Acai Bowl Recipe

I'm all about a smoothie or smoothie bowl for a nutrient-packed breakfast or snack. From a Green Smoothie Bowl to a Raspberry Chia Smoothie, this girl loves her blended fruit!

Now, this recipe is super similar to making a regular smoothie bowl, except we're using frozen Acai packets instead of solely frozen fruit.

Acai adds a ton of nutrients and earthy flavor and is perfect for pairing with other fruits to sweeten it up, like frozen berries and a banana. Add in a splash of almond milk, some almond butter, and your favorite toppings, and you've got a wholesome breakfast or snack!

The best part is that these bowls are endlessly customizable! You can swap out the frozen fruit, use a different liquid, and add whatever toppings your heart desires. Perfect for those mornings when you want something healthy but don't have a ton of time!

What You Need to Make an Acai Bowl from Scratch

Making an Acai bowl from scratch is so quick and easy! Here's a brief list of what you'll need:

• Frozen Berries: Any kind of berries will work for this recipe (strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, etc.). Just use what you have or like!
• Banana: Using a frozen banana produces the creamiest texture! A room temperature banana will not have the same effect as the frozen one acts like ice, making the mixture colder. Ideally, you'll want to use an overripe frozen banana, as it will add a ton of natural sweetness!
• Acai packets: Pronounced ah-sigh-ee, can be found in the freezer section of most grocery stores near the frozen fruit. The Sambazon brand is most common, but any brand will work as long as you get the unsweetened packets, as the sweetened ones are a bit too sweet!
• Almond Milk: Just enough to get everything blended while keeping it thick.
• Almond Butter (optional): I like to add a tablespoon or two of almond butter to my Acai bowls for some healthy fats and richness, but you can leave it out if you like.
• High-powered blender: You'll need a blender that's powerful enough to break everything down into a creamy texture without having to add too much milk, or you'll end up with more of a smoothie.

Can I use other types of frozen fruit instead of berries?

Absolutely! If berries aren't your thing, you can get creative with other types of fruit like frozen mango, strawberries, pineapple, peaches, papaya, or any other type of fruit you like!

Can I add protein powder to these bowls?

Yes! Feel free to add your favorite protein powder to the bowl for a boost in protein! You may need to add a little extra liquid to make everything blend more smoothly, as protein powder can thicken the bowls.

What if I don't have almond milk?

Any type of liquid will work to make the Acai bowls smoother! You can use apple juice, orange juice, or even coconut water.

Can I make these bowls sweeter?

Yes! If you prefer sweeter bowls, you can add some honey or maple syrup to the blender for a little extra sweetness.

Can I make these bowls creamier?

Absolutely! You can add a little bit of plain Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt to keep it vegan for a bit of creaminess.

How to Make This Homemade Acai Bowl Recipe

This bowl takes literally 5 minutes to make! Here's a short rundown:

Toss some frozen berries, a banana, and those acai packs into a high-powered blender.

Pro tip: Let the Acai packets sit out for a minute or two, then break them into smaller pieces so you don't overwhelm your blender.

Let the blender break the fruit down into smaller pieces before adding a splash of almond milk.

Pro tip: You only want enough to help it blend while keeping it thick and spoonable.

If you want a little extra creaminess, add a spoonful of almond butter. Blend it all until smooth, then pour the mixture into a bowl.

Now for the fun part: the toppings! Go for crunchy granola, fresh fruit, seeds, or a drizzle of nut butter, whatever you’re feeling!

What if I don't have a blender?

You can use a food processor instead! It just might not be as blended as a blender, but it will still work.

What toppings can I add?

You can top these bowls with anything you like! Here are some of my favorites:

• Granola
• Fresh fruit
• Nuts and seeds
• Hemp or flax seeds
• Chia seeds or a dollop of Berry Chia Seed Jam
• Coconut flakes
• Cacao nibs
• Shredded coconut
• Drizzle of nut butter or honey

Can I prep these bowls ahead of time?

Yes! You can add all the ingredients (minus the almond milk) to freezer bags for dump-and-go bowls! I love using this option for a quick snack or breakfast when I don't have a ton of time.