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What is an acai bowl and why you should blend one up, now? Here’s the scoop on these popular bowls, including a recipe to make them at home.
Acai bowls have spread like wildfire all over the world—and for good reason! These frosty purple smoothie bowls are so tangy and refreshing: and there are loads of ways to top them to make a healthy snack or breakfast!
We’re huge fans of acai bowls since they started becoming popular, and our kids love them! Here’s our favorite recipe for how to make them at home, and a little more about what is an acai bowl.
What is an acai bowl?
An acai bowl is a smoothie bowl that originated in Brazil, featuring a thick puree made from acai berries. The bowl is topped with various ingredients like sliced fruit and berries, granola, coconut. and almond butter. Restaurants and food trucks across America serve them, and they’re easy to make at home.
Where does acai come from? Acai berries actually grow on palm trees and are native to Brazil: they originate in the Amazon. Acai bowls are a popular dish in Brazil, and they’ve now become very popular here in the US as a healthy breakfast or snack. Acai berries are known as a superfood, and are loaded with antioxidants and lots of other nutrients.
Where to buy acai?
Acai berries are native to Brazil. But due to the popularity of acai bowls, packs of frozen pulp are now widely available online or even in stores. We found acai pulp packs at a local grocery. Sambazon is a well-known brand that sells acai and has sustainable harvesting practices.
How to make one?
To make an acai bowl, scroll down to our Acai Bowl recipe. Take it from one reader review: “Made your acai bowl for breakfast today and OH MY! I’ve never had one that I’ve enjoyed as much as this. This was so perfectly balanced, and my husband loved it too!”
Frequently asked questions
Acai berries have a unique flavor that’s often described as a blend of berries and chocolate, with earthy undertones.
Granola, fresh berries, banana slices, shredded coconut, chia seeds, nut butters, honey, and cacao nibs are all popular choices.
Acai bowls can easily be made vegan and gluten-free. Check the ingredients of any pre-made acai packets or toppings to ensure they fit your dietary needs.
Acai Bowl
What is an acai bowl and why you should blend one up, now? Here’s the scoop on these popular bowls, including a recipe to make them at home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frozen
- Cuisine: Tropical
Ingredients
For the toppings
- 1 handful coconut flakes
- 1/2 mango, diced (or ½ cup frozen diced, thawed)
- 4 sliced strawberries
- 1 small handful blueberries
- 1 small handful pepitas
- Bee pollen, optional
- Other toppings: Granola, almonds, pecans, walnuts, almond butter, peanut butter, chia seeds, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup
For the acai bowl
- 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
- 1 large banana
- 1/2 mango (or ½ cup frozen diced)
- 7 ounces frozen unsweetened acai pulp (such as Sambazon)*
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ¼ cup cold water
Instructions
- Place your bowls in the freezer: this will help to keep the acai from melting while enjoying it.
- Prep the toppings (before making the bowl, again to minimize melting): In a small skillet, toast the coconut over low to medium low heat until golden brown, stirring often. Immediately remove to a bowl. Dice the mango and reserve half for the acai. Slice the strawberries.
- In a large high speed or regular blender, blend the pineapple, banana and mango until somewhat combined and chunky.
- Thaw the acai pulp under warm water until it can be broken into smaller chunks, then remove the packaging. Add the acai to the blender with the lime juice and ¼ cup cold water. Blend until smooth, stopping and stirring as necessary. (If you need a bit more water you can add it; try not to add too much in order to keep the acai texture thick. A high speed blender will work well here; with a regular blender you’ll have to stop and stir more.)
- Pour the acai mixture into the frozen bowls. Top with the fruit, coconut, pepitas, and other toppings. Serve immediately.
Notes
*We’ve found this acai pulp in the frozen section at several of our local grocery stores.
