Homemade Acai Bowl

Acai bowls are my FAV, so you’ve come to the right place for the best smoothie bowls at a fraction of the price. These bowls taste indulgently creamy thanks to my tips and tricks with an unparalleled depth of flavor thanks to three types of fruit (no bland or watery acai here!). I’ve included 5 different homemade acai bowl recipes as well as how to make ahead!

Watch how to make an acai bowl

 

DELICIOUS ACAI SMOOTHIE BOWL RECIPE

Whenever I get together with my girlfriends – it isn’t smoothies, breakfast, brunch or lunch – it’s acai smoothie bowls!  In fact, a few years ago we challenged ourselves to find the best local acai bowls by trying 10 different locations.  The verdict – Beach City Smoothie’s “Beach City Bowl” in downtown Carlsbad – if you ever happen to be in the area 😉. Today, I’m sharing homemade smoothie bowls that are even better!

What is acai?

Where does acai come from?  Acai (pronounced ah-sigh-ee)refers to the acai berry.  It grows on acai palm trees native to the Amazon rainforest in central and south America.  It has been the staple of the native Brazilian diet for years but you won’t find it fresh in the US because it has a very short shelf life.  Instead, we get to enjoy acai in frozen puree form or freeze-dried powder form.

What does acai look like? The acai berry looks like a round, dark purple berry.  Its shape reminds me of a blueberry and its color reminds me of deep purple grapes.  But don’t be fooled, unlike grapes and blueberries, acai berries are actually stone fruit like mangos and contain a large seed.  In fact, approximately 80 percent of an acai berry is the seed – so don’t bite into one!

What does acai taste like? The acai berry boasts a sweet, tropical, intense flavor described as a cross between blackberries and cocoa with a hint of pomegranate – are you sold?

What is an Acai Bowl?

Acai bowls are essentially thick smoothie bowls loaded with toppings.  They are made of pulped and flash-frozen acai berries that are pureed with other frozen fruit then served in a bowl and topped with a variety of fresh fruit, granola, seeds, nuts, peanut butter, etc. 

The bowls are cold, refreshing, creamy, sorbet-like and boast a deep, complex berry flavor.  Unlike some berries that can taste too tart, acai bowls are always perfectly balanced, in my opinion, and a flavor I never tire of.  

And then there’s the toppings.  Dress them up or dress them down, but you can’t have a smoothie bowl without toppings.  They create a dance of crunchy, creamy, bright textures that’s absolutely hypnotic.

Homemade ACAI BOWL INGREDIENTS

Full measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post:

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! 

How to make an Acai Bowl

Homemade acai bowls are quick and easy to make – just think making a smoothie with toppings!    Let’s take a closer look how (full recipe in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

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.

How to make Acai Bowls in advance

Acai bowls are best served right away as they melt and can become soupy if refrigerated.  Fortunately, you have two options to make ahead:

MEAL PREP ACAI:  Pre-portion small freezer bags of acai puree and frozen fruit for your various acai recipes.  Now, all you have to do is add them to the blender with your desired liquid.  You can also pre-chop and store fruit toppings in the fridge.

MAKE AHEAD ACAI:  Blend acai and store it in serving size portions in airtight containers in the freezer (not the fridge). When ready to eat, let the acai partially thaw, stir, then add toppings.  It will be a little less creamy but still delicious.

Acai Bowl Recipe Tips for success

• 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.

MANGO ACAI BOWL RECIPE

This Mango Acai Bowl recipe is my version of my favorite acai bowl at Beach City Smoothies.  It is made with my standard delectable blend of a frozen acai packet, frozen bananas strawberries and blueberries then top with bananas, strawberries, mangos, blueberries, granola, coconut flakes, chia seeds and mini dark chocolate chips.
  
What really sets this acai bowl recipe apart are the juicy, sweet mangos.  They are everything and I add them to every bowl whenever I get a chance. If you’re intimidated by selecting mangos, make sure to check out my “How to Cut a Mango” post which will explain everything you ever wanted to know.

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

BANANA BERRY ACAI BOWL RECIPE

This Banana Berry Acai Bowl recipe is made with my standard delectable blend then topped with bananas, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, granola, chia seeds and cocoa nibs/mini dark chocolate chips.   What really sets it apart are the plethora of berries.  They are juicy, sweet and tart pops of bliss in every bite.  I also love that only the strawberries require chopping!

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

TROPICAL ACAI BOWL RECIPE

This Tropical Acai Bowl recipe transports you to the tropics by using frozen pineapple instead of blueberries and pineapple juice instead of milk in the acai mixture.  It’s then topped with additional pineapple, mangos, kiwis, bananas, strawberries, vanilla granola, sweetened coconut flakes, and chia seeds.  It’s everything sweet and tangy coconut-y paradisiacal.

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

PEANUT BUTTER ACAI BOWL RECIPE

This Peanut Butter Apple Acai Bowl recipe uses apple juice instead of milk and omits the honey because apple juice is already sweet. It’s blended with two tablespoons peanut butter for an extra creamy nutty yum and cocoa powder for an added depth of yum.

The acai bowl is then topped with bananas, strawberries, tart Granny Smith apples, granola, chia seeds and mini dark chocolate chips.   I LOVE both the apple juice and the peanut butter in this recipe and actually add peanut butter to all of my acai bowls.

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

PROTEIN ACAI BOWL RECIPE

This Protein Acai Bowl recipe is made with my standard delectable blend with the addition of vanilla whey protein and peanut butter which both add a wonderful flavor.  You are welcome to use as much or a little protein powder as you like.  The acai bowl is then topped with strawberries, blueberries, bananas, additional peanut butter, granola, chia seeds and vanilla almond granola.

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

Acai Bowls Recipe FAQs

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Acai Bowls

Acai Bowls are the best smoothie bowls ready in minutes! Acai bowls are the perfect healthier back-to-school or back-to-work, breakfast, lunch or snack to fuel your day! Acai bowls are made with superfruit acai berry puree, frozen bananas, blueberries and strawberries then topped with fresh fruit, granola, and seeds. I’ve included 5 different acai bowl recipes and everything you need to know about homemade acai bowls including how to prep and how to make ahead. You and your family are going to LOVE these!!!

Servings: 1 -2 people

Total Time: 10 minutes mins

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

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Ingredients

ACAI

• 1 (100 gram) 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 TOPPING (Pick your favs):

• bananas, strawberries, mangos, blueberries, pineapple, kiwi, etc.

OTHER TOPPINGS (Pick your favs):

• vanilla granola, sweetened coconut flakes, chia seeds, flax seeds, peanut butter, cocoa nibs or mini chocolate chips, peanut butter, honey, etc.

Instructions

• Add the frozen acai packet, milk, honey, and frozen fruit to your blender. Blend on the smoothie setting or high power until smooth.
• Serve immediately in a bowl topped with fresh fruit and your favorite toppings.

Video

Notes

MANGO ACAI BOWL

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
• ½ cup frozen blueberries

The below toppings are merely suggestions – load on any/all of your favs! 

FRUIT TOPPINGS:

• mangos, bananas, strawberries, blueberries

OTHER TOPPINGS:

• vanilla granola, cocoa nibs or mini chocolate chips, chia seeds

BANANA BERRY ACAI BOWL

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
• ½ cup frozen blueberries

The below toppings are merely suggestions – load on any/all of your favs! 

FRUIT TOPPINGS:

• bananas, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries

OTHER TOPPINGS:

• vanilla granola, cocoa nibs or mini chocolate chips, chia seeds

 

TROPICAL ACAI BOWL

FOR THE ACAI:

• 1 packet (100 grams) frozen acai berry packet
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ½ cup frozen pineapple chunks
• 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
• 1/2 frozen banana (frozen in chunks)

The below toppings are merely suggestions – load on any/all of your favs! 

FRUIT TOPPINGS:

• pineapple, mangos, kiwi, strawberries, bananas

OTHER TOPPINGS:

• vanilla granola, sweetened coconut flakes, chia seeds

 

PEANUT BUTTER APPLE ACAI BOWL

FOR THE ACAI:

• 1 packet (100 grams) frozen acai berry packet
• ½ cup apple juice
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• ½ tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (optional)
• 1/2 frozen banana (frozen in chunks)
• 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
• 1/2 cup frozen blueberries

(If you don’t have apple juice you can swap it for 1 tablespoon milk + 1 tablespoon honey)

The below toppings are merely suggestions – load on any/all of your favs! 

FRUIT TOPPINGS:

• Granny Smith apples, bananas, strawberries, etc.

OTHER TOPPINGS:

• cocoa nibs or mini dark chocolate chips, vanilla almond granola, chia seeds

 

PROTEIN ACAI BOWL

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

The below toppings are merely suggestions – load on any/all of your favs! 

FRUIT TOPPINGS:

• strawberries blueberries, bananas

OTHER TOPPINGS:

• peanut butter, granola, chia seeds, vanilla almond granola, chia seeds

WHERE TO BUY ACAI 

Homemade acai bowls have become so popular that it is easy to find acai berry puree packets in the freezer section of most grocery stores, and definitely at health grocery stores.  They will be located either with the frozen fruit or the frozen juice.

Sambazon is the most popular brand of acai and I have had success finding it at Costco ($15 for 12/pack), Target, Whole Foods and Trader Joes.  If you don’t have luck with those retailers you can order Sambazon acai on Amazon – the frozen acai will arrive on dried ice – how cool is that?!

 TIPS AND TRICKS for acai bowl recipe

• 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 ever 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.

MAKE AHEAD Acai Bowls

Acai bowls are best served right away as they melt and can become soupy if refrigerated.  Fortunately, you have two options to make ahead:

• MEAL PREP ACAI:  Pre-portion small freezer bags of acai puree and frozen fruit for your various acai recipes.  Now, all you have to do is add them to the blender with your desired liquid.  You can also pre-chop and store fruit toppings in the fridge.
• MAKE AHEAD ACAI:  Blend acai and store it in serving size portions in airtight containers in the freezer (not the fridge). When ready to eat, let the acai partially thaw, stir, then add toppings.  It will be a little less creamy but still delicious.

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