Dark Chocolate Cherry Chai Smoothie.
Flavor bomb explosion, right here in your face.
If you follow me on instagram or snapchat, you may have noticed that I’m kind of into smoothies right now, which is huge since it’s still cold out. I like smoothies and shakes and stuff in the summer, but in the winter I want none of it. They tend to be the absolute worst.
Hello, would you like to hold this icy beverage and drink it down and freeze your insides while it’s 7 degrees outside?
I think not.
But. I’ve been super inspired by Eddie, who has been drinking green smoothies in the morning now for MONTHS. I can’t exactly remember how long at this point, but he is still making one every single day. It’s awesome. And I really love that I can make one for Max and myself, add it to his cup and watch him suck it down. It’s too cute, like I can barely stand it.
Eddie would never go for a smoothie like this – he much more prefers fruit, spinach (never kale! ever.) milk, juice or coconut water and tons of ice. I like mine to occasionally be weird and often taste decadent, even if they are not. I need as much variety as I can get because the boredom monster strikes me daily. Um but this coffee coconut smoothie I shared on instagram earlier this week? I’ve made it every.single.darn.day. Oooomph. It’s the best.
You’ve most definitely heard me ramble on since last September about how much of chai fan I am NOT. Until I made those cookies. Which led to these cupcakes. Which led to even ordering chai lattes and stuff and well, that really blew the top off. Now I’m just chai-ing all things with reckless abandon.
It’s freaking fabulous.
AND. I’m loving that this one is packed with protein, but doesn’t use protein powder. I waaaay overdid it with that in the early 2000s and it mostly all makes me cringe. At the same time, I’ve learned how much fuel I need to feel good while chasing Max all day, and let’s just say it’s a LOT. Gotta eat good to feel good.
For this one, I always start with a version of chai spice mixture (usually minus the black pepper, because I’m a child) and go from there. In this case, I added half to the smoothie and a sprinkle on top. Just don’t inhale!
Uh, also? These metallic gold paper straws I found at Michaels a few weeks ago are everything. The universe knows that drinking out of paper straws is complete misery and usually just an instagram trick, unless you’re downing your beverage in 31 seconds. But I can’t stop drinking out of these because they make my days feel fun. Just means I inhale smoothies.
And mojitos.
Oops.
Dark Chocolate Cherry Chai Protein Smoothie.
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen pitted dark cherries
- 1 cup plain greek yogurt, I like 2% the best
- 1/2 cup milk, I’m currently obsessed with cashew milk
- 1/2 cup ice
- 3 tablespoons hemp hearts
- 2 tablespoons almond butter
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened dutch process cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- half of the chai spice mixture below
- pinch of salt
- for topping: hemp heart sprinkles, frozen cherries, chocolate curls
chai spice
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until pureed. Taste and if desired, add more chai spice! If you want your smoothie sweeter, you can add a pitted date or two. I find that the frozen cherries I buy (from Trader Joes) are pretty sweet and get the job done.
- Top the smoothie with extra hemp heart sprinkles, another cherrie or two, a few shakes of the chai spice and if desired, chocolate curls!
Did you make this recipe?
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Cherry peekaboo is adorable.
48 Comments on “Dark Chocolate Cherry Chai Smoothie.”
Cherry, chocolate, and chai together?? Sounds amazing (with bonus points for fun alliteration). I usually can’t do smoothies in the winter either, but this one sounds too good to pass up.
I just think it’s ironic that you just said it’s 7 degrees outside and I live no where near you (probably) and just checked my phone and it’s 7 degrees here. Weird! Anyhow, this is the drink with the chai, vanilla and the chocolate curls I’m hoping husband will make today and we hunker down cause baby it’s cold outside and I’m not leaving the house! And I’m not saying Amazing prime wasn’t a nice Valentine’s Gift, but really?!?
Chai, Chia??
You need to try a real Chai Tea in an Indian restaurant, that is where it all started.
I was hooked from there. Oh and have some of their rice pudding with pistachios…..
………….I know where I’m going for dinner tonight.
Mmm I need to get me some frozen cherries! This looks lovely!
I love my morning smoothie. I feel like I’m always starting the day on the right foot. But these look like could be dessert for breakfast, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that! :) Awesome combination: chai, chocolate, and cherry. Yum!
love everything about this!
I have been all about the smoothies lately too. And this smoothie looks absolutely delish!!
Ohh love the cherry and chocolate combo, one of my faves!
Love this smoothie idea! I also love making smoothies for myself and Kieran. He gobbles them down. It’s also a nice way to sneak some extra veg into his diet. These look delicious AND gorgeous.
those gold straws are everything.
Oh my gosh, this looks incredible! I’ve been making more smoothies too but I definitely need a new blender. Mine is struggling to blend frozen mango chunks! Which one do you use? And where are those gorgeous gold straws from?!
How can you always share recipes looking so delicious x
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It’s never too cold to enjoy a smoothie, especially when it involves chocolate and cherries! Delicious combo! :D
Cherry + chocolate + chai. Another thing I’ve never thought of but should have. And this sentence about smoothie is spot on–> “I like mine to occasionally be weird and often taste decadent” YES YES YES.
looks delish!!! got any ideas for a cinnamon replacement? Im allergic. I know I know crazy right??
I’m with you–this looks like my kind of smoothie! Mostly because chocolate + cherry is the best :) These look so creamy and refreshing!
EEP! I love this idea. Dark chocolate, cherries, and chai are three of my favorite things ever. Must must must try this this weekend!
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oh yummy! This looks really good! I need to eat better (fruits,veggies, smoothies Ha)
Yum! These are the flavors of a decadent dessert but in a health smoothie instead!
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Looks so yummy!
Jabeen x
http://www.spilling-the-beans.co.uk/
I would have never thought to combine chai with chocolate! How interesting!
Kari
http://www.sweetteasweetie.com
Absolutely delicious. I love my green smoothies but cherries and dark chocolate are so perfect together and make a wonderful dessert smoothie too!
I think I might substitute chocolate cashew milk for the milk and cocoa. Sounds FAB!!
I’m also loving green smoothies despite the cold weather! I actually annoyed when I don’t have time to make them in the morning… I must finally be a grown up :( So responsible. Super excited to change it up with this recipe instead though! Love that you included almond butter in there :)
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Yummy this is a great recipe, tatstes delicious. Thanks for sharing.
Simon
These flavors sound so incredible together–basically all of my favorite things!
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Wow! I just tried making this (was in my Sweet Peas meal plan from a few months ago) and it is absolutely heavenly! I added 2 cups of spinach/kale mix, one frozen banana, cut the chocolate in half and switched the milk to yogurt ratio. My daughters love it too! I will be making this many more times, thanks!
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