Chocolate and cherry is a classic flavor combination. Often reserved for dessert, we decided to toss this dynamic duo in the blender for a decadent morning smoothie. Spoiler alert: there may be chocolate sauce involved.
Chocolate + cherries = heaven
Not only do chocolate and cherry lend a delicious flavor to this black forest smoothie, but they also add important nutrients.
Raw cacao boasts more than 40 times the antioxidants of blueberries, giving our bodies the ability to fight off free radicals that cause cell and tissue damage. This isn’t to be confused with cocoa powder, which has been chemically processed and roasted. Studies estimate that 60 to 90 percent of the original antioxidants in raw cacao are lost during the heating process. In addition to being a wonderful source of antioxidants, raw cacao is a great plant-based source of iron and a natural mood booster.
Cherries are celebrated for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. A lesser-known fact: they can also help regulate our sleep cycles. Cherries are a good natural source of melatonin. You know, the supplement we take to fight jetlag after an international flight. The hormone regulates our internal clock and sleep-wake cycles. In other words, don’t hesitate to snack on a handful of cherries before bed.
Where’s the banana?
It’s a wild misconception you can’t have a thick, decadent smoothie without banana. This recipe is proof! We avoid bananas on the 21-Day Cleanse because they’re high in sugar and carbohydrates (and some people are allergic). The body metabolizes both of these quickly, which can lead to a blood sugar imbalance. Cue the moodiness, cravings, and afternoon “crash.” Here, avocado provides the same creamy effect without the sugar and starch. In fact, as a good source of dietary fiber, avocado actually helps stabilize our blood sugar levels and keeps us feeling full.
Black forest smoothie
Is there any better combination than chocolate and cherry? The two flavors blend beautifully to create our favorite summer indulgence – a black forest smoothie. Cherries are in season through August but organic frozen cherries work perfectly and offer just as many nutrients.
Serves 1
Ingredients:
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
½ tsp. vanilla extract
¼ ripe avocado
1 cup organic baby spinach
¾ cup organic fresh or frozen cherries
1 Tbsp. raw cacao powder
1 Tbsp. tocos powder
Pinch of salt
Chocolate syrup, for serving
Chocolate syrup
1 Tbsp. coconut butter
½ tsp. coconut oil
1 Tbsp. raw cacao powder
Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Combine the coconut butter and coconut oil in a heat safe bowl and microwave for 15 seconds. Stir in the cacao powder and salt.
To make the black forest smoothie, pour the almond milk into your blender followed by the vanilla extract, avocado, spinach, cherries, raw cacao, tocos, and salt.
Blend on high for 30 seconds, or until the black forest smoothie is thick and creamy.
Pour the black forest smoothie into a glass. Garnish with a cherry, shaved almonds, and a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
Recipe and photography by Kate Kasbee
If you like this recipe, you might also like This Chocolate Mint Smoothie Has the Nourishment You Need
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