Cherry Almond Milkshake – Creamy, Nutty, and Fruity Delight
1. Introduction
There’s something magical about the pairing of cherries and almonds—sweet, tart cherries meet the nutty elegance of almonds, creating a flavor combo that feels both indulgent and refreshing. This Cherry Almond Milkshake captures that perfect harmony in a frosty, creamy glass.
Made with real cherries, almond flavoring, and creamy ice cream, it’s a quick and luxurious treat you can whip up in minutes. Whether you serve it on a hot summer afternoon, as a dinner-party dessert, or simply as a self-care indulgence, it’s a recipe that feels special without being complicated.
Why you’ll love it:
- Bright & Nutty: Cherries add fruity freshness, almonds add depth.
- Easy & Quick: Ready in under 10 minutes.
- Customizable: Dairy-free, vegan, or even boozy versions work beautifully.
- Show-Stopper: Its gorgeous pink hue and toppings make it party-perfect.
2. Ingredients Breakdown
- Vanilla Ice Cream – The creamy base that balances cherries and almonds.
- Milk (dairy or plant-based) – Helps achieve the right blendable texture.
- Cherries (fresh, frozen, or jarred) – Sweet and tart flavor, plus natural pink color.
- Almond Extract or Almond Butter – Adds nutty aroma and richness.
- Cherry Syrup (optional) – Boosts cherry flavor and makes a pretty drizzle.
- Whipped Cream – For a light, fluffy topping.
- Crushed Almonds & Fresh Cherry – Garnish for crunch and presentation.
Optional Add-ins:
- Chocolate chips for a Cherry-Almond-Choco vibe.
- Greek yogurt for added creaminess and protein.
- A splash of amaretto or cherry liqueur for adults.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Glasses
Drizzle cherry syrup inside tall glasses for a colorful swirl effect. - Blend the Base
In a blender, combine vanilla ice cream, milk, cherries, and almond extract (or almond butter). Blend until smooth and creamy. - Adjust Flavor
Taste the shake. Add more cherries for tartness or a touch more almond extract for nuttiness. - Pour & Garnish
Pour into prepared glasses. Top with whipped cream, crushed almonds, and a cherry. - Serve Immediately
Enjoy with a straw or long spoon while it’s perfectly frosty.
4. Tips and Variations
- Dairy-Free Version: Use almond milk and dairy-free ice cream.
- Boozy Twist: Add a splash of amaretto or cherry brandy.
- Extra Creamy: Swap part of the milk for heavy cream or coconut milk.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Add rainbow sprinkles or drizzle chocolate sauce on top.
5. Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a refreshing summer dessert.
- Pair with almond cookies, biscotti, or shortbread.
- Add to a brunch spread alongside pastries.
- Dress it up with chocolate-dipped cherries for a special occasion.
6. Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Fridge: Store in a jar for up to 24 hours, stir before serving.
- Freezer: Pour into popsicle molds for frozen treats.
- Reheating: Not applicable—enjoy chilled and fresh.
7. Recipe Notes
- Almond extract is strong—start with a little and adjust.
- Use pitted cherries to make blending smooth and easy.
- Toasted almonds add extra depth to the garnish.
- Fresh cherries in season give the best flavor, but frozen ones are perfect year-round.
8. Nutrition Information (Per Serving – approx. 1 tall glass)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 370 |
| Protein | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 49g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 39g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Sodium | 140mg |
| Calcium | 20% DV |
| Iron | 6% DV |
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients used.
9. Recipe Card
Course: Beverage, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Fruit-Inspired
Servings: 2
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 cup cherries (fresh, frozen, or jarred)
- 1 tsp almond extract (or 1 tbsp almond butter)
- 2 tbsp cherry syrup (optional, for drizzling)
- Whipped cream for topping
- Crushed almonds + fresh cherry for garnish
Instructions:
- Drizzle cherry syrup inside glasses.
- Blend ice cream, milk, cherries, and almond extract until smooth.
- Pour into glasses, top with whipped cream, almonds, and a cherry.
- Serve immediately.
10. FAQs
Q1: Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk?
Yes! Almond milk works perfectly and enhances the nutty flavor.
Q2: Can I use maraschino cherries?
Absolutely—just reduce added sweeteners since they’re already sweet.
Q3: Is almond extract necessary?
It adds depth, but almond butter or finely ground almonds also work.
Q4: Can I make this milkshake vegan?
Yes—use almond milk, dairy-free ice cream, and coconut whipped cream.
Q5: How do I make it thicker?
Use more ice cream or reduce the milk for a spoonable shake.
11. Final Thoughts
This Cherry Almond Milkshake is the ultimate blend of fruity freshness and nutty creaminess. It’s easy to make, beautifully pink, and bursting with flavor that feels both elegant and fun.
Serve it at a party, sip it as a summer cooler, or enjoy it as a late-night treat—it’s versatile, delicious, and sure to impress.
Try it out, experiment with toppings, and let me know in the comments how yours turned out!