Chocolate Cherry Smoothie

We don’t often think desserts and leafy greens go together, but hold on. This milkshake-like smoothie recipe is seriously decadent and contains bright leafy greens. My chocolate cherry smoothie will delight your tastebuds as well as fuel your body through plants with 100% whole food, plant-based ingredients.

To be honest, I’m not a huge chocolate lover. This is one cherry chocolate smoothie I can get behind. It’s creamy and rich without being too sweet. I mean, how can you go wrong with chocolate and cherries?

My chocolate cherry smoothie is the perfect dairy-free milkshake with a plant-based twist.

Why this Chocolate Cherry Smoothie Rawks

This chocolate cherry smoothie is the ultimate blend of decadence and nourishment. Imagine sipping on the creamy, milkshake-like treat that satisfies your dessert cravings while fueling your body with wholesome, plant-based ingredients. It’s proof that indulgence doesn’t have to come at the cost of nutrition.

The velvety combination of rich cocoa and juicy cherries creates a flavor that feels downright luxurious, while hidden spinach brings a stealthy does of nutrients. Every sip is packed with antioxidants, fiber and vitamins to energize your body and support overall wellness.

Whether you’re looking for breakfast that feels like a cheat day, a midday pick-me-up, or a dessert-worthy snack, this smoothie delivers on all fronts. It’s a guilt-free pleasure that nourishes your taste buds and your body–because you really can have your cake and eat it too!

Chocolate Cherry Smoothie Ingredients

Wondering how this chocolate cherry smoothie recipe stacks up as a nutrient-packed powerhouse? Let’s break down the healthy, flavorful ingredients that make this recipe so special:

• Spinach: Look for fresh baby spinach at your local farmers’ market or produce section—its mild, slightly earthy flavor blends seamlessly into smoothies. Opt for bright green leaves with no wilting or yellowing for the freshest taste.
• Almond Milk: Choose unsweetened almond milk for a creamy, nutty base that won’t overpower the smoothie. Many grocery stores carry options from subtle to bold nuttiness. See my guide on the Best Almond Milk Brands or learn How to Make Almond Milk.
• Frozen Sweet Cherries: These cherries bring a sweet-tart burst of flavor to your smoothie. You can find them in the frozen section—look for pre-pitted ones for convenience. If fresh cherries are in season, freeze them yourself for the ultimate flavor boost.
• Banana: A ripe banana adds natural sweetness and creamy texture. Choose bananas with a few brown spots for optimal sweetness. If you want a thicker smoothie, try learning how to freeze bananas in advance for your smoothies.
• Ground Cinnamon: A pinch of cinnamon lends a warm, slightly sweet-spicy note that elevates the smoothie. For the best aroma, opt for fresh-ground cinnamon or high-quality Ceylon cinnamon from specialty spice shops.
• Cocoa Powder: Go for unsweetened cocoa powder to achieve a rich, chocolatey depth without added sugars. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste.

How to Make a Chocolate Cherry Smoothie

Making a chocolate cherry smoothie is quick, easy, and results in a creamy, delicious treat. Follow these simple steps for a nutrient-packed blend:

1. Add the spinach and almond milk to your blender. Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and no visible spinach pieces remain.
2. Toss in the frozen cherries and banana. The frozen cherries will create a thick, frosty texture, while the banana adds natural sweetness and creaminess.
3. Sprinkle in the cacao powder and ground cinnamon. These ingredients will give the smoothie its rich chocolate flavor with a hint of warmth from the cinnamon.
4. Blend everything together on high until the smoothie is creamy and well-combined. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a splash more almond milk to reach your desired consistency.
5. Pour the smoothie into a glass. Garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or a few extra cherries if desired.

Easy Swaps and Add-ins

While my cherry chocolate smoothie recipe is full of vegan options, some fruits are naturally higher in sugar. If you’re watching your glucose levels, then try these tips and tricks to blending a low-sugar smoothie, no matter the recipe:

• Swap cherries: You can swap higher sugar fruits like cherries with low sugar fruits like strawberries.
• Add leafy greens: Spinach has strong fiber and protein but feel free to add more leafy greens for more nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. 
• Add protein: Try my homemade protein powder to help process the natural sugar.
• Swap almond milk: Other dairy-free milks work well too like cashew milk or oat milk. Just make sure your liquid base is unsweetened.
• Add extra creaminess: Cut the banana in half and then add 1/4 an avocado to keep up the creaminess.
• Add thickness: You can also lessen the liquid base for a thicker smoothie. Start with 1/2 cup of milk, then gradually add more while blending until you reach the desired consistency.

Topping Options

Toppings make all foods more fun, but this especially applies to desserts. Do you remember attending sleepovers with sundae bars or grad parties with a taco bar? My kids are partial to waffle bars. Smoothie bars are fun too! If you’re looking to add toppings to this chocolate cherry smoothie then here are my top suggestions:

More Dessert-like Smoothie Recipes

Dessert smoothies make great energy-boosting snacks or fun after-dinner treats. Double (or triple) and serve in cute glasses as well as add fun toppings to turn up the wow factor of these fun recipes:

If you make this Chocolate Cherry Smoothie, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below. Your feedback helps me and all the readers in this community. And if you’re interested in more plant-based recipes (and exclusive content), sign up for my weekly recipe newsletter.