Acai berries come from Brazil and are full of antioxidants, omega fatty acids, B vitamins, vitamin K and fiber. Brazilian acai bowls have gained popularity and are served at various cafes nationwide. These versatile bowls are full of nutrients and are a tasty way to start the day.
All you need to make acai bowls at home is frozen acai berries (or acai powder), fresh or frozen fruit and juice or milk. Serve them with granola, fresh fruit, nuts, seeds or shredded coconut. You can try these varieties or get creative with your own acai bowl concoctions.
Video of the Day
Video of the Day
Basic Recipe for Acai Bowls
Things You'll Need
Two 3 1/2-ounce packages unsweetened acai berries, such as Sambazon
2 large bananas
1 cup fresh or frozen fruit of choice
1/2 cup juice or nut milk of choice
1 to 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
Fresh fruit, raw nuts, granola, seeds of choice for serving
Add the first five ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Pour the thick acai smoothie mixture into two separate bowls, and top with your favorite fresh fruit, nuts, seeds or granola.
Tip
Run the packages of frozen acai berries under hot water for 5 to 10 seconds to thaw them slightly.
The acai mixture should turn out very thick, so be sure to use a high-powered blender. If your blender has difficulty blending all of the ingredients, use a small amount of additional juice or nut milk.
Cacao Banana Acai Bowls
Things You'll Need
2 large ripe bananas, peeled
Two 3 1/2-ounce packages unsweetened acai berries
2 tablespoons raw cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup (optional)
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup full-fat canned coconut milk or almond milk
4 ice cubes
Top with fresh banana, coconut milk, chia seeds or shaved dark chocolate.
Berry Beet Acai Bowls
Things You'll Need
2 large ripe bananas, peeled
Two 3 1/2-ounce packages unsweetened acai berries
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries
1 cup shredded beet
2 teaspoons pure maple syrup (optional)
1/2 to 3/4 cup apple juice
Serve with fresh blueberries, raspberries, yogurt and flaked coconut.
Tropical Acai Bowls
Things You'll Need
1 large ripe banana, peeled
Two 3 1/2-ounce packages unsweetened acai berries
1 cup pineapple chunks
1/4 cup full-fat canned coconut milk
1/4 cup orange juice
2 teaspoons honey (optional)
Add fresh mango, pineapple, flaked coconut and pepitas for serving.
Apple Cinnamon Walnut Acai Bowls
Things You'll Need
1 large ripe banana, peeled
1 cup frozen blueberries
Two 3 1/2-ounce packages unsweetened acai berries
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup apple juice
Serve with sliced apple, plain yogurt, raw walnuts, pistachios and unsweetened shredded coconut.