Creamy Cherry Pie Smoothie (no banana!)

Oh so refreshing and creamy Cherry Smoothie made in the blender with frozen sweet cherries, oats, almond butter, and a kiss of almond extract. This quick recipe is satisfying when you want something different for breakfast! I like to top with granola for extra cherry pie vibes.

It's like my Healthy Cherry Crisp in slurpable smoothie form! Can you even imagine anything more summery and divine?

You know I love me some frozen cherries in my smoothies because hello, no pits! Just like my Chocolate Cherry Smoothie, it's crazy creamy and refreshing all rolled into one. No icy smoothies allowed.

Since we live in a generation that prefers texture on texture and also enjoying drinkable things with spoons, this is no exception. I like to top it with granola and a drizzle of almond butter to put the cherry on the cake, so to speak.

Ingredients

• Frozen cherries: I used frozen sweet cherries, but if you can find frozen tart cherries (same ones I use in my Tart Cherry Pie), those would great too. You'd just need more dates to sweeten it.
• Almond butter: This adds that luxurious mouthfeel, plus plenty of healthy fats to make it satiating. As a dietitian, I love that this smoothie is actually filling.
• Oats: I love how oats add a cookie-like flavor, thickness, and a bit of texture.
• Almond milk: I love unsweetened vanilla almond milk, but any milk you love is great.
• Vanilla Extract: Extra flavor!
• Almond extract: This makes the smoothie extraordinary! A little something extra.
• Ice: Just a couple ice cubes to thicken it since we're not using banana.

Let's make it!

My thickest smoothie tips

• Add fat: Especially if you're not using a naturally creamy fruit or veg like frozen banana or zucchini, fat is where it's at. Today's fat of choice is almond butter. It adds luscious texture, slight sweetness, nuttiness, and pie-like flavor. A quarter of an avocado is also great in smoothies!
• Don't over-blend: This yields a thinner smoothie since the blade generates heat.
• Reduce liquid: We're only using ¾ cup of milk here since cherries are pretty watery themselves. You can always add more! You typically want more frozen stuff than liquid. A handful of frozen spinach or cauliflower is great, too.

Customize it

• High protein: To make this more filling, add a scoop of protein powder (chocolate would be great here, too). Or slurp it down with a Cherry Almond Baked Oatmeal Cup!
• Lower sugar: Omit the date and add ¼ cup fresh or frozen spinach or riced cauliflower.
• Nut free: Use sunflower seed butter and soy milk or coconut milk.

Let me know in the comments if you try this one! I love your feedback more than anything.

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