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    Home » Recipes » Smoothies » Cherry Vanilla Smoothie

    Published: Apr 20, 2020 · Modified: Aug 3, 2022 by Alicia This post may contain affiliate links.

    Cherry Vanilla Smoothie

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Cherry Vanilla Smoothie

    This cherry vanilla smoothie is the perfect amount of sweet and filling for a breakfast smoothie or snack! Frozen cherries are mixed with seeds for a little extra protein.

    This cherry smoothie recipe is completely nut-free and dairy free, but the perfect amount of sweetness mixed with a creamy texture.

    You'll love this cherry vanilla smoothie for breakfast, hot summer days, or a quick pick me up snack.

    A fruit smoothie topped with goji berries on a table.
    Jump to:
    • The Best Cherry Smoothie
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make
    • Protein Options
    • Tips for Making a Cherry Vanilla Smoothie
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Smoothie Recipes
    • Cherry Vanilla Smoothie

    The Best Cherry Smoothie

    One of my favorite smoothie recipes of all time, I love the natural sweetness of this recipe. It's really easy to pick up the ingredients and have them stored in the pantry or freezer to make this cherry vanilla smoothie whenever you want. Best of all? The anti-inflammatory benefits of cherries.

    While tart cherries offer wonderful properties as far as soothing muscle soreness and promoting sleep, sweet cherries have greater anti-inflammatory properties.

    You'll love this smoothie because:

    • It takes 5 minutes to make.
    • No added sweeteners are needed!
    • It works for breakfast or a snack.
    • It's dairy free, gluten free, and nut free friendly, plus packed with some great brain foods!
    • A great cherry smoothie without yogurt or bananas!

    Ingredients

    Ingredients for a cherry smoothie on a table.
    • Frozen cherries - I use the frozen, pitted red cherries from Trader Joe's. Any dark sweet frozen cherries will work, just make sure they are pitted.
    • Dried mulberries - These are freeze dried and can be found online or at health food stores. These are a great way to add natural sweetness that's similar to a banana. I love using them as a substitute for banana. I actually combine these with goji berries and just scoop them out together, but I'd definitely reach for mulberries first if trying to decide between the two!
    • Sunflower seed butter - I've used both sunflower seed butter and pumpkin seed butter for this recipe. If you're not following a migraine diet or have re-introduced nuts successfully you can use your favorite almond butter.
    • Vanilla - Essentially for the vanilla part of the cherry vanilla smoothie! I prefer to use alcohol free in smoothies and get this at Trader Joe's as well.
    • Hemp seeds or chia seeds - I highly recommend adding these for extra protein and omega-3 content, which is great for brain health. You could also use hemp seed protein.

    How to Make

    Step 1: Add ingredients to a high powered blender

    I recommend using a good quality blender like Vitamix, Ninja, Breville, or Nutribullet for best results. Add the frozen cherries and mulberries (if using), then scoop in the seeds, seed butter, and any other extras. Top with milk and begin blending on the lowest setting, slowly turning to high speed. Use a blender tamper as needed to push down the mixture so it gets blended evenly.

    A scoop of sunbutter being put into a blender.

    Step 2: Blend till Smooth

    Add ice, if needed. Once it's blended till smooth, pour into a tall glass and serve immediately.

    Protein Options

    If you're following a migraine diet, it's important to choose your protein options for smoothies wisely. For this cherry vanilla smoothie, I love using seeds to add protein. The first is to add a little bit of fat and protein with sunflower seed butter. My personal favorite is the salted Sunflower Spread from Trader Joe's, but I know many prefer the sweetened kind in the blue bottle. Just add whatever your favorite is! Pumpkin seed butter would be another neutral option. 

    Hemp and chia seeds to boost the protein and fiber content, just be careful using too much hemp as it can overpower the flavor. For even more protein, I recommend substituting the raw seeds with a hemp or rice protein powder instead. Hemp milk, especially homemade, also offers and extra boost.

    Tips for Making a Cherry Vanilla Smoothie

    This recipe works well in all types of blenders, but I find I don't have to use as much liquid with a high speed blender like Vitamix. 

    • Start with liquid first, then seeds and/or fruits and vegetables, and finish with ice. 
    • Add more ice to thicken the smoothie (or frozen fruit) and more water or milk to thin it. 
    • Limit the ice to about ½ cup otherwise the smoothie can become watery.
    • Seeds add lots of extra protein!
    • Use milk for a creamier smoothie and water for a lighter version.
    A smoothie on a table topped with chia and hemp seeds.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is vanilla extract good in smoothies?

    Yes! Vanilla extract can be great in smoothies. It really highlights the other flavors and pairs extremely well with cherries. To cut out any bitterness and add a little sweetness, I prefer to use alcohol free vanilla for smoothies.

    Are cherry smoothies healthy?

    Cherries actually have a lower glycemic index compared to other fruits. They're high in potassium and contain antioxidants. Mulberries also have a low GI score. Be sure to read your ingredient labels as they can vary and be different than the generic counts below.

    Do you need bananas for smoothies?

    Bananas are mainly used in smoothies for both texture and sweetness. In this smoothie you can make up a lot of the creaminess that's missing by using milk or a milk substitute, and dried mulberries for sweetness. Mulberries are far lower in sugar than banana as well!

    A cherry smoothie in a glass topped with mulberries.

    Smoothie Recipes

    For more recipes like this vanilla cherry smoothie without bananas, see these posts.

    • 20 Best Smoothies without Yogurt
    • Mango Lassi without Yogurt
    • Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie
    • Sunbutter Maca Smoothie

    If you make any of my recipes, don’t forget to tag me #thedizzycook or @thedizzycook on Facebook and Instagram. And please leave a review below!

    A cherry vanilla smoothie in a glass.

    Cherry Vanilla Smoothie

    Dairy free but super creamy and delicious, this cherry vanilla smoothie will be your new favorite breakfast!
    4.91 from 10 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Breakfast
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Diabetic, Gluten Free, Low Calorie, Low Lactose, Low Salt, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 1 person
    Calories: 291kcal
    Author: Alicia

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup water or milk of choice
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla
    • ¾ cup frozen dark cherries
    • 1½ tablespoons sunflower seed butter or pumpkin seed butter
    • 1 tablespoon hemp seeds or chia seeds or protein powder
    • ¼ cup dried white mulberries (optional, but highly recommended)
    • ⅓-1/2 cup ice
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Combine goji berries and mulberries (if using), vanilla, sunflower seed butter, and water. Blend to combine. Add frozen cherries and blend. (If you have a high speed blender like a vitamix, just dump everything in and blend it)
    • Add desired amount of ice to thicken. Serve immediately!

    Notes

    • Milk will yield a creamier smoothie. I like to use oat milk or hemp seed milk. 
    • Add more ice to thicken the smoothie (or frozen fruit) and more water or milk to thin it. Max out at ½ cup of ice or it may water down the smoothie. 
    • Use seed or rice protein powder or hemp seeds to boost the protein content. 
    • Mulberries can be substituted for ½ a frozen banana, however this is not migraine diet friendly and has a higher sugar content. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cup | Calories: 291kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 247mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 156IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 4mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @thedizzycook or tag #thedizzycook!
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    About Alicia

    Alicia is a vestibular migraine advocate and the bestselling author of The Dizzy Cook: Managing Migraine with More Than 90 Comforting Recipes and Lifestyle Tips. Her articles and recipes have been featured by Healthline, Parade, mindbodygreen, Today, Good Morning Texas, the Vestibular Disorders Association, and the American Migraine Foundation. Read More

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Robin says

      September 18, 2022 at 8:41 pm

      Hi! Can you please tell me an amount for the goji berries? This looks amazing! Thanks so much!

      Reply
    2. Leslie Springer says

      September 15, 2022 at 7:55 pm

      5 stars
      This smoothie is like dessert for breakfast. Its so delicious!
      Thanks for all the smoothie recipes.

      Reply
    3. Lauren says

      August 12, 2022 at 9:44 am

      4 stars
      Hello! Thank you for all of the yummy smoothie recipes! I enjoy them often! I noticed you modified the recipe. How many goji berries did you add to the smoothie previously, I'd like to still add them to mine. Thank you! Only change I've ever made to this recipe is I add a (heaping) cup of cherries to give it more cherry flavor! 🙂

      Reply
    4. Erin says

      July 10, 2021 at 12:51 pm

      5 stars
      This is one of my favorite smoothies! It's tastes a milkshake but it's all good for you! Doubly rewarding.

      Reply
    5. Courtney says

      May 18, 2021 at 5:44 pm

      5 stars
      This is so tasty! Any other fruit combos that you recommend in place of the cherries?

      Reply
      • Alicia says

        May 29, 2021 at 11:55 am

        You could probably use any kind you like but if you search the site for smoothies there are some recipes specifically for other berries. 🙂

        Reply
    6. Deborah says

      March 23, 2021 at 5:33 am

      Hi

      Sunflower is ok for migraines? thought it had high omega 6 is this ok then ?
      Kind Thanks

      Reply
      • Alicia says

        March 23, 2021 at 10:01 pm

        It would depend on your personal migraine triggers, but for most sunflower seeds are well-tolerated.

        Reply
    7. Nikki says

      March 18, 2021 at 7:43 am

      5 stars
      Amazing. This is my new fave breakfast. Added oat milk. So good.

      Reply
      • Alicia says

        March 23, 2021 at 10:06 pm

        Mine too Nikki!!

        Reply
    8. Nicold says

      December 10, 2020 at 10:13 am

      Hi Alicia,
      How can I tell when buying dried fruit if it contains sulfites ? Is it enough if it isn’t listed in the ingredients?
      Thanks!

      Reply
      • Alicia says

        December 11, 2020 at 1:19 pm

        Yes, it will be on the label if it's added.

        Reply
    9. Sharon Bice says

      October 18, 2020 at 7:01 pm

      What brand of vanilla do you use?

      Reply
      • Alicia says

        October 20, 2020 at 1:55 pm

        Hey Sharon, I use the alcohol free vanilla at Trader Joes, but really any brand will do.

        Reply
    10. Rebecca says

      September 22, 2020 at 9:39 am

      5 stars
      I love this recipe! Make it regularly and always turns out delicious! My husband and 7 year old daughter always ask me to make extra for them 🙂
      Love that it has protein in it along with fruit so I don’t get that sugar spike and crash - thanks Alicia!

      Reply
      • Alicia says

        September 22, 2020 at 2:26 pm

        Aw thanks, Rebecca!!! It's one of my favorites of all time.

        Reply
    11. Laura says

      March 19, 2020 at 1:59 pm

      5 stars
      Holy Toledo this is good! I didn’t have mulberries, so I added some honey. But I’ve ordered the mulberries on Amazon to try next time!

      Reply
    12. Rachel says

      September 22, 2019 at 4:02 pm

      Hi Alicia, where does one get white mulberries???

      Reply
      • Alicia says

        September 24, 2019 at 6:34 pm

        On Amazon! 🙂

        Reply
    13. BigMac says

      May 15, 2018 at 1:07 pm

      PS, what is the "garnish" on top? Hemp seeds and??

      Reply
    14. BigMac says

      May 15, 2018 at 1:05 pm

      5 stars
      Your friend was right about the Cherries at Costco. They are frozen "Dark Sweet Cherries" (no sugar added) whole cherries in a 4lb bag. They also have a 4lb bag of organic "Wild Blueberries". Both are flash frozen.

      Reply

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    Meet the Cook! I’m Alicia, cookbook author and recipe developer. I was diagnosed with Chronic Vestibular Migraine in 2016 - a diagnosis that changed my life. I’ve gone from bedridden to extremely active by implementing migraine diet, incorporating key supplements, and making lifestyle changes. The Dizzy Cook is a collection of my delicious recipes that everyone will love, and tips for anyone that struggles with migraine attacks.

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    Meet the Cook! I’m Alicia, cookbook author and recipe developer. I was diagnosed with Chronic Vestibular Migraine in 2016 - a diagnosis that changed my life. I’ve gone from bedridden to extremely active by implementing migraine diet, incorporating key supplements, and making lifestyle changes. The Dizzy Cook is a collection of my delicious recipes that everyone will love, and tips for anyone that struggles with migraine attacks.

    About The Dizzy Cook

    Trending Recipes

    • Creamy Boursin Pasta
    • Beef Stew Recipe without Wine
    • Lazy Lasagna
    • No Tomato Chili (Texas-Style)
    • Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie
    • Air Fryer Flank Steak

    Get New Posts via Email

    Subscribe for new recipes, tips, and discounts.

    Healthy New Year Recipes

    • Stir Fry Without Soy Sauce
    • Beef Protein Bowl
    • Mediterranean Baked Halibut
    • Dutch Oven Pot Roast (Wine-Free)
    • Baked Chicken Kabobs
    • Chicken and Brown Rice Soup

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