Chocolate Chia Cherry Shake

Ingredients

Main Shake Ingredients

• 1.0 tbsp. (12g) Ground chia seeds
• 1.0 tsp. (2.5g) Unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1.5 cups (360ml/12 oz) Almond milk
• 1.0 cup (155g/5.5 oz) Pitted cherries, frozen
• 1.0 tbsp. (21g/0.7 oz) Honey, to sweeten
• 1.0 scoop (31g/1.1 oz) Chocolate protein powder (Optional)

Honey and Chia Topping Ingredients

• 0.5 tbsp. (10.5g/0.35 oz) Honey
• 1.0 cup (240ml/8 oz) Coconut milk
• 0.25 cup (42g/1.5 oz) Chia seeds
• Any Fruit (Fresh cherries or berries recommended)
• 1.0 tsp. (4g/0.15 oz) Chopped nuts

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Chocolate Chia Cherry Shake

1. Place the 1.5 cups (360ml) of almond milk and 1.0 cup (155g) of frozen pitted cherries into a high-speed blender.
2. Add 1.0 tbsp (12g) of ground chia seeds and 1.0 tsp (2.5g) of unsweetened cocoa powder to the liquid base.
3. Incorporate 1.0 tbsp (21g) of honey and the optional 1.0 scoop (31g) of protein powder if you are looking for an extra muscle-building boost.
4. Secure the lid and blend on high for approximately 45–60 seconds or until the texture of the Chocolate Chia Cherry Shake is completely smooth and aerated.
5. Pour the mixture into two chilled glasses and serve immediately for the best consistency.

Preparing the Chocolate Chia Cherry Shake Topping

1. In a small glass bowl, whisk together the 1.0 cup (240ml) of coconut milk and 0.5 tbsp (10.5g) of honey until the honey is fully dissolved.
2. Stir in the 0.25 cup (42g) of chia seeds, ensuring there are no clumps left at the bottom of the bowl.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, though overnight is preferred, to allow the seeds to hydrate and create a thick pudding texture.
4. Spoon the chilled mixture over your Chocolate Chia Cherry Shake and finish with 1.0 tsp (4g) of chopped nuts and fresh fruit for a gourmet touch.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calculated for 1 serving of the Chocolate Chia Cherry Shake (Base recipe yields 2).

• Calories: 135 kcal (Add approx. 60 kcal if using protein powder)
• Total Fat: 4.8g
• Total Carbohydrates: 23.5g
• Dietary Fiber: 6.2g
• Sugars: 16.1g
• Protein: 3.6g (Add approx. 12g if using protein powder)

Pro Tips for the Ultimate Chocolate Chia Cherry Shake

• Freeze Your Own Cherries: For the thickest, creamiest texture without watering down the flavor with ice, use frozen pitted cherries. If you only have fresh, pit them and pop them in the freezer for at least 2 hours before blending your Chocolate Chia Cherry Shake.
• The "Liquids First" Rule: Always pour your almond milk into the blender before adding the dry ingredients like ground chia and cocoa powder. This prevents the powder from sticking to the bottom or sides, ensuring a perfectly homogenous Chocolate Chia Cherry Shake.
• Texture Control: If you prefer a thinner consistency, increase the almond milk by 0.25 cup (60ml). If you want a "smoothie bowl" style, reduce the milk to 1.0 cup (240ml) and eat it with a spoon!
• Bloom Your Cocoa: For a deeper chocolate flavor, whisk your cocoa powder into a tiny bit of warm almond milk before adding it to the blender. This "blooms" the cocoa, releasing more intense aromatic oils.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use whole chia seeds instead of ground in this Chocolate Chia Cherry Shake?

Yes, you can use whole seeds; however, ground chia seeds provide a much smoother, velvet-like texture and are easier for the body to digest quickly. If you use whole seeds, let the Chocolate Chia Cherry Shake sit for about 2 minutes after blending to allow them to hydrate and thicken the drink.

How can I make this Chocolate Chia Cherry Shake vegan-friendly?

The base recipe is nearly vegan already! To make a 100% plant-based Chocolate Chia Cherry Shake, simply swap the honey for an equal amount of pure maple syrup or agave nectar. Also, ensure your optional protein powder is a plant-based variety (like pea or soy protein).

Can I meal prep the Chocolate Chia Cherry Shake in advance?

While the smoothie is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the "Honey and Chia" topping up to 5 days in advance. For the shake itself, I recommend portioning the frozen cherries and chia seeds into freezer bags. When you're ready, just dump the bag into the blender with almond milk and honey for a 60-second Chocolate Chia Cherry Shake.

What are the health benefits of adding chia seeds to a cherry shake?

Adding chia to your Chocolate Chia Cherry Shake introduces a massive boost of Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants. The fiber helps slow down the absorption of the natural sugars from the cherries and honey, providing you with stable, long-lasting energy throughout the morning.