A Thick, Creamy Treat That’s Naturally Sweet and Satisfying
When you want something indulgent yet nutritious, this cherry almond protein shake is the answer. Frozen cherries bring tart sweetness, almond butter adds creaminess and healthy fats, and protein powder makes it filling enough for a meal or post-workout refuel. Best of all? The KitchenAid K400 blender transforms thick nut butters and frozen fruit into a smooth, velvety drink—no clumps, no hassle.
Looking for honest feedback before choosing a blender? Check out our blender reviews with real kitchen tests for smoothies, soups, and doughs.
Table of Contents
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- 1 cup frozen dark sweet cherries
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons almond butter
- 1 scoop vanilla or chocolate protein powder
- 1 teaspoon cacao powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 Medjool date for extra sweetness
Instructions
- Pour almond milk into the K400 pitcher.
- Add frozen cherries, banana, almond butter, protein powder, vanilla, and optional cacao.
- Start blending on low, then increase to high. Blend 45–60 seconds until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust thickness with more almond milk or a few ice cubes if desired.
- Pour into tall glasses and serve immediately.
Want more ways to put your blender to work? Browse our healthy blender recipe hub with smoothies, soups, and desserts.
Tips & Variations
- Use peanut butter for a cherry-PB twist.
- Swap a banana with ½ avocado for a low-sugar option.
- Add ¼ teaspoon cinnamon or sea salt for depth.
- Turn this into a smoothie bowl by reducing almond milk and topping with cacao nibs.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
- 320 calories
- 18g protein
- 6g fiber
- Good source of magnesium, potassium, and vitamin E
- Gluten-free and dairy-free
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries?
Yes, but add ice cubes to maintain thickness. Frozen cherries create the best texture.
Is this good for post-workout recovery?
Absolutely. It contains protein, natural sugars, and anti-inflammatory antioxidants.
Does the K400 blend almond butter evenly?
Yes. The motor and blade design emulsify thick ingredients with frozen fruit for a uniform blend without sticking.
Why the KitchenAid K400 Excels
The K400 blender is designed to handle dense, sticky ingredients without staling. Its asymmetric blades pull food into a vortex, while the motor auto-adjusts to keep speed consistent. That means creamy shakes, nut butters, and fibrous fruits all come out perfectly smooth.
Want the full breakdown of strengths and drawbacks? Read our KitchenAid K400 blender review with real-world performance testing.
Long-Term Care & Maintenance
A high-performance blender like the K400 is an investment, and keeping it clean and tuned will make sure it lasts for years. Wiping down the base regularly, blending warm soapy water after sticky recipes, and deep-cleaning the gasket seal every few weeks can prevent buildup that affects performance.
And if you want to keep your blender running strong, explore our step-by-step KitchenAid blender cleaning guide for protein shakes and smoothies to prevent buildup and extend its life.
More Recipes to Try
If you liked this cherry shake, you’ll love our energizing Vitamix E310 beet smoothie recipe for stamina and recovery. It’s another antioxidant-rich blend that works great pre- or post-workout.
