- Add all ingredients (sweet cherries, avocado, cream cheese, heavy cream, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and monk fruit sweetener) to a high-speed blender or food processor.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Pour the mixture into a bowl and top with dragon fruit, strawberries, coconut flakes, lemon zest, and almonds as desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
- Calories:559 kcal25%
- Energy:2338 kJ22%
- Protein:8 g28%
- Carbohydrates:35 mg40%
- Sugar:21 mg8%
- Salt:201 g25%
- Fat:46 g20%
Last Updated on 1 month by Neha Deshmukh
Cherry Avocado Smoothie Bowl Recipe – Easy Keto & Low Carb
Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a breakfast (or really, any-time-of-day) treat that’s both delicious and good for you. And let me tell you, this Cherry Avocado Smoothie Bowl is it! It’s creamy, fruity, surprisingly filling, and totally keto & low-carb friendly. I first whipped this up when I was craving something sweet but didn’t want to derail my healthy eating, and it’s been a staple ever since.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t your average smoothie bowl. The avocado adds an incredible creaminess you won’t believe, and the cherries bring a burst of sweetness. It’s a fantastic way to start your day, refuel after a workout, or even satisfy a sweet craving without the guilt. Plus, it’s ready in just 5 minutes! Seriously, what’s not to love?
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this dreamy smoothie bowl:
- 1 cup sweet cherries, pitted (fresh) – about 150g
- ½ avocado – about 100g
- 2 oz cream cheese – about 57g
- 2 tablespoon heavy cream – 30ml
- 2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – 5ml
- 1-2 tablespoon monk fruit sweetener (adjust to taste)
Ingredient Notes
Let’s talk ingredients! Getting these right will make all the difference.
Sweet Cherries: Varieties & Seasonality
Sweet cherries are best when they’re in season (typically May to July). Look for firm, plump cherries with shiny skin. Bing, Rainier, and Lapins are all fantastic varieties for this recipe. If fresh cherries aren’t available, you can use frozen (see FAQs!), but the flavour is always best with fresh.
Avocado: Choosing the Right Ripeness
You want an avocado that yields to gentle pressure but isn’t mushy. A perfectly ripe avocado will have a slightly darker colour and feel a little soft when squeezed. If it’s too hard, let it sit at room temperature for a day or two.
Monk Fruit Sweetener: A Keto-Friendly Alternative
I love monk fruit sweetener because it doesn’t have the aftertaste some other sugar substitutes do. It’s also a great option if you’re watching your carb intake. You can adjust the amount to your liking – start with 1 tablespoon and add more if needed. Stevia or erythritol can also work in a pinch.
Heavy Cream: Options & Substitutions
Heavy cream (also known as whipping cream) is what gives this smoothie bowl its luxurious texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could try coconut cream, but it will slightly alter the flavour.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get blending!
- Add all the ingredients – sweet cherries, avocado, cream cheese, heavy cream, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and monk fruit sweetener – to a high-speed blender or food processor.
- Blend until everything is smooth and creamy. Don’t be afraid to stop and scrape down the sides a few times to make sure everything gets incorporated.
- Pour the beautiful pink smoothie into a bowl.
- Now for the fun part! Top with your favourite goodies. I love dragon fruit, strawberries, coconut flakes, a little extra lemon zest, and some chopped almonds.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Expert Tips
- For an extra-thick smoothie bowl, use frozen cherries (but you might need to add a splash of liquid).
- Don’t over-blend! You want a thick, spoonable consistency, not a liquid smoothie.
- Taste as you go and adjust the sweetness to your preference.
Variations
- Berry Blast: My daughter loves when I add a handful of raspberries or blueberries to the mix.
- Chocolate Cherry: A tablespoon of cocoa powder turns this into a decadent chocolate cherry treat!
- Tropical Twist: Swap the cherries for mango and pineapple for a tropical vibe.
Vegan Adaptation
Want to make this vegan? No problem! Substitute the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative (kite hill is a good one) and use a plant-based heavy cream.
Gluten-Free Confirmation
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy it!
Adjusting Sweetness Level
Everyone has a different sweet tooth! Start with 1 tablespoon of monk fruit sweetener and add more, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired sweetness.
Festival/Seasonal Adaptations (e.g., Summer Berry Bowl)
During the summer, I love to make a “Summer Berry Bowl” version with a mix of all my favourite seasonal berries – strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. It’s a colourful and delicious way to celebrate the season!
Serving Suggestions
This smoothie bowl is perfect on its own for a quick breakfast or snack. You can also serve it with a side of keto-friendly granola or a sprinkle of chia seeds for extra crunch and nutrients.
Storage Instructions
This smoothie bowl is best enjoyed immediately. However, you can store the blended smoothie base in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. It may thicken, so you might need to add a splash of liquid before serving.
FAQs
Is this smoothie bowl suitable for a strict Keto diet?
Yes! As long as you use a keto-friendly sweetener like monk fruit, this smoothie bowl fits perfectly into a ketogenic diet. Just be mindful of your cherry intake, as they do contain some carbs.
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries will make the smoothie bowl thicker, so you might need to add a tablespoon or two of liquid (like almond milk or water) to help it blend.
What if I don’t have monk fruit sweetener? What can I substitute?
Stevia or erythritol are good substitutes for monk fruit sweetener. You can also use a small amount of honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind that these will increase the carb count.
How can I make this smoothie bowl ahead of time?
You can blend the smoothie base ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, the toppings are best added just before serving to maintain their freshness and texture.
Can I add protein powder to this smoothie bowl?
Definitely! A scoop of your favourite protein powder will make this smoothie bowl even more filling and nutritious. Vanilla or unflavoured protein powder works best.