Categories: Healthy Recipes

Chocolate Cherry Protein Shake

Getting your protein in just got A LOT more delicious, friends! This chocolate cherry protein shake is thick, creamy, chocolaty, perfectly sweet, SO delicious, and packs in 20+ grams of protein per serving.

Bonus? It comes together with just 4 ingredients and 5 minutes required! Let us show you how it’s done!

This EASY chocolate cherry protein shake requires just 4 ingredients: frozen sweet cherries, your choice of milk, protein powder, and cocoa powder. Ice makes it thick, cold, and creamy — our favorite kind of shake!

Keep it simple like that, or include the optional add-ins! Baby spinach boosts the nutrition with vitamin C, folate, magnesium, and more (and you can barely taste it’s there!). Cashew butter adds richness and makes it more satisfying. And vanilla extract and maple syrup (or dates) give it a sweeter, more decadent flavor!

We think you’ll LOVE this shake! It’s:

Creamy
Thick
Chocolaty
Lightly sweetened
Quick & easy
Protein-packed (20+ grams/serving!)
& SO delicious!

This shake is perfect for a quick breakfast, post-workout refuel, or energizing snack.

More Protein-Packed Smoothies & Shakes

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo @minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Servings 1 (shake)

Course Smoothie

Cuisine Gluten-Free, Vegan (optional)

Freezer Friendly 1 Month (in ice cube trays)

Does it keep? Best when fresh

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

1 cup frozen sweet cherries
3/4 cup standard-size ice cubes
3/4-1 cup dairy-free milk (plain, unsweetened // we like almond)
1-2 scoops chocolate protein powder* (or sub vanilla or unflavored)
1-3 tsp cocoa powder (or cacao powder)
1 small handful baby spinach ( // for added nutrition)
1 Tbsp cashew butter ( // for richness)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract ()
1-2 tsp maple syrup ( // include if using unsweetened protein powder // or sub pitted dates)

To a high-speed blender (or smaller powerful blender such as a Nutribullet), add the cherries, ice, dairy-free milk (starting with the lesser amount), protein powder, and cocoa powder (use the lesser amount if using chocolate protein and the greater amount if using unflavored/vanilla protein). Optionally, add the baby spinach, cashew butter, and vanilla. For a sweeter shake or if using unsweetened protein powder, add the maple syrup (starting with the lesser amount).
Blend on high speed until thick and smooth, adding more dairy-free milk or using the tamper as needed to encourage blending. Taste and adjust as needed, adding more cocoa powder and maple syrup to preference.
Serve immediately (texture/flavor is best when fresh) or freeze in an ice cube tray then reblend (adding dairy-free milk as needed) to enjoy later.

*In this recipe, we like Aloha Chocolate Protein (for a vegan option) or Orchestra Provisions Chocolate Protein (for a non-vegan option). Find our full chocolate protein powder review here.
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated with 2 scoops Aloha protein powder and without optional ingredients. Protein content will vary depending on brand and amount used.

Serving: 1 shake Calories: 270 Carbohydrates: 34.1 g Protein: 20.8 g Fat: 7.3 g Saturated Fat: 1.9 g Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.6 g Monounsaturated Fat: 1.5 g Trans Fat: 0 g Cholesterol: 0 mg Sodium: 300 mg Potassium: 824 mg Fiber: 6.6 g Sugar: 22 g Vitamin A: 265 IU Vitamin C: 10 mg Calcium: 377 mg Iron: 7.6 mg