Acai Bowl Recipe - Wholesome Yum - Easy healthy recipes. 10 ingredients or less. (2024)

Acai Bowl Recipe - Wholesome Yum - Easy healthy recipes. 10 ingredients or less. (1)

Free: Healthy Freezer Meals Recipe Ebook

Get It Now

For a totally refreshing take on a smoothie bowl, this homemade acai bowl recipe delivers sweet flavor with tons of benefits just like chia seed pudding. I ordered one for my daughter at a healthy lunch place on a trip recently, and my entire family was so hooked that I had to figure out a way to make it at home.

What Is An Acai Bowl?

An acai bowl is a traditional Brazilian smoothie bowl made from frozen acai berries (native to South America), banana, and other fruit. The blend is then topped with more fruit and crunchy toppings. Acai bowls make a great snack or healthy breakfast option!

Why You’ll Love This Acai Bowl Recipe

  • Sweet and tart flavors
  • Smooth and creamy texture
  • Naturally gluten-free, whole food ingredients
  • Just 5 minutes to make!
  • Packed with vitamins and powerful nutrients
  • The perfect easy snack or breakfast
  • Easy to customize with your favorite fruit and toppings
Acai Bowl Recipe - Wholesome Yum - Easy healthy recipes. 10 ingredients or less. (2)

Acai Bowl Ingredients & Substitutions

This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for homemade acai bowls, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.

Main Ingredients:

  • Frozen Acai Packets– I used frozen packets (found in the freezer section). These are already blended acai (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) berries. You’ll need 200 grams, or about 1 cup total of berry puree. If using acai powder instead of frozen, use 2 tablespoons total, but you will need to increase quantities of the frozen berries below. I suggest doubling the raspberries and blueberries.
  • Frozen Fruit – You will need sliced and frozen fruit for the base of the homemade acai bowl recipe. I used bananas, raspberries, and blueberries. You can also use other fruit, such as strawberries, mango, or pineapple. For a low carb option, omit the banana and add more berries instead, or use a combination of berries and avocado (like I do for my keto smoothie — you won’t taste the avocado!).
  • Coconut Water– This thins out the puree, to make it a smoothie bowl consistency, and makes it easier to blend. You can also substitute regular milk or non-dairy milk of your choice (such as store-bought or homemade almond milk). Plain water will work too, but the flavor isn’t as nice.
  • Honey– Optional, but nice for balancing the tartness of the fruit. I usedzero sugar honey to avoid added sugar,but regular also works.

Acai Bowl Recipe - Wholesome Yum - Easy healthy recipes. 10 ingredients or less. (3)

VARIATION: Add protein!

For a protein boost, add 1-2 scoops of protein powder, such as collagen, whey, or plant-based protein powder.

Acai Bowl Toppings:

  • Fresh Fruit – Top this bowl with fresh fruit, such as fresh bananas or berries.
  • Crunchy Toppings – I used sliced almonds and unsweetened coconut flakes for my acai bowl. You can also use other nuts, such as walnuts, cashews, or macadamias, or make it nut-free by using pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, or flax seeds. Homemade granola also makes a wonderful topping — this is what they used in the acai bowls we had on our trip that inspired this recipe.
  • Honey – Add natural sweetness with a drizzle of honey or zero sugar honey. Omit altogether to make the bowls vegan.

Acai Bowl Recipe - Wholesome Yum - Easy healthy recipes. 10 ingredients or less. (4)

VARIATION: Drizzle with nut butter!

A drizzle of peanut butter, almond butter, or other nut butter (or even sunflower seed butter) makes a flavorful topping option for extra protein and healthy fats.

Acai Bowl Recipe - Wholesome Yum - Easy healthy recipes. 10 ingredients or less. (5)

How To Make An Acai Bowl

This section shows how to make acai bowls, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.

  1. Combine. Place the frozen acai puree, frozen bananas, frozen berries, coconut water, and honey (if using) in a high-power blender.
  2. Blend. Puree the acai bowl base, until smooth and creamy. If needed, add more coconut water to reach desired texture.
  3. Garnish. Transfer the puree into bowls. Add whatever toppings your heart desires!
Acai Bowl Recipe - Wholesome Yum - Easy healthy recipes. 10 ingredients or less. (6)
Acai Bowl Recipe - Wholesome Yum - Easy healthy recipes. 10 ingredients or less. (7)

Acai Bowl Recipe - Wholesome Yum - Easy healthy recipes. 10 ingredients or less. (8)

TIP: Defrost the puree for 15 minutes at room temperature before blending.

This makes it much easier to blend.

Are Acai Bowls Healthy?

Yes, acai bowls are healthy, as long as you don’t add refined sugar. Acai berries are a nutritious superfood packed with fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins C, A, and E. Studies have even shown that consuming these berries can improve antioxidant levels in the body and lower cholesterol [*].

Storage Instructions

This bowl tastes best fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, store without the toppings and add them fresh.

More Healthy Breakfast Recipes

Don’t stop at this mouthwatering bowl! Make mornings more relaxed with these easy breakfast recipes, including sweet, savory, and make-ahead options:

Homemade Granola

Detox Smoothie

Oven Baked Eggs

Baked Oatmeal

  • High Powered Blender– With 5 speeds and 10 functions, you can make smoothies, soups, and more. Works great with frozen fruit!

Acai Bowl Recipe

Pin It For Later!

Recipe Card

Acai Bowl Recipe - Wholesome Yum - Easy healthy recipes. 10 ingredients or less. (13)

5 from 5 votes☝️ Click stars to rate or click here to leave a review!

Acai Bowl Recipe (5 Minutes!)

This homemade acai bowl recipe creates a thick smoothie bowl from frozen acai berries, fruit, and toppings for a healthy breakfast or snack!

Prep: 5 minutes

Total: 5 minutes

Author: Maya Krampf from WholesomeYum.com

Servings: 2 (adjust to scale recipe)

Un-save Recipe Save Recipe Remove Ads

Recipe Video

Like this video? Subscribe to my YouTube cooking channel for healthy recipes!

US CustomaryMetric

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see where to get them.

Acai Bowls:

Optional Toppings:

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.

  1. If you have time, let the frozen berries and bananas defrost for 15 minutes at room temperature. This is optional, but will make it easier to blend.

  2. Combine the acai packets, frozen berries, frozen bananas, coconut water, and honey (if using) in a high-powered blender.

  3. Blend until smooth and creamy. If needed, add more coconut water 1 tablespoon at a time to get the right consistency (or if it’s difficult to blend).

  4. Divide the acai mixture between two bowls. Add toppings if desired.

Did You Like It?

Leave a rating to help other readers (this also helps me continue to provide free recipes on my site), or get the recipe sent to your inbox.

Rate recipe

Save Recipe

Related Easy Recipes

  • Fruit Salad Recipe

  • Sugar Free Popsicles

  • Hawaiian Poke Bowl

  • Spinach Smoothie

Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 acai bowl

Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or toppings. For an option lower in carbs and sugar, replace the bananas with more berries instead.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving. Serving size in recipe notes above.

Calories 256

Fat 6.1g

Protein 3.8g

Total Carbs 50.3g

Net Carbs 38.1g

Fiber 12.2g

Sugar 25.5g

Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see our nutrition policy.

Course: Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keywords: acai bowl, acai bowl recipe, acai bowls, homemade acai bowl

Calories: 256 kcal

Want to save this recipe?

Save This Recipe Now

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. 🙂

Acai Bowl Recipe - Wholesome Yum - Easy healthy recipes. 10 ingredients or less. (21)

Introducing Acai Bowls: A Healthy and Delicious Treat

As an enthusiast and expert in healthy eating and nutrition, I have extensive knowledge about acai bowls and their benefits. Acai bowls are a traditional Brazilian smoothie bowl made from frozen acai berries, banana, and other fruits, topped with additional fruit and crunchy toppings. They are not only delicious but also packed with vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants, making them a great snack or healthy breakfast option.

Understanding Acai Bowl Ingredients & Substitutions

The main ingredients for a homemade acai bowl include frozen acai packets, frozen fruit (such as bananas, raspberries, and blueberries), coconut water, and honey. These ingredients can be substituted or customized based on personal preferences. For example, a low-carb option can omit the banana and add more berries, or even incorporate avocado for a creamy texture. Additionally, protein powder can be added for a protein boost.

Tantalizing Acai Bowl Toppings

Toppings for acai bowls are versatile and can include fresh fruit, sliced almonds, unsweetened coconut flakes, and a drizzle of honey. For added protein and healthy fats, nut butter can also be used as a flavorful topping option. These toppings not only enhance the flavor but also contribute to the nutritional value of the acai bowl.

Creating the Perfect Acai Bowl

Making an acai bowl is a simple process that involves blending the frozen acai puree, frozen fruits, coconut water, and optional honey in a high-power blender until smooth and creamy. The puree is then transferred into bowls and topped with desired toppings. It's important to note that defrosting the puree for 15 minutes at room temperature before blending can make the process easier.

The Health Benefits of Acai Bowls

Acai bowls are indeed healthy, as acai berries are a nutritious superfood packed with fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins. Studies have shown that consuming acai berries can improve antioxidant levels in the body and lower cholesterol, making them a beneficial addition to a balanced diet.

Conclusion

Acai bowls are a delightful and nutritious treat that can be easily prepared at home, offering a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors, creamy texture, and a wealth of health benefits. Whether enjoyed as a snack or a breakfast option, acai bowls are a delicious way to incorporate whole food ingredients and powerful nutrients into your diet.

Acai Bowl Recipe - Wholesome Yum - Easy healthy recipes. 10 ingredients or less. (2024)

FAQs

Is acai bowl healthy for kids? ›

Yes. Açaí is rich in fiber, antioxidants, and beneficial plant compounds including anthocyanins which help to support digestive function and promote a flourishing gut microbiome. Açaí also offers some calcium, iron, zinc, and vitamin B6, which together support baby's bone, blood, immune, and metabolic health.

Are acai bowls good or bad for weight loss? ›

The bottom line, experts say, is that acai can be part of a weight loss plan that includes a calorie-controlled diet, but by itself, it's just another fruit. If you really want to lose weight, experts say, choose an eating plan that you can stick with long-term, and be sure to get regular exercise.

Why aren t acai bowls healthy? ›

The toppings on acai bowls contributes to its overall sugar content. This includes natural sugars from fruits such as bananas, mango and coconut. When you add even more sweet toppings, such as honey and chocolate sprinkles, you could be dangerously close to consuming close to 1,000 calories per acai bowl!

Can too much acai be bad? ›

What are the possible side effects of acai berries? Anything in excess is regarded as bad. A full-fledged acai berry diet may be beneficial for some people, whereas it may cause problems in others, such as: Consuming acai berries could irritate the colon or intestinal tract, which may eventually lead to diarrhea.

Is it OK to eat acai bowls everyday? ›

While acai berries are rich in antioxidants and can be a nutritious addition to your diet, it's important to consider overall dietary balance and variety. Eating acai with fruits every day can be healthy if it's part of a diverse and well-rounded diet.

Is acai good for belly fat? ›

Many sellers of health foods and supplements claim that the acai (AH-sah-EE) berry will help you lose weight. Dieters beware: these claims are false.

Does acai burn belly fat? ›

While acai berries are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats, which can contribute to overall health and potentially support weight loss when part of a balanced diet, they are not a magic solution for shedding belly fat.

Is acai a healthy fat? ›

Acai berries contain more antioxidants than other commonly eaten berries. They also are high in fiber and heart-healthy fats.

Is it OK to eat acai? ›

Acai is generally safe to eat as a fruit pulp in smoothies and acai bowls. But drinking pure, unprocessed, acai juice may lead to Chagas disease. This happens when a parasite from rural areas in Central and South America infects the fruit. Some people who get this disease never have symptoms.

Is acai a fruit or berry? ›

Acai berries are 1-inch (2.5-cm) round fruits that grow on acai palm trees in the rainforests of Central and South America. They have a dark purple skin and yellow flesh surrounding a large seed. Because they contain pits like apricots and olives, they're technically not a berry, but rather a drupe.

Is it OK to have an acai bowl once a week? ›

But you shouldn't be eating them for breakfast or lunch several times per week. A smarter approach might involve replacing desserts like ice cream or frozen yogurt with an occasional acai bowl. You also have the option of making your own acai bowl, allowing you to better control the ingredients and sugar totals.

Is acai good for your kidneys? ›

potential health benefits, including decreased inflammation, reduced symptoms of arthritis, and protection against certain cancers. berries have been linked to possibly helping support heart health. Açai berries are acceptable foods for chronic kidney disease (CKD), as well as for patients on dialysis.

Are acai bowls healthier than ice cream? ›

"Think of them as a replacement for ice cream." So what's the health hang-up? The açaí bowl is basically a "sugar bomb," says Muhlstein. "Açaí bowls can have 50g of sugar [the equivalent of 12 teaspoons], or double what the American Heart Association recommends for women for an entire day," she says.

Are acai bowls actually healthy? ›

Though the nutrient profile varies depending on the ingredients used, most acai bowls are high in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, manganese, and potassium.

Is acai a healthy snack? ›

The açaí berry comes from the Amazon. It's a small berry-type fruit that is high in antioxidants, contains a few grams of healthy fats and zero grams of sugar. Its dark purple color may lend benefits such as balancing your cholesterol, protecting from cancer, and strengthening your immune system.

Are acai bowls good for your brain? ›

Specifically, the antioxidant anthocyanin, which is abundant in acai berries, may lower oxidative stress and inflammation, promoting brain health. Anthocyanins also have been shown to enhance and improve memory.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Corie Satterfield

Last Updated:

Views: 5934

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (42 voted)

Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Corie Satterfield

Birthday: 1992-08-19

Address: 850 Benjamin Bridge, Dickinsonchester, CO 68572-0542

Phone: +26813599986666

Job: Sales Manager

Hobby: Table tennis, Soapmaking, Flower arranging, amateur radio, Rock climbing, scrapbook, Horseback riding

Introduction: My name is Corie Satterfield, I am a fancy, perfect, spotless, quaint, fantastic, funny, lucky person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.