Cherry–Almond Harvest Protein Smoothie

Jump to Recipe

A bright and cozy cherry–almond smoothie packed with protein, healthy fats, and fall-inspired cacao + spice. Grain-free and customizable.

Cozy, Nourishing, Grain-Free, and Ready in 5 Minutes

Mornings can be beautifully chaotic — alarms, lunch boxes, the dog staring at you like you forgot something, and the moment where you realize the day has already started before your brain has. And in that rush, it’s so easy to grab something quick… like a bagel, muffin, or donut.

Fast? Yes.

Delicious? Usually.

Supportive of steady energy? Not so much.

This Cherry–Almond Harvest Protein Smoothie is my answer to those mornings — the ones where nourishment matters most but feels hardest to prioritize. It captures the flavors of the season with cherries, almond, warm spices, cacao, and optional adaptogens like maca or beet powder. It tastes indulgent, cozy, and fall-inspired… but it’s also blood-sugar-friendly, protein-packed, and keeps you full for hours without the mid-morning slump.

And the best part? It takes five minutes to blend. You can even make it the night before and store it in the fridge for a grab-and-go morning.

This is seasonal nourishment in a cup: warm spice, tart cherries, creamy almond, and all the goodness your body needs to start the day steady, energized, and supported.

---

Print Recipe

Cherry–Almond Harvest Protein Smoothie

A 5-minute, make-ahead smoothie that tastes like winter while keeping you energized — not foggy or sluggish.

Why You’ll Love It

• Fast: Blend it in 5 minutes (or make it the night before).

• Nourishing: No mid-morning crash — protein, healthy fats & fiber keep you steady.

• Seasonal flavor: Cozy cherry-almond vibes with cacao, beet powder, and spices.

Yield: 1 large smoothie

Equipment

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• Blender

  
  

Ingredients

• 1 cup kefir, yogurt, or milk (dairy or nondairy)

• 1 scoop vanilla or unflavored whey, collagen, or plant protein powder (optional, for added protein)

• 1/2 cup frozen dark cherries

• 1/4 cup frozen cauliflower rice (optional; adds creaminess + fiber without taste)

• 1 tablespoon grain-free “oats” (recipe below)

• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cacao powder

• 1 tablespoon beet powder (optional but lovely for color + antioxidants)

• 1 tablespoon black maca root powder (optional for energy + mood support)

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon allspice or pumpkin pie spice

• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

• Pinch of sea salt 

• 1 tablespoon almond butter

• Optional: 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup, monk fruit, or stevia (Cherries usually provide enough sweetness.)

Grain-free "Oats"

Mix together:

• 1 cup chia seeds or basil seeds

• 1 cup ground flax

• 1 cup hemp hearts

Store in a glass jar. Use 1 tablespoon per smoothie.

Optional Garnish

• Sprinkle of cinnamon

• A few cacao nibs

• A frozen cherry on top

• Chopped almonds for texture

How to Make It

1. Add to blender:

2. 1 cup frozen cherries

   • 1 frozen banana (or ½ cup cauliflower)

   • 1 cup almond milk

   • 2 tbsp almond butter

   • 1 tbsp cacao

   • 1 tbsp beet powder

   • 1 tbsp maca (optional)

   • ½ tsp almond extract

   • ¼ tsp cinnamon

   • Handful spinach (optional)

   • 1 scoop vanilla protein

3. Blend until creamy.

4. Taste + adjust: More milk for thinner, more cherries for thicker.

5. Make-ahead: Store in jar overnight — shake before drinking.

Perfect For

• Hectic mornings

• Pre-workout fuel

• Cozy winter flavor without the sugar crash

Approx. Nutrition:

Calories: 320 | Protein: 30-35g | Net Carbs: 15-20g | Fiber: 6-9g | Fat: 12-14g

Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigerate overnight: Blend the smoothie and store in a sealed jar. Shake in the morning and enjoy.

• Freeze smoothie packs: Portion all ingredients (except liquid) into freezer bags or containers. In the morning, dump into a blender, add liquid, and blend.

• Adjust thickness: Add more chia/flax/hemp blend for a spoonable texture; add more milk for sipping.

Why This Smoothie Works for Busy Mornings

✔ Full of protein and healthy fats — helps keep blood sugar steady

✔ Rich in fiber — supports digestion and satiety

✔ Grain-free “oatmeal” blend for thickness without the carb spike

✔ Seasonal flavor with cherries, almond, cacao, and warming spices

✔ Takes 5 minutes — no effort required

✔ Make it ahead — perfect for grab-and-go mornings

✔ Nourishes instead of depletes — no energy crash by 10 AM

This is the kind of breakfast that supports you while tasting like the season. Cozy, creamy, energizing, and nutrient-dense.