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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!
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
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
How to make an Acai Bowl
Make this Acai Bowl in three easy steps,
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
More Smoothie Bowl Recipes
- Easy Strawberry Yogurt Smoothie Bowl Recipe
- Banana Mango Smoothie Bowl with Bee Pollen
- Almond Butter and Spirulina Smoothie Bowl
- Green Smoothie Recipe
If you try making this Acai Bowl Recipe, please leave me a comment and let me know! I always love to hear your thoughts.
Acai Bowl Recipe
Equipment
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.
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.
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.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Had my first Açaí bowl last night, now I want to make one. Must you always add fruit to blend with the Açaí? Would fat free milk and yogurt be enough to blend with Açaí and then have fruit just on top? I’m concerned about calories. Thank you.
You can definitely customize your açaí bowl to fit your dietary preferences! Blending the açaí with fat-free milk and yogurt is a great option if you’re looking to control calorie intake. This combination will give you a creamy base with fewer calories than using juice or sweeter fruits in the blend. Then, topping your bowl with fruit allows you to manage the amount and types of fruits you add, focusing on those that are lower in calories but still vibrant and tasty. This way, you can enjoy the freshness of the fruit without overdoing it on sugar and calories.
🙂
I’ve been adding the berries with 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt and coconut water (electrolytes, potassium, calcium, and magnesium) for additional liquid. There’s only 46 calories in one cup of cocunut water and it’s 15% protein. Turns out nice and creamy!
Hi Jessica! Thank you so much for your acai bowl recipe, it looks delicious! The acai fruit link posted is not in stock though, would you know if the option of acai in the link below is good for the smoothie?
Also have you tasted a Sambazon premade acai bowl and know if its good?
~Shira Beer
Yes, those could work fine, but the acai is mixed with other berries so the acai flavor wont be as strong.
I have not tried those smoothie bowls.
I tried the premade bowls and did not like it at all.
For the liquid. Can you use a protein shake?
sure 🙂
Is the nutritional information for one serving or two?
The Nutritional Info is per 1 serving, and the recipe as written makes a total of two servings 🙂
Tried it today and it’s amazing!! love it!
Thanks Sarah 🙂
Just got back from Isla Mujeres, Mexico and there they topped it with sunflower seeds and puffed amaranth instead of granola, it was so good!!
Those sound like excellent toppings, I will try those next week 🙂
How long should I blend for? Approximate minutes?
Continue to blend until smooth. The time needed will depend on the performance of your blender – anywhere from 1 to 3 minutes 🙂
Are you saying to blend the açaí with the yogurt, frozen bananas, strawberries and blueberries to make a purée and then add frozen sliced bananas , strawberries and blueberries (or some other fruit )? I don’t understand why are we blending the frozen fruit with the açaí and then adding more for topping. What am I missing?
Yes, there is the blended acai bowl mixture, and the fruit toppings which are not blended 🙂
The toppings are not frozen. You’re adding frozen banana for sweetness. Not sure why you add the frozen blueberries and strawberries other than variety.
Any tips on making this from Acai powder instead of frozen puree?
I don’t recommend powder, but here is my best tip.
When using acai powder instead of frozen puree to make an acai bowl, achieving the right consistency and flavor intensity is key. Mix the acai powder with a liquid base—such as apple juice, almond milk, or coconut water—to create a thick, smoothie-like texture. The amount of liquid needed may vary depending on the desired thickness. Still, a general guideline is to begin with a small amount and gradually add more until you reach your preferred consistency. Since acai powder can have a more concentrated flavor than frozen puree, start with a smaller quantity and adjust to taste. Additionally, blending the acai mixture with frozen fruits like bananas or berries will enhance the flavor and contribute to a creamier texture reminiscent of the traditional acai bowl made with frozen puree.
This was exactly what I was hoping for! After a long vacation in Hawaii, I so wanted to make my own and this didn’t disappoint! I halved the recipe, and got the frozen unsweetened packets of açaí from Publix. I have been very hesitant to make this bc I don’t have a fancy blender. I have a $45 Hamilton Beach one from Walmart. Because so many writers suggest the super expensive ones, I was afraid I would kill my cheap one. I am thrilled to say that it didn’t even struggle!! I put the açaí packet in warm water for almost 2 min (per instructions on the açaí bag) and had no problems at all. I used a low sugar Greek blueberry yogurt and didn’t have granola, but otherwise filled the recipe. Thank you so much for this recipe!! I can relive our vacation on the Big Island anytime I want now. 😉
I am happy to help you relive your tropical vacation in the comfort of your own kitchen, Denise 🙂