Getting your protein in just got A LOT more delicious, friends! This chocolate cherry protein shake is thick, creamy, chocolaty, perfectly sweet, SO delicious, and packs in 20+ grams of protein per serving.
Bonus? It comes together fast with just 4 ingredients and 5 minutes required! Let us show you how it’s done!
This EASY chocolate cherry protein shake requires just 4 ingredients: frozen sweet cherries, your choice of milk, protein powder, and cocoa powder. Ice makes it thick, cold, and creamy — our favorite kind of shake!
Keep it simple like that, or include the optional add-ins! Baby spinach boosts the nutrition with vitamin C, folate, magnesium, and more (and you can barely taste it’s there!). Cashew butter adds richness and makes it more satisfying. And vanilla extract and maple syrup (or dates) give it a sweeter, more decadent flavor!
We think you’ll LOVE this shake! It’s:
Creamy
Thick
Chocolaty
Lightly sweetened
Quick & easy
Protein-packed (20+ grams/serving!)
& SO delicious!
This shake is perfect for a quick breakfast, post-workout refuel, or energizing snack.
More Protein-Packed Smoothies & Shakes
- Chocolate Protein Shake (Protein Powder-Free!)
- Blueberry Maple Protein Shake
- The Ultimate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
- Creamy Raspberry Chip Smoothie (5 Minutes!)
If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo @minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!
Chocolate Cherry Protein Shake
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen sweet cherries
- 3/4 cup standard-size ice cubes
- 3/4-1 cup dairy-free milk (plain, unsweetened // we like almond)
- 1-2 scoops chocolate protein powder* (or sub vanilla or unflavored)
- 1-3 tsp cocoa powder (or cacao powder)
- 1 small handful baby spinach (optional // for added nutrition)
- 1 Tbsp cashew butter (optional // for richness)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 1-2 tsp maple syrup (optional // include if using unsweetened protein powder // or sub pitted dates)
Instructions
- To a high-speed blender (or smaller powerful blender such as a Nutribullet), add the cherries, ice, dairy-free milk (starting with the lesser amount), protein powder, and cocoa powder (use the lesser amount if using chocolate protein and the greater amount if using unflavored/vanilla protein). Optionally, add the baby spinach, cashew butter, and vanilla. For a sweeter shake or if using unsweetened protein powder, add the maple syrup (starting with the lesser amount).
- Blend on high speed until thick and smooth, adding more dairy-free milk or using the tamper as needed to encourage blending. Taste and adjust as needed, adding more cocoa powder and maple syrup to preference.
- Serve immediately (texture/flavor is best when fresh) or freeze in an ice cube tray then reblend (adding dairy-free milk as needed) to enjoy later.
Notes
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated with 2 scoops Aloha protein powder and without optional ingredients. Protein content will vary depending on brand and amount used.
Amy says
We have been making this non stop at our house lately. Parents and kids love it. We’ve been using the Just Ingredients chocolate protein powder, so not vegan but it is delicious!
We’re so glad it’s been a hit in your house, Amy! Thank you for sharing! xo
Alyssa says
This made for a nice healthy treat!
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Alyssa!
Maggie says
Oh my, had this for breakfast this morning with all the options, subbing almond butter for cashew, and stevia for maple syrup. I also added about 1/4 cup plain yogurt, cuz, yogurt. So delicious. Thick, creamy, chocolatey, filling, cold and satisfying. Thank you for this version of a great breakfast smoothie – packed with protein and other goodness.
Yay! We’re so glad you enjoy this smoothie, Maggie! Your modifications sound great, too. Thank you for sharing! xo
Stacy says
I made a few substitutions based on my pantry inventory… Vanilla protein powder instead of chocolate, half-banana instead of cashew butter, omitted spinach. I also added a dollop of whipped coconut milk only because I have some leftover from a dessert I made last night. It is delicious! I have a different smoothie that I’ve been making for years, and this was a really nice change – will definitely make it again.
We’re so glad you enjoyed this one as a change up to your go-to smoothie, Stacy. Thank you for the lovely review and for sharing your modifications! xo
Nawita Hardy says
Are the seeds removed from the cherries before blending? Can’t wait to fix for daughter.
Hi Nawita, yes, you’ll want to remove the seeds before freezing if you’re using fresh cherries. We use frozen cherries that are already pitted.
Sandy says
Easy, quick and delicious! My daughter and I had this for breakfast this morning and I just bought more frozen cherries so that we can have it again over the weekend. So good and so filling! A definite keeper.
The only flavor of protein powder that I had on hand was coconut acai, so I used that with almond milk, frozen cherries, ice, cocoa powder and a few pitted dates. Yumm!!
Now I’m looking forward to trying it with the optional add-ins.
Thank you for a wonderful smoothie recipe 👍
Yay! We’re so glad you and your daughter enjoyed the smoothie and will be making it again. Thank you for sharing, Sandy! xo
Rachel says
recommend to add almond extract :)
Yum! Thanks for sharing, Rachel! xo
Christina says
Yum! This is what I needed this afternoon – thank you!
Yay! We’re so glad it came at the right time. Thank you for sharing, Christina! xo