This cherry smoothie turns frozen cherries and Greek yogurt into a thick, creamy drink that tastes like dessert but keeps you full until lunch. The secret is using frozen cherries instead of fresh, they create that perfect milkshake texture without any ice or watery consistency.
Ready in just five minutes with ingredients you probably already have, this antioxidant-packed smoothie works as breakfast, post-workout fuel, or afternoon treat. The natural tartness balances beautifully with creamy yogurt, and you can customize the sweetness level without any artificial taste.
*Before You Start: You’ll find more explanation here than a basic recipe. That’s intentional—the aim is to educate, not just instruct.
Why This Cherry Smoothie Might Be Your New Morning Obsession
❀ Actually tastes amazing: Say goodbye to chalky protein powders and weird green undertones. This smoothie is bursting with real, vibrant flavor—sweet, tangy, and satisfying in every bite or sip.
❀ Thick enough to eat with a spoon: Thanks to frozen cherries, this smoothie has a naturally creamy, thick texture that makes it perfect to enjoy with a spoon. No need for added ice or fillers—it’s indulgent but wholesome.
❀ Kid and adult approved: Sweet enough for picky eaters, yet sophisticated enough for grown-ups. Everyone at the table will enjoy it, making it a versatile option for breakfast, snacks, or even a dessert alternative.
❀ Uses pantry staples: No exotic superfoods or expensive supplements required. You likely already have everything you need in your kitchen, making this recipe easy, accessible, and stress-free.
❀ Naturally energizing: The combination of real fruit sugar and protein keeps you full and fueled until your next meal. It’s a smart, wholesome way to start the day or recharge after a workout.
❀ Gorgeous color: That deep burgundy shade from the cherries isn’t just beautiful—it makes the smoothie instantly more appetizing and Instagram-worthy (even if you’re just enjoying it at home).
Everything You’ll Need to Blend This Beauty
Base Ingredients
• 1½ cups frozen sweet cherries (pitted): Sweet cherries work best, but tart cherries add more antioxidants if you prefer tangy flavors
• ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt: Full-fat creates the creamiest texture, but 2% works well too
• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk: Start with less and add more for desired consistency
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup: Adjust based on cherry sweetness and personal preference
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens the flavor and prevents oxidation
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins
• 1 tablespoon almond butter – For extra protein and richness
• 1 teaspoon chia seeds – Adds omega-3s and subtle crunch
• ¼ cup rolled oats – Makes it more filling for breakfast
• ½ frozen banana – For extra creaminess and natural sweetness
Storage tip: Those big bags of frozen cherries at warehouse stores are your friend here. They keep for months and cost way less per pound than the small bags. Just make sure they’re already pitted – trust me on this one.
Substitution notes: Full-fat Greek yogurt makes the creamiest results, but 2% works fine if that’s what you have. For dairy-free folks, coconut yogurt is your best bet – it’s thick enough to maintain that luxurious texture.
Let’s Blend This Cherry Smoothie Together
⤷ Toss those frozen cherries into your blender first. This isn’t just for fun – starting with the heaviest ingredients helps everything blend more evenly. If your blender is on the weaker side, let the cherries sit out for about 3 minutes to soften slightly.
⤷ Add the Greek yogurt, then pour your almond milk around the edges. Here’s a little trick learned from too many chunky smoothies: the liquid creates a vortex that pulls everything down toward the blades. Start conservative with the milk – you can always add more.
⤷ Drop in your honey, lemon juice, and vanilla. Quick taste test here if possible – some frozen cherry brands are significantly sweeter than others. Start with less sweetener and build up rather than trying to fix an overly sweet smoothie later.
⤷ Blast it on high for about 90 seconds. You want zero chunks here. Stop halfway to scrape down the sides if needed. The final texture should remind you of a thick milkshake, not a chunky mess.
⤷ Check your consistency and tweak as needed. Too thick? Add milk one tablespoon at a time. Too thin? Another spoonful of yogurt will thicken things up. Give it another quick pulse after each adjustment.
⤷ Taste and adjust the sweetness. This is where you make it yours. Some people love that tart cherry bite, others want it sweeter. Add honey gradually – it’s easier to add more than to fix an overly sweet smoothie.
⤷ Serve in chilled glasses right away. The beauty of using frozen fruit is you get that perfect cold temperature immediately. No waiting around for ice to chill things down.
⤷ Make it pretty if you want. A few whole cherries on top, maybe some sliced almonds or a drizzle of honey. Totally optional, but it does make Tuesday morning feel a little more special.
Want it Perfect Every Time? Do This.
❀ Frozen beats fresh every time for smoothies. Fresh cherries make watery smoothies that need ice, which just dilutes all that gorgeous cherry flavor. Frozen cherries give you that thick, spoon-able texture right out of the blender.
❀ Your blender order matters more than you think. Heavy stuff first (frozen fruit), then creamy stuff (yogurt), then liquids last. This creates better flow and fewer chunks stuck to the sides.
❀ Taste your cherries before you sweeten. Seriously. Some brands are candy-sweet while others are mouth-puckeringly tart. Save yourself from having to fix an overly sweet smoothie by starting conservative.
❀ Make extra and store smart. This recipe doubles beautifully, and the smoothie keeps in the fridge for up to two days. Just give it a good shake before drinking since separation is totally normal.
❀ Add protein powder carefully. If you want extra protein, add it with the yogurt and start with half a scoop. Some protein powders can make smoothies chalky or overly thick.
Your Cherry Smoothie Questions, Answered
➲ Can you use fresh cherries instead of frozen?
You can, but honestly, don’t expect the same results. Fresh cherries need ice to get cold, which waters down the flavor and makes the texture thin. If fresh is all you have, use about 1 cup pitted cherries plus ½ cup ice, but frozen really is worth seeking out.
➲ What’s the best way to make this dairy-free?
Coconut yogurt is your best substitute – it’s thick enough to maintain that creamy texture. Cashew or oat milk work great as the liquid base. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
➲ Can you prep this smoothie ahead of time?
Absolutely, but with a caveat. Make it fresh if possible, but it keeps in the fridge for 2 days max. It will separate (totally normal), so give it a vigorous shake before drinking. Don’t try to freeze it and re-blend – the texture gets weird.
➲ Help! My smoothie turned out too tart.
This happens with certain cherry varieties. Add honey one teaspoon at a time until it tastes right to you. Half a frozen banana also adds sweetness and extra creaminess without making it taste artificial.
Final Thoughts Before You Hit “Blend”
Honestly, this cherry smoothie has become such a staple in our house that I buy frozen cherries in bulk now. There’s something satisfying about making a drink that’s both indulgent-tasting and actually good for you – plus the kids stop asking for sugary breakfast options when this is on the table.
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Give this cherry smoothie recipe a try! I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Drop a comment below and share your favorite add-ins or any tweaks you made—did you throw in some oats for extra creaminess, a scoop of protein powder, or a sprinkle of cinnamon? Other readers love hearing real feedback from actual kitchens, and your tips might inspire someone else’s next favorite version.
This smoothie is perfect for breakfast, a post-workout boost, or a wholesome snack. Its naturally thick texture, vibrant color, and delicious flavor make it a treat both kids and adults will enjoy.
If this cherry smoothie became a new favorite in your kitchen, save it to your Pinterest board so you can easily find it whenever you want a quick, healthy, and indulgent treat. Having it ready means you’ll always have a go-to recipe for busy mornings, snack time, or dessert cravings.
Creamy Cherry Smoothie with Greek Yogurt
Ingredients
- 1½ cups frozen cherries
- 1 banana
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- ¾ cup milk any type
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 –4 ice cubes optional
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender.
- Blend on high until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides if needed.
- Adjust consistency with extra milk if it’s too thick.
- Pour into glasses and serve immediately, topped with extra cherries or a drizzle of honey if desired.
