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This cherry açaí smoothie is rich, fruity, and ultra-creamy—without needing yogurt or ice cream. Raw cashews and chia seeds give it a naturally thick texture, plus a boost of plant-based protein and healthy fats to help keep you full longer. It tastes like a smoothie-shop treat but blends up in just minutes at home.
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What is Açaí?
Açaí (ah-sigh-EE) is a deep-purple Amazonian berry with a mild, earthy flavor that’s less sweet than blueberries. It’s rich in antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats, and is usually sold as frozen purée packets or powder since it spoils quickly. Because it’s low in sugar, açaí pairs well with fruits like bananas, cherries, or strawberries for a balanced, creamy smoothie.
Cherry Açaí Smoothie Ingredients
You only need a handful of simple, whole-food ingredients to make this smoothie creamy and satisfying.
- Frozen açaí purée packet: Adds antioxidants, subtle berry flavor, and that classic açaí smoothie vibe.
- Unsweetened cashew milk: A neutral, dairy-free milk that blends smoothly and lets the fruit flavors shine.
- Raw cashews: Just one tablespoon adds richness, healthy fats, and a subtle creaminess without overpowering the smoothie.
- Banana: Adds natural sweetness and helps create a smooth, velvety texture.
- Frozen cherries: Bring a deep, slightly tart flavor and a gorgeous ruby color.
- Chia seeds: This small and mighty superfood has additional protein, fiber and healthy fats.
Powdered Açaí vs Frozen Açaí
While some nutrients are lost when açaí is turned into a powder, it is still beneficial to use! If you want to add a scoop to a smoothie, then feel free to use powdered. If you want it to act as a full fruit ingredient in a smoothie or smoothie bowl, then grab the frozen packs as they add volume to your creations.
How to Make an Açaí Smoothie
This fruit smoothie comes together fast, especially with frozen fruit on hand.
- Add cashew milk to your blender first to help everything blend smoothly.
- Add raw cashews, banana, frozen cherries, and the frozen açaí packet.
- Blend on high until thick and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides if needed.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy right away while it’s cold and frosty.
If your blender struggles, add a splash more cashew milk to get things moving.
Storage Tips
Açaí smoothies are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep ahead if needed.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight jar for up to 24 hours. Shake or re-blend before drinking.
- Freezer: Pour into freezer-safe jars or molds and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or blend again for a slushy texture.
Leaving a little space at the top of your jar helps prevent cracking when freezing.
How to Use Açaí in Smoothies
Açaí has a mild, earthy berry flavor that pairs best with naturally sweet fruits.
- Always use frozen açaí purée packets for the best texture and flavor.
- Balance açaí with fruits like bananas, cherries, strawberries, or mango to avoid bitterness.
- Add healthy fats—like nuts, seeds, or nut milk—to make your smoothie more filling and creamy.
Here are a few more fruit smoothie recipes you can try boosting with acai: Mixed Berry Smoothie, Dragon Fruit Smoothie Bowl or a Cherry Beet Smoothie.
Cherry Açaí Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup cashew milk unsweetened
- 1 tablespoon raw cashews
- ½ banana
- ½ cup cherries frozen
- 1 packet açaí puree frozen
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds optional
Instructions
- Blend cashews and cashew milk with banana and cherries. Blend until smooth.
- Add açaí packet and chia seeds (if using). Blend until creamy.
Helpful Tools
Notes
- If you can’t find fresh cherries, look for frozen organic cherries in the freezer section of most grocery stores.
- Soak cashews in cashew milk overnight for a creamier smoothie.
- Decrease the liquid to 1/2 cup and top with your favorite fruits and granola, for a delicious breakfast açaí bowl.
- Feel free to swap the frozen açaí packet for dried açaí if that’s easier for you to find.
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?
Leave a review for a chance to win signed copies of my cookbooks!Yes. You can swap the cashews for chia seeds, hemp seeds, or a tablespoon of almond butter. Each option keeps the smoothie creamy while adding healthy fats.
Use unsweetened frozen açaí purée packets for the best flavor and texture. Açaí powder works in a pinch, but the smoothie won’t be as thick or creamy.
Add a scoop of plant-based protein powder, collagen peptides, or a tablespoon of nut butter. These blend easily without changing the flavor too much.
Yes. Blend it and store it in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake or re-blend before drinking for the best texture.
I had a flare up and could not participate in the challenge. The first day I have felt like I could do a smoothie, I tried this and was not disappointed. It was so good to be able to drink this smoothie. I worked in the yard today and wished I could have had another because it was so refreshing and delicious. There’s alway tomorrow. Great mix.
I’m so glad you felt well enough to try the smmoothie, and that you LIKED it. Yay to both.
Delicious. I used coconut water & added a small cucumber.
I have the Navitas Naturals açai powder. How would you switch this up? Thanks!
Thanks for the note on how to make this a smoothie bowl!
Our joy, Olivia!
Super yummy! I threw in a handful of spinach and used almond milk.
That sounds tasty!
This looks so good! What else can I use instead of cherries though? And could I add greens like spinach if I want to? If so, how much would you recommend?
Hey Sandra! You can use any berries instead of cherries. And def add greens if you want to; I’d say you could do 1-2 cups. I think it depends on the types of greens you use and how “green” you mind your smoothie tasting. 🙂
I know everyone loves acai bowls, but they just aren’t for me. Thanks for sharing a smoothie version of this trendy fruit!!
You’re welcome! 🙂