Do you want a healthy breakfast recipe to add some excitement to your mornings? Been doing the green breakfast smoothie and could use a change? Or are you looking for an easy and tasty snack that just feels like a treat? Then why not give this delicious Acai Bowl with coconut a try!
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
The acai bowl is a nutritious dish that is as healthy as it is delicious, plus it's perfect for busy families, foodies or home cooks who want something hearty yet simple. With its creamy texture and invigorating flavor from the fresh fruits, nuts and seeds, you won't be disappointed when enjoying this incredible superfood acai bowl recipe!
If you even knew how much time I've spent in line waiting for my fav acai bowl, you'd laugh! So rather than spend $10 every time the craving strikes, here is my own acai bowl Recipe you can make (in mere minutes) at home!
This Coconut Acai bowl is the snack you have been dreaming of. It is healthy, delicious and will make you feel like you are on a tropical vacation. With only four simple ingredients, this recipe is easy to follow and super quick to make. The next time you are craving a delicious superfood snack, this one will be it!
Here is my favorite Acai Bowl Recipe which has been on my mind for years - ever since I spent a few weeks in Brazil and most recently Hawaii and ate them on the daily! Let's break it down shall we...
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Acai Superfruit Packs
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Almond Milk or Coconut Water
- Shredded Coconut
- Crumbled Granola
*For a full list of ingredients and instructions please see recipe card below.
How to Make Acai Bowls
The good news is that these bowls are super easy to make at home. First, you will want to buy some frozen Acai from the grocery store. Most stores now carry this is the frozen section. Next you are going to take a banana and some coconut water and blend all three together. This forms the base of the acai bowl.
From here you can have fun with toppings. I like to go with some homemade granola for a sweet crunch, some fresh strawberries, and some shredded coconut to top it off. Really any fresh fruit, granola, nut butters, honey drizzles, shredded coconut, cacao nibs, chia seeds or hemp hearts is great for toppings... the list goes on. It's basically a acai smoothie bowl with toppings and I am here for it! For the all details and measurements see the full recipe and instructions below.
Step 1: Add 2 frozen acai packs in a blender with the banana and coconut water or almond milk.
Step 2: Blend until it’s thick and smooth like a smoothie.
Step 3: Pour it out in a bowl.
Step 4: Top with sliced strawberries, sliced bananas, toasted coconut and crumbled granola.
How to Store Acai Bowl
I recommend eating acai bowl right when you make it for the best experience, but if you need to refrigerate it, you can store it in a mason jar or a glass container in the fridge for a day, or max two days. I recommend not storing it with the toppings since they can get soggy.
How to Freeze Acai Bowl
If you are not going to consume extra acai smoothie right away, or want to keep some on hand, you can also freeze it. As with refrigeration, use a mason jar/glass container and store in the freezer sans toppings. When its time to eat, thaw it in the fridge.
I recommend storing it in the fridge/freezer promptly and not leave it out for too long.
Tips & Tricks
If you'd rather this be a smoothie, you can use the same base recipe and just pour it into a cup rather than a bowl! Still delish to top with granola, shredded coconut and a sprinkle of hemp hearts.
FAQs
What is Acai?
Acai is a HUGE staple in South and Central America! The acai berry grows on acai palm trees native to the Amazon (fun fact, I once climbed a tree in hopes of getting high enough to get the fruit and that was a big fat no!)
Where to buy Acai?
The actual berry has a short shelf life so you won't find fresh acai in the States. Instead you can find frozen acai packed in the freezer section that will do the trick! I like the Sambazon variety - and it comes sweetened or unsweetened!Â
What does Acai taste like?
It tastes like magic! It's sweet and tropical and a little reminiscent of a blackberry + pomegranate combo!Â
Are Acai Bowls healthy?
When it comes to Acai bowls you have to remember that not all are the same and created with health in mind. Acai at its core is a super food and really good for you, the look like grapes and for the most part have very little sugar. With that being said, you want to look at the ingredients that go into a healthy acai bowl.
Many times acai bowls will look healthy but can be loaded with sugary toppings, so this is something to keep in mind. If your bowl, like the one I have created here, sticks to natural ingredients and limited toppings you should be safe. Its an excellent way to get your fruit, antioxidants and super foods in for a post workout or occasional mid day snack.
Similar Recipes
If you tried this recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting today!
Coconut Acai Bowl Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Acai Puree
- 2 acai Superfruit Packs (I use the Sambazon packs found at Whole Foods)
- 1 large banana
- ½ cup coconut water or unsweetened vanilla almond milk
For the toppings:
- Sliced Strawberries
- Sliced Bananas
- Shredded Coconut
- Crumbled Granola
Instructions
- Blend the 2 frozen acai packs in a blender with the banana and coconut water or almond milk until it’s thick and smooth like a smoothie.
- Top with sliced strawberries, sliced bananas, toasted coconut and crumbled granola. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Photo by Matt Armendariz / Food Styling by Adam Pearson / Recipe by What's Gaby Cooking
This sounds like the BEST way to start of a busy day!! I have never even looked for frozen berries, so I am off to the market!!
Can you omit the banana? If so, suggestions for substitution?
How to make granola at home? Thanks
Açaà bowls are always a highlight to my mornings! We do them very similar except that I’ve never tried it with coconut water and I love to add goji berries!!
I made this acai bowl this morning and am looking forward to having it on repeat. THANK YOU Gaby for this and so many other wonderful, wonderful recipes!
Mmm... I'm craving this so bad right now! Looks so dreamy! And I’m just imagining how amazing this must taste! On my try list this week. Thank u for sharing! Got so much inspiration. Hope all of your readers will give this a try too. Looking forward to your new ideas. I'm a real fan of what u do. Keep up the good work! <3
This recipe is the best! We love acai bowls and make this often. The only thing we do different is we sprinkle a bit of cinnamon, espresso powder and some himalayan pink salt on top...YUM!
Sounds delicious! Can't wait to try it out! Do you suggest the sweetened acai pack or the unsweetened? Also, your recipe mentions "toasted coconut," do they sell shredded coconut toasted, or do I toast it myself?
I usually toast it myself!! And it's a total personal preference! I like the unsweetened packets so I can control the amount/type of sugar myself. I'll add a drizzle of honey if needed
Yes please! I would love for this to be a regular morning event!
What blender do u use?
I have missed this boat, and need to get on board right now!!
I just returned from Hawaii and had Acai bowls daily. Frozen fruit helps with the smoothie consistency. The North Shore had amazing acai bowls that I crave till this day. Frozen banana with nut butter in the mix was so good, topped with banana, cocoa nibs, granola, fresh fruit and drizzled with honey...mmmmm
Can you start with a base of acai juice? I have no frozen puree. How would you recommend getting from juice to puree?
it's not quite the same unfortunately!
Yummy!! Love acai bowl, it definitely very energizing 🙂
Pinned!
I love Acai! YUM.