Start your morning off right with this healthy açai bowl recipe! Learn how to make an acai bowl from scratch using fresh and frozen ingredients and your blender.

This has got to be what feels like the longest winter of all time! To add a little sunshine to my life I’ve been starting each day with this acai bowl recipe. I picked up some acai packs at the store and have been on a roll with making them each morning. Even my daughter gets in on the fun! It feels good to start our day with a healthy choice that also tastes delicious!

What is Açai?

Açaí, pronounced ah-sigh-EE, comes from the Acai berries of the Acai tree, originating in South America.

Interestingly, acai isn’t technically a berry because it has a central seed similar to a pit. The dark purple skin and yellow flesh is soaked and then mashed to form a dark purple paste, which is why you’ll typically find acai as frozen acai puree packets rather than in their original form.

As far as flavor goes, it’s often compared to the taste of blackberries but with a slightly earthier flavor.

Many believe that the acai fruit contains more antioxidants than other more well known berries, including blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, or raspberries. This is how it became known as a “superfood”.

There are many health benefits of Acai including being a source of healthy fats and lower in sugar than other similar fruits. They’re also a fantastic source of fiber and other trace minerals, including chromium, zinc, iron, copper, manganese, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus (source).

What is An Açai Bowl?

Like other types of smoothie bowls, an Açai Bowl is simply a blend of fruit (in this case Açai) and other ingredients with a variety of toppings. Unlike regular smoothies, smoothie bowls are thicker so you can eat them with toppings and a spoon.

Are homemade açai bowls healthy? I believe they are! As mentioned above, açai is a fantastic source of nutrients, vitamins and other health benefits and when combined with a source of protein, fat and fiber, it can make a filling and healthy meal to start your day.

I generally enjoy this Acai Bowl Recipe for breakfast each morning but Acai Bowls also make for a great snack as well!

Acai Bowl Ingredients

• Unsweetened Frozen Acai Packets – I like the Sambazon brand and purchase the unsweetened variety. You can find them in the freezer section at your grocery store. Note: I’ve never tried making this homemade acai bowl recipe with acai powder rather than the frozen packs but imagine that it would work if that’s what you have.
• Frozen Banana – This helps to thicken the smoothie and provide natural sweetness.
• Frozen Berries – I use mixed berries but you can use whatever frozen berries or frozen fruit you have on hand (mango, pineapple or even kiwi would be delicious!)
• Protein powder – this will help give your easy acai bowl recipe some staying power so you aren’t hungry an hour later. I like the Ritual vegan protein powder. Vanilla or chocolate both work great.
• Almond milk – you can use any dairy-free milk like oat milk or soy milk.

See below for topping suggestions.

Learn How to Make Açai Bowl

This acai bowl recipe couldn’t be easier! Throw all of your ingredients into your blender and blend until smooth! Try not to go overboard on liquid. You can always add more a little bit at a time, but keeping this acai bowl recipe thick is the most important piece.

Topping Suggestions

The real perk of smoothie bowls is definitely the toppings! I like to go ham on the toppings and dig in with a spoon.

• Granola – you really can’t go wrong with granola on your smoothie bowls. I love this apple cinnamon granola or this almond cranberry granola but you can also use store-bought.
• Fresh fruit – banana slices, fresh berries or whatever fresh fruit you have on hand.
• Dark chocolate – Some chunks of dark chocolate are always a good idea! For a more traditional take you can use cacao nibs.
• Nuts/Nut Butter – Top with chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans or coconut flakes. You could also drizzle with nut butter like almond butter or peanut butter. If you’re allergic to nuts, pumpkin seeds are delicious and a great source of nutrition.
• Seeds – In addition to nuts (or instead of nuts), seeds are a delicious acai bowl topping. Chia seeds or flaxseed are great sources of fiber and antioxidants. Hemp seeds are a fantastic option too.
• Sweetener – I personally find this açaí bowls recipe sweet enough but if you’d like to add more sweetness I recommend using a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.

Tips for Making Thick Smoothie Bowls

They key to making a delicious smoothie bowl is to ensure it is thick enough to eat with a spoon. Texture is everything. Here are my go-to tips for making your acai smoothie bowl thicker:

• Use frozen fruit – Make sure you’re using frozen banana, frozen berries and your acai packets are also frozen.
• Use protein powder – almost all protein powder will help to thicken your smoothie.
• Chia seeds – chia seeds absorb liquid so adding a tablespoon will help to thicken up your smoothie. Flax seeds also help to thicken smoothie bowls!
• Reduce liquid – Try to not use more than a 1/4 cup of almond milk or other liquid. If you use too much your smoothie bowl will be too soupy and difficult to eat with a spoon.
• Try avocado – Add chunks of avocado (frozen is even better!) to thicken your smoothie.

Make it Green!

You can easily add 1-2 cups of your favorite greens to this Acai Bowl Recipe. You may need to add slightly more milk to get it to blend but sneaking in greens is a great way to add even more nutritious goodness to your smoothie bowls. I recommend spinach for a more mild taste but kale also works great.

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