Black Bottomed Cherry Shakes: A Deliciously Decadent Recipe

Black Bottomed Cherry Shakes: Prepare to be transported back to the carefree days of soda fountains and summer evenings with this decadent treat! Imagine the rich, dark chocolate melding seamlessly with the sweet, tangy burst of cherry, all swirled into a creamy, dreamy milkshake. It’s a flavor explosion that’s both nostalgic and utterly irresistible.

While the exact origins of the “black bottom” concept are debated, the combination of chocolate and cherry has been a beloved pairing for generations. Think black forest cake, chocolate-covered cherries – the possibilities are endless! This particular iteration, the Black Bottomed Cherry Shake, takes that classic combination and elevates it to a whole new level of refreshment.

What makes this shake so special? It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The deep, intense chocolate sauce at the bottom provides a delightful contrast to the light and airy cherry-infused milkshake. People adore this dish because it’s a simple yet sophisticated indulgence. It’s quick to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum satisfaction. Whether you’re looking for a fun dessert for the kids or a sophisticated treat for yourself, this shake is guaranteed to hit the spot. So, grab your blender and let’s get shaking!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pint (2 cups) vanilla ice cream, softened
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup chocolate syrup, plus extra for drizzling
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 cup pitted fresh or frozen sweet cherries, plus extra for garnish
• Whipped cream, for topping (optional)
• Maraschino cherries, for topping (optional)

Preparing the Cherry Chocolate Base:

Okay, let’s get started! The key to a truly amazing Black Bottomed Cherry Shake is layering the flavors. We’re going to start by creating a rich, chocolatey cherry base that will be the foundation of our delicious shake.

1. Combine Cherries and Chocolate: In a blender, combine the 1/2 cup of pitted sweet cherries (fresh or frozen work great!) with the 1/4 cup of chocolate syrup. If you’re using frozen cherries, you might want to let them thaw slightly for easier blending.
2. Blend Until Smooth: Blend the cherries and chocolate syrup until you achieve a completely smooth puree. You don’t want any chunks of cherries in your base, so take your time and blend until it’s perfectly smooth. If you find it’s having trouble blending, add a tablespoon of milk to help it along.
3. Taste and Adjust (Optional): Give the cherry chocolate puree a taste. If you prefer a sweeter shake, you can add a little more chocolate syrup. If you want a more intense cherry flavor, you can add a few more cherries. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
4. Set Aside: Once you’re happy with the flavor and consistency of the cherry chocolate base, set it aside. We’ll be using it later to create the “black bottom” of our shake.

Creating the Vanilla Almond Shake:

Now that we have our cherry chocolate base ready, it’s time to create the creamy, vanilla almond shake that will complement it perfectly. This part is super easy and quick!

1. Soften the Ice Cream: Make sure your vanilla ice cream is softened. You don’t want it completely melted, but it should be soft enough to blend easily. If it’s too hard, it will be difficult to get a smooth shake. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before you start.
2. Combine Ice Cream, Milk, and Almond Extract: In the same blender (no need to wash it after the cherry chocolate base!), combine the softened vanilla ice cream, 1/2 cup of milk, and 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract. The almond extract adds a subtle nutty flavor that really enhances the overall taste of the shake.
3. Blend Until Smooth: Blend the ice cream, milk, and almond extract until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. Be careful not to over-blend, as this can cause the shake to become too thin. Blend just until everything is combined and smooth.
4. Adjust Consistency (Optional): If your shake is too thick, add a little more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more ice cream.

Assembling the Black Bottomed Cherry Shake:

This is the fun part! Now we get to put everything together and create our beautiful and delicious Black Bottomed Cherry Shake. The layering is what makes this shake so visually appealing and adds to the overall flavor experience.

1. Drizzle Chocolate Syrup (Optional): If you want to add an extra touch of chocolatey goodness, drizzle some chocolate syrup around the inside of your serving glass(es). This will create a beautiful swirl of chocolate that will be visible through the shake.
2. Pour in the Cherry Chocolate Base: Carefully pour the cherry chocolate base into the bottom of your serving glass(es). You want to create a layer that is about 1/4 to 1/3 of the way up the glass. This is the “black bottom” of our shake!
3. Gently Pour in the Vanilla Almond Shake: Slowly and gently pour the vanilla almond shake on top of the cherry chocolate base. Try to pour it in a way that minimizes mixing the two layers. You want to keep the distinct layers for the best visual effect. A good trick is to pour the shake over the back of a spoon held just above the cherry chocolate layer.
4. Garnish (Optional): Now it’s time to get creative with the garnishes! Top your shake with a dollop of whipped cream, a few fresh or maraschino cherries, and a drizzle of chocolate syrup. You can also add a sprinkle of chocolate shavings or a cherry on the rim of the glass.
5. Serve Immediately: Serve your Black Bottomed Cherry Shake immediately and enjoy! The layers will eventually start to mix, so it’s best to enjoy it while it’s still beautifully layered.

Tips and Variations:

Want to customize your Black Bottomed Cherry Shake even further? Here are a few tips and variations to try:

• Use Different Flavors of Ice Cream: While vanilla is the classic choice, you can experiment with other flavors of ice cream. Cherry vanilla, chocolate, or even almond ice cream would all be delicious variations.
• Add a Shot of Coffee: For a mocha twist, add a shot of espresso or strong coffee to the vanilla almond shake.
• Make it Boozy: For an adult version, add a shot of cherry liqueur or chocolate liqueur to the shake.
• Use Different Types of Cherries: Try using different varieties of cherries, such as Bing cherries or Rainier cherries, for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Add Chocolate Chips: For extra chocolatey goodness, add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the vanilla almond shake.
• Make it Vegan: Use vegan ice cream and milk to make this shake vegan-friendly.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet shake, reduce the amount of chocolate syrup. If you prefer a sweeter shake, add more chocolate syrup or a little bit of sugar.
• Experiment with Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Try adding chopped nuts, sprinkles, or even a cookie on top of the whipped cream.

Troubleshooting:

Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are a few common problems you might encounter and how to fix them:

• Shake is Too Thick: If your shake is too thick, add a little more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
• Shake is Too Thin: If your shake is too thin, add a little more ice cream.
• Layers are Mixing: To prevent the layers from mixing, make sure the cherry chocolate base is slightly thicker than the vanilla almond shake. You can also try chilling the cherry chocolate base in the refrigerator for a few minutes before assembling the shake. Pour the vanilla shake very gently over the back of a spoon.
• Cherries are Not Blending Smoothly: If your blender is having trouble blending the cherries smoothly, add a tablespoon of milk to help it along. You can also try using a food processor instead of a blender.
• Shake is Not Sweet Enough: If your shake is not sweet enough, add more chocolate syrup or a little bit of sugar.

Storage:

Black Bottomed Cherry Shakes are best enjoyed immediately. However, if you have any leftover shake, you can store it in the freezer for up to a few hours. Keep in mind that the shake will become very hard in the freezer, so you’ll need to let it thaw slightly before enjoying it. It’s not recommended to store the shake for longer periods, as the texture and flavor will deteriorate.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving
• Fat: Approximately 20-30 grams
• Saturated Fat: Approximately 15-20 grams
• Cholesterol: Approximately 50-70 milligrams
• Sodium: Approximately 100-150 milligrams
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 50-70 grams
• Sugar: Approximately 40-50 grams
• Protein: Approximately 5-10 grams

Enjoy your delicious Black Bottomed Cherry Shake! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Black Bottomed Cherry Shakes are truly a must-try, and I’m not just saying that because I created the recipe. The rich, dark chocolate base perfectly complements the sweet and tangy cherry shake, creating a symphony of flavors that will dance on your taste buds. It’s the kind of treat that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make, making it perfect for a quick dessert after dinner or a fun weekend project with the kids.

But what truly elevates this recipe is its versatility. While I’ve presented it as a shake, don’t feel limited by that! For a more decadent experience, try layering the chocolate base and cherry mixture in parfait glasses, topping it with whipped cream and a maraschino cherry. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, pour the mixture into popsicle molds for a refreshing frozen treat on a hot summer day.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* For the Adults: Add a splash of cherry liqueur or bourbon to the cherry shake for an extra kick. A little amaretto in the chocolate base also adds a lovely nutty depth.
* For the Kids: Get them involved in the process! Let them help layer the ingredients or decorate the finished shakes with sprinkles and whipped cream.
* Dietary Considerations: Easily make this recipe vegan by using dairy-free ice cream and milk alternatives. You can also substitute the sugar with your preferred sweetener.
* Garnish Galore: Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish! Whipped cream, chocolate shavings, maraschino cherries, a sprinkle of cocoa powder, or even a few fresh cherries can elevate the presentation and make your shake look like it came straight from a fancy ice cream parlor.
* Make it a Float: Instead of blending the cherry mixture with ice cream, pour it over vanilla ice cream in a tall glass for a delightful cherry float variation.

I truly believe that this recipe for Black Bottomed Cherry Shakes is a winner. It’s easy, delicious, and adaptable to your preferences. It’s the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends and family. I’ve poured my heart into creating this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do.

Now, it’s your turn! I encourage you to give this recipe a try. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own. Once you’ve whipped up your masterpiece, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your photos and stories on social media using #BlackBottomedCherryShakes or tag me in your posts. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear what you think! Happy shaking! I am sure you will love this recipe. Let me know if you have any questions or need any help. I am always happy to assist. Enjoy!