Acai Bowl

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Here are four easy acai bowl recipes you can make at home with your favorite ingredients. I’ve included various flavor options topped with colorful fruits and nuts.

How to make an acai bowl with delicious fruit toppings.

Acai bowls have vibrant colors and various toppings, but the superfruit inside makes them a popular health-conscious snack. Luckily, the base is easy to make and customizable to your taste. These nutrient-packed bowls make pulling out the blender worth the effort, and you can even meal prep for breakfast.

Need a protein boost or want to pack in more greens? No problem! The smoothie-like consistency adapts well to whatever you mix in. To get started, try one of these four delicious recipes. I can’t wait to hear which is your favorite.

Where can you buy it?

Frozen acai that you can buy in packets at the store.

You can’t buy fresh acai berries unless you visit the Amazon in South America. However, dried ground acai powder can typically be found in health food stores as a supplement. I use frozen acai berry puree packets, which are found in the freezer section at most large grocery stores.

Some brands also sell blends that contain sweeteners and other ingredients like guarana for energy. I used the Sambazon brand acai packs for the acai bowl recipes.

The base ratio

It’s easy to customize the ingredients to make a nutritious homemade acai bowl like making a smoothie. To get started, use the base ratio amounts for the main ingredients, such as acai puree, frozen fruit, and liquid. Have fun experimenting with exciting combinations!

  • Frozen Acai Puree: 1 packet (100 grams, ⅗ ounces), about ¾ cup
  • Frozen Fruit: 1 ½ cups
  • Liquid: ¼ cup
  • Yogurt: 2 tablespoons (adds a thick and creamy consistency, optional)
  • Sweetener: 1 to 3 teaspoons (optional)
  • Leafy Greens: 1 cup (optional)

Keys to success

Use frozen fruit: Due to their starches and tiny ice particles, frozen bananas add a creamy, soft-serve ice cream-like texture. Each recipe uses ½ cup of frozen bananas, a medium-sized piece. You can use frozen mixed berries or your favorite variety for the remaining 1 cup.

Liquid ingredients: A small amount of liquid, only ¼ cup, is needed to help process the frozen ingredients. Try water, coconut water, coconut milk, almond milk, apple juice, orange juice, or dairy-free milk.

Juices are an excellent way to naturally sweeten the mixture, while thicker milk adds a touch of creaminess. Don’t use too much; the consistency will become runny, and the acai bowl will melt faster.

Sweeteners: Honey, maple syrup, or dates can add a hint of natural sweetness. Although most of the mixture is frozen berries, bananas, and other fruits, you may find it sweet enough. A little extra sweetness helps to balance some bitterness from leafy greens like spinach or kale.

Nutrient boosts: Add protein with a few tablespoons of Greek yogurt, non-dairy yogurt, peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, or protein powder. Add ¼ of avocado for healthy fats and creaminess. Turmeric, cacao powder, and matcha green tea powder add various benefits, such as antioxidants and phytonutrients.

Blending sequence

Frozen acai and fruit in a blender cup.
Blended acai smoothie in a white bowl.

Processing the acai bowl ingredients works best with a high-powered kitchen blender. Add the liquid and leafy ingredients first, followed by the frozen ones. Any dried ingredients, like protein powders, should be added to the liquids.

The frozen acai packet must be broken down into smaller chunks while still in the package to make blending easier. The consistency should not be easy to pour out as you want to be able to use a spoon to eat from the bowl.

My favorite topping ideas

Various homemade acai bowl topping ideas including seeds and fruit.

What makes each smoothie bowl exciting is the toppings! It’s fun to customize with colorful fruits and ingredients that add a delightful crunch. Here are just a few ideas:

  • Fresh Fruit: Sliced strawberries, bananas, kiwi, apples, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, pineapple, mango, pomegranate arils.
  • Protein: Peanut butter, almond butter, or chopped nuts and seeds. Sliced almonds, peanuts, walnuts, cashews, or pistachios are good sources of protein. You can also try pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, shredded coconut, or hemp heart seeds.
  • Superfood Boosters: Cacao, cacao nibs, dark chocolate chips, matcha, flax seeds, chia seeds, goji berries, homemade granola.

Recipe #1: Berry Acai Bowl

Berry acai bowl recipe.
  • Base: Frozen acai puree, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, bananas, and coconut water.
  • Toppings: Strawberries, pineapples, bananas, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, kiwis, bananas, toasted coconut, hemp heart seeds.

Recipe #2: Protein Acai Bowl

Protein acai bowl recipe.
  • Base: Frozen acai puree, strawberries, blueberries, bananas, almond butter, Greek yogurt, protein powder, and cashew milk.
  • Toppings: Nut butter, sliced almonds, quinoa granola, strawberries, blueberries, bananas, chia seeds, and hemp heart seeds.

Recipe #3: Superfood Acai Bowl

Superfood acai bowl recipe.
  • Base: Frozen acai puree, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, bananas, kale, spinach, matcha powder, and pomegranate juice.
  • Toppings: Pomegranate arils, chia seeds, cacao nibs, strawberry, matcha powder, hemp heart seeds, banana, blueberry, blackberry, raspberry, granola.

Recipe #4: Tropical Acai Bowl

Tropical acai bowl recipe.
  • Base: Frozen acai puree, mango, pineapple, banana, and coconut water.
  • Toppings: Strawberry, banana, mango, pineapple, kiwi, coconut flakes, and hemp heart seeds.

Frequently asked questions

What is acai?

Acai (pronounced “ah-sigh-ee”) is a small purple berry found in the Amazon rainforest. It grows in clusters on tall palm trees. Its unique flavor combines blackberry and cocoa notes. The fruit comprises 95% seed, making only a few edible portions.

What is an acai bowl made of?

The base is frozen acai berry puree and a liquid to help with blending, which creates a thick smoothie bowl. Other frozen fruits, greens, yogurt, nut butter, or protein powder can be added for a nutritional boost and flavor. Acai bowls topped with fresh fruit, nuts, and granola add colorful and exciting textures. It’s easy to swap ingredients to make each serving gluten-free or vegan.

Are acai bowls healthy?

Acai bowls can be a healthy and nutrient-dense treat when balancing the various ingredients added to the recipe. Using acai puree and a variety of frozen fruits, leafy greens, protein, and superfoods can deliver fiber, carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Limit the amount of added sugar and consume the recommended serving size.

Can you freeze the acai bowls for meal prep?

Yes! Portion the acai bowls into individual portions in airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost the bowls for 10 to 15 minutes before eating so it’s softer and easier to scoop. Toppings can be added and frozen, but they will become slightly mushy as they defrost. Adding fresh fruit has the best taste.

Recipe Science

Use only frozen fruit

All the fruit in the recipe must be frozen, or a thick texture won’t be achieved. Water that freezes inside the fruit cell walls helps to keep the acai mixture chilly and thick. Grocery stores sell various types of frozen, convenient, and sometimes affordable frozen fruits. For fresh fruit, freeze them inside a plastic bag in a single layer until solid.

Acai Bowl (4 Easy Recipes!)

Make your own acai bowl right at home with four delicious recipes to choose from! Easily customize with protein powder, nuts, and your favorite fruit.
4.91 from 10 votes
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time0 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American

Ingredients 
 

Berry Acai Bowl

  • 1 packet frozen acai puree, unsweetened
  • ¼ cup coconut water
  • 2 tablespoons plain greek yogurt
  • ½ cup frozen banana slices
  • ½ cup frozen strawberries
  • ¼ cup frozen blueberries
  • ¼ cup frozen raspberries
  • 1 teaspoon honey, or maple syrup

Protein Acai Bowl

  • 1 packet frozen acai puree, unsweetened
  • ¼ cup cashew milk, or almond milk
  • 1 tablespoon peanut butter, or almond butter
  • 2 tablespoons plain greek yogurt, or dairy-free yogurt
  • protein powder, as recommended for 1 serving
  • ½ cup frozen banana slices
  • ½ cup frozen strawberries
  • ½ cup frozen blueberries
  • 1 teaspoon honey, or maple syrup

Superfood Acai Bowl

  • 1 packet frozen acai puree, unsweetened
  • ¼ cup pomegranate juice, or cranberry juice
  • 1 teaspoon Matcha powder
  • ½ cup baby spinach
  • ½ cup baby kale
  • ½ cup frozen banana slices
  • ¼ cup frozen strawberries
  • ¼ cup frozen blueberries
  • ¼ cup frozen blackberries
  • ½ cup frozen raspberries
  • 1 teaspoon honey, or maple syrup

Tropical Acai Bowl

  • 1 packet frozen acai puree, unsweetened
  • ¼ cup coconut milk, or pineapple juice
  • ½ cup frozen banana slices
  • ½ cup frozen mangoes
  • ½ cup frozen pineapples
  • 1 teaspoon honey, or maple syrup

Instructions 

  • Prepare the Bowl – Place the serving bowl in the freezer.
  • Defrost the Acai – Allow the frozen acai packet to defrost slightly at room temperature for a few minutes. Then, break it into smaller pieces while still in the package.

Recipe #1: Berry Acai Bowl

  • Add coconut water, yogurt, bananas, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, acai, and honey to a blender cup. Blend on medium speed, using the tamper to push down the fruit, for about 30 seconds.
    Increase speed to medium-high, and process until thick, spoonable, and smooth, about 15 seconds. Add more coconut water if needed. Transfer the mixture to the bowl from the freezer and add desired toppings. Serve immediately.
    Suggested Toppings: Strawberries, pineapples, bananas, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, kiwis, bananas, toasted coconut, hemp heart seeds.

Recipe #2: Protein Acai Bowl

  • Add cashew milk, almond butter, yogurt, protein powder, bananas, strawberries, blueberries, acai, and honey to a blender cup. Blend on medium speed, using the tamper to push down the fruit, for about 30 seconds.
    Increase speed to medium-high, and process until thick, spoonable, and smooth, about 15 seconds. Add more coconut water if needed. Transfer the mixture to the bowl from the freezer and add desired toppings. Serve immediately.
    Suggested Toppings: Nut butter, sliced almonds, quinoa granola, strawberries, blueberries, bananas, chia seeds, hemp heart seeds.

Recipe #3: Superfood Acai Bowl

  • Add pomegranate juice, matcha powder, spinach, kale, bananas, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, acai, and honey to a blender cup. Blend on medium speed, using the tamper to help push down the fruit, for about 30 seconds.
    Increase speed to medium-high, and process until thick, spoonable, and smooth, about 15 seconds. Add more coconut water if needed. Transfer the mixture to the bowl from the freezer and add desired toppings. Serve immediately.
    Suggested Toppings: Pomegranate arils, chia seeds, cacao nibs, strawberry, matcha powder, hemp heart seeds, banana, blueberry, blackberry, raspberry, granola.

Recipe #4: Tropical Acai Bowl

  • Add coconut milk, bananas, mangoes, pineapples, acai, and honey to a blender cup. Blend on medium speed, using the tamper to help push down the fruit, for about 30 seconds.
    Increase speed to medium-high, and process until thick, spoonable, and smooth, about 15 seconds. Add more coconut water if needed. Transfer the mixture to the bowl from the freezer and add desired toppings. Serve immediately.
    Suggested Toppings: Strawberry, banana, mango, pineapple, kiwi, toasted coconut flakes, hemp heart seeds.

Recipe Video

YouTube video

Notes

  • Recipe Yield: About 2 cups; makes one large bowl or two small bowls.
  • Serving Size: 1 cup (toppings not added to nutrition facts)
  • Freezing Bananas: Slice into ½-inch thick slices. Transfer to a resealable plastic bag and spread into a single layer, seal, and close. Freeze until solid, about 3 hours or more. One medium banana yields about ½ cup slices. 
  • Freezing Fresh Fruit: Any other type of fruit can be frozen in a single layer until ready to use. Make sure pieces are no larger than 1 inch in size.
  • Meal Prep: Store in airtight containers to make individual portions. Add toppings before or after freezing. Freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost for 10 to 15 minutes or until soft and spoonable.

Nutrition Facts

Serves: 2 servings
Calories 123kcal (6%)Carbohydrates 20g (7%)Protein 3g (6%)Fat 3g (5%)Saturated Fat 1g (5%)Cholesterol 1mgSodium 43mg (2%)Potassium 369mg (11%)Fiber 5g (20%)Sugar 13g (14%)Vitamin A 500IU (10%)Vitamin C 31mg (38%)Calcium 41mg (4%)Iron 1mg (6%)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000-calorie diet. All nutritional information is based on estimated third-party calculations. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.

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Jessica Gavin

I'm a culinary school graduate, cookbook author, and a mom who loves croissants! My passion is creating recipes and sharing the science behind cooking to help you gain confidence in the kitchen.

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  1. Ola Ipaye says

    What a bunch of fantastic acai recipes! I’m not too familiar with acai and have never had it but ill definitely do my very best to get it hands on some form of the acai!

    The smoothie bowls all look tasty too! I’ll be making one of sure.

    • Jessica Gavin says

      Thank you, Ola! I know you will love it. They sell the acai packs in the frozen food section, so it should be easy to find. Let me know what bowl you make!