Chocolate-Cherry-Banana (Green) Smoothie

SmoothiesA few days ago while doing a sort-of, kind-of inventory of my canned goods, I noticed four cans of tart cherries staring back at me.  Wow.  When did I buy those??  I grabbed one and checked the date: getting close to expiration time.  I’ve been on a mission to use those cans before the clock strikes midnight on them (what exactly happens on the expiration date anyway?  Do they self-destruct?  Instantly acquire botulism?)  My first recipe was a vegan version of Cauldron and Cupcakes’ Cherry Ripe Slice (I love the name of this recipe – I feel like I could change the words around and it would still make sense).  I must admit that my first go-round on these didn’t come out quite as expected.  Perfectly edible, but not ready for prime time.  I encourage you to check out Nicole’s decadent version – it looks and sounds wonderful.  (In the meantime, I’ll enjoy my smoothie variation of her dessert.  See the recipe below the Chocolate-Cherry-Banana Smoothie recipe.)

This, my second recipe using a can of cherries came out much better.  Perhaps because there was no measuring, substituting and baking.  Daily dose of greens included at no extra charge.

For those Virtual Vegan Potluckers out there (and anyone else who is interested), I created a Facebook page just for the event.  (Thanks, Lorna, for the idea!)  It’s a little rough around the edges, but I’m working on it!  Please check it out and give it a Like.  I’ll be slowly sharing the links to everyone’s VVP posts.  Click here to be whisked away to the Virtual Vegan Potluck page.  Also, the VVP Pinterest board is now complete!  And…the VVP now has its own Twitter handle: @veganpotluck.

Chocolate-Cherry-Banana (Green) Smoothie
Serves 2

1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 very ripe bananas, sliced (frozen would be nice)
2 tbsp. powdered unsweetened cocoa
natural sweetener to taste (I used crystallized stevia)
1 15 oz. can pitted, tart cherries (packed in water, not syrup), drained well and frozen (or use 2 cups bagged frozen cherries)
A big handful of baby spinach
cacao nibs, optional

Put everything (except the cacao nibs) in a blender or Vitamix in the order shown and blend until smooth!  Divide between two glasses and sprinkle with cacao nibs.

Smoothies from the Top

Cherry Ripe Slice Smoothie
Serves 2

1- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened coconut milk
1 tsp. coconut or vanilla extract
2 very ripe bananas, sliced, fresh or frozen
2 tbsp. powdered unsweetened cocoa
natural sweetener to taste (I used crystallized stevia)
1 15 oz. can pitted, tart cherries (packed in water, not syrup), drained well and frozen (or use 2 cups bagged frozen cherries)
A big handful of baby spinach
cacao nibs, optional
toasted unsweetened coconut flakes, optional

Put everything (except the cacao nibs and toasted coconut flakes) in a blender or Vitamix in the order shown and blend until smooth!  (If using both frozen bananas and cherries, you will need more liquid to get and keep the mixture moving.)  Divide between two glasses and sprinkle with cacao nibs and toasted coconut flakes.

Chocolate Cherry Coconut Smoothie

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55 thoughts on “Chocolate-Cherry-Banana (Green) Smoothie

  1. thingsmybellylikes

    I put kale in hubby’s smoothies (with a lot of fruit to try and disguise it) never thought of teaming up green veg with chocolate and cherry though – sounds amazing!
    Barb – you can sub in avocados for bananas, they thicken smoothies up nicely :)

    Reply
  2. iatelunch

    I might have to omit the spinach since I am hopelessly without a Vitamix, but these look great!

    Reply
      1. iatelunch

        I dunno…my blender is pretty much useless. It’s cracked on the sides and frequently spits at me. It could probably work though. I just sort of shake it around while it’s blending and smack it a few times. High tech, I know.

  3. My Plant Based Family

    I regularly use frozen cherries in smoothies. It hides any leafy greens that didn’t get fully pulverized and had a delicious sweetness.

    Reply
  4. Somer

    Have you ever had a real cherry ripe candy bar? They are Australian and my hubby’s favorite. Her dessert looks crazy awesome. I just looked up the ingredients with a hope and a prayer that they are possibly vegan because they are made with dark chocolate. No such luck, milk and gelatin. Now I get to make your smoothie and come up with a vegan candy confection! Or a cherry ripe mini donut!

    Reply
    1. An Unrefined Vegan

      No, but it sounds delicious (candy bar)! I LOVE cherries! Which is why I tried to veganize Nicole’s dessert. I came kinda close…but probably won’t give it another go for a while. I’m liking the sound of a confection, though, Somer! And cherry pie…oh I love that!

      Reply
  5. toxicvegan

    I am yet to brave any greens in my smoothie – tell me you can’t taste them Ann? Tell me??! This sounds gorgeous and I love the flakes on top. I need a food photography master class for sure!
    x

    Reply
    1. An Unrefined Vegan

      Be brave, my dear. I have my hand over my heart as I say this: you will not taste the greens. This is a solemn promise. But – your body will say to you: thank you, thank you!

      Reply
  6. Gabby @ the veggie nook

    Yum- brilliant flavour combination!

    Sometimes I miss having beautifully coloured smoothies when I throw in veggies (which is always lol). But then I give them a taste and remember it doesn’t really matter :)

    Reply
  7. Brittany

    I am not the biggest cherry fan. I convinced myself while I was in 3rd grade that I didn’t like cherries because the cool girl didn’t like cherries. Now I really just don’t like them..I psychologically convinced myself they were icky. However, this recipe does sound delicious and I am sure subbing strawberries, or raspberries would taste just as good!

    Reply
  8. tearoomdelights

    That Vitamix of yours is certainly earning its keep! I love cherries too and I would sloosh back your delicious smoothie in an instant. Excellent job with all the social media business!

    Reply
  9. Choc Chip Uru

    This smoothie sounds so tasty – I can imagine if really hitting the spot for brekkie on the go 😀
    Thanks for the links of VVP :)

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

    Reply
  10. Richgail Enriquez

    Gotta love chocolate smoothies. I too would find some products hiding in the pantry, if only I could find a way to see them all in one view. Btw, thanks for creating the vvp social medias. I be sure to follow them.

    Reply
  11. unsweetenedcocoa

    THANK YOU for doing all that wonderful stuff for the VVP. I love looking at the Pinterest board–it’s a true smorgasbord. So inspiring.

    These smoothies look lovely! I laughed when I read about your mysterious pile-up of canned cherries. Funny how that happens. I’ve been stockpiling bags of cinnamon like there will be a world shortage of it, I discovered the other day, to my surprise.

    Reply
  12. vegansparkles

    Delicious!! I do believe one or both of these is destined to become my Sunday afternoon snack this week, mmmmmm. Thank you SO MUCH for all the amazing links to the VVP, too! It’s so good to be able to look at them all on one Pinterest board and the FB page is a brilliant idea! xx

    Reply
  13. Sophie33

    What a grand & special smoothy, which I love! Saturday, I received my Vitamix! Yeah! I also bought the dry container to grain my own grains! I can’t wait to try this recipe out!
    I am still learning how to use it! MMMMMM,…!!!

    Reply
  14. Rachel in Veganland

    This looks so luscious! I can’t believe there’s green hidden underneath that chocolate! What a delightful way to sneak in some spinach!

    Reply
  15. infinebalance

    Does all this VVP social media set up mean it’s going to be recurring event? Cuz, it would be really cool if did!!

    Reply
  16. Jocelyn @ Peace.Love.Nutrition

    I just posted my favorite green smoothie recipe today! I’ll have to try yours also

    Reply
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