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Home » Drinks and Smoothies » Acai Bowl Recipe – How to Make Your Own Acai Bowl

Acai Bowl Recipe – How to Make Your Own Acai Bowl

Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon Jessica Randhawa
June 26, 2019
4.82 from 1062 votes


Last Updated September 20, 2019 | 87 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

122.6K shares
Jump to Recipe

Ready in just a few minutes, this Acai Bowl Recipe is filled with acai berry puree, fruit, and all your favorite toppings. Learn how easy it is to make your very own Acai Bowl right from home and enjoy this powerhouse of fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats anytime you want for a fraction of the cost!

Acai bowl topped with fresh fruit and granola.

My first encounter with the infamous Acai Bowl was nearly fifteen years ago as a student at University of California Santa Cruz. Facebook was still just for students, Instagram was unheard of, and flip phones were all the rage. Despite a lack of social media coverage, however, acai bowls (and burritos) reigned king in my not-so-sleepy college town. 

Many years (and Instagram posts) later, “acai” is now synonymous with the word “superfood” (because it is) and everyone wants a piece.

I mean, you do, right?

Fortunately, acai bowls are basically super thick smoothie bowls with a very special ingredient -acai berry puree!

What is Acai?

Açaí, pronounced ah-sigh-EE, comes from the acai berry grown on the acai palm tree in South Amerian rainforests.

With an outward appearance similar to that of a grape and a blueberry, approximately 80 percent of an acai berry is the seed with the remaining 20 percent containing the all nutritional value. Many believe that the acai berry contains more antioxidants than blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, or cranberries.

With claims that acai helps aid in weight loss, brain function, and prevent cancer, it’s easy to get hooked. But are any of these claims true? According to WebMD acai berries have “no known health benefit that’s different from similar fruits.”

Here’s what we DO KNOW about acai.

For starters, unlike many fruits that are high in sugar and low in fat, the acai berry is actually somewhat higher in fat and low in sugar.

In 100 grams of frozen unsweetened acai fruit pulp you’ll receive:

  • Calories: 70
  • Fat: 5 grams
  • Potassium: 130 mg
  • Carbohydrates: 5 grams
  • Fiber: 4 grams
  • Sugar: 0 grams
  • Protein: 1 gram
banana slices, frozen acai, and strawberries in a blender
Blender filled with acai smoothie.

What is an Acai Bowl?

Now that you know all about acai, what is an acai bowl?

Originating in Brazil, the acai bowl is made of frozen acai palm fruit that is pureed and served as a smoothie in a bowl or glass. In Brazil, acai bowls are typically topped with granola, banana, and guaraná syrup. Several other variations, however, can be found throughout the country, including acai bowls topped with tapioca balls and a saltier version that is topped with shrimp or dried fish.

With the explosion of social media, acai bowls have become a popular muse thanks to their bright color, blending varieties, and wide assortment of toppings.

Acai Bowl Ingredients

In this acai bowl recipe, you will find the following ingredients-

  • Pure Unsweetened Acai Puree – If you can’t find frozen acai puree, there is also acai powder available. Although I have not tried acai powder personally, I would recommend using this with frozen fruit for the most authentic and thick smoothie possible.
  • Frozen blueberries and strawberries – fortunately, acai tastes great with just about any fruit. That said, it tastes particularly wonderful with frozen berries. Any mixture of blueberries, strawberries, or blackberries would be my top pick.
  • Banana – Ideally frozen, bananas are naturally super sweet and super creamy (not to mention loaded with potassium!)
  • Liquid – Yes, you will need some kind of liquid to get things moving along. I added milk for the extra protein boost, but feel free to add your favorite fruit juice.
  • Yogurt – I understand that yogurt may not be for everyone, so feel free to leave it out and substitute with additional milk or juice if preferred. However, if you are team yogurt, do it. So much creaminess. That said, please PLEASE do not add a flavored yogurt. You will completely mask the delicious, natural flavor of the acai.
  • Acai Bowl Toppings:
    • Granola
    • Seeds
    • Nuts
    • Fresh sliced fruit
White bowl filled with thick and smooth acai smoothie.

How to make an Acai Bowl

Make this Acai Bowl in three easy steps,

  1. Freeze your fruit. Slice your banana and transfer it to a small baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper. To the same plate, add the blueberries and strawberries (store-bought frozen fruit will work just as well). Transfer tray or plate to the freezer and allow the fruit to freeze completely.
  2. Blend. Once frozen, add the milk and yogurt to the bowl of a large, high-speed blender with a tamper (see tips and tricks). Add the frozen blueberries, strawberries, banana, and broken up acai. With the blender on low, use the tamper to push the frozen fruit down, mixing around as much as possible. Continue to blend on low until smooth, only adding additional liquid when needed.
  3. Assemble. Divide the smoothie into two bowls and top with all your favorite toppings. Best enjoyed immediately (because it will melt).

Are Acai Bowls Healthy?

We know that acai is good for you, but what about acai bowls?

This depends on a number of factors with the three most important being: topping choices, topping amounts, and overall serving size.

With no toppings, one serving (or one acai bowl) will contain approximately 250 calories, 10 grams of fat, 30 grams carbohydrates, 7 grams fiber, 20 grams sugar, and 7 grams protein. Normally I would question anything with that much sugar, but knowing that it either comes from fruit or milk, I’m ok (you will have to decide this for yourself). Calories aside, the vitamins and minerals in this single bowl pack a huge punch.

But the toppings…what about those toppings?

  • If you plan to add granola, check the nutrition label. What you find may surprise you. Or, make your own homemade granola!
  • Add less stuff when comparing your acai bowl against us food bloggers and Instagrammers. I can’t speak for all of us, but some of our bowls that claim to be “healthy” most definitely are not.
  • Start with a smaller bowl to reduce the serving size.
Acai topped with fresh fruit and granola.

How can I make my Acai Bowl Vegan?

You can easily make any acai bowl vegan by skipping the cow milk and yogurt. I live in a dairy-loving family, but it’s definitely not required for a delicious tasting acai bowl.

  • Substitute cow milk with plant-bast milk or apple juice, instead.
  • Use a plant-based yogurt. There are so many awesome soy or coconut dairy yogurt alternatives for you to pick from.
  • Skip the yogurt entirely and add additional plant-based milk or fruit juice instead.
  • Read ingredients carefully – many granolas are sweetened with honey.

Helpful Tips and Tricks

  • While I have not tried every blender out there, it is incredibly difficult to get a super thick smoothie bowl unless you have a blender that comes with a tamper (or something equivalent). This is the blender that I own. It has lasted years of daily use but isn’t cheap. Here is a well-reviewed much more affordable option. If you don’t care about thickness, then the type of blender won’t matter as much- you’ll just need to adjust the amount of liquid.
  • Don’t rush it. In other words, don’t try to rush your blender from 0 to 60 without giving it the proper time to get there (this is the easiest way to blow its motor).
  • These are the acai packets I use. Be sure to look for the unsweetened version.
  • I do not recommend any kind of sweetened yogurt or added sweetener – especially if you are adding banana. You will lose out on the fabulous acai taste and instantly make a healthy snack a dessert.
  • Add some tropical flavor by blending with frozen mango or papaya.
Hand holding a spoon about to take a scoop from a prepared acai bowl.

More Smoothie Bowl Recipes

  • Easy Strawberry Yogurt Smoothie Bowl Recipe
  • Mango Peach Green Smoothie Recipe
  • Easy Strawberry Yogurt Smoothie Bowl Recipe
  • Banana Mango Smoothie Bowl with Bee Pollen
  • Almond Butter and Spirulina Smoothie Bowl
  • Cherry Cocoa Smoothie

If you try making this Acai Bowl Recipe, please leave me a comment and let me know! I always love to hear your thoughts.

Spoon in acai bowl decorated with fresh fruit and granola.

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Acai bowl topped with fresh fruit and granola.

Acai Bowl Recipe

4.82 from 1062 votes
Chef: Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked SpoonJessica Randhawa
Ready in just a few minutes, this Acai Bowl Recipe is filled with acai berry puree, fruit, and all your favorite toppings. Learn how easy it is to make your very own Acai Bowl right from home and enjoy this powerhouse of fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats anytime you want for a fraction of the cost!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe Save Saved!
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 2 servings
Calories 248 kcal

Equipment

  • Blender

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 banana - sliced and frozen
  • ½ cup blueberries - frozen
  • ½ cup strawberries - frozen
  • ¾ cup milk or juice - use your favorite milk (dairy milk, soy, almond, etc) or juice (apple or grape)
  • ½ cup plain yogurt - (substitute with milk or juice if desired)
  • 200 grams (2 packets) frozen acai puree - broken into pieces
  • assorted toppings - nuts, seeds, fresh fruit, granola, coconut, etc.
Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions
 

  • Freeze your fruit. Slice your banana and transfer it to a small baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper. To the same plate, add the blueberries and strawberries (store-bought frozen fruit will work just as well). Transfer tray or plate to the freezer and allow fruit to freeze completely.
  • Blend. Once frozen, add the milk and yogurt to the bowl of a large, high-speed blender with a tamper (see notes). Add the frozen blueberries, strawberries, banana, and broken up acai. With the blender on low, use the tamper to push the frozen fruit down, mixing around as much as possible. Continue to blend on low until smooth, only adding additional liquid when needed.
  • Assemble. Divide the smoothie into two bowls and top with all your favorite toppings. Popular additions include sliced banana, nuts, seeds, granola, and berries. Best enjoyed immediately.

Jessica's Notes

  • If you forget to pre-freeze your banana, that's ok. However, I recommend adding additional fruit (strawberries, blueberries, mango, etc) that are already pre-frozen to help contribute to the thick consistency characteristic to acai bowls.
  • While I have not tried every blender out there, it is incredibly difficult to get a super thick smoothie bowl unless you have a blender that comes with a tamper (or something equivalent). This is the updated model of the blender that I own. It has lasted over 5 years of daily use but isn't cheap. Here is a well-reviewed much more affordable option. If you don't care about thickness, then the type of blender won't matter as much- you'll just need to adjust the amount of liquid.
  • These are the acai packets I use. Be sure to look for the unsweetened version.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 248kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 69mg | Potassium: 511mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 245IU | Vitamin C: 29.9mg | Calcium: 183mg | Iron: 0.4mg

(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.)

Keyword Acai Bowl, Acai Bowl Recipe
Did You Make This Recipe? Tag it Today!Mention @theforkedspoon or tag #theforkedspoon and please leave your star rating in the comment section below.

About Jessica

Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon

Chef Jessica Randhawa leads The Forked Spoon. A world traveler, Jessica developed her passion for culinary arts while adventuring. With her recipes making their way onto renowned platforms such as Women's Health, Daily Mail, Al Jazeera, and Fox News, she's marked her presence in the culinary world. Jessica's academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science from the University of California.

122.6K shares
Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon

About Jessica Randhawa

Chef Jessica Randhawa leads The Forked Spoon. A world traveler, Jessica developed her passion for culinary arts while adventuring. With her recipes making their way onto renowned platforms such as Women's Health, Daily Mail, Al Jazeera, and Fox News, she's marked her presence in the culinary world. Jessica's academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science from the University of California.

Comments

  1. Leo says

    June 6, 2023 at 2:50 pm

    5 stars
    The original Brazilian Açaí bow uses fresh fruits for toppings ,Not frozen.
    Basically is the pure açaí pure topped with fresh fruits, granola and honey. Powdered milk, condensed milk, guaraná sirup are optional.

    Reply
  2. Laurie says

    June 4, 2023 at 9:16 am

    Great article and tips! Thank you! I’ve been wanting to making my own acai bowls for a while. Perhaps today would be perfect considering how hot it is already.

    Reply
  3. Ginger says

    May 31, 2023 at 6:24 pm

    5 stars
    This is my favorite bowl I’ve made yet, thank you

    Reply
  4. Mel says

    May 17, 2023 at 8:55 pm

    5 stars
    I absolutely love this recipe!
    I have meal prepped these for work a few times. I take them out of the freezer at 7am and by 10am it’s at a perfect consistency.
    Sometimes i use coconut water instead of milk and its amazing.

    Reply
  5. Tifani says

    April 21, 2023 at 6:07 pm

    Is there a substitute I can use for the banana that isn’t avocado?

    Reply
  6. Ruth says

    April 8, 2023 at 9:08 am

    5 stars
    This recipe came out great! My 13 year old son loved it! I have had my vitamix for over 10 years – such a good blender!!

    Reply
  7. Lauren says

    February 13, 2023 at 8:57 am

    How many teaspoons of Acai powder do I need?

    Reply
    • Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked SpoonJessica Randhawa says

      February 13, 2023 at 10:29 am

      I have not tried acai powder personally, but I would recommend using this recipe with frozen fruit for the most authentic and thick smoothie possible.

      Check the container of the powder as it may have some directions 🙂

      Reply
  8. Greg K says

    January 29, 2023 at 8:51 pm

    5 stars
    Made it for breakfast after my daughter had a sleepover. Everyone loved it. I used as 1100w Ninja blender and it did fine (no tamper needed).

    Reply
  9. monique benfield says

    January 24, 2023 at 1:32 pm

    5 stars
    I recently had my first Acai Bowl which was served in a plastic cup in Sydney Australia. It was Devine, I fell in love with it .Monique

    Reply
  10. Sierra says

    January 15, 2023 at 8:38 am

    can this be stored for later use? like if I want to meal prep could I put it in the freezer?

    Reply
    • Profile photo of chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked SpoonJessica Randhawa says

      January 15, 2023 at 9:32 am

      You can, but it won’t be as good as when it is freshly blended.

      Reply
  11. Jamie says

    January 7, 2023 at 6:38 pm

    5 stars
    This was exactly what I needed to make the best acai bowl!

    Reply
  12. Kari says

    October 20, 2022 at 5:06 pm

    5 stars
    Delicious

    Reply
    • Eric says

      December 6, 2022 at 11:42 am

      5 stars
      Good recipe but I hate having to read a novel when I want to simply find ingredients to make something. Not the authors fault ever recipe online encompasses a novel of ooey gooey adjectives before you get to the bottom to find out how to actually make something

      Reply
      • Pilar says

        May 17, 2023 at 5:05 am

        Totally agree, I’m a pro chef and I like to go straight to the point…I don’t care to know about the story of the life of tomatoes or cucumbers that is not relevant just give the recipe and that’s it pls! E don’t have to read things that are not that important

      • Laurie says

        June 4, 2023 at 9:08 am

        Almost all blogs have a “Jump to Recipe” link. This one does as well.

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Chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon

I’m Jessica, the chef behind The Forked Spoon, where I share my delicious recipes along with my kitchen tips and expert advice to transform your everyday cooking into a gratifying culinary experience. Learn more about me→

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