Watch how to make an acai bowl
THE ACAI:
Frozen acai berry packet: one packet is perfect for one bowl. The only brand I’ve seen and used in the U.S. is Sambazon brand, which I’ve detailed where to purchase below. I recommend this puree over the powder for the most authentic flavor and for the creamiest acai bowls. I purchase my packets at Costco which are not unsweetened. If you purchase unsweetened acai, you may want to add more honey to taste. Frozen berries: I use ½ cup frozen strawberries and ½ cup frozen blueberries in almost all of my acai bowl recipe variations. I have tried making them with just one berry or the other and the bowls taste a little flat – but both strawberries and blueberries tastes like magic. You can purchase bags of frozen strawberries or frozen blueberries or a bag of frozen mixed berries. I also will pop fresh berries in the freezer if I’m not going to get to them in time then use them in acai bowls. Banana: ½ frozen banana adds natural sweetness and wonderful creaminess without being detectable like in most smoothies. My husband doesn’t like smoothies with bananas, and he can’t taste them at all in these homemade acai bowls. Liquid: You can use any type of milk for extra protein, coconut water or I also love apple juice or pineapple juice. The milk is the most neutral and allows the acai flavor to shine but the apple juice and pineapple juice add a delightful pop. Honey: You’ll want to add one tablespoon honey to balance the acidity of the fruit. I like to add it directly to the acai blend so it gets evenly distributed but you may also omit it from the blend and use it as a topping. Peanut butter (optional): adds additional protein and flavor. I think peanut butter blends beautifully with any acai bowl recipe you choose, even the tropical bowl. Protein powder (optional): for additional protein and I enjoy the added flavor as well. I use vanilla whey protein so it adds and doesn’t distract from the acai. I will often pair protein powder and peanut butter together.
Acai Smoothie Bowl Topping Suggestions
The toppings are the crowning glory of the acai bowls. They elevate the bowls into a whole new dimension of YUM you didn’t think was possible. You can top your acai bowls with any manner of toppings – as much or as little as you like – the combinations are endless! FRESH FRUIT
Bananas: I put these on every bowl – can’t beat their creamy sweetness Strawberries: I also add them to every bowl because strawberries! Blueberries Raspberries Blackberries Pineapple Mango Kiwi Apples Peaches
OTHER TOPPINGS You can get creative with the rest of your homemade acai bowl toppings – whether you’re looking to add flavor, crunch or a health benefit.
Peanut butter: I use peanut butter as a topping as well as directly in the acai mix. Honey: I don’t add extra honey when I add it to the acai mix – you can decide if you want an extra drizzle. You will want to skip the honey for vegan acai bowls. Vanilla almond granola: I purchase mine in the bulk bins at Sprouts and add it to every acai bowl recipe – can’t beat that nutty vanilla crunch! Chocolate granola: this is also fabulous and feels like such a treat! Coconut: I toast my sweetened coconut for about 5 minutes at 400 degrees F, let it cool, then store in an airtight container so it’s always ready for my homemade acai bowls. You will never regret toasting your coconut! Chia seeds (or other seeds): are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, antioxidants, iron, and calcium; a 1-ounce, serving of chia seeds contains 5.6 grams of protein! I purchase mine at the bulk bins at Sprouts. Cacao nibs, chopped dark chocolate or miniature chocolate chips: because chocolate is life!
Step 1: Freeze your fruit
You can purchase frozen strawberries, blueberries or mixed fruit or freeze your own. You will also want to freeze your bananas for the ultimate creamy texture. To freeze bananas:
Once your bananas are ripe, chop them into thick slices. Lay them flat on parchment paper so they aren’t touching. Freeze until solid (about one hour). Store ½ banana portions in freezer bags.
Now you’re ready at a second notice to make your acai bowls! You can also follow this same method for mangos, pineapple, etc.
Step 2: Prep Toppingss
Chop fruit toppings before making the acai so you can serve the acai bowls right away for best consistency.
Step 3: Blend Acai
Add frozen acai puree to the blender by breaking it into a few pieces. Add liquid and fruit. Puree until smooth.
Step 4: Top Acai Bowls
Transfer acai to 1-2 bowls. Top with all of your favorite toppings. Serve immediately.
Use ripe bananas. Overripe bananas that are nice and spotty are much more flavorful and sweeter. Use sliced bananas. The less you have to blend to chop up the fruit, the thicker, creamier your acai bowls will be. If you chop your bananas before you freeze them, the easier they will blend. Use three fruits in the acai. I love the combo of bananas, blueberries and strawberries in the acai mixture but swapping the blueberries for pineapple is also fabulous. No matter what you use, try and use at least two fruits in addition to the banana. Vegan acai bowls: You can easily make any acai bowl recipe vegan by skipping the honey and using juice or coconut water instead of milk. Prep ahead. In order to get the fabulous creamy texture of acai bowls – and not just liquid smoothies – you need to use frozen fruit in the acai so make sure to plan ahead. Use frozen ingredients. The instructions on the Sambazon package say to slightly thaw the puree packet before using – which I do NOT recommend. You want the acai and the fruit to be as frozen as possible to achieve signature thickness. Also, don’t let the frozen fruit sit on the counter and defrost before using; you want every ingredient as frozen as possible. Don’t over blend. As previously mentioned, the more you blend, the thinner the acai bowls will be. You obviously don’t want chunks of fruit in your bowls, but once they are gone, stop blending. Chop ahead & serve immediately. Acai bowls are the optimal texture when served right away. They are supposed to be scoop-able thick and will thin as they sit and defrost – still delish, just not as thick and creamy. In order to serve immediately, you will want all your toppings prepped and your fruit chopped in advance. Top away! The toppings are completely customizable but I highly recommend at least bananas and granola.
FOR THE ACAI:
1 packet (100 grams) frozen acai berry packet 1/2 cup milk of choice 1 tablespoon honey 1/2 frozen banana (frozen in chunks) 1/2 cup frozen strawberries 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
FRUIT TOPPINGS: bananas, strawberries, mangos, blueberries, etc. OTHER TOPPINGS: vanilla granola, sweetened coconut flakes, chia seeds, cocoa nibs or mini chocolate chips
FOR THE ACAI:
1 packet (100 grams) frozen acai berry packet 1/2 cup milk of choice 1 tablespoon honey 1/2 frozen banana (frozen in chunks) 1/2 cup frozen strawberries 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
FRUIT TOPPINGS: bananas, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries OTHER TOPPINGS: vanilla granola, cocoa nibs or mini chocolate chips, chia seeds
FOR THE ACAI:
1 packet (100 grams) frozen acai berry packet 1/2 cup pineapple juice 1 tablespoon honey 1/2 cup frozen pineapple chunks 1/2 cup frozen strawberries 1/2 frozen banana (frozen in chunks)
FRUIT TOPPINGS: pineapple, mangos, kiwi, strawberries, bananas OTHER TOPPINGS: vanilla granola, sweetened coconut flakes, chia seeds
FOR THE ACAI:
1 packet (100 grams) frozen acai berry packet 1/2 cup apple juice 2 tablespoons peanut butter ½ tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder 1/2 frozen banana (frozen in chunks) 1/2 cup frozen strawberries 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
FRUIT TOPPINGS: Granny Smith apples, bananas, strawberries, etc. OTHER TOPPINGS: cocoa nibs or mini dark chocolate chips, vanilla almond granola, chia seeds
FOR THE ACAI:
1 packet (100 grams) frozen acai berry packet 1/2 cup milk of choice 3 tablespoon vanilla whey protein powder 2 tablespoons peanut butter 1 tablespoon honey 1/2 frozen banana (frozen in chunks) 1/2 cup frozen strawberries 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
FRUIT TOPPINGS: strawberries blueberries, bananas OTHER TOPPINGS: peanut butter, granola, chia seeds, vanilla almond granola, chia seeds
Carlsbad Cravings© Original Tag @CarlsbadCravings and Use #CarlsbadCravngs Leave a Review, I Always Love Hearing From You!
