Black Forest Smoothie
This Black Forest Smoothie tastes so indulgent, it seemed fitting to name it after the classic dessert… you’d never guess there’s sneaky greens in it!
When my tot first started eating solids, he would gamely nibble anything we put in front of him. Smugly I would watch him shovel handfuls of lentil curry into his mouth, suck on a wedge of grapefruit, devour slices avo toast. However, right as he turned one, Mr James suddenly became a lot more selective about what he was going to eat, and vegetables became the biggest struggle.
So, we are working on it, but in the meantime I like to start each day with a smoothie. Curiously, if the contents of a smoothie were to arrive on his plate in their whole and separate forms, they would be swiftly removed with a deft sweep of the arm, but whizzed up together he will happily suck it down (and then ask for more!).
This is one of my current favourites, its got a lovely tart sweetness from the cherries and chocolate that reminds me of classic Black Forest Gateau. Plus there’s a little extra nutrition bump from secret spinach and a sprinkle of flax (or chia). I like to use frozen cherries because they are already pitted (yay), and available all year.
Enjoy!
- 2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or milk of choice, but i do like the vanilla in this!)
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 cup frozen cherries
- 2 medjool dates (chopped)
- 1 handful of baby spinach
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1-2 tbsp flax or chia seed (optional)
- Put all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth!
Notes
I find that the dates and banana add enough sweetness to counteract the bitterness of the cocoa, but you can always add a dash of honey and sweeten to taste.
This smoothie sounds right up my alley! I love throwing bananas and cocoa powder together, but have never thought to add in frozen cherries, even though they’re always available at my grocery store. I’m excited to try this!
I love the fact that you got your little one to eat lentil curry! That too adorable. I actually never had black forest cake! I would totally love to try it in smoothie form! 🙂
I’m obsessed with smoothies and this one sounds delicious! I love the idea of cocoa powder in there. Thanks for sharing!
xo
Suzanne
http://mykindofsweet.com/
I am picking up cherries today so I can make this tonight! Wow. Sounds so good.
Smoothies are my jam and this one looks delish! I have yet to use dates in a smoothie, so I’ll have to try this recipe! Thank you for sharing!
This smoothie sounds so good!! You have the best recipes!!
That sounds so good. I’m sure me and my little one would love this one! Thanks for sharing!
Pretty smoothie! Love the addition of cocoa powder.
Looks incredible! I am going to try it next week!
Yay! Let me know what you think Carrie!
I pinned this recipe because it seems to go well with the Paleo diet I’m trying to have my children follow, I myself are doing more keto but they can still enjoy fruits.
This must taste delicious! I’ll try it out for sure! 🙂
Oooooo nothing better than a yummy smoothie!!! I will have to give this a try!
Thanks Courtney!
This sounds really tasty! Looks like it would be great for low carb, too!
Thanks Leah!
sounds delicious and healthy Emma! I should give it a try!
Thanks Manali!
The unexpected part 🙂 Pleasantly surprised! Keep only healthy food!
Yum, I will eat anything with dates! This looks delicious!! Nice photos too. 🙂
Amanda – TheFashionToFollow.com
Me too! Thanks 🙂
I make a similar smoothie, but use chocolate protein powder instead of cocoa. Yum! I love to add spinach to my smoothies too!
I love everything in this smoothie! I am going to have to add this to my rotation! We start everyday with a smoothie!
Yum! Let me know how you like it!
This sounds amazing! I always make the same smoothie everyday so need to try and mix it up!
Yes! So many smoothie options, why not?!
This smoothie looks so good! I am always trying to convince myself to put cocoa into my smoothies, I don’t know why i have never tried it. This recipe is just perfect for me though- i have almost all these ingredients in my fridge!
Thanks Rosie, yes a little cocoa goes a long way!
Yum, I bet this is delicious! I have some frozen cherries…I should try it!
Frozen cherries are the best, let me know if you do!
Omg I would have never know there was spinach in there. Love it!!
xoxo
January
http://www.thebouncyponytail.com/
Yum! I’ve been on a huge smoothie kick lately!
This smoothie sounds delicious! I used to start each day with a smoothie too but then it got away from me… I’ll have to put these ingredients on my shopping list and make this soon!
I have to prep it the night before because if I wait for morning its not going to happen!
Thanks for the recipe! I love sneaking spinach into my smoothies. It took forever to convince my husband that you really couldn’t taste it! And I’ve never tried making a smoothie with cherries before- I’ll have to give it a try.
Thanks Rebecca, let me know how it goes!
I loveee using frozen cherries in smoothies! This sounds sooo good! Especially with the dates! And too funny – at least he likes the smoothies???? 🙂
AT LEAST! Thanks Ashley 🙂
Cherries are a staple ingredient for me when it comes to smoothies, can’t wait to try this recipe. I may nix the banana though, not really a fan :-\ lol
Hahaha! Make sure you add another date so its sweet enough!
I think all kids go through the “swiping” stage you described. You seem to be handling it well. GREG
Yum! This sounds soooo delicious!
Thanks lady!
Hi Emma,
Only 1 minute to make this fantastic smoothie! I am up for it now. It looks absolutely delicious!
Zaria
Thank you Zaria!