Treat yourself to the ultimate Cherry Milkshake! Made with frozen cherries, vanilla frozen yogurt, and milk, this pretty-in-pink treat is guaranteed to satisfy your craving for something sweet, creamy, fruity, and frozen! High protein option included.
Are you craving a classic cherry milkshake? In that case, say hello to my cherry-flavored vanilla protein shake recipe, a healthier take on a timeless ice cream parlor favorite!
Don’t get me wrong. I LOVE traditional milkshakes made with ice cream, but they’re often loaded with sugar and empty calories. For this vanilla cherry milkshake, however, I used frozen yogurt, so it’s a bit more nutritious without sacrificing the delicious!
On top of that, I blended the frozen yogurt with high-protein milk (I love Fairlife!) and added a scoop of protein powder –because, personally, I can’t think of any better way to crush my daily protein goals than with a cherry milkshake! 😋
Why you'll love this recipe
- It tastes like the real deal. This cherry shake is just as smooth, creamy, and satisfying as a traditional ice cream shake yet perfectly suited for dessert AND every other meal of the day.
- Healthier ingredients. Real frozen cherries, frozen yogurt, and milk create a more nutrient-dense alternative to store-bought milkshakes that are often loaded with artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
- Customization. You can experiment with an array of different flavors and toppings to make this frozen yogurt cherry milkshake uniquely yours. Keep reading for ideas!
Ingredients you'll need
- Frozen cherries. For cherry-flavored milkshakes, it's best to use dark, sweet cherries or Bing cherries. These varieties have a naturally sweet and rich flavor that pairs well with the creamy vanilla frozen yogurt base.
- Vanilla frozen yogurt. I calculated the nutritional information with Mayfield Creamery vanilla frozen yogurt, but you can use any high-quality, creamy frozen yogurt brand. Ben & Jerry’s, Häagen-Dazs, or Stonyfield Organic are good options. I've also used Smart Carb ice cream with excellent results.
- Milk. Milk helps create a creamy and smooth consistency. I prefer using Fairlife 2% milk for the additional protein boost.
- Ice cubes. You’ll only need a few ice cubes to create a chilled, frothy texture.
- Protein powder (optional). I usually add a scoop of vanilla-flavored whey protein powder. Depending on the brand, it can add 20-30 grams of protein per milkshake! Unflavored collagen peptide powder also works well here.
How to make a cherry milkshake
Step 1: Gather ingredients. Begin by placing frozen cherries, frozen yogurt, protein powder (if using), and ice cubes in a blender, then pour in the milk.
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Step 2: Blend ingredients. Place the lid on the blender securely and begin blending at low speed, gradually increasing the speed until your desired consistency is reached.
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Step 3: Garnish and serve. Pour the milkshake into a chilled glass, garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and a maraschino cherry, and enjoy!
Recipe tips
- Use frozen cherries. I highly recommend using frozen cherries, as they create a thicker, colder consistency without needing much ice. Unfortunately, I cannot guarantee the same results if you use fresh cherries.
- Texture preference. Blend the ingredients on a low setting if you prefer small chunks of cherries in your shake, or blend thoroughly on a higher setting for a smoother texture.
- Check the consistency. If it's too thick, you can add a bit more milk and blend again. If it’s too thin, you can add a bit more ice or frozen yogurt. I also found adding a scoop of protein powder helps with thickening.
Variations
- Flavor enhancements – Add a dash of vanilla extract, almond extract, or even a splash of cherry juice to elevate the sweet-tart cherry flavor.
- Garnishes – Beyond a maraschino cherry and a dollop of whipped cream, add a drizzle of chocolate or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings for an extra special touch.
- Add frozen banana – Substitute the ice cubes for frozen banana slices to keep the shake cool and creamy while adding nutrition.
- Frozen yogurt flavors – For an extra cherry-licious treat, use your favorite cherry-flavored frozen yogurt instead of vanilla or make a chocolate cherry milkshake with chocolate-flavored frozen yogurt.
Storing & Freezing
Storing: As with any blended frozen drink, this cherry milkshake is best enjoyed immediately. If you have extra, keep it in a covered container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Freezing: You can freeze leftover milkshakes for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator for a bit before blending again. Just know it won’t be as thick and creamy as it was initially after reblending.
FAQ
Yes! Frozen cherries offer a convenient source of natural sweetness and fruity flavor. Just be sure to use a powerful blender to blend the frozen cherries to your desired consistency.
You can add ingredients like protein powder, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, nut butter (such as peanut or almond butter), or silken tofu. These protein-rich additions will not only enhance the nutritional value but also provide a creamy texture and great flavor.
Not blending the ingredients thoroughly is typically the cause of a gritty consistency. To fix it, continue blending the milkshake until it becomes smooth and creamy.
More protein shakes
- Mocha Protein Shake
- Oatmeal Protein Shake with Greens
- Nutella Protein Shake
- Peppermint Patty Protein Shake
- Orange Creamsicle Protein Shake
- Triple Berry Protein Shake
If you love this cherry vanilla protein milkshake recipe, I would be so grateful if you could leave a 5-star 🌟 rating in the recipe card below. I love reading your comments and feedback!
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Vanilla Cherry Milkshake with Frozen Yogurt
Ingredients
- ½ cup frozen cherries
- ⅔ cup vanilla frozen yogurt *I used Mayfield for nutrition calculations
- 1 cup 2% Fairlife milk *Fairlife adds an additional protein boost
- 3-4 ice cubes
- Optional add-in: 28 g of vanilla whey protein powder or 20 g of unflavored collagen peptides powder I usually add a scoop of whey for an additional 20-30 g of protein (depending on the brand used)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender container.
- Blend until smooth and enjoy.
Notes
- Use frozen cherries. I highly recommend using frozen cherries, as they create a thicker, colder consistency without needing much ice. Unfortunately, I cannot guarantee the same results if you use fresh cherries.
- Texture preference. Blend the ingredients on a low setting if you prefer small chunks of cherries in your shake, or blend thoroughly on a higher setting for a smoother texture.
- Check the consistency. If it's too thick, you can add a bit more milk and blend again. If it’s too thin, you can add a bit more ice or frozen yogurt. I also found adding a scoop of protein powder helps with thickening.
Nutrition
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Courtney
This looks so yummy-- cherries and vanilla are such a perfect flavor combination!
Amee Livingston
Thank you Courtney!
Tracey
Hi Amee,
This sounds so yummy!! What kind of cherries did you use?
Amee Livingston
Hi Tracey! I use the frozen pitted cherries.