How to Make a Homemade Acai Bowl – Easy Acai Bowl Recipe
Acai bowls have been trending for some time now – it seems like a new acai bowl spot is opening up every other week in LA. If you’ve never had an acai bowl before – you’re missing out. They are so. damn. delicious. My good friend and photographer, Lauren, got me totally hooked on making homemade acai bowls. We made these last weekend and I immediately bought the ingredients (all available at Trader Joe’s!), and have been making them practically every day since then. This really is one easy acai bowl recipe! If you’ve ever been intimidated by the thought of making a homemade acai bowl, trust me when I say it is actually super simple.
How to Make a Homemade Acai Bowl – Easy Acai Bowl Recipe
What is acai?
Acai is a popular tropical fruit from Brazil. In the US it is widely available as a puree, which has led to the popularity of acai bowls. Typically consumed in a smoothie or a bowl, acai makes a delicious, quick, and healthy breakfast or snack.
Are acai bowls healthy?
Acai itself is a superfood – filled to the brim with antioxidants! Acai berries are believed to improve skin, digestion, your heart health, and boost your immune system.
BUT – it is important to note that the actual health factor of acai bowls are somewhat mixed. The acai puree itself can contain sugar (when buying frozen packets, be sure to look for ones with no added sugars or additional ingredients other than acai!), and once you add in all of the fruit, juice, and granola, you’re looking at a breakfast that is very high in sugar. Even if it’s natural sugar, it’s something to be aware of. So while you might think you’re having a “healthy” breakfast, once you load it up with toppings, acai bowls can be high in calories and sugar!
One of my health goals for the year was to consume less sugar – so that is something that I have to be aware of when crafting my bowl. With that said, I still absolutely love acai bowls and am so excited to share Lauren’s recipe with you – she seriously has it down to a science!!
Easy Acai Bowl Ingredients
- 1 packet frozen acai puree
- 1 cup all-natural apple juice (make sure apple is the ONLY ingredient! No added sugar or preservatives)
- 1 cup frozen berries
- 1 banana
- Topping ideas: fresh berries, sliced banana, mango, bee pollen, granola, hemp seed, shaved coconut, honey
Blend frozen acai, frozen fruit, banana, and apple juice together until desired consistency (depends on how thick you like your acai bowls – I like mine thick). Pour into a bowl and top with your favorite toppings. My favorite combination is bananas, strawberries, blueberries, granola, bee pollen, and a little honey drizzle.
Optional add ins to the acai include: protein powder, all natural almond butter, spinach, coconut milk, almond milk, mango, pineapple. Make it your own! Enjoy anytime – breakfast, lunch, snack, or dinner : ).
photos by Lauren Alexandra Photography
I love them too! I always order them when we go out for breakfast but have been making them at home as well. They are just too yummy! I add a little of my granola that I bake, which is gluten free so it’s great for me because I can’t have too much of it. Plus it is a great excuse to add strawberries and fruits I love!!
xx Jenelle
http://www.inspiringwit.com
They are sooo yummy, and truly so easy to make! Good call on the gluten free granola. I love how easy it is to customize to your exact preferences! Have a wonderful weekend, Jenelle xx
Acai bowls are my favourite! They are just soooo delicious! I love making that at home and topping them with yummy fresh fruits.. so good!
x Emily
http://shedoes.com.au
I think an acai bowl place recently opened up near my area and goodness they’re expensive, so thank you for sharing this recipe! I’m trying to cut down on my sugar intake as well, so it’s good to know that there’s a lot of flexibility in sweetness for this recipe. Will need to add frozen acai pure to my shopping list this weekend!
Jenny // Geeky Posh
Hi Jenny! I LOVE acai bowls – I really hope you will try this recipe and let me know what you think!! I know that nutritionists still usually say acai bowls – even with all natural and organic ingredients – are very high in sugar. So just something to keep in mind! xx
Yess girl! Acai bowls are one of my favorite snacks! This recipe makes the process sound so simple… I’ll definitely have to try making them at home now! Thanks so much for sharing girlie 🙂
P.s – my blog got a facelift and I would love for you to check it out!!
XO Jessi,
http://www.mywhitet.com/new-embellished-bomber/
Thanks for reading love! Can’t wait to check out the new page xx
Your acai bowl looks absolutely gorgeous and delicious 🙂
http://www.pennyanddash.com
Thanks love!! Hope you try it out!
You’re definitely right – there’s literally a new acai bowl place opening up in LA and OC every week! I love them though because they’re healthy and delicious! <3 🙂 Loving this simple recipe! Definitely going to try it at home this weekend!
XO, Elizabeth
http://clothestoyouuu.com/
Oooh yay! Please do! I hope you enjoy – I honestly cannot tell the difference between this restaurant and the version I buy out. And so much cheaper and quicker to make at home!
These look so tasty! I love the idea of making acai bowls at home – and it’s so easy too. I’m glad you pointed out all the natural sugars and added sugars that can be found in fruits and juices because some people don’t realize that when opting for a choice that appears to be super healthy.
YES!! Honestly, I don’t really think acai bowls are THAT healthy. Granola is def not a healthy choice (but it’s DELICIOUS). And honey – although natural – is still sugar! Something to keep in mind if you are trying to eat well. BUT, most of it is fruit, and it is still a better choice (in my opinion) than gross, processed food. Thanks for reading!! xx
Ohhh YES!!! You made my day! I was just about to go to Trader Joe’s and I can’t wait to make this!! It looks so good and even though it is high in sugar, so healthy!! Thanks babe! Big Xx Susanne – http://bagatyou.com
I love acai bowls too and had no idea TJs sold the packets (I was buying them from Costco). I love them in the morning and even as an afternoon snack but you’re right, you have to be mindful of the sugar intake. This is perfect to share for the spring and summer when it is going to be hot. I can’t wait to try the TJs pack now! Thanks for the receipe. xoxo, Christine
http://dailykongfidence.com/
Wow, despite living in Brazil and most of the people here , you love acai, I am not a big fan , but I must confess that your recipe seems to be a delight even haha
http://www.nataliloure.com.br
I never had an acai bowl. It looks so delicious and healthy that I might just use your recipe and make it. 🙂
http://www.lifeofardor.com/
You made this look so simple and easy! I absolutely love acai bowls so much and I’m always craving it. I seriously should attempt to try and make it on my own in my kitchen. 🙂
BLOG | YOUTUBE | INSTAGRAM
Love açai bowls! Thanks so much for sharing.
xx Sara
http://stylemba.net/
I’m yet to get hooked on acai bowls, though I’m getting dangerously close to it after the imagery in this post haha – so dreamy!
aglassofice.com
x
Great post, thanks for sharing 🙂 these Acai bowls look delicious!
Camille xo
http://www.cococami.blogspot.co.uk
I was wondering how these are made. I saw them all over instagram and they looked so delicious. Thank yous so much for sharing the recipe. I’ll look out for the ingredients next time I’m in the store.
Dora
http://www.adropofindigo.com/
Girl you have no idea how long I’ve been wanting to try an Acai bowl! Now I can make it myself. I’m definitely pinning this post, thanks babe!
xoxo
Rina Samantha
http://www.andshedressed.com
I’ve never tried these but have been meaning to! I might make them at home now, this looks pretty simple 🙂
Vanessa
http://www.theretropenguin.com
[…] Acai – I love a good acai bowl! I love making my own topped with berries, bee pollen, and coconut flakes (<< even more […]