Follow our step-by-step photos & video to learn how to make the BEST easy & healthy smoothie bowl recipe (3 varieties) with 5 ingredients in 5 minutes! Smoothie bowls make the best breakfast, brunch or snack, and you can save so much money making them at home! Paleo, dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
This post is sponsored by my friends at Vitamix. As always, all opinions, recipes, photos and videos are my own!
It's safe to say that I am pretty much obsessed with smoothies. I drink a green smoothie every day, and have for over a decade. However, sometimes I like to mix it up, make them extra-thick and eat my smoothies - plus lots of yummy toppings - with a spoon , and that's when I make this smoothie bowl recipe!
I can't always talk my kids into drinking a smoothie, but they will always grab a spoon and dig into one of these smoothie bowls. They have proclaimed that it tastes like ice cream, and have even enjoyed it as a sweet treat instead of dessert!
In this post I'll show you how to make a smoothie bowl (using the strawberry version as an example), and then explain how to make three different color/flavor varieties - purple, green and pink!
Smoothie Bowl Recipe: Ingredients & Substitutions
Let's chat about the ingredients in this smoothie bowl recipe, and then we'll talk more specifically about the fruit used to make each variety!
- Frozen Fruit. The most important thing to note about these smoothie bowl recipes is that you must use frozen fruit to achieve the perfect consistency.
- Banana. If you don't prefer bananas, you could try substituting another starchy food like avocado for creaminess, but you will need to add more honey/maple syrup to get 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 these smoothie bowls from good to great. That little extra flavor is just perfect!
How to make a smoothie bowl
There are a few important tips to remember when you're making this smoothie bowl recipe. Don't forget to watch the video to see exactly how each variety is made!
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 a smoothie bowl, using a Vitamix blender is a must. No other blender on the market is its equal in both power and functionality.
Many people hesitate because they think a Vitamix is too pricey. But with the Explorian E310 costing $250-299 depending on sales/seasons, a Vitamix is an affordable blender worth the cost. And it LASTS! The model I have that is similar to the Explorian has been blending strong for 10 years now!
Check out my Vitamix buying guide to learn which blender is right for YOU. I have blended with the Ascent 3500 every for 4 years now. It's my best friend in the kitchen and I couldn't live without it! There are always great deals on reconditioned Ascent models as well, like the Reconditioned Ascent 3500 and the Ascent 2500!
Add Frozen Fruit
To keep your smoothie bowl from turning into a smoothie, i.e. keep it thick and cold, be sure to use frozen fruit.
Begin this smoothie bowl recipe by adding your frozen fruit of choice to the container of a Vitamix blender. In this example, for a pink smoothie bowl we used strawberries. I will discuss all the variations later on in the post!
Next, add the frozen banana. I recommend chopping it into smaller pieces (as pictured below) for quicker and easier blending. Remember, it must be frozen for the best texture!
Add almond milk & honey
Next, add 3 TBS almond milk (or your favorite dairy-free milk or regular milk). I know it seems like a small amount, but it should be enough to make the perfect smoothie bowl. The small amount of liquid is what sets smoothies and smoothie bowls apart!
Add 1-2 TBS honey depending on your desired sweetness level. For a vegan version use maple syrup. You could omit the sweetener all together, but I find this smoothie bowl recipe tastes the best with a little extra sweetness!
Blend
Blend, starting on low and increasing to high, using the tamper to vigorously press the ingredients down into the blades. I cannot stress enough how important the tamper is in this smoothie bowl recipe. As you can see in the video, I use the tamper the entire time I am blending.
Scrape down sides & blend again
It is very important 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 once the smoothie bowl reaches a chunky texture as pictured below. This helps combine all the ingredients without over-blending.
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.
Add-ins.
If you are going to put some add-ins into this smoothie bowl recipe, now is the time. Some possible add-ins are:
- Chia seeds
- Protein powder
- Nut butter
- Acai powder
Serve!
Once the smoothie bowl reaches a smooth and thick consistency, pour it into one to four bowls and enjoy! The size of your servings will depend on how many people you are feeding and how hungry they are! I could eat this entire recipe in one sitting, however I usually share it with my 5 kids (yes, even my 1 year old loves it)! I personally think the most reasonable serving size for adults is 2!
What can I top my smoothie bowl with?
The topping options for this smoothie bowl recipe are seriously endless. 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, honey 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), are all great additions to any smoothie bowl!
- Flaked coconut. Use an unsweetened variety!
Smoothie Bowl Recipes - 3 ways
Since we all love to mix things up, I created three different varieties of smoothie bowl recipes for you! My kids each had a different favorite, and I love them all!
Strawberry Banana Smoothie Bowl - Pink
To make a pink smoothie bowl, use frozen strawberries or raspberries, or a combination of the two. You will need 10 oz, or about 2 ½ cups of frozen fruit.
Acai Smoothie Bowl - Purple
For the acai purple smoothie bowl, use 10 oz frozen mixed berries + ½ tsp acai powder. Be sure to use a berry medley that contains blackberries, blueberries and other berries. You could use half a berry medley and half frozen blueberries also. Do not use all blueberries, as I find doing so creates a mealy texture.
Green Smoothie Bowl
To make a green smoothie bowl use 10 oz frozen pineapple + 1 cup fresh spinach. You can also use 10 oz frozen mango (or a combination of pineapple and mango) for the fruit, and kale for the greens!
FAQs about Smoothie Bowls
Yes! Every variety of smoothie bowl in this post is healthy. They are loaded with fruits, greens and are naturally sweetened. Add-ins can add even more nutrition as well (protein, fiber, etc.)
Use frozen ingredients and do NOT over-blend. Scraping down the sides and blending for short time periods is the best way to ensure that your smoothie bowl will stay thick. Also make sure not to add too much liquid.
I prefer not to use ice in my smoothie bowls, and instead use frozen ingredients to make it thick.
More healthy Breakfast Recipes:
If you're looking for more healthy breakfast inspiration, here are a few of our favorites!
- If you love these smoothie bowls, you have to try these smoothie recipes: best green smoothie, berry smoothie, pineapple smoothie, mango smoothie, strawberry banana smoothie, healthy blueberry smoothie, pumpkin 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.
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!
Smoothie Bowl Recipe - 3 Ways
Ingredients
- 10 oz frozen fruit (about 2 ½ cups)
- 1 banana frozen
- 3-4 TBS almond milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 TBS honey or maple syrup optional
- 1 cup greens optional
Optional add-ins/toppings:
- Chia seeds
- Protein powder
- Nut butter
- Acai powder
- Fresh Fruit
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.
- Serve immediately into 2-4 bows and top with your favorite toppings (granola, flaked coconut, chia seeds, fruit, etc.).
Video
Notes
To make different flavors/colors:
To make different variations of a smoothie bowl, follow the recommendations below for the 10 oz of frozen fruit.- Pink: 10 oz strawberries, raspberries or a mixture of the two.
- Purple: 10 oz mixed berries + ½ tsp acai powder.
- Green: 10 oz pineapple, mango or a combination of the two + 1 cup fresh spinach
- Yellow: 10 oz pineapple
- Orange: 10 oz mango, or mango + orange citrus fruits
Smoothie Bowl Recipe: Ingredient Substitutions
- Frozen Fruit. The most important thing to note about these smoothie bowl recipes is that you must use frozen fruit to achieve the perfect consistency. Use 10 oz, or about 2 ½ cups frozen fruit.
- Banana. If you're opposed to banana, you could try substituting another starchy food like 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 these smoothie bowls from good to great. That little extra flavor is just perfect!
Smoothie bowl topping 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 homemade peanut butter, vanilla almond butter, honey 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), are all great additions to any smoothie bowl!
- Flaked coconut. Use an unsweetened variety!
Nutrition
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Luci
Love chia seeds. Do you have other recommendations to add for the smoothie bowl recipe
Jamie
If I substituted acaia purée for the açaí powder, how much would I use? Thank you. Great recipes!