This gluten-free, vegan smoothie tastes like a chocolate cherry sundae. Be sure to check out the other #FoodieMamas recipes at the end of this post!
Happy Sunday! How was your week? Owen got really sick in the middle of the night on Thursday night, and I basically spent from 1am to 6am cleaning up throw up, trying to get him to drink fluids, and dozing next to him in his bed. Ugh.
Needless to say, I was in desperate need of a cup of coffee and a pick-me-up breakfast on Friday morning. There are green smoothie days, and there are chocolate smoothie days, and this was definitely the latter. So while Owen was binge-watching Disney Jr., I whipped up this (vegan! gluten-free!) chocolate cherry smoothie topped with a cloud of whipped coconut cream and sprinkled with toasted almonds and chocolate shavings.
Because this mommy deserved it.
My inspiration was a black forest cake, which is a traditional German dessert made with layers of chocolate sponge cake, whipped cream, and lots of cherries. I think it typically involves a healthy dose of kirsch (black cherry liquor) but…I did practice some restraint.
By the late morning Owen was feeling much better, so we ventured out to the library and even rode the escalator at Bed, Bath & Beyond ran a few errands. I was happily surprised that this smoothie kept me full straight through until a late lunch. (Chicken soup for Owen, gazpacho for me.)
I’m so excited that cherries are coming into season! They are one of my favorite summer fruits. This month cherries were the theme for the Foodie Mamas. Be sure to check out the other awesome recipes below!
- 1 cup fresh or frozen pitted sweet cherries
- 1/2 large banana, peeled, frozen, and cut into chunks
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (or 1/4 teaspoon almond extract)
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 4-5 large ice cubes
- Whipped coconut cream, toasted almonds, gluten-free granola, and chocolate shavings (optional)
- Combine the cherries, banana, cocoa powder, chia seeds, vanilla extract, almond milk, and ice in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a large glass and add desired toppings.
- To make whipped coconut cream, refrigerate a can of full-fat coconut milk overnight. In the morning, scrape the solid coconut "cream" from the top of a can into a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
Manju from Cooking Curries made Cherry Thyme Puff Pastry Hand Pies.
Emily from The Best of This Life made Gluten-free Cherry Crumble Pie.
Trish from Rhubarbarians made Cherry Vanilla Skillet Baked Oatmeal.
Ali from Home & Plate made Cherry Almond Moroccan Inspired Couscous.
Deepika from Easy Baby Meals made Cherry Ice Slushes.
Chrissie from The Busy Baker made Cherry Cheesecake Popsicles.
Sara from Life’s Little Sweets made Easy Cherry Pie with Puff Pastry Crust.
Kaitie from Fuchsia Freezer made Cherry Crumb Cake.
Emily says
This looks so amazing, I will have to make it for my hubby who loves black forest anything! I love that its healthy too 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
One of the best “healthy” decadent combos!
Elaine @ Dishes Delish says
Yummy! Looks delicious!
Lana @ ilovemy5kids says
This looks amazing!!! My daughters would love to make this – they are on a smoothie marathon. 😉
Linda Warren says
Cherries are one of my faves as well. And who wouldn’t love chocolate and cherries together?! This sounds so good I am going to make it for lunch right now! Pinned to keep the recipe handy.
Elsa | the whinery says
What an exciting smoothie! I’m so glad cherry season is coming, I’ve love to try this smoothie! Also, happy to hear little Owen is feeling better… I love riding escalators too! 🙂
Bethany @ Athletic Avocado says
Black forest is such an amazing combo! In smoothie form? Even better! I would love to enjoy this dessert-like smoothie for breakfast!
masala girl says
yum! cherry + cacao is such a good pair, i really need to make a smoothie like it! i’ve been seeing it for years but havent gotten around to it yet 🙁
Sara | Life's Little Sweets says
I love the flavors going on with this Black Forest Chocolate Smoothie! I love cherries and chocolate together – they just go! What a great idea! Such a fantastic recipe roundup this month for the #FoodieMamas!
Meg @ Noming thru Life says
I’m right there with you… bring on cherry season! Especially now that I’ve got this super yum smoothie on the brain 😉
Trish says
Guess what I’m making this morning? THIS SMOOTHIE! I have all the ingredients in my kitchen, and can’t wait to try it out!