Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Post-Workout Recovery Tart Cherry Smoothie Bowl is the perfect way to refuel after a tough workout. Packed with protein, antioxidants, and healthy fats, it helps promote muscle recovery, reduce inflammation, and boost energy. The tart cherries not only provide a deliciously tangy flavor but are also known for their anti-inflammatory properties, making them ideal for post-workout recovery. With creamy nut butter and a protein boost, this smoothie bowl is satisfying and energizing. Plus, it’s fully customizable with your favorite toppings!

Ingredients

For the smoothie bowl:

• 2 cups frozen Montmorency tart cherries
• ¾ cup dairy-free milk of choice (almond, coconut, or oat milk), plus more to thin if necessary
• 1 scoop your favorite protein powder (collagen peptides or plant-based protein powder work well)
• 1 tablespoon natural nut butter of choice (peanut, cashew, or almond butter)
• Optional: 1 tablespoon cacao powder for a boost of iron

For the optional toppings:

• 1 tablespoon unsweetened coconut flakes
• 1 tablespoon mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs
• ½ tablespoon chia seeds
• Drizzle of drippy nut butter
• Granola (optional, if you’re feeling fancy)
• A few extra frozen tart cherries or dried tart cherries if you have some on hand

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a blender, combine the frozen tart cherries, dairy-free milk, protein powder, nut butter, and optional cacao powder.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add a little more milk to thin it out until you reach the desired consistency.
3. Pour the smoothie into a bowl.
4. Top with your choice of toppings: coconut flakes, mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs, chia seeds, extra nut butter, granola, and tart cherries.
5. Enjoy immediately, and feel free to mix and match your toppings for a little extra fun!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 1
• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Total time: 5 minutes

Variations

• Add a banana: Include half a frozen banana for extra creaminess and natural sweetness.
• Different fruits: Try adding other fruits like blueberries, strawberries, or pineapple for more variety.
• Boost the greens: Add a handful of spinach or kale for extra nutrients without affecting the flavor.
• Make it vegan: Use a plant-based protein powder and ensure your nut butter is dairy-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Smoothie bowls are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Note that the texture may change after refrigeration, so you might want to add a little more liquid when eating leftovers.
• Reheating: Smoothie bowls are meant to be eaten cold, so it’s not recommended to reheat them. Simply add more milk or water to thin it out if it thickens up.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh tart cherries instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh tart cherries, but frozen cherries give the smoothie bowl its thicker, creamier texture. If you use fresh cherries, you may need to add some ice or extra frozen fruit to achieve the desired consistency.

2. Can I use a different type of milk?

Absolutely! You can use any milk of your choice, such as almond, coconut, oat, or dairy milk. Adjust the amount to get the consistency you like.

3. Can I add a sweetener to the smoothie?

If you prefer a sweeter smoothie bowl, you can add a drizzle of honey, maple syrup, or a few drops of stevia to taste.

4. Can I make this smoothie bowl ahead of time?

While smoothie bowls are best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time by storing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to make the bowl, just blend and top with your favorite toppings.

5. Can I use any nut butter?

Yes, you can use any nut butter you like—peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter work great in this recipe.

6. Can I add greens to this smoothie bowl?

Yes, you can add spinach, kale, or any other leafy greens to boost the nutritional value without changing the flavor too much. Just make sure to blend it well for a smooth texture.

7. Is this smoothie bowl good for post-workout recovery?

Yes, this smoothie bowl is perfect for recovery due to the combination of tart cherries, protein powder, nut butter, and healthy fats. It helps with muscle repair, reduces inflammation, and replenishes energy.

8. Can I add more protein to this recipe?

Yes, you can increase the protein content by adding an extra scoop of protein powder or by including other protein-rich ingredients like Greek yogurt or hemp seeds.

9. Can I make this recipe without cacao powder?

Yes, you can skip the cacao powder. It’s an optional ingredient that adds iron, but the smoothie will still be delicious without it.

10. How can I make this smoothie bowl thicker?

To make your smoothie bowl thicker, add more frozen fruit, such as frozen banana or more tart cherries, or reduce the amount of milk used.

Conclusion

This Post-Workout Recovery Tart Cherry Smoothie Bowl is a delicious and refreshing way to fuel your body after a workout. With its rich protein content, healthy fats, and antioxidant-packed tart cherries, it’s the ultimate recovery treat. The addition of nut butter and optional cacao powder makes it not only nutritious but also incredibly satisfying. Customize it with your favorite toppings, and you’ve got a smoothie bowl that’s as fun as it is functional!

Print