This banana cherry smoothie is a sweet treat you can make in under 5 minutes. It's thick, creamy, and packed with fruit and Greek yogurt, making it a delicious meal or dessert.
The post and recipe for this cherry banana smoothie were originally published in January 2014. It was updated and republished in January 2026.
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As a dessert lover with a serious sweet tooth, I'm always looking for food that won't make me feel like I'm missing out.
Right now, dessert-inspired smoothies have my attention. They satisfy my sweet cravings but completely fit with my nutrition goals.
This cherry smoothie is one of my favorites because it reminds me of dessert. The combination of frozen cherries, cinnamon, and almond extract makes it taste like cherry pie, but it's a creamy protein smoothie you can enjoy anytime.
Why You'll Love A Smothie With Frozen Cherries
It's great for busy mornings, quick lunches, or those mid-afternoon cravings for something sweet. This recipe is a perfect way to change up your daily routine.
- Dessert inspired. The almond extract and cinnamon give this smoothie its classic cherry pie flavor. You are going to love it!
- Thick and creamy texture. Frozen fruit and Greek yogurt combine to make a sweet, protein-packed treat.
- So easy to make. You throw everything into the blender at once, making it quick and fun to prepare.
Smoothie Ingredients
To make this cherry smoothie recipe, you will need the following ingredients. Scroll down to view the recipe card for ingredient amounts and full instructions.
- Milk: Whole, 2%, fat-free, or your favorite dairy-free milk will work just fine.
- Greek Yogurt: Choose your favorite. I like using Fage 2% plain Greek yogurt for high protein and low sugar. You can use vanilla yogurt if you want a slightly sweeter taste.
- Protein Powder: Adding a serving of vanilla protein powder makes this a delicious meal replacement and provides an extra boost of protein.
- Sweet Cherries: You can use frozen or fresh cherries, although I recommend frozen ones for the thickest smoothie.
- Frozen Banana: Provides natural sweetness and thickens the ingredients without needing ice.
- Extras: Ground cinnamon and almond extract are the secret ingredients that give this drink its cherry pie flavor.
Optional Add-Ins
If you like to customize your easy smoothie recipe, here are a few ideas to mix things up. Keep in mind that these additions will change the nutritional information.
- Spinach or Kale: One cup of leafy greens is a great addition for vitamins, although it will change the color of the mixture.
- Chia Seeds: Add fiber and antioxidants. I recommend drinking the smoothie right away because the seeds will make it thicker.
- Avocado: Replace some of the banana with frozen avocado chunks for an extra creamy texture and healthy fats.
- Nut Butter: A spoonful of peanut, cashew, or almond butter is a delicious choice.
- Cacao Nibs: This heart-healthy superfood is a sugar-free substitute for chocolate.
How To Make A Cherry Smoothie
This is one of those recipes that I make all the time because it tastes great, and the 16-ounce smoothie fills me up.
- Add the milk, yogurt, and protein powder to the blender. Place the remaining ingredients on top.
- Blend everything until smooth and creamy. If the smoothie is too thick, add a splash of milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Pour the smoothie into 1-2 glasses and enjoy as a healthy snack or nutritious breakfast. I love serving this drink with a slice of berry baked oatmeal or chocolate banana protein cookies.
BruCrew Tip: Serve it as a cherry smoothie bowl. Add extra cherries or ice to the blender to thicken the mixture. Pour it into a bowl, then top with fresh fruit, granola, and mini chocolate chips.
Smoothie Variations
You can easily switch up this smoothie depending on what you have on hand.
- Dairy-Free. Use almond or coconut milk & yogurt instead of regular milk.
- Chocolate Cherry Smoothie. Use chocolate protein powder instead of vanilla.
- Different Fruit. Try frozen raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, or a mix of all.
BruCrew Tips
- Keep frozen bananas in your freezer at all times. Slice ripe bananas ahead of time, then freeze on a parchment-lined tray for 1 hour. Place the slices in bags and freeze for future drinks.
- Use a high-powered blender because it can easily crush frozen fruit and ice.
- Always pour the liquid in first. This allows the blender to mix the ingredients better.
- Adjust the texture. For an extra-thick smoothie, use less milk or more frozen fruit. For a thinner smoothie texture, add more milk and blend until smooth.
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Recipe
Banana Cherry Smoothie
This banana cherry smoothie is a sweet treat you can make in under 5 minutes. It's thick, creamy, and packed with fruit and Greek yogurt, making it a delicious meal or dessert.
Ingredients
- ½ cup 2% milk
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup frozen dark, sweet cherries
- 1 frozen banana, sliced
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Place everything in a blender and pulse until thick and creamy.
- Pour into 1 or 2 glasses and enjoy immediately.
Notes
Tips
- Keep frozen bananas in your freezer at all times. Slice ripe bananas ahead of time, then freeze on a parchment-lined tray for 1 hour. Place the slices in bags and freeze for future drinks.
- Use a high-powered blender because it can easily crush frozen fruit and ice.
- Always pour the liquid in first. This allows the blender to mix the ingredients better.
- Adjust the texture. For an extra-thick smoothie, use less milk or more frozen fruit. For a thinner smoothie texture, add more milk and blend until smooth.
Variations
- Dairy-Free. Use almond or coconut milk instead of regular milk.
- Chocolate Cherry Smoothie. Use chocolate protein powder instead of vanilla.
- Different Fruit. Try frozen raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, or a mix of all.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 221Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 78mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 4gSugar: 21gProtein: 22g
Nutrition facts are an estimate and are not guaranteed to be accurate. If you need special diet advice, please see a registered dietician.
Patty says
Just made this smoothie and it is Delicious! Thanks. Going to try other recipes.
Patty
Woody7 says
Question. Can I leave out the banana? i have a strong dislike and its so hard to find smootbie recipes without banana.
Jocelyn says
You can leave the banana out if you like. I would add some ice cubes though to help thicken it though. You also may need to add a little bit of honey if it isn't as sweet as you like. I hope that helps.