Chocolate Cherry Protein Shake
Indulge in a decadent Chocolate Cherry Protein Shake! With 30 grams of high-quality protein per serving, the rich, chocolatey goodness with the natural sweetness of frozen cherries is the perfect treat for health-conscious chocoholics!
I didn’t think I could love protein shake flavors more than my indulgent chocolate hazelnut, refreshing blueberry, and dreamy orange creamsicle. However, given my love for cherries and chocolate, it’s no wonder that this irresistible chocolate cherry protein shake has ultimately won me over.
For this recipe, I took frozen cherries paired with top-notch chocolate whey protein powder, unsweetened almond milk, cocoa powder, flax seed, and stevia for a quick spin in my high-speed blender.
The results? A creamy, chocolatey, cherrylicious concoction that tastes indulgent but is quite nutritious, fueling your body with 30 grams of high-quality protein per serving. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a post-workout refuel, this cherry chocolate protein shake checks all the boxes!😃
Recipe highlights
How can you go wrong with cherries and chocolate? They’re a dream team! Here are more reasons why this protein shake recipe is a must-make:
- Creamy and indulgent. Enjoy a rich, velvety blend of chocolate and cherries that’s a treat for your taste buds.
- Quick and easy. Ready in minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings or whenever you need a healthy dose of antioxidants and high-quality protein.
- Customizable sweetness. You can adjust the sweetness with optional stevia or your preferred natural sweetener.
Ingredients you’ll need
- Frozen pitted cherries. These juicy little gems add natural sweetness, antioxidants, and vitamins. Using frozen ones helps create a thick, frosty texture.
- Unsweetened almond milk. I love the creaminess of unsweetened almond milk but feel free to use cow’s milk, soy milk, oat milk, coconut milk, or any milk you prefer.
- Chocolate whey protein powder. Choose your favorite high-quality brand that tastes amazing. Keep scrolling for my top picks. If whey isn’t your thing, plant-based protein powders also work.
- Flaxseed. It’s a small addition with mighty health benefits! Chia seeds or hemp hearts are a good alternative if you need one.
- Cocoa powder. If possible, opt for Dutch process cocoa powder. It adds next-level deep chocolatey flavor.
- Stevia. I like to add a packet of stevia since my go-to protein powder isn’t super sweet. Skip it if you prefer a more natural sweetness from the cherries. Try honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar if you’re not into stevia.
How to make a chocolate cherry protein shake
Step 1: Add ingredients to your blender. Add the frozen pitted cherries to your blender, followed by the remaining ingredients in the listed order. Add a scoop of ice if you prefer a thicker, frostier texture. Omit ice for a smoother, creamier shake.
Step 2: Blend until smooth. Secure the lid on your blender and blend the ingredients on high until everything is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Garnish and serve. Pour the shake into a glass and top it with a dusting of cocoa powder and/or a dollop of whipped cream. Grab a spoon and enjoy!
Recipe tips and FAQs
- Pick the perfect protein powder. When shopping for protein powder, I look for 20-30 grams of protein per serving and always turn to resources like Labdoor to ensure I’m getting the best of the best. Earth Fed Muscle, Legion, and Puori whey are a few of my favorites.
- Control consistency. If you aren’t satisfied with the consistency, add more frozen cherries or ice cubes to make it thicker. Tossing in half a ripe banana is also an option. For a thinner consistency, blend in more liquid.
- Don’t accidentally make it too sweet. Some chocolate protein powders are extremely sweet, so adding stevia or another sweetener may be unnecessary, depending on which one you use.
Variations
- Extra dark chocolate cherry smoothie – Deepen the rich chocolate flavor by adding a tablespoon of dark cocoa powder, cocoa nibs, or dark chocolate chips before blending.
- Sneak in leafy greens – Like spinach or kale leaves. Their mild flavor will blend perfectly with chocolate and cherries.
- Make it a smoothie bowl – Use less milk to achieve a thicker consistency, then pour the shake into a bowl and top it with granola, sliced bananas, chia seeds, and a sprinkle of cocoa powder or any toppings you’re feeling.
- Make it a milkshake – Create a creamy, milkshake-like consistency by adding a scoop of chocolate ice cream!
I prefer the chilled, frothy texture frozen cherries create, but fresh cherries are an excellent option when in season. Just know that fresh cherries may result in a lighter, slightly slushier texture. Adjust the amount of ice to achieve your desired consistency. You may also need to adjust the sweetness since fresh cherries are often less sweet than frozen.
To increase the protein content and make this chocolate cherry shake even more filling and satisfying, consider adding avocado, oats, or nut butter like almond, cashew, peanut, or sunflower seed butter. Adding ingredients like Greek yogurt or silken tofu is a great way to increase protein and enhance creaminess.
Storing
Storing: Store any leftover cherry chocolate protein shake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Restir any settled ingredients before enjoying.
Freezing: Freeze the protein shake mixture in ice cube trays, then transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag once solid. Keep frozen for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or blend directly from frozen for a creamy frozen treat.
More protein shake recipes
- Mocha Protein Shake
- Peppermint Patty Protein Shake
- Chocolate Banana Peanut Butter Protein Shake
- Chocolate Date Protein Shake
- Orange Creamsicle Protein Smoothie
- Oatmeal Protein Shake with Greens
- Triple Berry Protein Shake
If you love this chocolate cherry protein shake 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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Chocolate Cherry Protein Shake
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup frozen organic cherries
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or milk of choice
- 30 g chocolate whey protein powder
- 1 tbsp ground golden flaxseed
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder I use Dutch process cocoa
- 1 packet stevia sweetener optional
- ½ cup ice cubes
Instructions
- Add all ingredients in a blender, blend and enjoy.
- Garnish with a dusting of cocoa or light whipped cream.
Notes
Nutrition
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this looks wonderful 🙂