Bright, creamy, and a little tropical, this Cherry Coconut Smoothie is my go-to when I want a refreshing breakfast or a quick afternoon boost. It balances tart cherries with smooth coconut, and I’ve made a few tweaks over the years to nail a silky texture every time. If you like fruit-forward shakes, try my favorite berry protein smoothie for a protein-rich variation that uses many of the same blending tricks.
Why Make This Recipe
- Bright, balanced flavor: tart cherries and creamy coconut give a refreshing contrast that never tastes one-note.
- Quick and convenient: ready in about 5 minutes with a blender, making it ideal for busy mornings.
- Nutrient-dense: cherries add antioxidants and coconut supplies medium-chain triglycerides for sustained energy.
- Versatile for occasions: serve as a snack, post-workout drink, or a light dessert paired with baked goods. I especially love this after a run because it’s both hydrating and satisfying.
- If you want a cherry-themed dessert to serve alongside, I like pairing it with cherry almond cookies for a simple brunch spread.
Recipe Overview
- Prep time: 5 minutes.
- Cook time: 0 minutes (no cooking required).
- Total time: 5 minutes.
- Servings: 2 (about 12–14 fl oz each).
- Difficulty: Easy.
- Method: Cold blending in a high-speed blender until smooth, then pour and serve chilled. If you enjoy coconut in savory cooking, see my thai coconut grilled chicken for complementary dinner ideas.
My Experience Making This Recipe
I tested this recipe with fresh and frozen cherries and found frozen cherries give the best, frosty texture without diluting flavor. Early attempts were grainy from shredded coconut; I learned to blend longer and use full-fat coconut milk for creaminess.
How to Make Cherry Coconut Smoothie
This is a simple cold-blend recipe: combine frozen cherries, a creamy coconut liquid, a bit of banana or yogurt for body, a touch of sweetener if needed, and blitz until silky. Key techniques are adding ingredients in order (liquid first) and pulsing to break down chunks before running at full speed. Expect 45–90 seconds of blending in a good blender and a creamy, pourable result.
Basic recipe (tested):
- 1 1/4 cups frozen pitted cherries
- 1 cup canned full-fat coconut milk (shake can before measuring) or unsweetened coconut milk for fewer calories
- 1/2 ripe banana (for creaminess; optional)
- 1/4–1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt (optional, for protein)
- 1 tablespoon shredded unsweetened coconut
- 1 teaspoon honey or 1 tablespoon maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1/4–1/2 cup ice (omit if cherries are very frozen)
Add liquids to the blender first, then soft ingredients, then frozen fruit and ice. Start on low speed and work up to high for 30–60 seconds, using a tamper if your blender has one to push stubborn bits toward the blades.
Expert Tips for Success
- Order matters: pour coconut milk or other liquid into the blender first to create a vortex that pulls frozen fruit down to the blades.
- Use frozen cherries for texture and to avoid watering the drink down; if you only have fresh, freeze them on a tray for at least 2 hours.
- For the creamiest mouthfeel, use full-fat canned coconut milk and a small banana or 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt; low-fat liquids sometimes yield a thinner texture.
- If your blender stalls, stop, stir, add 1–2 tablespoons of liquid, and restart on low—this prevents overheating the motor. For more blender technique ideas, check my blueberry smoothie guide.
- Toasted shredded coconut on the rim adds aroma and a pleasing crunch—toast in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes over medium heat, stirring constantly.
How to Serve Cherry Coconut Smoothie
- Pour into chilled glasses and garnish with a few whole cherries and a sprinkle of toasted coconut for contrast.
- Turn it into a spoonable bowl by using slightly less liquid and topping with granola, sliced banana, and chia seeds—similar topping ideas are in my blueberry banana smoothie bowl.
- Serve alongside protein-rich items like Greek yogurt, eggs, or a handful of almonds for a balanced breakfast.
- For a dessert vibe, drizzle a little dark chocolate sauce or add a splash of rum for adult brunches.
Storage and Reheating Guide
- Best freshness: drink immediately for optimal texture and flavor. If storing, pour into an airtight container or mason jar and refrigerate up to 24 hours; stir or shake before drinking.
- Freezing: pour into ice cube trays or freezer-safe jars and freeze up to 3 months. When ready, blend frozen cubes with 2–4 tablespoons of liquid until smooth.
- Reheating: not recommended—heat breaks the texture and flavor. If you need a warmer drink, blend the smoothie, then gently warm in a saucepan over low heat while stirring for 1–2 minutes, but expect a thinner consistency.
Recipe Variations
- Dairy-free: replace Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt and use unsweetened coconut milk or almond milk for fewer calories.
- Protein boost: add 1 scoop vanilla protein powder or 2 tablespoons of nut butter; increase liquid by 1–2 tablespoons if it gets too thick.
- Green boost: add a small handful (¼–½ cup) of baby spinach—flavor stays cherry-forward and you get an extra vitamin boost.
- Tropical twist: swap half the cherries for frozen mango and add 1 teaspoon lime juice for tang.
Nutritional Highlights
- Cherries bring antioxidants (anthocyanins) which support recovery and inflammation control.
- Coconut supplies healthy fats that help with satiety and flavor; add Greek yogurt for a protein lift.
- Allergen info: contains coconut (a tree nut by some classifications) and may contain dairy if using yogurt; adapt with coconut yogurt for dairy-free or vegan diets. Serve size guidance: one serving (about 12 fl oz) is a filling snack or light breakfast—adjust calories by changing yogurt and sweetener.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Too thin? Add more frozen fruit, 1/4 banana, or 2–4 ice cubes and re-blend.
- Gritty texture from shredded coconut? Blend longer and use full-fat coconut milk; you can also soak shredded coconut in the coconut milk for 10 minutes before blending.
- Bitter or overly coconut-forward? Use light coconut milk or swap half the coconut milk for unsweetened almond milk and add a squeeze of lime to balance flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?
A: Yes—pit and freeze them for best results, or add plenty of ice and blend thoroughly. Fresh cherries will make a colder, less frosty drink unless you use ice or pre-freeze the fruit.
Q: How can I make this smoothie higher in protein?
A: Add 1/2–1 cup Greek yogurt or 1 scoop of a neutral/vanilla protein powder. If dairy-free, use a plant-based protein powder and coconut yogurt; increase the liquid by 1–2 tablespoons if the mix thickens.
Q: Will the flavor change if I use light coconut milk?
A: Light coconut milk reduces the richness and coconut flavor, producing a thinner smoothie. To maintain creaminess, add a small banana or 2 tablespoons of nut butter.
Q: Can I meal-prep this smoothie for the week?
A: Prep individual portions in freezer-safe jars or bags, then thaw in the fridge overnight and re-blend in the morning with a splash of liquid. For best texture and flavor, consume within 24 hours after thawing.
Cherry Coconut Smoothie
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Dairy-free option available
Description
A bright and creamy cherry coconut smoothie that provides a refreshing and nutrient-dense boost for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups frozen pitted cherries
- 1 cup canned full-fat coconut milk (or unsweetened coconut milk)
- 1/2 ripe banana (optional)
- 1/4–1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt (optional)
- 1 tablespoon shredded unsweetened coconut
- 1 teaspoon honey or 1 tablespoon maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1/4–1/2 cup ice (omit if cherries are very frozen)
Instructions
- Add coconut milk to the blender first.
- Add soft ingredients like banana and yogurt.
- Then, add the frozen cherries and ice.
- Start blending on low and gradually increase to high for 30–60 seconds.
- Serve immediately, pouring into chilled glasses and garnishing as desired.
Notes
For the best texture, use frozen cherries and full-fat coconut milk. Adjust sweetness to taste.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Smoothie
- Method: Cold blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg