Acai Bowl Recipe (5 Minutes!) - Wholesome Yum (2024)

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 Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for homemade acai bowls, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.

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 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.

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 with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.

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!

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: