Acai (ah-sah-yee) bowls are the perfect warm weather meal or snack. I eat them for lunch A LOT. They are super simple to make at home. Acai berries are a dark purple, highly nutritional fruit of Brazil. You can find packets of frozen acai pulp in health food stores like Whole Foods.
The bowl is essentially composed of a berry smoothie, topped with bananas, more berries and granola.
For the smoothie
Frozen berries
Frozen acai
Almond milk
(try some hemp protein powder and ground chia seeds)
Toppings
Granola (I like organic hemp seed granola)
Sliced bananas
More berries
(try peanut butter, coconut, bee pollen, agave or honey)
Jennica says
I was always so intrigued with Acai berries. I actually pronounced them as “ah-kai” so thank you for setting me straight! 🙂 I think I’ll head over to the supermarket for some of these (with banana, granola and almond milk). Just add crushed ice and it can already be halo-halo 🙂
Christina Warren says
LOL I had to be set straight by my friend who spent a lot of time in Brazil! OH like halo-halo!!! NICE!!! 🙂
Clara Chan says
Hi, I like how your acai bowl turned. It looks so darker and thick which I had a hard time to achieve but i found out if I added in frozen mango or more bananas into the mixture to get a thicker
creamy consistences and to make the acai more tropical. Also if you add in goji berries, i think it would make a hearty breakfast because of it is rich in vitamins and amino acids. A good way to start your breakfast morning along with some slice of kiwi on top for the extra fruity taste and colorful presentation. I enjoyed looking your presentation of your acai bowl.
Christina Warren says
Thank you so much, Clara! Those are GREAT suggestions! Yes, it’s nice for the smoothie portion to come to a sorbet consistency. I love goji berries! I’m totally with you on adding more colors for both health and presentation. Wonderful!
Abby says
So my stomach is growling just looking at the pictures! I MUST find some frozen acai so I can try this at home. Unfortunately, we don’t have a Whole Foods anywhere near us but I have a few places in mind that *might* carry it! Here’s hoping! Thanks for sharing your recipe. 🙂
Christina Warren says
OH cool! Yes, just use the berries if no acai is around. I do that all the time! 🙂 YAY! Enjoy!!
Bethany C says
THANK YOU for posting this! And the correct pronunciation of acai, haha.. Great pics.. make these look even yummier!
Christina Warren says
Oh COOL! So happy you like it! I make it without the acai when I don’t have any on hand and it’s still wonderful. Enjoy!!!!!
Kariana says
This looks amazing! I don’t have a local Whole Foods, but I will check out our co-op this weekend for the acai pulp.
Christina Warren says
Oh yes! You can do it with just berries and it is still fantastic! I hope you enjoy!! Thank you!
The Grits says
Ahh!! I have never had this! Looks so yummy, I will have to try it out!
Christina Warren says
So healthy feeling but also so sweetly satisfying. I love all the textures. mmmm!
Jessica (Coco/Mingo) says
I miss my homemade Acai bowls! You’ve definitely started the craving all over again. The thing about small apartment living is I don’t own many big appliances or furniture…including a blender! But now that it’s summer, I think a blender is a must have – and I can make acai bowls! I haven’t tried it topped with Bee pollen – what does that taste like?
Christina Warren says
LOL I totally know city living and small spaces! OH the great cocktails you could also make with that blender…essential for summer is right! Yay! There is a beach spot in San Diego that puts bee pollen on top. It adds another texture as well as a healthy taste. It’s difficult to describe the flavor. Kind of like a sour honey taste? Love it.
Rebekah says
Yum! I’ve never thought of making my own bowls before- what a great idea!
Christina Warren says
Oh cool! Yes, it’s an easy meal for us here. I love things I can whip up right away at home. This also feels kind of fancy! I hope you enjoy! Thank you!