This homemade acai bowl recipe is made in 5 minutes with 7 ingredients. Learn how to make an acai bowl that tastes even better than expensive store-bought varieties.
I love a giant acai bowl loaded with toppings, but I just can't bring myself to shell out $10-12 for one at a restaurant or juice bar. So, I perfected this homemade acai bowl recipe to save both time and money.
This recipe is easy to make in 5 minutes with 7 ingredients. Follow our step-by-step instructions and watch the video to learn how to make an acai bowl that tastes even better than expensive store-bought varieties.
Acai bowl ingredients
This acai bowl recipe is fairly versatile, so we'll discuss the acai bowl ingredients and possible substitutions. One important note: To keep your bowl from turning into a smoothie, i.e. keep it thick and cold, be sure to use frozen fruit.
- Frozen mixed berries. I purchase a large bag of frozen mixed berries to have on hand to make smoothies and smoothie bowls, however you can create your own berry mix with what you have on hand, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc.
- Acai puree. Pure, unsweetened acai puree can be tricky to find. I use this this variety and I usually find it at whole foods or natural grocers. If you cannot find the puree, the acai powder adds plenty of flavor and nutrients to make a delicious acai bowl.
- Frozen Banana. If you don't prefer bananas, you could try substituting another fruit like frozen avocado for creaminess, but you will need to add more honey/maple syrup to achieve the proper sweetness.
- Almond milk. Any non-dairy milk works excellently in this recipe. I love using coconut milk for a tropical flavor. You can also use regular dairy milk.
- Vanilla extract. I think the vanilla extract takes this healthy acai bowl from good to great. But you can omit it, if desired.
- Acai powder. I find that the acai powder intensifies the flavor and adds an extra nutrition boost. You can omit it if you can find the frozen puree, you can also use solely powder and still make a delicious acai bowl!
- Honey. Maple syrup can be used in place of honey for a vegan variety. The sweetener is optional if you don't prefer very sweet acai smoothie bowls, however I find that I almost never omit it and always use 2 TBS when I make them for my kids.
How to make an acai bowl
This recipe is super easy, but I have a few tips and tricks that will help you learn how to make an acai bowl that turns out perfectly every time. Don't forget to watch the video!
Use a Vitamix
If you've been around here for a while then you know I am fiercely loyal to my Vitamix blender. Especially when blending something as thick and creamy as an acai smoothie bowl, using a Vitamix blender is a must.
Add Ingredients to blending container & Blend
Place the ingredients in the order listed in the container of a Vitamix blender. Then, blend, starting on low and increasing to high, using the tamper to vigorously press the ingredients down into the blades.
Add-ins.
If you are going to put some add-ins into this healthy acai bowl, now is the time. Some possible add-ins are:
- Chia seeds
- Protein powder
- Nut butter
Scape down sides & blend again
This is a thick acai bowl, so after about 50 seconds you will need to pause, turn off the blender, use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the container and push the ingredients down into the blades.
Then, secure the lid and continue blending, using the tamper to vigorously press the ingredients down into the blades, until the mixture is smooth and thick. If necessary, add more almond milk 1 TBS at a time, but be careful not to add too much or you’ll end up with a smoothie instead of a thick acai bowl.
Serve
Pour the acai mixture immediately into 2-4 bows and top with your favorite toppings.
Acai bowl toppings
There are many delicious topping options for this acai bowl recipe. Here are some of my suggestions:
- Granola. Make your own healthy homemade granola or peanut butter granola, or buy your favorite store-bought variety!
- Nut Butter. I love adding a swirl of nut butter on top for extra fat, protein and flavor. Make your own vanilla almond butter, homemade peanut butter or use your favorite store-bought variety.
- Fresh fruit. Top your bowl with your favorite fresh fruit: berries, bananas, etc.
- Nuts. Add cashews, sliced almonds, or make some homemade cinnamon sugar pecans or candied almonds and sprinkle some on top.
- Seeds. Sunflower seeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds (or some cinnamon sugar roasted pumpkin seeds), etc.
- Flaked coconut. Use an unsweetened variety.
More healthy Breakfast Recipes:
If you're looking for more healthy breakfast inspiration, here are a few of our favorites!
- If you love this acai bowl - check our our tutorial on how to make smoothie bowls 3 different ways!
- Try these smoothie recipes: best green smoothie, berry smoothie, pineapple smoothie, mango smoothie, strawberry banana smoothie, and this chocolate peanut butter green smoothie!
- I eat one of these healthy breakfast bars with a green smoothie every day!
- We love baked oatmeal! Try these flavors: peanut butter banana baked oatmeal, blueberry baked oatmeal, apple cinnamon baked oatmeal and pumpkin baked oatmeal!
- I love a good sneaky veggie-packed muffin to start the day! Try these Paleo Zucchini Muffins, Double Chocolate Zucchini Muffins, Carrot Muffins, Spinach Muffins (a reader favorite).
- For high-protein savory options try this egg casserole and the best frittata.
FAQs about Acai Bowls
Yes, these bowls are loaded with fruit, fiber, and antioxidants.
Yes, especially with yummy hearty toppings this acai bowl in a filling healthy breakfast recipe.
If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don't forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube - be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can your creations!
The Best Acai Bowl Recipe
Ingredients
- 10 oz mixed berries frozen (about 2 ½ cups)
- 100 g acai puree frozen, unsweetened (about ½ cup)
- 1 banana frozen
- 2-4 TBS almond milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp acai powder
- 1-2 TBS honey or maple syrup
Instructions
- Place ingredients in the order listed in the container of a Vitamix blender (or another high-powered blender).
- Blend, starting on low and increasing to high, using the tamper to vigorously press the ingredients down into the blades.
- After about 50 seconds, pause, turn off the blender, use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the container and push the ingredients down into the blades.
- Secure the lid and continue blending, using the tamper to vigorously press the ingredients down into the blades, until the mixture is smooth and thick. If necessary, add more almond milk 1 TBS at a time, but be careful not to add too much or you’ll end up with a smoothie instead of a thick smoothie bowl.
- Pour the acai mixture immediately into 2-4 bows and top with your favorite toppings (see notes for suggestions).
Video
Notes
Acai bowl ingredients
- Frozen mixed berries. I purchase a large bag of frozen mixed berries to have on hand to make smoothies and smoothie bowls, however you can create your own berry mix with what you have on hand, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc.
- Acai puree. Pure, unsweetened acai puree can be tricky to find. I use this this variety and I usually find it at whole foods or natural grocers. If you cannot find the puree, the acai powder adds plenty of flavor and nutrients to make a delicious acai bowl.
- Frozen Banana. If you don't prefer bananas, you could try substituting another fruit like frozen avocado for creaminess, but you will need to add more honey/maple syrup to achieve the proper sweetness.
- Almond milk. Any non-dairy milk works excellently in this recipe. I love using coconut milk for a tropical flavor. You can also use regular dairy milk.
- Vanilla extract. I think the vanilla extract takes this healthy acai bowl from good to great. But you can omit it, if desired.
- Acai powder. I find that the acai powder intensifies the flavor and adds an extra nutrition boost. You can omit it if you can find the frozen puree, you can also use solely powder and still make a delicious acai bowl!
- Honey. Maple syrup can be used in place of honey for a vegan variety.
Acai bowl toppings
- Granola. Make your own healthy homemade granola or peanut butter granola, or buy your favorite store-bought variety!
- Nut Butter. Make your own vanilla almond butter, homemade peanut butter or use your favorite store-bought variety/
- Fresh fruit. Top your smoothie bowl with your favorite fresh fruit: berries, bananas, etc.
- Nuts. Add cashews, sliced almonds, or make some homemade cinnamon sugar pecans and sprinkle some on top.
- Seeds. Sunflower seeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds (or some cinnamon sugar roasted pumpkin seeds), etc.
- Flaked coconut. Use an unsweetened variety
Nutrition
The photos in this post were taken by Jamie from Dishing Out Health!
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Randi
What would be the best way to store the acai after it’s blended?
Laurie
Recipe was easy to follow and it tastes AMAZING! I made it with no bananas, substituted the almond milk for oat milk and used maple syrup instead of honey.
Topped it off with gluten free granola, strawberries, raspberries and blueberries. 😊
Thx for sharing!
Laura
Thank you, Laurie! I'm so glad you enjoyed this recipe!