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How to make acai bowls at home. Skip the smoothie shop and try this easy recipe instead!
Beautiful acai breakfast bowl topped with berries, granola, and bananas.  

A few years ago my friend Liz come back from a trip to Brazil raving about the pristine beaches, beautiful people, and a delicious new food she tried called acai. Pronounced ah-sah-yee, acai berries come from acai palm trees found in Central and South America. They are touted as being a superfood for anti-aging, weight loss, skin health, and overall health. You can check out all the incredible health benefits over on Dr. Axe. In recent years I’ve seen acai pop up in smoothie shops and health food stores, but I hadn’t tried it until now. I have seriously been missing out – why didn’t I listen to Liz? I get what all the fuss is about now. Acai smoothies and bowls are incredibly refreshing, naturally sweet, and a great natural energy boost. An acai bowl with granola and fresh berries is my new favorite summertime breakfast or snack. Are you an acai fan too?

Sambazon acai smoothie packs get blended in a food processor.

You just know something naturally that dark purple has to be good for you. Though you can buy acai bowls, they’re easy to make and much less expensive when you do it yourself. Frozen pouches of pure acai can be found at Whole Foods and other natural foods stores. Look for it near the frozen fruit. Break it into large chunks and give it a good whirl in the food processor with any other frozen fruit and a banana, and you have a highly nutritious breakfast. No food processor? Use a blender, but add just enough apple or berry juice to blend.

How to make beautiful acai bowls with berries, bananas, and granola.
The girls loved this too. I told them it was “acai berry ice cream” and the devoured it. Really I felt like I was eating ice cream too – it’s that good. I love this recipe for kids because it’s so high in antioxidants to fight those school germs. Next time I’ll make extra and freeze it in jars for grab-n-go breakfasts and snacks. This would also be great, and go a little farther, on some plain Greek yogurt.

 

Three Acai superfood bowls topped with bananas, mango, and chia seeds.

I’ve added a video below so you can see how easy it is to make your own acai bowls at home. Those ingredients are for a more tropical version.  The fun with acai is that you can add whatever fruits you happen to have in your freezer.

Acai Bowls

Acai bowls are refreshing, nourishing, creamy, and delicious. I know you’re going to enjoy this naturally sweet treat!

Yield: 1-3 smoothie bowls

Acai Bowls

Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes

Delicious and nourishing vegan acai bowls make a great breakfast or snack.

Acai Bowls

Ingredients

  • 7 ounces frozen acai (available in the freezer section of Whole Foods and other grocery stores)
  • 1 cup frozen fruit (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, pineapple, mango are all good choices)
  • 1 banana
  • 1/4 cup granola
  • 1/4 cup fresh berries (optional)
  • 1/4 cup sliced banana (optional)
  • 2 sprigs fresh mint (optional garnish)

Instructions

  • Break the frozen acai up into large chunks while still in the packaging. Remove from packaging, and place frozen acai chunks, frozen fruit, and banana in a food processor. Alternatively, use a blender with a little juice to blend. Transfer blended mixture to a bowl or bowls and sprinkle with granola and fresh fruit. Garnish with fresh mint, if desired.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 349Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 16mgCarbohydrates: 64gFiber: 12gSugar: 39gProtein: 6g
© Marina Delio
Cuisine: American / Category: Breakfast