What is an Acai Bowl?
We often think of smoothie bowls as a breakfast or snack food. However, the basic concept for a spoonable acai berry smoothie actually originated as a Brazilian dessert bowl known as “Açaí na tigela.” Recipes for an acai bowl typically include frozen acai puree and other fruits, milk or juice, and guaraná syrup or other sweetener, all blended together into a thick smoothie. Then the frosty puree is poured into a bowl and loaded with toppings like fresh berries and chopped nuts. It’s the perfect sweet frozen treat on a hot evening! With all of this healthy nutritious goodness, it’s no surprise that bowls with acai berries quickly became popular to enjoy all day long. We love a refreshing fruit smoothie to get the morning going (and keep going!)… So what could be better than a bowlful topped with your favorite goodies? *For more easy and nutritious breakfasts, be sure to try these recipes:
Healthy Banana Breakfast SmoothieStrawberry Mango SmoothieGreen Detox SmoothieFresh Fruit Salad RecipeStrawberry SmoothieMango Peach Smoothie
Why you should make acai bowls at home?
Smoothie bowls at coffee shops and restaurants are often quite pricey. Plus, you can’t always be sure they are made with quality wholesome ingredients. So save yourself money and get the most nutritious dish possible by blending up a bowl right at home. Customize this acai bowl recipe with your favorite berries. You can even make it vegan, add extra goodies, keep it gluten-free, enjoy for breakfast or as a snack… There are so many options! Best of all, they are super easy to make in only about 5 minutes. Which is likely less time than it would take to wait in line at a café!
Health benefits of Acai
These berries have long been considered a superfood rich in antioxidants that protect the body from cell damage. In fact, they contain as much as 10x more antioxidants than blueberries, which are also known as a super food! An acai berry also has a great deal of essential vitamins and minerals, with very few carbs or calories.
Ingredients you will need
Milk: We use low-fat, but you can use whatever milk you prefer. Make this recipe dairy-free by using plant milk like almond or soy. Frozen Berries: A combination of blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries make a sweet and tangy smoothie bowl. Frozen Banana: Helps to thicken the mixture. Greek Yogurt: Whole or low fat. Frozen Acai Puree: Unsweetened is best when combining with the berries. I absolutely love to use this Sambazon brand organic acai puree packets for this smoothie recipe. You can also use acai powder if you prefer. Honey: Optional, for a bit more sweetness to cut the tart taste of the berries. Toppings: Continue reading for ideas on what to put on your berry smoothie bowl!
How to make Acai Bowl?
Expert Tips
Freeze your fruits like bananas and berries. This is what creates the thick frozen smoothie consistency. I suggest meal prepping the fruits by portioning into individual bags! Then you have just the right amount ready to blend right before serving.Use a high speed blender. Otherwise the fruit won’t blend so smoothly.Unsweetened is best. The berries and honey in this recipe give the smoothie bowl a perfect bit of sweet flavor. So use unsweetened acai puree or powder, and avoid acai puree loaded with sugar. I recommend unsweetened yogurt, too.
Acai Smoothie Bowl Toppings + Variations
Protein: Feel free to swap out the greek yogurt and/or add your favorite nut butters. Almond, cashew, and peanut butter are all delicious! Together with the berries they make a “peanut butter and jelly” flavored smoothie bowl. Fresh Fruits and Berries: Add to or substitute the fruit in this acai bowl recipe with your favorite fruits. Other tasty options include frozen mango, cherries, and pineapple. Top the bowls with fresh blueberries, raspberries, strawberry slices, banana slices, or pieces of whatever other fruits you choose to include. Crunchy Toppings: Sprinkle on hemp or chia seeds, granolas, chopped nuts, and/or coconut flakes for some great crunch. Vegan Bowls: Use your favorite nondairy milk and plant-based greek yogurt replacement. Also swap maple syrup for honey to make this a vegan smoothie bowl recipe. Alternatively, you can skip milk altogether and use juice.
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