π Creamy Cherry Almond Smoothie
Prep time: 5 minutes | Servings: 1-2
Ingredients
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1 Β½ cups Frozen dark sweet cherries (frozen is key for that thick texture)
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1 Frozen banana (peeled before freezing)
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1 cup Unsweetened almond milk (or milk of your choice)
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ΒΌ cup Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt (for extra creaminess)
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1 tbsp Almond butter
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Β½ tsp Vanilla extract
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ΒΌ tsp Almond extract (this gives it that “bakery” flavor)
Toppings (As seen in the photo)
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Slivered almonds for crunch
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Whole cherries (fresh or thawed)
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A drizzle of almond butter
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A dash of cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
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Layer the Liquid: Pour the almond milk into your blender first. This helps the blades spin freely and prevents the frozen fruit from getting stuck.
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Add the Solids: Add the frozen cherries, frozen banana, yogurt, almond butter, and extracts.
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Blend: Start on a low speed and gradually increase to high. Blend for about 45β60 seconds until completely smooth and velvety.
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Check Consistency: If itβs too thick, add a splash more milk. If you want it thicker, add 2-3 ice cubes and blend again.
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Garnish: Pour into a glass. Use a spoon to drizzle almond butter in a circular motion on top, then garnish with the slivered almonds and cherries.
π‘ Pro Tips for Success
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Sweetness: If your cherries are tart, you can add 1 teaspoon of honey or a pitted Medjool date before blending.
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Protein Boost: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to make this a full meal replacement.
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Texture: Using a frozen banana instead of a room-temperature one is what gives it that “soft serve” ice cream consistency.