For a while Grace and I have been testing and retesting this amazing cherry ripe smoothie and FINALLY we got the recipe juuuuuuuuuuuussssssssttttttt right.
A beautiful blend of deep dark chocolate [in our case – cacao] with sweet-tart cherries and lots of coconut – this smoothie seriously tastes just like our favourite chocolate bar.
Oh but a little more virtuous!
My lovely little kitchen helper and I blended together these treats wearing white dresses…crazy I know!
But we’d been out earlier that day and I’m waaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyy behind with washing so it was either these dresses or old mismatched faded pyjamas. Lol.
Whilst I may have some skills in the kitchen – I’m the village idiot of the laundry.
I hate washing/folding/ironing so much – I let it pile up to Everest heights before tackling and then whinge and moan like nobody’s business.
Anywho enough chat about boring ol’ washing and back to our beautiful smoothies!
Along with the cherries, coconut and cacao – we added almond butter, vanilla extract and medjools dates to the mix which created the most amazing depth of flavour to the smoothie.
We also blended through 2 frozen banana’s to bulk the smoothies up a little – this recipe yields 4 smoothies so feel free to half if necessary.
We also blitzed 1/3 cup shredded coconut through our smoothie – but if you would prefer a ‘smoother’ texture to your smoothie – use 1/3 cup coconut cream instead. We’ve tested both types of coconut and taste wise they’re the same – yet the coconut cream does leave a smoother more velvety texture. Totally up to you.
To make your own cherry ripe smoothies simply…
Begin by washing and drying your hands with your child.
Set them up safely at the kitchen bench OR small table. My kids feel confident stating on stools – but when they were younger I would pop their kids sized table into the middle of the kitchen and get them to work at the table.
Read the recipe together and collect the ingredients needed – naming them as you go.
Measure 1 1/2 cups of frozen cherries and pop them into the jug of your blender.
Together – add 2 frozen bananas to the jug.
Together measure and add 1 tablespoon of almond butter.
Measure and add 1/3 cup shredded coconut to the jug. NOTE: if your little ones love their smoothies very smooth – feel free to replace the shredded coconut with 1/3 cup of coconut cream – this creates a smoother textures.
Add 2 softened medjool dates. To soften the dates, remove the pit, chop into small pieces and pop into a small bowl. Cover the dates with recently boiled water and stand for 5 minutes – drain the water before using.
Add 2 heaped tablespoons of cacao powder.
Measure and add 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract to the jug.
Add 1 cup of ice. This step is optional – we just love our smoothies EXTRA cold #aussiesummer.
Finally add 1 cup of milk [of your choice]. We used almond/coconut milk but have used cows milk and rice milk previously – all have been AMAZING.
Pop the lid on and blitz the smoothie until smooth – approx. 2-3 minutes.
Together – pour your cherry ripe smoothies into 4 cups – add straws and enjoy. X
cherry ripe smoothies
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Yield: 4 smoothies 1x
Description
cherry ripe smoothies
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (330 grams) cherries, pitted and frozen
- 2 bananas, chopped and frozen
- 1 heaped tablespoon almond butter
- 1/3 cup shredded coconut [or 1/3 cup of coconut cream if you prefer a ‘smoother’ textured smoothie]
- 2 medjool dates, pitted, chopped and softened [to soften date place into bowl, cover with recently boiled water and stand for 5 mins – drain]
- 2 heaped tablespoons cacao powder
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup ice [optional]
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) milk of your choice
Instructions
- Place cherries, banana, almond butter, coconut, dates, cacao, vanilla, ice and milk into the jug of your blender. Pop on the lid and blitz until smooth. Approx. 3 mins. Pour into 4 glasses and enjoy. X
- Prep Time: 10 mins
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Wish the nutritional value would be supplied for all recipes.