Cherry Banana Smoothie Recipe – Easy Cocoa & Seed Breakfast Idea

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Cherry Banana Smoothie Recipe – Easy Cocoa & Seed Breakfast Idea

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, mornings can be… hectic. Between getting ready and tackling the day, a quick, healthy breakfast is a must. And honestly? This Cherry Banana Smoothie has become my absolute go-to. It’s packed with goodness, tastes amazing, and takes just five minutes to whip up. I first made this when I was trying to sneak more seeds into my diet, and it’s been a family favourite ever since!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another smoothie recipe. It’s a powerhouse of nutrients, blending the sweetness of bananas and cherries with the subtle richness of cocoa and the incredible benefits of seeds. It’s perfect for a quick breakfast, a post-workout snack, or even a healthy dessert. Plus, it’s super adaptable – you can easily tweak it to your liking!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Cherry Banana Smoothie:

• 2 Bananas
• 1 cup Frozen Cherries (about 150g)
• ?? cup Oatmeal (about 50g – see notes below!)
• 2 tablespoons Chia Seeds
• 2 tablespoons Flax Meal
• 2 tablespoons Hemp Hearts
• 3 tablespoons Cocoa Powder
• 2 cups Almond Milk (about 480ml)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! I’ve learned a few things over the years that really make this smoothie shine.

Bananas: Choosing Ripe Bananas

The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your smoothie will be. I like to use bananas with plenty of brown spots – they blend beautifully!

Frozen Cherries: Fresh vs. Frozen

Frozen cherries give this smoothie a lovely thick texture. You can use fresh cherries, but you might want to add a few ice cubes to get the same consistency. About 300g of fresh cherries would work well.

Oatmeal: Rolled Oats vs. Quick Oats – Which to Use?

I usually use rolled oats (old-fashioned oats) for a bit more texture and staying power. But quick oats work in a pinch! Just be aware that quick oats will make the smoothie a little smoother. About 50g of either is perfect.

Chia Seeds: Benefits and Why They Work in Smoothies

Chia seeds are tiny but mighty! They’re packed with fiber, omega-3s, and protein. They also absorb liquid, which helps thicken the smoothie.

Flax Meal: Grinding Flax Seeds for Maximum Nutrition

Flax meal (ground flaxseed) is another nutritional superstar. Grinding the flaxseeds helps your body absorb all those good omega-3s. You can grind whole flaxseeds yourself if you prefer!

Hemp Hearts: A Complete Protein Source

Hemp hearts are a fantastic source of plant-based protein and healthy fats. They have a mild, nutty flavour that blends really well.

Cocoa Powder: Dutch-Processed vs. Natural Cocoa Powder

I prefer Dutch-processed cocoa powder for its smoother, less acidic flavour. But natural cocoa powder will work just fine too!

Almond Milk: Unsweetened vs. Sweetened – and Other Milk Alternatives

I always use unsweetened almond milk to control the sweetness. But feel free to use any milk you like – oat milk, soy milk, or even regular dairy milk all work great.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get blending!

1. First, add the bananas, frozen cherries, oatmeal, chia seeds, flax meal, hemp hearts, and cocoa powder to your blender.
2. Pour in the almond milk.
3. Now, blend everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. You might need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender a couple of times.
4. Pour into glasses and, if you’re feeling fancy, garnish with a few fresh cherries and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings. Enjoy immediately!

Expert Tips

• For a colder smoothie: Use even more frozen cherries or add a handful of ice cubes.
• Don’t have a powerful blender? Soak the chia seeds in a little almond milk for 10 minutes before blending to help them soften.
• Adjust the liquid: If the smoothie is too thick, add a splash more almond milk. If it’s too thin, add a few more frozen cherries.

Variations

This recipe is a great base for experimentation!

Vegan Adaptation

This recipe is already naturally vegan! Just double-check your cocoa powder doesn’t contain any hidden dairy.

Gluten-Free Confirmation

This smoothie is naturally gluten-free. However, always check the label of your oatmeal to ensure it’s certified gluten-free if you have a sensitivity.

Spice Level (Optional: Add a Pinch of Cinnamon)

My friend Priya loves adding a pinch of cinnamon to hers – it adds a lovely warmth. About ¼ teaspoon is perfect.

Adjusting Sweetness

If you prefer a sweeter smoothie, add a drizzle of maple syrup or a date. My kids sometimes ask for a little honey!

Serving Suggestions

This smoothie is perfect on its own, but it also pairs well with a slice of whole-wheat toast or a handful of nuts. It’s a great way to start the day or refuel after a workout.

Storage Instructions

This smoothie is best enjoyed immediately. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. It might separate a little, so just give it a good shake before drinking.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?

While it’s best fresh, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Combine everything except the almond milk in a freezer-safe bag and freeze. When you’re ready to make the smoothie, just add the frozen mixture and almond milk to the blender.

What if I don’t have hemp hearts? What can I substitute?

If you don’t have hemp hearts, you can substitute them with another tablespoon of chia seeds or flax meal, or a tablespoon of pumpkin seeds.

Can I use other frozen fruits in this smoothie?

Absolutely! Frozen blueberries, raspberries, or mango would all be delicious additions.

How can I make this smoothie thicker?

Add more frozen fruit, a tablespoon of nut butter, or a handful of ice cubes.

Is this smoothie suitable for kids? Are there any allergy considerations?

Yes, this smoothie is generally suitable for kids. However, always be mindful of any allergies your child may have, especially nut allergies (from the almond milk and hemp hearts).