Cherry Almond Milkshake Recipe

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Cozy Cherry Almond Milkshake Recipe, Made Simple

There’s something wonderfully soothing about a classic milkshake, but add cherries and a hint of almond, and it transforms into something truly special. I love how this Cherry Almond Milkshake Recipe captures the essence of bright, toasty flavors wrapped up in a creamy, silky hug. Perfect for a slow weekend afternoon or as a sweet surprise after dinner.

Whether you’re using fresh summer cherries or frozen ones you’ve stashed away, this recipe invites you to savor the marriage of tart fruit and nutty almond in every toasty, golden sip. You’ll find it easy, quick, and endlessly satisfying.

So, grab your blender and favorite glass — we’re about to make some magic happen!

Ingredient Lowdown

• Vanilla ice cream (1 cup): The creamy base that gives this milkshake its toasty sweetness and smooth texture. Full-fat scoops work best for richness.
• Milk (1/2 cup): I use whole milk to keep things luscious, but skim or any plant-based milk works if you want it lighter or dairy-free.
• Fresh or frozen cherries, pitted (1/2 cup): Cherries bring vibrant color and that gentle tartness. Frozen cherries are a great standby when fresh aren’t in season—just thaw slightly for easy blending.
• Almond extract (1/2 tsp): The secret flavor booster that adds a warm, nutty fragrance without overpowering. Just a little goes a long way!
• Sliced almonds (garnish, optional): Adds a lovely crunch and nuttiness on top—totally worth the extra touch.

Set Up for Success

Before you start blending, gather all your ingredients so everything’s within arm’s reach. If your cherries are frozen, let them chill a bit on the counter so they soften just enough to blend smooth. No oven here, but a cold glass always makes the milkshake feel extra refreshing, so pop your glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving.

Step-by-Step: Cherry Almond Milkshake Recipe

1. Start with chilled ingredients. I always keep my ice cream in the coldest part of the freezer and choose milk straight from the fridge to keep the shake thick and refreshing.
2. Combine ice cream, milk, cherries, and almond extract in the blender. You’ll see the vibrant ruby tones of the cherries swirl into a creamy, toasty-pink blend. The aroma of almond extract should start to gently perfume the air.
3. Blend on high until smooth and luscious. If the shake feels too thick, add a splash more milk and pulse a few times. Too thin? Add a small spoonful of ice cream to thicken back up. I love when it’s the perfect velvety thickness that clings just a bit to the sides of the glass.
4. Pour the shake into cold glasses. The chilled glass keeps your drink cool longer, so every sip stays crisp and refreshing.
5. Top with sliced almonds if you like. This adds a subtle crunch and enhances the almond flavor beautifully—plus it looks pretty, too.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy! The silky texture and harmonizing tastes of cherry and almond really shine best fresh.

Flavor Twists for Cherry Almond Milkshake Recipe

• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy warmth that complements both cherry and almond beautifully.
• Swap vanilla ice cream for almond or cherry-flavored ice cream to boost the theme and deepen complexity.
• For a fresh summer twist, muddle a few fresh mint leaves into the blender before blending for a subtle herbal note.
• Mix in chocolate chips or drizzle chocolate syrup for a cherry-almond-chocolate trio that’s a decadent treat.
• Try swapping almond extract for vanilla or hazelnut extract to play with different but complementary nutty notes.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigerate leftovers: Store your shake in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 24 hours—shake or stir well before serving, as ingredients will separate.
• Freeze for ice cream floats: Pour leftover milkshake into popsicle molds and freeze for a cool snack with a cherry-almond twist.
• Prep cherries in advance: Pit and freeze cherries in portions to streamline shake assembly anytime you want.
• Don’t blend until ready: To keep the freshest flavor and ideal texture, blend immediately before serving.

Cherry Almond Milkshake Recipe FAQs

• Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk? Absolutely! Almond milk works beautifully, enhancing the almond flavor. Just expect a slightly lighter texture.
• Do I really need almond extract? It’s a key ingredient because it adds that subtle nutty fragrance. Without it, the shake won’t have quite the same signature flavor.
• Can I make this dairy-free? Yes! Use dairy-free ice cream and milk alternatives like coconut or almond milk for a delicious vegan version.
• What if I don’t have fresh cherries? Frozen cherries work wonderfully—they retain great flavor and texture once blended.
• How thick should the milkshake be? Aim for a creamy but pourable consistency that clings slightly to the glass. Adjust milk or ice cream amounts to suit your preference.

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