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

Tips for success

For the best chocolate curls, use a block of chocolate that is cold but not frozen. Grate it on the large holes of a box grater, using gentle pressure.

If the chocolate starts to soften, place it back in the refrigerator for a few minutes. The curls will melt slightly on the warm whipped cream, adding a decadent touch.

To make the frappe extra thick, freeze the cherries and use frozen instead of fresh. You can also freeze the almond milk in ice cube trays and use those instead of regular ice cubes.

This prevents the drink from becoming diluted as the ice melts, keeping the flavor intense and the texture creamy.

Variations

• Mocha Cherry Frappe: Add 1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup along with the cocoa powder for a sweeter, more intense chocolate flavor. Reduce the espresso to 1/4 cup and add 1/4 cup of milk to balance the sweetness.
• Spiced Black Forest Frappe: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon and a tiny pinch of nutmeg to the blender. These warm spices complement the cherries and chocolate, giving the frappe a cozy, holiday-inspired twist.
• Berry Cherry Frappe: Replace half of the dark cherries with fresh or frozen raspberries or blackberries. This adds a tangy note and a more complex berry flavor, while keeping the rich chocolate base intact.
• Almond Joy Frappe: Add 1 tablespoon of unsweetened shredded coconut to the blender and garnish with a few extra toasted coconut flakes. This brings an almond-coconut combination reminiscent of the candy bar.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Leftover frappe can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours in an airtight container. Blend again with ice before serving to restore thickness.

Freezer

Not recommended for freezing, as the texture will become icy and separate upon thawing.

Reheat

Not applicable. Serve cold.

The frappe is best enjoyed immediately, as the ice will melt and the texture will thin over time. If needed, store any leftover frappe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Before serving, blend again with a few ice cubes to restore the thick texture.

You can prepare the components ahead of time: pit and slice the cherries, chop the almonds, and grate the chocolate. Store them separately in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

Chill the espresso and have the almond milk and cocoa measured. When ready to serve, simply blend everything together.

Serving ideas

Serve the frappe immediately after blending, while it is thick and cold. Use tall crystal glasses to show off the layers and the toppings.

The whipped cream should be generous and pillowy, with the chocolate curls and almonds scattered over the top. Add a few cherry halves for a pop of color and a hint of fruit.

This frappe is a dessert in itself, but it can also be paired with a light biscotti or a slice of pound cake. For a brunch or afternoon gathering, serve it as a special treat. The rich, chocolatey flavor pairs well with fresh berries or a dusting of cocoa powder on the whipped cream.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Black Forest Smoothie Cherry Dark Chocolate Frappe

Prep 10 minCook 0 minTotal 10 minServes 2

Ingredients

• 1 cup pitted dark cherries, plus extra for garnish
• 1/4 cup roasted almonds, chopped
• 2 oz 70% dark Belgian chocolate, grated
• 1/2 cup chilled espresso
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 cup ice cubes
• Whipped cream, for topping, to taste

Instructions

1. Slice the pitted dark cherries in half and set aside a few for garnish. Chop the roasted almonds into small pieces. Grate the solid block of 70% dark Belgian chocolate on a box grater to create a pile of chocolate curls. Set aside.
2. Measure the chilled espresso, cocoa powder, and almond milk. Have the ice cubes ready. Ensure the espresso is fully chilled so the frappe stays cold and thick.
3. Add the pitted dark cherries, chilled espresso, cocoa powder, almond milk, and ice cubes into a glass blender pitcher. Lock the lid securely in place.
4. Blend on high until the mixture becomes a thick, swirling vortex. Stop and scrape down the sides if needed. Blend again until completely smooth and no large cherry pieces remain.
5. Pour the thick, velvety dark cherry chocolate smoothie from the blender pitcher into a crystal glass. The frappe should be thick enough to mound slightly in the glass.
6. Finish the frappe with a generous swirl of whipped cream. Sprinkle the chopped roasted almonds and grated dark chocolate curls over the top. Garnish with a few reserved cherry halves.

Contains: milk, tree nuts

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

5 g

Carbohydrates

40 g

Fat

16 g

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