Protein Cherry Chocolate Smoothie with Cottage Cheese
This protein cherry chocolate smoothie with cottage cheese tastes like a milkshake but packs 24+ grams of protein, hidden cauliflower, and healthy fats. Made with frozen cherries, chocolate protein powder, and cashew butter for the perfect post-workout treat or breakfast.
This protein cherry chocolate smoothie with cottage cheese is thick, creamy, and tastes like a chocolate milkshake — but it’s packed with over 25 grams of protein and even has a hidden serving of veggies. It’s made with cottage cheese, chocolate protein powder, frozen cherries, and a little cauliflower (you truly can’t taste it).
I started making this when I wanted a chocolatey treat without the sugar crash, and now my family asks for it all the time. The combo of cashew butter and cottage cheese makes it extra smooth and creamy, and the frozen cherries give it that perfect milkshake texture without any ice.
It’s one of my favorite ways to sneak in something sweet after a workout or as an afternoon pick-me-up that actually keeps me full and satisfied.
Make Fresh
Almond Milk in
2 Minutes
I use my Almond Cow to make the creamiest, cleanest almond milk. No more buying and storing expensive cartons!
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Why You’ll Love This Protein Cherry Chocolate Smoothie Recipe
- High-protein powerhouse: Delivers over 25 grams of protein from cottage cheese and chocolate protein powder to keep you satisfied for hours.
- Hidden veggie boost: Frozen cauliflower adds fiber and nutrition without affecting the rich chocolate cherry flavor.
- No refined sugar: Naturally sweetened with cherries and a touch of maple syrup for clean energy that won’t crash.
- Perfect milkshake texture: Frozen cherries and cottage cheese create an incredibly thick, creamy consistency that feels like a treat.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here is everything you need to make this protein cherry chocolate smoothie:
Almond Milk: I always start with almond milk because it has a neutral flavor that lets the chocolate and cherry shine. You can use any milk you prefer – oat milk, coconut milk, or regular dairy milk all work great. I love making fresh almond milk with my Almond Cow for the freshest milk.
Cottage Cheese: This might sound weird in a smoothie, but trust me on this one! It blends completely smooth and you’ll never know it’s there. Greek yogurt works as a substitute, but cottage cheese gives you way more protein per serving.
Frozen Cauliflower: I know, I know – vegetables in a chocolate smoothie? But you literally cannot taste it when it’s frozen and blended well. Fresh cauliflower will have a stronger flavor, so stick with frozen if you’re nervous about trying this.
Frozen Cherries: Any cherry variety works perfectly here. I usually buy a big bag of frozen cherries, but you can definitely freeze fresh ones yourself. Sweet cherries need less maple syrup while tart cherries might need a touch more sweetener.
Chocolate Protein Powder: Use whatever brand you like best. If you don’t have any, just skip it and add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder – you’ll want to throw in a frozen banana to balance the extra cocoa though. This is my favorite organic chocolate protein powder that tastes delicious in this smoothie!
Cocoa Powder: Regular unsweetened cocoa powder is perfect. I’ve tried both regular and Dutch-processed and honestly can’t tell much difference in this smoothie.
Cashew Butter: This makes the smoothie incredibly creamy and rich. Almond butter, peanut butter, or sunflower seed butter all work great too – use whatever you have on hand.
Maple Syrup: Start with just a little since cherries can vary so much in sweetness. You can always blend in more, but you can’t take it out. Honey works too if that’s what you prefer.
Easily Adapt This Recipe for Any Diet
This recipe is naturally easy to tweak! Follow these simple swaps to make it gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan while keeping the same great texture and flavor.
Gluten-Free: This smoothie is naturally gluten-free—just double-check your protein powder doesn’t contain any gluten ingredients.
Dairy-Free: Replace cottage cheese with silken tofu or thick coconut yogurt, and use your favorite non-dairy milk.
Vegan: Use plant-based protein powder, silken tofu instead of cottage cheese, and maple syrup as your sweetener.
💡 Pro Tip: If you try a substitution, let us know how it worked in the comments!
How to Make My Protein Cherry Chocolate Smoothie Recipe
Here are easy, detailed, step-by-step instructions that are also repeated in the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post.
Step 1: Blend to Perfection
Add 1/2 cup almond milk, 1/3 cup cottage cheese, 1/4 cup frozen cauliflower, 1/2 cup frozen cherries, 1 scoop chocolate protein powder, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon cashew butter, and 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup to your blender. Blend on high speed for 60-90 seconds until completely smooth and creamy. The mixture should be thick like a milkshake. If it’s too thick, add a splash more almond milk. If you prefer it thicker, add a few more frozen cherries.
Step 2: Taste and Adjust
Give it a quick taste and adjust sweetness as needed. Depending on your cherry variety, you might want a bit more maple syrup. Pour into your favorite glass and enjoy immediately for the best texture.
My Expert Recipe Tips
Use frozen fruit for thickness: Frozen cherries create that perfect milkshake consistency without watering down the flavor like ice cubes would.
Freeze fresh cauliflower ahead: If using fresh cauliflower, freeze it first to minimize any veggie taste and help thicken your smoothie.
Start with less liquid: You can always add more almond milk, but you can’t take it out—start with less for a thicker smoothie.
Blend cottage cheese thoroughly: Make sure to blend for at least 60 seconds to get that perfectly smooth, creamy texture without any lumps.
Taste your cherries first: Some cherry varieties are naturally sweeter than others, so adjust your maple syrup accordingly.
Delicious Serving Suggestions
- Post-workout fuel: I love drinking this within 30 minutes after strength training. The protein helps with muscle recovery while the natural sugars replenish energy stores.
- Breakfast on-the-go: Pour into a travel mug for a satisfying breakfast that keeps you full until lunch. The protein and healthy fats provide sustained energy without the mid-morning crash.
- Afternoon pick-me-up: When that 3 PM slump hits, this smoothie gives you energy without the jitters. You’ll love how it satisfies chocolate cravings while actually nourishing your body.
- Smoothie bowl base: Pour into a bowl and top with granola, extra cherries, and a drizzle of nut butter for a more substantial meal that feels like dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you love chocolate in smoothies? Check out more of my easy and nutritious chocolate smoothie recipes:
Protein Cherry Chocolate Smoothie with Cottage Cheese
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1/3 cup cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup cauliflower
- 1/2 cup cherries
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon cashew butter
- 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup
Instructions
- Add 1/2 cup almond milk, 1/3 cup cottage cheese, 1/4 cup frozen cauliflower, 1/2 cup frozen cherries, 1 scoop chocolate protein powder, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon cashew butter, and 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup to your blender. Blend on high speed for 60-90 seconds until completely smooth and creamy. The mixture should be thick like a milkshake. If it's too thick, add a splash more almond milk. If you prefer it thicker, add a few more frozen cherries.
- Give it a quick taste and adjust sweetness as needed. Depending on your cherry variety, you might want a bit more maple syrup. Pour into your favorite glass and enjoy immediately for the best texture.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
This recipe has been reviewed by a healthcare professional for its nutritional balance and alignment with healthy eating principles.
Another winning combo. I’ve made this one for breakfast and it was delicious. Starting the day with this gave me a great protein and fibre boost. I added a little silken tofu because I had some open and didn’t add the maple syrup. Not such a sweet tooth and the chocolate kick more than made up for it. Delicious 😋
That’s awesome, Virginia! Thank you so much for sharing your variations 🙂
I hope you enjoy making this delicious smoothie! Let me know how it turns out 🙂