I LOVE acai bowls, but I didn’t want to have to go out to get one every time I wanted one, because #1 They’re expensive and #2 Let’s face it, I have kids, I don’t have time for that. This receipe is easy and you can make it ahead of time, freeze it, and thaw it when ready to eat. I would bring acai bowls to work all the time and let them thaw in the fridge when I got there for about 4-5 hours until I was ready to eat it for lunch. Or you can thaw it on the counter for about 2 hours. Then you just add your toppings!
The Base:
1/2 Cup Coconut Almond Milk *
1/2 Frozen Banana
1 Cup Spinach (or one handful)
1 Acai Pack
1 Cup Frozen Fruit **
Toppings:
1/2 Cup Chopped Strawberries and Blueberries Mixed
1/2 Banana Chopped
1/3 Cup Granola
2 Tbsp Pepita Seeds
2 Tbsp Unsweetened Shredded Coconut
3 Tbsp Dried Cranberries
1 Tbsp Honey
1 Tbsp Almond Butter (optional)
Let’s Make it:
Pour the coconut almond milk in the blender and add 1/2 frozen banana. Blend until combined. Add the spinach and acai pack. Blend until combined. Add the frozen fruit. Blend until smooth.*** At this point, if you are going to eat it now, pour into a bowl. Or you can put it in an airtight tupperware to freeze for later. I like to make bulk and eat one serving, then freeze another one or two servings to eat another time.
When you are ready to assemble the acai bowl. Layer with granola, fresh fruit, pepita seeds, coconut and drizzle with honey. You can also add almond butter for added protein. It’s so good with almond butter!
Get creative though! You can add whatever you want as toppings. The key is the base and to have the thicker consistency so it’s not like a smoothie. I found this recipe give the perfect “bowl” consistency.
Notes:
* I love the coconut almond milk, but you can also use just almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, etc.
** My go to frozen fruit mix is the tropical mix you find at most stores; with pineapple, mango and strawberry.
*** A good blender is key to making a legit acai bowl. I have a Vitamix (which I told my husband not to buy because it was too expensive, but I freakin LOVE it, so glad he did not listen to me :)). If you don’t have a great blender, that’s okay! I would just mix as much as you can and stir it around with a spoon, mix again and repeat until you have a smooth consistency. It may not be as thick as you want, but try the freeze and thaw method. It will be great!
