys to a magical smoothie texture.
Especially with today’s recipe when you’re not using a naturally creamy fruit or veg like frozen banana or zucchini, fat like avocado or nut butter is non-negotiable.
For today’s tart cherry chocolate smoothie, we’re using one of my most beloved kitchen weapons–avocado. The luscious texture and fatty mouth feel really makes this a satisfying drink. No icy smoothies allowed!
The other key to dream creaminess is making your smoothie especially THICK. That means a higher proportion of frozen stuff to liquid and not over-blending since that generates heat, which thins out the smoothie. Start with a smaller amount of liquid and add more if needed.
I like to add a handful of frozen spinach to boost the thickness, too. A couple ice cubes will also do the trick.
Since tart cherries are, you guessed it…TART, we’re phoning a friend and sweetening this baby with big, juicy Medjool dates. Because I truly do not love bananas in smoothies. I much prefer the neural flavor of dates.
If you don’t have dates, try maple syrup. A scoop of chocolate protein will help add staying power and sweetness as well!
Which cherries do I use?
When you’re cherry shopping, look for U.S.-grown Montmorency tart cherries, a varietal that’s not imported like other types of tart or sour cherries. Who wouldn’t want to help support local agriculture and preserve generations-old family farms? Heck yes!
A majority of the U.S. Montmorency tart cherry crop is grown in Michigan, AKA the Cherry Capital of the World. Other major Montmorency tart cherry-producing states include Utah, Washington, New York, Wisconsin, Oregon and Pennsylvania.
Otherwise known as sour cherries, tart cherries are available year-round in dried, juice, frozen, and canned forms. The sweet-tart taste and gorgeous ruby red color actually comes from the anthocyanins inside!
Research suggests tart cherries may help you recover after intense exercise, too. This smoothie would make the best post-workout treat! Other studies have examined the impact of Montmorency tart cherries on heart health, sleep and inflammation. So many reasons to love this superfruit! Check out more at choosecherries.com.
CRAVING MORE TART CHERRY GOODNESS? I GOTCHU!
CRAVING MORE TART CHERRY GOODNESS? I GOTCHU!- Tart Cherry Orange Pistachio Bread
- Tart Cherry Pie Smoothie
- Tart Cherry Pie Crumble Pie
- Tart Cherry Baked Oatmeal Cups
Get yo smoothie on!
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Creamy Tart Cherry Chocolate Smoothie
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 smoothie 1x
- Category: Smoothie
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Satisfy your chocolate cravings with this thick and creamy Tart Cherry Chocolate Smoothie! It tastes like dessert and is perfect for a nourishing breakfast.
Ingredients
- 1 heaping cup frozen Montmorency tart cherries
- 2 soft pitted Medjool dates (or sub 1 tbsp pure maple syrup)
- 1/4 of an avocado
- 1 tbsp cacao powder
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk
- optional: 1 tbsp hemp seeds, 1 scoop chocolate plant protein powder
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a high-speed blender (I used my Nutribullet) and blend until completely smooth and creamy.
Keywords: cherry chocolate smoothie
Just to add I just realized I accidentally used 2 dates for two servings ( instead of four dates) and it was perfect since we used dark sweet frozen cher
★★★★★
Wow! I clicked on this recipe accidentally to realize I have all the ingredients. Gave it a try and so glad I did. So yummy. I used dark sweet cherries, soaked the dates in warm water a bit and lactose free organic milk. Tastes like desert, love it!
This was so delicious! I’m torn between a 4 rating and 5 because my only complaint is that it was a bit too sweet but that’s bc the grocery store didn’t have tart cherries, will have to try this again with the right cherries!
★★★★★
So glad you liked it! And thank you for rating the recipe based on the ingredients listed! If you’re using sweet versus tart cherries, you could use one date or just omit them.
Delicious! I didn’t have tart cherries, so used sweet. My Costco doesn’t carry the tart cherries, but I have not looked for them at other stores. Thanks for a great cool summer treat!
★★★★★
That’s awesome! Glad you loved it, Connie.
I love love this smoothie! As someone who loves chocolate, this is the perfect,satisfying “sweet” breakfast treat. My kids love when I make it and they get to enjoy it alongside their breakfast as well.
Thanks for sharing this quick/easy recipe!
★★★★★
Wonderful, thank you Jen! I love chocolate so any excuse to gave it for breakfast, right?
Adding my star rating! :). Accidentally skipped over it!
★★★★★
Thank you tons!!
Oh. my. gosh. I just made this! I had been meaning to for awhile. BEST SMOOTHIE EVER. My 5 year old loved it. He said, “This tastes like melted ice cream!” Little did he know there was avocado and dates in there, which he thinks he doesn’t like. Can’t wait to have this again tomorrow!
That is so kind!! Thank you tons, Katie! How awesome that your toddler loved it, too. If you’d be up for leaving a star rating next time, I’d be so grateful. It helps other people find my recipes 🙂
This looks so good! Do you have a favorite plant protein powder?
This one is my favorite!
This smoothie looks so dreamy, Alexis! Love the tart cherry / sweet date combo, gotta give this one a try!
This smoothie will be on repeat! It tastes like rich chocolate pudding.
★★★★★
Yesss! I so agree! Thanks, Kori 🙂
How easy are tart cherries (frozen in particular) to find at your average grocery store? Or do you buy them online? So sorry if I missed this in your post! I am always inspired by your tart cherry posts but don’t think I’ve seen them at the store
Hey! I see the dried ones everywhere…frozen can be a bit more tricky but I’ve seen them at Whole Foods and Costco. You can also find them online at King Orchards.
I cannot wait to make this, girlfriend!
So refreshing! Let me know if you try it 🙂
This is so good!! It’s so easy to make! I’m a huge cherries fan so I’ll definitely include this in my weekly rotation.
★★★★★
I’m so glad you liked it!