If you even knew how much time I’ve spent in line waiting for my fav acai bowl, you’d laugh! So rather than spend $10 every time the craving strikes, here is my own Acai Bowl Recipe you can make (in mere minutes) at home!
Here is my favorite Acai Bowl Recipe which hs been on my mind for years – ever since I spent a few weeks in Brazil and ate them on the daily! Let’s break it down shall we…
What is Acai?
Acai is a HUGE staple in South and Central America! It grows on acai palm trees native to the Amazon (fun fact, I once climbed an Acai tree in hopes of getting high enough to get the fruit and that was a big fat no!) The actual berry has a short shelf life so you won’t find fresh acai in the states. Instead you can find frozen acai packed in the freezer section that will do the trick! I like the Sambazon variety – and it comes sweetened or unsweetened!
What does acai taste like?
It tastes like magic! It’s sweet and tropical and a little reminiscent of a blackberry + pomegranate combo!
Are Acai Bowls healthy?
When it comes to Acai bowls you have to remember that not all are the same and created with health in mind. Acai at its core is a super food and really good for you, the look like grapes and for the most part have very little sugar. With that being said, you want to look at the ingredients that go into an acai bowl. Many times acai bowls will look healthy but can be loaded with sugary toppings, so this is something to keep in mind. If your bowl, like the one I have created here, sticks to natural ingredients and limited toppings you should be safe. Its an excellent way to get your fruit, antioxidants and super foods in for a post workout or occasional mid day snack.
How to make an Acai Bowl at home?
The good news is that Acai Bowls are super easy to make at home. First, you will want to buy some frozen Acai from the grocery store. Most stores now carry this is the frozen section. Next you are going to take a banana and some coconut water and blend all three together. This forms the base of the bowl. From here you can have fun with toppings. I like to go with some homemade granola for a sweet crunch, some fresh strawberries, and some shredded coconut to top it off. Really any fresh fruit, granola, nut butters, honey drizzles, shredded coconut, cacao nibs, chia seeds or hemp hearts is great for toppings… the list goes on. It’s basically a smoothie bowl with toppings and I am here for it! For the all details and measurements see the full recipe and instructions below.
Coconut Acai Bowl Recipe
Ingredients
For the Acai Puree
- 2 acai Superfruit Packs (I use the Sambazon packs found at Whole Foods)
- 1 large banana
- 1/2 cup coconut water or unsweetened vanilla almond milk
For the toppings:
- Sliced Strawberries
- Sliced Bananas
- Shredded Coconut
- Crumbled Granola
Instructions
- Blend the 2 frozen acai packs in a blender with the banana and coconut water or almond milk until it’s thick and smooth like a smoothie.
- Top with sliced strawberries, sliced bananas, toasted coconut and crumbled granola. Enjoy immediately.
Photo by Matt Armendariz / Food Styling by Adam Pearson / Recipe by What’s Gaby Cooking
THIS LOOKS AMAZING!!!! I can’t wait to hear all about Brazil, too!!!!
I’ve never had acai, total tragedy. I need to get on it, because those bowls look so good, and are exactly what I need after gaining a ridiculous amount of weight the last month!
Never had acai either but it’s on my wife’s New Year’s Resolutions for me (Try new foods, be more flexible with dinner, and so on). She’s also trying to get me to eat coconut. I think this recipe is going to make her really happy.
Gaby, this sounds and looks amazing! I can’t wait to start my day with this recipe!
great attitude G! I need toe top moping that vacation his over and get after it! Great acai bowl 🙂
Need this bowl asap!!! Looks so healthy and filling!
Love acai and how can you go wrong with coconut and banana! Thank you for posting!
Looks so delicious! I love berries with a passion and this is totally my kind of thing!
This is awesome! We love acai bowls but hate spending all that money on them! Can’t wait to try this out! My favorite one at our favorite place is the chocolate peanut butter, sooo good!
These look great, but acai bowls have not gotten to Illinois yet. Will try one as soon as I find them.
They are all over Chicago
I love acai… never thought of making it into a “bowl”… so clever!
This looks delicious and so perfect after all the holiday indulgences. I should just make acai bowls at home too, and I like the flavors you have here. Happy New Year!
Do the little chocolate covered Acai balls count as healthy? I love them! I have never thought of making my own bowl. What a great idea. I can’t wait to dig into this over the weekend!!
Breakfast tomorrow! So gorgeous.
Ooo – these look delicious and such a tasty way to start the new year. I’m looking forward to the Acai post – I no nothing about Acai, but I’ve always been intrigued by that flavor! Happy New Year Gaby!
My kind of breakfast! There’s a small shop in Chicago that makes these along with a few other amazing juices and smoothies. I love this recipe!
I love Acai! YUM.
Yummy!! Love acai bowl, it definitely very energizing 🙂
Pinned!
Can you start with a base of acai juice? I have no frozen puree. How would you recommend getting from juice to puree?
it’s not quite the same unfortunately!
I just returned from Hawaii and had Acai bowls daily. Frozen fruit helps with the smoothie consistency. The North Shore had amazing acai bowls that I crave till this day. Frozen banana with nut butter in the mix was so good, topped with banana, cocoa nibs, granola, fresh fruit and drizzled with honey…mmmmm
I have missed this boat, and need to get on board right now!!
What blender do u use?
Yes please! I would love for this to be a regular morning event!
Sounds delicious! Can’t wait to try it out! Do you suggest the sweetened acai pack or the unsweetened? Also, your recipe mentions “toasted coconut,” do they sell shredded coconut toasted, or do I toast it myself?
I usually toast it myself!! And it’s a total personal preference! I like the unsweetened packets so I can control the amount/type of sugar myself. I’ll add a drizzle of honey if needed
This recipe is the best! We love acai bowls and make this often. The only thing we do different is we sprinkle a bit of cinnamon, espresso powder and some himalayan pink salt on top…YUM!
Mmm… I’m craving this so bad right now! Looks so dreamy! And I’m just imagining how amazing this must taste! On my try list this week. Thank u for sharing! Got so much inspiration. Hope all of your readers will give this a try too. Looking forward to your new ideas. I’m a real fan of what u do. Keep up the good work! <3
I made this acai bowl this morning and am looking forward to having it on repeat. THANK YOU Gaby for this and so many other wonderful, wonderful recipes!
Açaí bowls are always a highlight to my mornings! We do them very similar except that I’ve never tried it with coconut water and I love to add goji berries!!
How to make granola at home? Thanks