If you can’t make it to the fruit bowl vendor before they close, use this recipe to make your own acai bowl at home.
What is acai
Acai is berry derived from a acai palm, a type of palm tree. Brazil is the primary place where acai palm and berries are grown.
What is an acai bowl?
Acai bowls are prepared by making an acai base. The base typically consists of frozen acai berries, along with another frozen fruit, a sweetener and a liquid. The base is then topped with fresh fruit and other toppings.
Acai bowls have become popular in the US in recent years. However, they have been popular in South America for ages.
How to prepare
First, the base is prepared adding the frozen acai puree, frozen fruit, fresh fruit, sweetener, liquid and optional protein to a blender. Blend until mixture is smooth.
Lastly, you will top with fresh fruit, and additional toppings of choice. All examples are listed below.
Acai base
- frozen acai – I use the packets of acai puree, which can be located in the frozen fruit section in the grocery store. You may also use frozen acai berries. However, they are sometimes hard to find.
- frozen fruit – Blueberries, strawberries, mango, raspberries and blackberries are all great frozen fruit options.
- fresh fruit – Bananas are the best option for fresh fruit to add. Aim for ripe bananas, as these are better because they are more flavorful.
- sweetener – Honey, peanut butter and agave nectar
- liquid – fruit juice such as apple and pineapple are good options. Milk is also very common. I typically use skim milk or almond milk.
- protein – while this completely optional, this will add needed protein to your bowl. Add your favorite protein powder for protein. Peanut butter is also has a lot protein, so that will be a good option if you have no protein available.
Fruit toppings
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Kiwi
- Pineapple
- Mango
- Raspberries
- Blackberries
- Banana
You can pretty much use any fresh fruit you like.
Additional toppings
- Granola
- Coconut – shredded or shaved
- Nuts
- Peanut butter
- Honey
- Nutella
- Seeds – chia or flaxseed
Acai Bowl
Ingredients
Acai
- 1 3.5 oz. packet of frozen acai puree
- 1 banana ripe
- 1/2 cup liquid of choice apple juice, pineapple juice, almond milk, skim milk
- 1 cup frozen berries strawberries, blueberries, mangos, raspberries, blackberries. Can be used combined or used individually.
- 1 tbsp. sweetener honey, peanut butter, agave nectar
- 1 tbsp. protein powder, optional
Fruit toppings (Choose your favs)
- strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, blackberries, mango, pineapples, bananas use as many as you like
Additional toppings (Choose your favs)
- granola, honey, peanut butter, nutella, almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds, coconut use as many as you like
Instructions
- Add the frozen acai puree, banana, frozen fruit, sweetener, optional protein powder and liquid of choice to a blender. Blend on high powder until smooth. If your blender has a smoothie or sorbet setting, use that setting.
- Add acai base to a bowl and top with fresh fruit and other toppings.
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