Black Forest Cherry Dark Chocolate Frappe Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best texture, use frozen cherries instead of fresh — they add extra thickness without diluting the flavor. If using fresh cherries, freeze them for an hour before blending.

Also, chill the almond milk and espresso in advance to keep the frappe cold without needing too much ice, which can water down the taste.

When grating chocolate, hold the block at an angle and use a light touch to create fine, airy curls. If the chocolate starts to soften, return it to the fridge for a few minutes.

For a nuttier flavor, toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes before chopping, but let them cool completely before adding to the blender.

Variations

• Mocha Cherry Frappe: Add 1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup or a handful of chocolate chips to the blender for an extra chocolate kick. Reduce the cocoa powder to 2 teaspoons to balance the sweetness.
• Spiced Black Forest Frappe: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the blender for a warm, aromatic twist. The spices complement the cherries and chocolate beautifully.
• Vegan Coconut Frappe: Replace the whipped cream with coconut whipped cream and use a dairy-free dark chocolate. The almond milk already makes the base vegan, so this variation is fully plant-based.
• Cherry Almond Smoothie: Omit the espresso and increase the almond milk to 1 1/2 cups for a caffeine-free version. Add a tablespoon of almond butter for extra richness and a nuttier flavor.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftover frappe (without whipped cream) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Stir before serving.

Freezer

Freeze the frappe in an ice cube tray and blend with a little almond milk for a quick slushie later. Freeze for up to 1 month.

Reheat

Not applicable — this is a cold beverage. If frozen, thaw slightly and re-blend with ice.

The frappe is best enjoyed immediately, as the ice will melt and the texture will become watery over time. If needed, store the blended mixture (without ice) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Before serving, blend again with fresh ice to restore the thick consistency.

Prepare the chocolate curls and chop the almonds up to a day in advance, storing them in airtight containers at room temperature. Pit and halve the cherries and keep them refrigerated in a sealed container. Measure the dry ingredients and have the espresso chilled, so blending takes only a few minutes.

Serving ideas

Serve the frappe in a tall crystal glass for an elegant presentation. Garnish with an extra cherry on top if desired, though the video only shows whipped cream and chocolate curls.

Use a wide straw or a long spoon for enjoying the thick texture. This drink is ideal for a leisurely afternoon treat or a dessert course.

For a brunch gathering, pour the frappe into smaller glasses and serve with a shortbread cookie on the side. The drink is rich, so small portions are satisfying.

The contrast of creamy whipped cream and crunchy almonds makes each sip interesting. Adjust the amount of whipped cream to personal preference.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Black Forest Cherry Dark Chocolate Frappe

Prep 10 minCook 0 minTotal 10 minServes 2

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

Instructions

1. Slice the dark cherries in half and remove the pits if not already pitted. Chop the roasted almonds into small pieces. Set both aside.
2. Using a box grater, grate the 70% dark Belgian chocolate into a pile of fine curls. Set aside for later use.
3. Add the pitted dark cherries, chilled espresso, cocoa powder, almond milk, and ice cubes to a glass blender pitcher. Lock the lid and blend on high until the mixture is thick and smooth, with a swirling vortex forming.
4. Pour the thick, velvety frappe from the blender pitcher into a crystal glass. Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream and sprinkle with the reserved dark chocolate curls. Serve immediately.

Contains: milk, tree nuts

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

6 g

Carbohydrates

40 g

Fat

16 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.