Start your day off right with this Mixed Berry Acai Bowl filled with fruits, superfoods, and the best vitamins and minerals. Made in just 5 minutes for a quick, wholesome, and delicious breakfast.
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Have you tried an acai bowl yet?
Up until recently, I was fairly inexperienced with acai berries. But they are everywhere and eventually became hard to ignore.
Knowing acai has superfood powers (and you know I love my superfoods), I decided it was time to get a little bit familiar with this exotic berry. Over the past couple of weeks I have been enjoying a Mixed Berry Acai Bowl, replacing my typical breakfast of tofu scrambles or avocado toast, to start my day, and friends, I'm loving it.
And I think you will too.
Recommended Ingredients & Equipment
Acai smoothies are highly versatile. Here are a few of the recommended ingredients and common substitutions. However, feel free to use this only as a guide when making your own.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Acai Berries - Acai berries either come in powder or frozen concentrate. If you are using the frozen acai purée, the other fruit does not have to be frozen. When using acai powder, make sure you're using both frozen banana and berries to give you that thick creamy consistency of a smoothie bowl
- Banana
- Frozen Mixed Berries
- Coconut Water - You can also use regular water or your favorite non-dairy milk
- Spinach - Fresh or frozen
- Superfood Add-ins - You can add a variety of superfoods for a healthy boost. A few of my favorites are Chia Seeds, Maca Powder, Ashwagandha Powder. These all have incredible benefits for your mood, energy, heart, and overall health.
- Optional Toppings - Top your bowls with all the goods. I'm talking Granola, fresh berries, coconut, chia seeds, and nuts
Recommended Equipment
For this recipe, all you need is a blender. I recommend a high-powered blender, like a Vitamix. (<<affiliate links)
Check out the full list of my recommended kitchen tools and gadgets.
What are Acai Berries?
Acai berries are native to Central and South America. They are reddish-purple in color and have a complex blackberry/dark chocolate taste.
They are considered a superfood because they are among the highest foods in antioxidants - higher than even blueberries - and are considered to have anti-aging and weight loss properties while being natural energy boosters. Acai berries are also rich in B vitamins, vitamins A, D, and E, protein, fiber, and necessary minerals, such as zinc and magnesium.
How to Make an Acai Bowl
Step One - Blend your Ingredients
Acai bowls are super simple to make! Like any smoothie bowl, the acai smoothie is a thick, ice cream-like (think soft serve) smoothie that can be eaten with a spoon.
To make an acai bowl, blend the ingredients together in a blender until you have a thick, creamy consistency.
Step Two - Top and Serve
Pour your acai smoothie it into a bowl, top it with your favorite toppings, and enjoy it with a spoon!
Serving and Storing
Serve your Acai Bowl immediately! Top with a variety of toppings such as granola, berries, coconut, or seeds.
Do you have any leftover smoothie? Freeze it in popsicle molds for a healthy midday snack.
Tips and Tricks
- Make sure your fruit is completely frozen to ensure the right ice cream-like consistency. To freeze the bananas, peel and chop ripe bananas into 1″ pieces. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. When frozen all the way through transfer the banana pieces to a ziplock bag. Return to the freezer and store for up to three months. When ready to use, just toss them in your blender with the rest of your smoothie ingredients.
- Blend your ingredients until they are completely smooth. If your smoothie is too thick, add additional coconut water, 2 tablespoons at a time, until you have a pourable consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Acai Berries can be bought in a couple of different varieties. For a smoothie bowl look for acai either in its frozen purée or powder form.
- Frozen Acai Purée Packs - In the freezer section of your grocery store, you can find purée packs. These are great for smoothies because you can use them in place of frozen fruit. It will naturally thicken and chill your smoothie providing rich creaminess.
- Powdered Acai Berries - While both types of acai have their benefits, I prefer powdered Acai because it is more potent and richer in fiber, calcium, and iron. It's also more versatile and shelf-stable (meaning easier to store if you, like me, have limited freezer space). Additionally, a little powder goes a long way. So while it might seem expensive, an 8-ounce bag has over 75 servings!
Can I use something other than bananas?
Yes! If you want a banana-free option, substitute ½ cup silken tofu.
Can I make this into a smoothie?
For sure! Just add an additional ¼-1/2 cup coconut water to make your smoothie drinkable.
More Smoothie Bowl Recipes
- 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Protein Shake
- Chocolate Hazelnut Smoothie Bowl
- Tropical Green Smoothie Bowl
- Black Forest Smoothie
- Blueberry Coconut Smoothie Bowl
Mixed Berry Acai Bowl Recipe
Ingredients
Acai Bowl
- ½ cup coconut water
- 1 small frozen banana
- 1 cup frozen berries
- 1 handful fresh spinach
- 1 tablespoon acai powder
- ½ teaspoon maca powder, optional
Toppings (Optional)
- ¼ cup granola
- ½ small banana, thinly sliced
- 8-10 fresh berries
- fresh mint
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 tablespoon hemp hearts, optional
Instructions
- Place all the smoothie ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until completely smooth. The smoothie should be thick, similar in texture to soft-serve ice cream.
- Pour into a bowl and top with desired toppings. Serve immediately.
Hi, I’m Sarah. I’m a 14-year (and counting) vegan, professionally trained photographer, former pastry chef, founder of My Darling Vegan, and author of the
Bianca says
Great recipe! I'm surprised that it just requires one tbsp of acai - some of the brands I've looked at on Amazon suggest around four tbsp per serving! Could you let me know what brand of acai powder works best for this, preferably on Amazon? Thanks!!
Sarah says
This is the brand I use.
Karey says
I've been looking for this for ages, thank you! Can it be stored in fridged or freezer?
Sarah says
This acai bowl doesn't store very well. For a short time, it's best stored in the refrigerator.
jenny says
This is good
google street view says
DREAMING of these right now! I’m gonna try to make one !!
Diana says
Acai bowls have been a long favorite of mine! I love to add peanut butter and cacao nibs to mine as well! I put the PB on the Acai, then a couple banana slices, maybe some blueberries and raspberries, granola, cacao nibs and unsweetened coconut!
Sarah says
I love the idea of adding peanut butter. Will have to try that next time!