If you’re looking for a vibrant, naturally sweet treat that feels like a burst of sunshine in a glass, this Cherry Banana Smoothie Recipe is exactly what you need. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you get a creamy, refreshing smoothie that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a healthy dessert. The cherries bring a beautiful tartness balanced perfectly by the mellow sweetness of banana, while the Greek yogurt adds a luscious creaminess and a boost of protein. Whether you’re a smoothie novice or a seasoned blender enthusiast, this recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy fresh flavors with minimal effort and maximum reward.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh, and absolutely essential, these ingredients come together to create the perfect harmony of flavor and texture. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s the velvety creaminess from Greek yogurt or the bright fruity notes from orange juice.
- 2 cups frozen pitted dark cherries: These give your smoothie that gorgeous deep red color and a tangy cherry flavor that wakes up your taste buds.
- 1 frozen banana: Adds natural sweetness and a creamy texture, making your smoothie rich and satisfying without any added sugar.
- â…“ cup plain whole milk Greek yogurt: For a smooth, thick consistency with a protein punch to keep you fuller longer.
- ½ cup milk: Helps to thin out the smoothie to your preferred consistency; feel free to use dairy or any plant-based alternative.
- ¼ cup orange juice: A splash of citrus brightens up the cherry and banana, lifting the entire flavor profile.
- ½ tablespoon honey (optional): Use this if you want a touch more sweetness, but the fruit should do most of the work here.
How to Make Cherry Banana Smoothie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Make sure your cherries are pitted and frozen, and your banana is peeled and frozen too. Using frozen fruit not only chills the smoothie without needing ice but also thickens it to a luscious consistency.
Step 2: Blend Everything Together
Pop your frozen cherries, banana, Greek yogurt, milk, orange juice, and optional honey into a blender. Blend on high until everything is smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides if needed. This is where all those flavors start to marry beautifully.
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
Give your smoothie a quick taste to check sweetness and texture. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk; if you want it sweeter, a little more honey can do the trick. Blend again briefly to mix.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
Pour your vibrant Cherry Banana Smoothie Recipe into glasses and enjoy right away for the freshest flavor and best texture. This smoothie is all about that fresh, bright taste!
How to Serve Cherry Banana Smoothie Recipe
Garnishes
Top with a few fresh cherries or banana slices for a pretty, inviting look. A sprinkle of chia seeds or a small handful of granola adds a fun crunch if you want more texture.
Side Dishes
This smoothie pairs wonderfully with light snacks like whole grain toast with almond butter or a handful of nuts. For a more substantial breakfast, try it alongside oatmeal or yogurt parfait.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Cherry Banana Smoothie Recipe in mason jars or clear glasses to show off its beautiful color. Add a striped paper straw for a whimsical touch, or layer the smoothie with a spoonful of granola or fresh fruit for a parfait effect.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover smoothie (which rarely lasts long), cover it tightly and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Give it a good stir before drinking as ingredients may settle.
Freezing
You can freeze this smoothie in ice cube trays to create mini portions. These frozen cubes can be quickly blended with a splash of milk for an instant smoothie refresher anytime.
Reheating
Since this is best enjoyed cold, reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, just thaw frozen cubes at room temperature or blend them with liquid to revive the smoothie’s creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen ones?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries work well but you might want to add a few ice cubes to keep your smoothie chilled and thick.
Is it okay to substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative?
Yes. Almond milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk will work beautifully and can add subtle flavor nuances to your smoothie.
Can I make this smoothie vegan?
Definitely. Swap out the Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt and replace honey with maple syrup or agave for a vegan-friendly version.
How do I make the smoothie thicker?
Add more frozen banana or cherries, or reduce the amount of liquid slightly. Using less milk or juice will give you that nice creamy thickness you’re after.
Is the honey really necessary in the Cherry Banana Smoothie Recipe?
The honey is optional. The natural sweetness from the banana and cherries often provides enough sweetness on its own, but honey adds a gentle touch if you prefer it sweeter.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Banana Smoothie Recipe is a delightful burst of fresh flavor that’s both nourishing and incredibly easy to put together. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel good inside and out, a perfect way to brighten any part of your day. I can’t wait for you to blend this up and enjoy all the creamy, fruity goodness packed within each sip.
Print
Cherry Banana Smoothie Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and nutritious Cherry Banana Smoothie that combines frozen dark cherries, a ripe frozen banana, Greek yogurt, milk, and a touch of orange juice for a creamy, sweet, and tangy beverage perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen pitted dark cherries
- 1 frozen banana
- â…“ cup plain whole milk Greek yogurt
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup orange juice
- ½ tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all the ingredients including frozen cherries, frozen banana, Greek yogurt, milk, orange juice, and honey if using.
- Blend: Place the frozen cherries, frozen banana, Greek yogurt, milk, orange juice, and honey into a blender. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no large fruit chunks left.
- Serve: Pour the smoothie into glasses immediately for the freshest taste and best texture.
- Enjoy: Drink immediately to enjoy the optimal flavor and chilled temperature of the smoothie.
Notes
- You can substitute plain Greek yogurt with a non-dairy yogurt to make it dairy-free.
- Adjust the honey amount or omit it altogether depending on your preferred sweetness level.
- For a thinner consistency, add more milk or orange juice.
- Add a handful of spinach for extra nutrients without altering the flavor significantly.
- This smoothie is best served cold right after blending.
