This cherry smoothie for kids is creamy, naturally sweet, and packed with protein, healthy fats, fiber, and fruit. Made with frozen cherries, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, and almond butter, it’s an easy breakfast or snack that both toddlers and adults can enjoy.
If there's one thing I can almost always count on my toddlers being excited about, it's a smoothie! And as a dietitian mom, I love smoothies because they're an easy way to combine several different food groups into one quick snack or breakfast.
This healthy cherry smoothie has become one of our favorites. Frozen cherries give it the prettiest color and plenty of natural sweetness, while Greek yogurt and almond butter make it creamy and more satisfying. I also add chia seeds for a little boost of fiber and healthy fats.
Why You'll Love This Cherry Smoothie for Kids
- Quick and easy: Toss everything into your blender and blend
- Naturally sweet: Cherries plus banana or dates add sweetness without needing a lot of added sugar
- Protein + healthy fats: Greek yogurt and almond butter help make this smoothie more filling than fruit alone
- A boost of fiber: Cherries, chia seeds, and banana or dates all contribute fiber
- Toddler and kid-friendly: It's creamy, naturally sweet, and has a fun pink-purple color
- Great for the whole family: Make one batch and pour a serving for everyone!
I bet your kids will also love this spinach yogurt smoothie and immunity smoothie for an afternoon snack.
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Ingredients You'll Need
Here's what you'll need to make this cherry smoothie for kids:
- Frozen Cherries - frozen cherries are the star of this smoothie! Using frozen fruit also makes the smoothie cold and creamy without needing to add ice. I prefer pitted frozen sweet cherries for this recipe. If you're using tart cherries, you may need a little more banana or date to balance their tart flavor.
- Banana or Dates - a ripe banana adds natural sweetness while also making the smoothie extra creamy or use 1-2 soft Medjool dates instead. Just make sure they're pitted before adding them to your blender.
- Milk - use whatever milk works best for your family. Whole cow's milk adds protein, fat, calcium, and vitamin D, but you can also use a non-dairy milk if needed. If choosing a plant-based milk for little ones, look for an unsweetened option fortified with calcium and vitamin D.
- Greek Yogurt - plain Greek yogurt makes this cherry smoothie thick and creamy while adding a boost of protein and calcium. I typically use plain whole-milk Greek yogurt for my toddlers, but you can use whatever variety you have on hand.
- Almond Butter - almond butter adds healthy fats, protein, and a subtle nutty flavor that pairs SO well with cherries (substitute peanut butter, cashew butter, or a seed butter if needed)
- Chia Seeds - a spoonful of chia seeds is such an easy way to add a little extra fiber and healthy fats to smoothies
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Your Cherry Smoothie for Kids
Step 1: Add the frozen cherries, banana or dates, milk, Greek yogurt, almond butter, and chia seeds to a high-powered blender.
Step 2: Blend until completely smooth and creamy. If the smoothie is thicker than you'd like, add another splash of milk and blend again. Pour into cups and enjoy immediately!
Hint for the Best Cherry Smoothie for Kids
For the creamiest cherry smoothie, use frozen cherries and a ripe banana straight from the freezer. Start with a little less milk and add more as needed you can always thin your smoothie out, but it’s harder to make it thicker! If using dates, make sure they’re soft and pitted so they blend completely smooth.
Substitutions
This cherry smoothie recipe is super easy to customize based on what you have on hand or your family’s needs.
- Frozen cherries: Fresh pitted cherries work too, but I recommend adding a few ice cubes to keep the smoothie cold and thick.
- Banana: Swap with 1-2 pitted Medjool dates for natural sweetness without the banana flavor.
- Milk: Use any milk your family prefers. For a dairy-free option, choose an unsweetened, fortified non-dairy milk.
- Greek yogurt: Regular plain yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt can be used instead. Keep in mind that regular yogurt may make the smoothie a little thinner.
- Almond butter: Swap with peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
- Chia seeds: Leave them out or substitute ground flaxseed or hemp hearts for another easy nutrient boost.
Variations
Once you have the basic cherry smoothie recipe down, it's really easy to change it up!
- Cherry chocolate smoothie: Add 1-2 teaspoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
- Cherry berry smoothie: Replace some of the cherries with frozen strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries
- Cherry vanilla smoothie: Add a splash of vanilla extract
- Cherry oatmeal smoothie: Add a few tablespoons of rolled oats for additional whole grains and fiber
Equipment
You don’t need much to make this easy cherry smoothie for kids! All you’ll need is a high-powered blender to get the frozen cherries, chia seeds, and dates (if using) nice and smooth. You’ll also need measuring cups and spoons for the ingredients and your favorite cups or reusable smoothie cups for serving.
Storing Your Cherry Smoothie for Kids
This cherry smoothie is best enjoyed right after blending, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The smoothie may separate as it sits, which is totally normal just give it a good stir or shake before serving.
For longer storage, pour leftover smoothie into popsicle molds and freeze for an easy toddler-friendly snack later!
Tiff's Dietitian Tip
Fruit smoothies can sometimes be mostly carbohydrates, which isn't necessarily a bad thing! But adding protein, fat, and fiber can make a smoothie more satisfying and turn it into a more balanced snack or breakfast.
That's why I love the combination in this recipe:
- Fruit: cherries + banana or dates
- Protein: Greek yogurt + milk
- Fat: almond butter + chia seeds
- Fiber: cherries + chia seeds + banana or dates
Instead of just blending fruit and juice, you're getting a combination of nutrients that can help make this cherry smoothie recipe more substantial for growing kids.
FAQ
Medjool dates are my favorite substitute. Start with one date, blend, and add another if you want more sweetness.
Yes. Use an unsweetened fortified non-dairy milk and dairy-free yogurt. You may need to adjust the amount of milk depending on the thickness of your yogurt.
Absolutely. They add some extra fiber and healthy fats, but the smoothie will still work without them.
Yes. Substitute another nut or seed butter, or leave it out entirely. The smoothie may be slightly less creamy and filling without it.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this cherry smoothie? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this cherry smoothie for kids:
Easy Cherry Smoothie for Kids
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1½ cups frozen pitted sweet cherries
- 1 ripe frozen banana or 1-2 Medjool dates pitted
- 1 cup whole milk or milk of choice plus more as needed
- ½ cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon almond butter or any nut/seed butter
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
Instructions
- Add the frozen cherries, banana or dates, milk, Greek yogurt, almond butter, and chia seeds to a high-powered blender.
- Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy.
- If needed, add an extra splash of milk and blend again until you reach your desired consistency.
- Pour into cups and serve immediately.
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