If you’re craving something that’s both indulgent and nourishing, this Chocolate Cherry Protein Shake Recipe might just become your new favorite go-to. Imagine the deep, rich taste of chocolate paired with tart, sweet cherries—perfect for a quick snack or post-workout boost.

A tall glass filled with a thick, deep red smoothie topped with whole dark red cherries and small chocolate shavings scattered on top, with a woman's hand gently placing a cherry on the drink. The glass sits on a white marble surface with a few cherries and chocolate shavings around it, and a blue-striped cloth is nearby. The background also has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Cherry Protein Shake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Protein Shake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Cherry Protein Shake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I love how easy it is to whip up this shake—just a few simple ingredients, and you get a velvety, satisfying drink that feels like a treat but fuels your body.

Rich flavor combo: The chocolate and cherry pairing is naturally delicious and refreshing.
Flexible ingredients: Customize with spinach or cashew butter to suit your nutrition and taste.
Quick prep: Ready in just 5 minutes—perfect for busy mornings or post-workout recovery.
Dairy-free and vegan-friendly: Using plant-based milk and options keeps it accessible.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Getting your hands on the right ingredients makes all the difference, so I always look for frozen sweet cherries (they’re perfectly tart and help chill the shake), a good-quality chocolate protein powder, and creamy unsweetened almond milk to keep things smooth without extra sweetness.

Flat lay of a small bowl of frozen deep red sweet cherries, a small bowl of clear ice cubes, a small bowl of creamy almond milk, a small bowl of rich dark brown chocolate protein powder, a small bowl of fine cocoa powder, a small handful of fresh bright green baby spinach leaves, a small dollop of smooth, light tan cashew butter on a white ceramic dish, and a small white ceramic bowl with a small amount of pale beige vanilla extract, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Frozen sweet cherries: These bring natural sweetness and a vibrant cherry flavor, plus they keep the shake nicely chilled without watering it down.
Ice cubes: To give the shake that refreshing thickness and keep it cold.
Dairy-free milk: Choosing almond or another unsweetened variety keeps the shake creamy while staying vegan-friendly.
Chocolate protein powder: This adds the chocolatey base along with muscle-repairing protein—feel free to swap in vanilla or unflavored if you prefer.
Cocoa powder: Intensifies the chocolate notes and ups the antioxidant content.
Baby spinach (optional): A sneaky way to add nutrition without changing the flavor much.
Cashew butter (optional): Adds richness and a silky texture that makes the shake feel extra luxurious.
Vanilla extract (optional): Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle sweetness and warmth.
Maple syrup (optional): Perfect if your protein powder isn’t sweetened, or if you want just a touch of extra sweetness; pitted dates work well too.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Chocolate Cherry Protein Shake Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to boost the nutrition, adjust the sweetness, or change up the flavor profile, it’s a versatile formula that welcomes your personal touch.

Green power boost: I love adding a small handful of baby spinach for extra vitamins without changing the delicious taste much—it makes the shake feel even fresher and more vibrant.
Richness upgrade: A tablespoon of cashew butter adds a creamy texture and subtle nutty flavor that feels indulgent but still keeps things healthy.
Sweetness tweaks: If your protein powder isn’t sweetened, start with 1 teaspoon of maple syrup or a couple of pitted dates blended in. You can always add a little more if you want it sweeter.
Flavor swaps: Try vanilla or unflavored protein powder instead of chocolate and increase the cocoa powder to get that chocolatey depth—that’s a lovely way to shift the flavor while keeping things tasty.
Seasonal spins: Swap frozen cherries for frozen raspberries in winter, or stir in some fresh mint for a cool springtime lift.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Cherry Protein Shake Recipe

A textured clear glass filled with a thick, deep red cherry smoothie is being poured from a white blender jar above it, creating a small peak on top of the drink. The glass sits on a round white marble board scattered with whole dark red cherries and some cinnamon powder. Another blurred glass with a similar smoothie is partially visible on the right side. The background is a white marbled texture, and the scene is softly lit with natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Gather and Measure Your Ingredients

Start by grabbing 1 cup of frozen sweet cherries and measuring out ¾ cup of ice cubes. For the creamy base, pour ¾ cup of your favorite dairy-free milk—I recommend plain, unsweetened almond milk for its subtle nuttiness. Then scoop in 1 to 2 scoops of chocolate protein powder depending on your protein needs. If you're switching to vanilla or unflavored protein, have your cocoa powder handy to boost the chocolate flavor.

Step 2: Layer Ingredients into Your Blender

Into a high-speed blender, add the frozen cherries, ice cubes, dairy-free milk (start with ¾ cup), protein powder, and cocoa powder—start with 1 teaspoon if using chocolate protein, or 3 teaspoons if using vanilla or unflavored. Now’s the time to add optional goodies like a small handful of baby spinach, 1 tablespoon cashew butter, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and if you prefer your shake on the sweeter side or are using an unsweetened protein powder, 1 to 2 teaspoons of maple syrup or a couple of pitted dates.

Step 3: Blend Until Smooth and Creamy

Blend everything on high speed until you get a thick, smooth shake with no chunks. If your blender has a tamper, use it to push down the ingredients for even blending. If the shake is too thick or your blender struggles, gradually pour in a little more dairy-free milk until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Step 4: Taste, Tweak, and Blend Again

Give your shake a quick taste test. If you want it more chocolatey, add another teaspoon of cocoa powder; if you’d like it sweeter, drizzle in a bit more maple syrup. Blend briefly again to combine. This step lets you tailor your shake perfectly every time.

Step 5: Serve Immediately or Save for Later

Pour your Chocolate Cherry Protein Shake into a glass and enjoy right away for the best flavor and creaminess. If you have leftovers, freeze them in an ice cube tray. When you’re ready for another shake, blend the frozen cubes with some dairy-free milk to refresh the texture—it’s a great way to avoid waste and enjoy a quick snack anytime.

Top Tip

Getting the perfect Chocolate Cherry Protein Shake texture and flavor is easier with a few handy tricks I’ve picked up along the way. These tips can help you enjoy every sip to the fullest!

Start with less milk: I always begin blending with ¾ cup of dairy-free milk and add more only if needed. This keeps the shake thick and creamy without becoming too runny.
Blend high and steady: Using the tamper on your blender makes a big difference. It pushes the ingredients down for a smoother blend and prevents chunks of frozen cherries or spinach.
Customize your sweetness: If your protein powder isn’t sweetened, a little maple syrup or a couple of pitted dates can balance flavors beautifully without overpowering the chocolate and cherry notes.
Don’t skip the optional ingredients: Adding baby spinach or cashew butter boosts nutrition and creaminess. I learned that leaving these out makes the shake less fulfilling, so I usually include at least one.

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Protein Shake Recipe

Inside a clear blender jar, there are five main layers of ingredients. At the base, there are dark red cherries scattered around. On one side, a light tan powder forms a small mound. Next to it, there is a thick dollop of creamy beige peanut butter. On top of some cherries, two fresh green spinach leaves lie flat with a small drizzle of yellow oil. Lastly, a single large square ice cube rests near the center. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your Chocolate Cherry Protein Shake look as good as it tastes, try garnishing with a few fresh or finely chopped cherries, a dusting of cocoa powder, or a sprinkle of crushed nuts like almonds or cashews. A small mint leaf on top adds a refreshing aroma and a pop of color.

Side Dishes

This shake pairs wonderfully with light, wholesome sides such as a slice of whole-grain toast with almond butter, a small bowl of oatmeal topped with berries, or a handful of trail mix. These sides complement the rich chocolate and cherry flavors while keeping the snack balanced and satisfying.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (though it’s hard to resist finishing it fresh!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Give it a good stir or shake before drinking, as separation may occur.

Freezing

A great way to keep this shake ready for busy days is to freeze any extra in ice cube trays. When you want a quick shake, simply reblend the frozen cubes with some fresh dairy-free milk until smooth and creamy again.

Reheating

This shake is best enjoyed cold and fresh, so reheating isn’t recommended. For a warm, chocolatey twist, you might consider blending a fresh batch with heated dairy-free milk instead.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?

Fresh cherries work well but might make your shake less thick and cold. I recommend adding some ice cubes to keep that frosty texture if you use fresh cherries.

What protein powder works best for this shake?

We suggest vegan options like Aloha Chocolate Protein or non-vegan ones like Orchestra Provisions Chocolate Protein. You can also use vanilla or unflavored protein powders—just adjust cocoa and maple syrup amounts accordingly.

Is this shake suitable for a post-workout snack?

Absolutely! With around 35 grams of protein (when using 2 scoops), plus natural sugars and nutrients from cherries, it’s an excellent post-workout refuel.

Can I omit the optional ingredients like spinach and cashew butter?

Yes, you can! The shake will still taste delicious and have great texture. Optional ingredients just add extra creaminess and nutrition, so feel free to customize based on your preference.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to make this Chocolate Cherry Protein Shake recipe as much as I’ve enjoyed experimenting and perfecting it. It’s a simple blend of wholesome ingredients that comes together in just five minutes, yet it feels indulgent and nourishing at the same time. Whether you need a quick breakfast, a post-workout boost, or an energizing afternoon treat, this shake hits the spot every time. Cheers to your health and happiness—now go blend up something wonderful!