• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Whisk Affair
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Indian Recipes
  • Meal Type
    • Salads
    • Soups
    • Appetizers
    • Main Course
    • Desserts
  • My Cookbook
    • My E-Books
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Eid Specials
  • Buy my Cookbook
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Whisk Affair » Recipes » Meal Type » Global Breakfast » How to Build the Best Acai Bowl

    Published: Jul 24, 2019 | Last Updated On: May 25, 2020 by Neha Mathur | This post may contain affiliate links. I earn from qualifying purchases.

    How to Build the Best Acai Bowl

    182 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    Acai Bowl is a super healthy breakfast option that is easy to make and uses less than 5 ingredients and 5 minutes. Top it with a variety of topping for a new taste every day. Learn all about this healthy bowl in this post.

    Also, try my slow cooker steel cut oats or instant pot oatmeal recipes for healthy and filling breakfast ideas.

    Acai Bowl topped with fruits, granola and nuts.

    Ever heard of Acai bowls? Or ever tried one? Don’t worry, I have you covered.

    I am a big fan of these Bowls!

    Just like other smoothie bowls, they also take just 5 minutes to get ready.

    They are easy to make, yes but they are also loaded with nutrients making it super healthy. 

    You can even top it with your favorite fruits, nuts, granola, etc to add that crunch in your bowls.

    I usually make this bowl and keep the toppings on the table, and it’s so much fun to make your own toppings and we love this at home. 

    If you think it’s difficult to make, you are wrong!

    These are nothing but a thick smoothie made by blending together the acai berries, frozen banana, pineapple, or mango and poured in a bowl and then topped with fresh fruits, chia seeds, nuts, seeds, and granola.

    Easy, right?

    So, what are you waiting for?

    Here are another Smoothie Bowl, that you will love for your breakfast – Healthy Mango Smoothie Bowl

    What’s Acai Berry?

    Acai Berry (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) is a dark purple berry that grows on acai palm trees around the Amazon river in Central and South America.

    It is majorly cultivated in Brazil and neighboring countries, as these flourish in rainforest climates.

    Lots of Acai Berries black in color

    Image Source – https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/305576.php

    You can read more about these berries here.

    You can get the frozen berry paste from Trader Joes in the US.

    But like I have mentioned, you can use Acai Berry Powder if the paste is not available.

    A Packet of Frozen Acai Berry Paste

    While I went to the grocery store I got a few of these packets which I could use over next few days.

    Individual packs of acai berry packs.

    What does Acai Taste like?

    Acai berry tastes like chocolate, wild berries, and soil, all at the same time.

    People say it’s a cross between a blackberry and raspberry with a hint of chocolate.

    Acai is sugar-free and doesn’t taste like any fruit at all. It has an earthy taste with a chocolaty hint to it.

    It is 90% stone, so usually, people don’t prefer eating it on its own.

    Mostly it is used to make acai smoothies by combining it with bananas, pineapple or mangos.

    What are the Health Benefits of Acai Berries?

    Acai berries are known to be very beneficial as they are rich in antioxidants, fiber, proteins, and healthy fats.

    They are known to be good against aging and cancer.

    These are good for the heart as they contain high levels of healthy fats.

    They are even known to be good for losing weight.

    What are Acai Bowls?

    A Brazilian Acai bowl is called “Açaí na tigela” and is a blend of acai berry pulp and a hint of guarana syrup (Sweet Syrup), served with granola, fresh fruits, and banana slices.

    Although the one served in cafés is nothing but a thick smoothie made by blending acai berries  (Frozen Pulp or Powder) with fruits like banana, pineapple or mango and then topped with a variety of toppings.

    All you need to do is blend all the frozen fruits with acai berries to make a thick smoothie.

    Depending on the fruits you are using, you will need to adjust the sweetness.

    You won’t require any milk to make the smoothie as you want an ice cream-like consistency that you can have with a spoon.

    This Bowl is

    • Gluten-Free
    • Keto-Friendly
    • Not fattening
    • Low Calorie
    • Low Carb
    • Super easy to make

    Why should you make it at home?

    Because they are super easy to make and require almost no preparation. 

    If you have acai berries (Pulp or Powder) and other fruits available at hand, it is the easiest thing to make and won’t require much effort.

    These are super healthy to make and very economical to make at home as compared to eating out in a cafe.

    Ingredients

    Acai Paste or Powder: I have used Acai powder to make this bowl as founding pure unsweetened fresh or frozen acai berry pulp in India is a little difficult and the powder works fine for the bowls.

    But if you live in places where fresh or frozen berry pulp is available, it’s best to use it.

    Banana: I have used a frozen banana to make the acai smoothie bowl as it adds to the creamy consistency of the smoothie and gives it an ice cream-like texture.

    You can skip it and use frozen berry pulp only.

    Frozen mixed berries: I have used a mix of frozen berries. You can use any berries as per your choice.

    If you can get fresh berries, it is the best. Just freeze them for a few hours before using them.

    Oats: Oats acts as a thickening agent and also add body to the smoothie. It is not added traditionally but I like to add it.

    Honey: For sweetening, I have used honey. Traditionally a syrup called Guarana Syrup is added to sweeten the acai berry bowl.

    It is made from a fruit that is found in Amazon rainforests. 

    Yogurt: Although yogurt is traditionally not added in Acai Bowl, I added a little and the taste was still delicious.

    It made the consistency of the bowl a little thinner though.

    So if you are looking for a thick creamy bowl, avoid using it.

    Process

    First clean and wash all the fruits, apart from banana. Freeze the berries and banana for a few hours.

    Now add all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Depending on how creamy you want the smoothie to be, add a little yogurt, water or milk.

    Once done, pour the thick smoothie in the serving bowl.

    Top with topping of your choices, such as chia seeds, nuts, and granola and serve immediately.

    Where to buy Acai from?

    If you live in the United States, you can buy single-serving acai pulp packets from the sections of the frozen fruit at Trader Joe’s or other health food stores.

    You can also buy all needed ingredients at your favorite grocery store.

    Buy the natural pulp, which is unsweetened and sustainably harvested.

    In India, it isn’t that easily available, but you can buy the acai powder or acai mixture online in India from Amazon and Flipkart.

    You can even check Nature’s Basket or other gourmet food stores.

    Variations

    By making slight variations in the ingredients, you can make a new acai bowl almost every day. Here are some of my fav options.

    Mango – Add mango puree or fresh mango pulp along with the other ingredients.

    Tropical  – Add pineapple chunks and coconut milk to give a tropical makeover to your bowl.

    Berry – Add other frozen berries like raspberry, blueberry or strawberry.

    Peanut Butter – Add a dollop of peanut butter while blending the ingredients.

    Topping Ideas

    You can try and use different toppings every time you make an acai bowl. Some ideas are:

    Fruits – You can use any fruits or berries like strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, blackberry, sliced banana, apple, kiwi, passion fruit, dragon fruit, etc to top your bowl.

    You can use various shape cutters or even scoop to make fruit balls to make it more interesting. 

    Nuts – Top your bowl with nuts like almonds, walnut, pecans, etc for the added crunch and health benefit.

    Seeds – You can use seeds like chia seed, flaxseed, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds or hemp seeds to top your acai bowl.

    Butters – Top your bowl with a dollop of healthy peanut butter, almond butter, blackberry butter or caramel butter.

    Sweeteners – You can use honey, maple syrup, raw sugar or Nutella to sweeten your acai bowl. If you are diabetic, use stevia instead.

    Others – Granola for extra crunch; Homemade Granola would be the best, Chocolate chips, coconut flakes, pumpkin puree, sweet potato puree, apple juice, frozen whipped cream dollops are other options that you can consider for topping your acai bowl.

    I also love to use my Strawberry Sauce as a sweetener for Acai Bowl.

    Vegan Bowl

    If you don’t add milk or yogurt to make the acai smoothie, it is totally vegan.

    You can also add in a little Almond or Coconut Milk in the smoothie. 

    Just blend all the frozen fruits with acai berry and top with fresh fruits, seeds, nuts, and granola.

    Can it be kept overnight?

    Although it is always preferable to make fresh smoothies and consume, if you have leftovers, you can freeze the acai bowl in individual jars.

    The day you want to have it, let it defrost in the fridge overnight and top with your choice of topping before eating. They should last 3-4 days.

    Can it be Refrigerated?

    Yes, the acai bowl can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.

    Tools needed to make Acai Bowl at home

    Since, we are dealing with frozen fruits and berries here, we need a strong blender that can blitz the hard stuff quickly without emitting too much heat.

    A good blender like Ninja Mega Kitchen System is what I recommend. If not, use any blender that is capable of heavy-duty blending.

    Can you freeze Acai Smoothie?

    I will not suggest making the acai smoothie ahead of time or freezing it.

    It tastes the best when made fresh.

    You might also like:

    Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats

    Egg Roll in a Bowl

    Egg White Muffins

    Beet Banana Smoothie

    Acai Bowl Step by Step Recipe

    Add all the ingredients in a blender.

    All the ingredients in a blender.

    Blend until smooth.

    Blended until smooth.

    Pour the mixture in a bowl and top with your choice of topping.

    Acai Bowl ready to serve

    Recipe Card

    Loved this recipe?Click here to leave a review and give us a five star rating ★★★★★
    Acai Bowl is a super healthy breakfast option which is easy to make and uses less than 5 ingredients and 5 minutes. Top it with a variety of topping for a new taste everyday. Here is how to make Acai Bowl Recipe.

    Acai Bowl Recipe

    It is a super healthy breakfast option which is easy to make and uses less than 5 ingredients and 5 minutes. Top it with a variety of topping for a new taste everyday. Here is how to make Acai Bowl.
    4.43 from 7 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Breakfast
    Cuisine: Brazilian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes
    Servings: 2 people
    Calories: 157kcal
    Author: Neha Mathur

    Equipment

    • Blender

    Ingredients 

    • 1 tablespoon Acai Berry Powder
    • 1 Banana (Peeled, chopped and frozen)
    • ½ cup Mixed Berries (Frozen)
    • ¼ cup Instant Oats (Optional)
    • 1 teaspoon Honey
    • ¼ cup Greek Yogurt (Optional)
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Add all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
    • Pour the smoothie in the serving bowl.
    • Top with topping of your choice.
    • Serve immediately.

    Notes

    Replace acai berry powder in this recipe with 100 g frozen acai paste if it's available.
    Use Diabetic Friendly sweetener instead of honey for special needs.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 157kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 268mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 38IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Iron: 1mg
    Pin this recipe for later use!I LOVE to see your creations so pin and mention @WhiskAffair!
    Sign up for regular updates?I would love to have you as part of my journey. Click to sign up!

    More Global Breakfast Recipes

    • Korean Strawberry Milk is a delicious and refreshing drink made using fresh or frozen strawberries, sugar, and milk. Make this cafe-style beverage at home using my easy recipe (vegetarian, gluten-free, can be easily made vegan).
      Korean Strawberry Milk
    • Make these Bakery-Style Strawberry Banana Muffins at home using my easy recipe. These muffins are rich, delicious and have the most perfect crumb.
      Bakery Style Strawberry Banana Muffins
    • Strawberry Chia Seed Smoothie is a delicious protein-loaded breakfast option that is perfect to start your day. It is easy and quick to make and keeps you full for a long time (vegan, gluten-free).
      Strawberry Chia Seed Smoothie
    • Pumpkin Pecan Waffles are nothing but classic waffles loaded with fall flavors. Make them using my easy recipe.
      Pumpkin Pecan Waffles

    Reader Interactions

    Did you make this recipe? Let me know! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hey! Nice to meet you

    Neha Mathur, Founder & Recipe Expert at Whisk Affair

    Hi! I'm Neha, Blogger & Recipe Expert behind Whisk Affair. I've nurtured Whisk Affair since 2012 by trying & testing every recipe published. Be sure that it will turn out good each time! Read More about me…

    Stay Connected

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    My Cookbook

    Neha's Cookbook Cover

    Click to Buy Now on Amazon

    Most Popular Recipes

    • Make this delicious restaurant-style Hibachi Fried Rice (Japanese Style Fried Rice) for a quick Asian-inspired meal. Serve it with Hibachi chicken and Yum Yum sauce and get transported to a Japanese Steakhouse.
      Best Hibachi Fried Rice (Japanese Style Fried Rice)
    • This oven-baked lemon garlic baked tilapia is super easy to make and comes together in under 20 minutes. It's low carb, gluten-free, keto-friendly, and very flavorful. Here is how to make it.
      Spicy Lemon Garlic Baked Tilapia
    • Creamy Garlic Parmesan sauce served in a bowl.
      Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
    • Lemon tea served in cups.
      Lemon Tea
    • Light, hearty and delicious, Chicken Clear Soup is super easy to make at home. It is made using simple ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes. This soul-soothing soup is gluten-free and low carb too.
      Chicken Clear Soup
    • Egg White Scramble is a healthy, fluffy, and delicious option for breakfast. Serve it with some toast and fruits and milk on the side. Here is how to make the best fluffy scrambled egg white recipe at home!
      Scrambled Egg Whites

    Summer Mango Recipes

    • Kacche Aam Ki Launji is a sweet and spicy chutney made using tangy green mangoes, jaggery, and a few simple spices. This chutney keeps good in the refrigerator for upto 3 months. So make a big batch and enjoy!
      Kacche Aam Ki Launji (Sweet & Spicy Raw Mango Chutney)
    • Learn How To Make Mango Pulp in under 5 minutes and use it round the year to make your favorite recipes.
      How To Make Mango Pulp (Mango Puree)
    • Green mango chutney is a spicy and tangy Indian accompaniment made using green mangoes. Serve it with an Indian snack or meals for a tangy treat.
      Green Mango Chutney (Raw Mango Chutney)
    • This Easy Mango Pico De Gallo is fruity, sweet, and spicy and comes together in under 10 minutes using simple ingredients. Serve it with nachos, chips, rice, or tacos for a perfect summer special accompaniment (vegan, gluten-free).
      Easy Mango Pico De Gallo (Mango Salsa)
    • Mango Magic Tropical Smoothie is a delicious drink loaded with tropical flavors. Sip it for breakfast or for snacks (gluten-free, can be easily made vegan).
      Mango Magic Tropical Smoothie
    • Aam panna is a refreshing Indian summer drink made using green mangoes. It is sweet, tangy, and bursting with beautiful flavors. Make it in an instant pot or a traditional pressure cooker.
      Aam Panna (Tangy Green Mango Drink)

    Eid Specials

    • Mohabbat ka Sharbat is a refreshing Old Delhi-style summer drink. It has flavors from watermelon and rose syrup. Here is how to make it (vegetarian, gluten-free, and can be made vegan).
      Mohabbat Ka Sharbat
    • Lachha Rabdi (Rabri) is a popular North Indian dessert made by reducing milk and flavoring it with saffron and rose water (or cardamom). Make it in an authentic way using my easy recipe.
      Authentic Lachha Rabdi (Rabri)
    • Sheer Khurma or Sheer Korma is a traditional Indian dessert that is a must-make for the festival of Eid. It is made by cooking fine vermicelli with ghee, milk, dates, and dry fruits. Saffron is added to it for a unique flavor.
      Sheer Khurma (Vermicelli Milk Dates Pudding)
    • Super crispy from the outside and juicy from the inside, these Homemade Fish Fingers are a breeze to make. You just can't go wrong with this delicious and easy recipe.
      Homemade Crispy Fish Fingers
    • Kesar Phirni or Firni is a traditional Kashmiri dessert that is made using milk and rice. This Mughlai sweet is a treat to eat and is very easy to make. Here is how to make it.
      Traditional Phirni Recipe (Firni, Indian Rice Pudding)
    • Shahi Tukda (Shahi Toast) is a Mughlai dessert made using deep-fried bread slices, reduced saffron flavored milk (rabdi), and sugar syrup. It is a perfect dessert for festivals and special occasions (vegetarian).
      Mughlai Shahi Tukda

    Footer


    ^ back to top

    About

    About Neha

    Diwali E-Book

    My Cookbook

    Stay Connected

    Sign up! for emails and updates

    Contact Me

    Policies

    Privacy Policy

    Terms & Conditions

    Accessibility Policy

    Whiskaffair has been featured in leading media including the huffington post, bloomberg quint, buzz feed, your story and many more

    Copyright © 2022 WhiskAffair Food LLP