Drinks · Part 1 of 3: Ingredients
Black Forest Cherry Dark Chocolate Frappe
- Prep
- Cook
- Total
- Serves
- 2
This Black Forest Cherry Dark Chocolate Frappe brings together the classic flavors of a Black Forest cake in a chilled, sippable form. Dark cherries, roasted almonds, and rich dark chocolate are blended with espresso and almond milk, then crowned with whipped cream and chocolate curls.
It's a decadent treat that feels like a dessert and a coffee drink in one, perfect for an afternoon indulgence or a special brunch.
Inspired by the beloved Black Forest cake, this frappe layers tart cherries, deep chocolate, and a hint of coffee for a balanced, sophisticated drink. The video shows a simple method: grate chocolate, blend everything, and top with cream.
The result is a thick, velvety texture that coats the glass and satisfies any chocolate craving. This recipe is straightforward and requires no cooking, making it an easy way to create a café-style beverage at home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dark cherries, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup roasted almonds, chopped
- 2 oz 70% dark Belgian chocolate, grated
- 1/2 cup chilled espresso
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 cup ice cubes
- Whipped cream, for serving
Why this recipe works
The combination of dark cherries and espresso creates a complex flavor profile — the fruitiness of the cherries is enhanced by the bitter notes of coffee and the richness of dark chocolate. Blending the ingredients with ice produces a thick, frosty texture that is both refreshing and indulgent.
Grating the chocolate rather than chopping it ensures it melts evenly into the frappe, while the roasted almonds add a subtle crunch and nutty depth. The almond milk keeps the drink creamy without overwhelming the other flavors, and the whipped cream topping adds a light, airy contrast to the dense frappe.
Notes and substitutions
Use fresh, ripe dark cherries for the best flavor, but frozen cherries can be substituted if fresh are not available.
The espresso should be chilled to avoid melting the ice too quickly; leftover coffee from the morning works well. For a less intense coffee flavor, reduce the espresso to 1/3 cup and add a bit more almond milk.
A high-speed blender is ideal for achieving a smooth, thick consistency. If the frappe is too thick, add a splash of almond milk and blend again.
The chocolate should be at least 70% cocoa for a deep, bittersweet taste; milk chocolate will make the drink sweeter and less intense. Adjust the amount of cocoa to suit personal preference.
- dark cherries: Frozen sweet cherries work if fresh are out of season; thaw slightly before blending.
- chilled espresso: Use 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee chilled, if espresso is not available.
- almond milk: Any milk or non-dairy milk can replace almond milk; adjust sweetness as needed.
- roasted almonds: Skip the almonds or substitute with toasted hazelnuts for a different nutty note.
Equipment
- Box grater
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Glass blender pitcher
- Blender
- Crystal glass
- Measuring cups and spoons