Homemade Acai Bowl Recipe
These acai berry bowls are one of the ultimate ice cold, refreshing treats on a hot day! They count as both a superfood-packed breakfast or a healthy dessert and they’re incredibly filling. I was first introduced to these on a trip to Hawaii and I’ve been hooked ever since. Now I try to make at least one a week for my family. Believe it or not you’ll pay upward of $12 – $15 for one bowl so making them at home is a cheaper alternative, and they taste equally as good! And it’s such a straightforward, fool-proof recipe. The blender or food processor does most of the work.
What is Acai?
Never had an acai bowl before and wondering what acai even is? Acai us a small, round blackish purple berry grown in the rainforest on a species of palm tree. They are native to Brazil, Peru, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago. You won’t find imported acai berries in other countries, rather you’ll find acai in frozen puree form or freeze dried powder form. It’s touted as a superfood because they’re nutrient-dense, being packed with antioxidants and fiber.
What Does Acai Taste Like?
You’d think they taste like a blueberry or grape because of their similarities in appearance, but in my opinion they have a taste all their own, similar to maybe a blend of pomegranates or raspberries meet beets.
Acai Smoothie Bowl Ingredients
The only “special” ingredient required to make a homemade acai bowl is the acai itself. Otherwise, you can whip up a healthy acai bowl using ingredients you have in your pantry!
Frozen acai puree – the only one I’ve seen in the U.S. is Sambazon brand, see below for link to locations. Frozen bananas – use ripe bananas for a sweeter acai bowl. Not underripe green or mushy overripe brown. Fruit juice (such as apple or grape) – I like to use fruit juice since it’s sweeter but coconut water or almond milk can be used as well. Toppings – on a standard acai bowl you’ll tend to find blueberries, strawberries, bananas, granola and honey. Add more like coconut or other fruit to your hearts content.
Where Can I Find Acai?
I always buy it at Target but there’s a list of distributors on this page HERE (check box “Pure Unsweetened Super Fruit Packs, 4pk”). It’s usually about $6 for a pack of 4 but I stock up when it’s on sale.
What About a Homemade Granola Recipe?
I like to use THIS homemade granola recipe for these smoothie bowls (it doesn’t have any butter or oil!). If using store-bought granola I love this one.
How to Make Acai Bowls
If you can make smoothies at home, then you can definitely make an acai berry bowl. I’ve included two ways to make homemade acai bowls — one method uses a blender, and one uses a food processor. How to make acai bowls in a blender:
To high-powered blender, add partially thawed acai puree, along with frozen banana pieces, blueberries and juice. Blend on a moderately low speed until smooth (lower speed works better for this thickness). If needed, you can add a little more juice if it’s too thick to blend. Pour into chilled bowls. Top with granola, fruit and drizzle with honey if desired.
How to make acai bowls in a food processor (thickest method, my preferred):
Add bananas to food processor, cover with lid, and hold processor down (it will want to jump!), then pulse in bursts to break into tiny bits. Add blueberries, pulse in bursts to break into bits. Add acai and juice and pulse to a smooth puree. Pour mixture into chilled bowls. Top with granola, fruit and drizzle with honey if desired.
How Can I Stretch the Recipe?
I know acai is expensive, plus a lot of the time lately I want to make enough for my family of four so I want to stretch the recipe anyway. To do so, use 2 frozen bananas, 1 cup blueberries, 2 acai packets, juice as needed (for a blender you’ll likely need about 1 cup, food processor only 1/2 cup still).
What Type of Fruit Juice Should I Use?
I use apple juice, grape juice or a fruit punch blend. Be sure to use 100% juice that contains no added sugars.
Can I Add Other Berries?
Of course! You’re welcome to tweak this recipe as you see fit. I love using frozen blueberries, but feel free to experiment with other varieties of frozen fruit as well.
Tips for Making Acai Berry Bowls
Use frozen bananas and blueberries for a thicker acai bowl. Use chilled fruit juice too. It’s all about using very cold ingredients for the best thickness. Start with less juice to make your homemade acai bowl thicker, then add more as needed. Chill the bowl first. This way it doesn’t start to melt on contact with the bowl. Toppings are optional but highly recommend for a true acai bowl. I’d say use bananas and granola at least. Have toppings prepped before hand and serve right away. The mixture will start to melt quickly.
More Healthy Smoothie Recipes You’ll Love
Mango Peach and Strawberry Smoothie Strawberry Spinach Green Smoothie Strawberry Banana Oat Smoothie Banana Almond Flax Smoothie Blueberry Pomegranate Smoothie Strawberry Colada Smoothie Cold Buster Green Smoothie
