Cherry Almond Butter Shake

Name: Cherry Almond Butter Shake
Prep time: 3 min
Total time: 3 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups (225 g) fresh or frozen cherries, pitted, if fresh, pit and chill; if frozen, thaw slightly (about 10 minutes) for easier blending; 3 tablespoons (48 g) natural almond butter, creamy style, measured from jar; 1½ cups (360 ml) cold whole milk or 2% milk, straight from the refrigerator; 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon (21 g) honey (optional); ½ cup (120 ml) ice cubes, optional, for extra thickness and coldness (optional)

From the MyKitchenBank Kitchen

A creamy, nutrient-rich milkshake that blends fresh or frozen cherries with smooth almond butter, vanilla, and cold milk. The natural tartness of cherries balances the richness of almond butter for a satisfying drink that works as a quick breakfast, snack, or dessert.

Prep: 3 min
Cook: —
Total: 3 min
Makes: 2 shakes (about 14 fl oz each)

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Steps

Before you start

Chill your blender pitcher in the freezer for 5 minutes if you don't have ice (optional, but helps keep the shake cold longer)
If using fresh cherries, pit them first using a cherry pitter or the tip of a clean knife
Measure all ingredients and have them within arm's reach of your blender

1
Combine base ingredients
- Add the cherries, almond butter, milk, and vanilla extract to your blender.
- If you prefer your shake sweeter, add the optional honey now.
- Do not add ice at this stage.
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Ready when: All ingredients are in the blender pitcher
Tip: If your almond butter is thick or cold, it may clump; a small dollop in the middle of the blender helps it incorporate more smoothly
2
Blend until smooth
- Cover the blender and blend on high speed for 45–60 seconds, stopping once to scrape down the sides with a spatula if needed.
- The mixture should be completely smooth with no visible cherry chunks or almond butter streaks.
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Ready when: Shake is creamy, uniform in color (pale pink to deep burgundy depending on cherry type), and pours without lumps
Tip: Do not overblend after the shake is smooth, or almond butter can warm up and the consistency may thin slightly. If the shake seems too thick, add 2–3 tablespoons milk and pulse again
3
Add ice and adjust thickness
- If you'd like a thicker, colder shake, add the optional ice cubes.
- Blend on high for another 20–30 seconds until the ice is fully incorporated and the shake reaches your desired consistency.
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Ready when: Shake is thick enough to hold peaks briefly when you lift the spatula, or pours with a milkshake-like consistency
Tip: If you skipped ice, your shake will be thinner but still delicious; pour immediately into chilled glasses to maintain temperature
4
Pour and serve immediately
- Divide the shake evenly between two tall glasses (about 14 fl oz per glass).
- Serve right away with a wide straw or spoon, or a combination of both.
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Ready when: Shake is poured and ready to drink
Tip: If you want a bit of visual flair, garnish the rim with a drizzle of almond butter or a few whole cherries on a cocktail pick

Good to know

Tips

For a protein boost, add ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or 1 scoop vanilla protein powder to the blender. This will make the shake thicker and more satiating
If your cherries are very sour, use the full tablespoon of honey; if they're sweet, the shake is delicious without any added sweetness
Use creamy almond butter (not the crunchy kind) for the smoothest texture—crunchy bits won't fully incorporate into a cold shake
Frozen cherries work just as well as fresh and are often more affordable year-round; thaw them for 10 minutes before blending so they blend smoothly without extra ice diluting the flavor

Storage & reheating

Best served immediately after blending. If you must store, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours; the shake will separate and settle slightly (stir or shake well before drinking). Do not freeze as the texture will become icy and unpleasant when thawed.

Substitutions

cold whole milk or 2% milk → almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Use the same amount. Plant-based options will thin the shake slightly; add 1–2 tablespoons almond butter if you want extra richness
natural almond butter → peanut butter, tahini, or sunflower seed butter. Use the same amount. Each will shift the flavor; peanut butter adds earthiness, tahini brings nuttiness and slight bitterness, seed butter offers a milder nutty taste
fresh or frozen cherries, pitted → frozen raspberries or blackberries. Use the same amount. These berries are slightly tarter; reduce honey by ½ teaspoon if you don't like extra sweetness
honey → maple syrup, agave nectar, or simple syrup. Use the same amount. Maple syrup adds depth, agave is more neutral, and simple syrup won't change flavor