📝 About This Recipe
Hailing from the lush rainforests of Brazil, the açaí bowl is a powerhouse of antioxidants and earthy, tropical flavors. This recipe creates a thick, sorbet-like base with a deep purple hue, balanced by the natural sweetness of frozen bananas and a hint of honey. It is a refreshing, nutrient-dense breakfast or snack that offers a delightful contrast between the creamy cold base and crunchy, vibrant toppings.
🥗 Ingredients
The Frozen Base
- 2 packets Unsweetened frozen açaí puree (100g each, slightly thawed for 1 minute)
- 1 large Frozen banana (sliced before freezing for easier blending)
- 1/2 cup Frozen mixed berries (blueberries or raspberries work best)
- 1/3 cup Unsweetened almond milk (add more only if necessary to move blades)
- 1 tablespoon Raw honey or maple syrup (adjust based on desired sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt (optional, for added creaminess and protein)
Fresh Toppings
- 1/2 cup Gluten-free granola (honey-roasted or vanilla flavored)
- 4-5 pieces Fresh strawberries (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup Fresh blueberries (rinsed and dried)
- 1/2 piece Fresh banana (sliced into coins)
Superfood Garnishes
- 1 teaspoon Chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon Hemp hearts
- 1 tablespoon Unsweetened shredded coconut (toasted for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Creamy almond butter (for drizzling)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Place your serving bowls in the freezer for 5-10 minutes before starting; this prevents the açaí from melting too quickly during assembly.
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2
Run the frozen açaí packets under warm water for about 10-15 seconds just to loosen the edges, then break them into chunks while still inside the plastic.
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3
Cut open the packets and place the açaí chunks into a high-powered blender.
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4
Add the frozen sliced banana, frozen mixed berries, and Greek yogurt (if using) to the blender.
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5
Pour in the almond milk and the sweetener of your choice. Start with a small amount of liquid to ensure a thick, spoonable consistency.
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6
Pulse the blender on low several times to break up the large frozen chunks.
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7
Use a tamper (if your blender has one) to push the ingredients down toward the blades while blending on medium speed.
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8
Stop the blender and scrape down the sides with a spatula to ensure no icy chunks remain.
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9
Blend again on high for only 15-20 seconds until the mixture is smooth and resembles thick soft-serve ice cream.
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10
Divide the thick açaí mixture evenly between the two chilled bowls, smoothing the top with the back of a spoon.
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11
Create a base layer of granola on one side of the bowl to provide a crunch in every bite.
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12
Arrange the fresh strawberry slices, blueberries, and banana coins in neat rows or a decorative spiral over the açaí.
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13
Sprinkle the chia seeds, hemp hearts, and shredded coconut evenly over the fruit.
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14
Warm the almond butter in the microwave for 10 seconds until it reaches a drizzling consistency, then zigzag it over the entire bowl.
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15
Serve immediately while the base is still frozen and firm.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always use frozen fruit for the base; using fresh fruit will result in a runny smoothie rather than a thick bowl. If the blender stalls, add liquid one tablespoon at a time—patience is key to maintaining the thick texture. For a protein boost, you can blend in a scoop of vanilla protein powder with the base. Avoid over-blending, as the friction from the blades generates heat which will melt the açaí. If you prefer a less earthy taste, use a 'sweetened' açaí packet or add an extra half-banana to the blend.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair with a hot cup of Brazilian pour-over coffee to contrast the cold bowl. Serve alongside a glass of fresh ginger-lemon water for a digestive aid. For a decadent brunch, serve with a side of toasted sourdough topped with mashed avocado. Add a sprig of fresh mint on top for a burst of aromatic freshness. Complement the meal with a small handful of raw walnuts for extra healthy fats.