The Açaí Bowl–Maybe it’s the idea that it reminds me of being on vacation, somewhere warm and on a beach or maybe it’s the fact that I get to indulge in a sweet treat and call it breakfast, either way I am completely obsessed.

After a recent experience of getting sick and only wanting to eat these tasty snacks because of their cold properties that soothed my sore throat, I found myself on more than one occasion paying nearly $15 for a bowl at a local juice bar in my neighborhood. And although I love to support local businesses, the budget-savvy girl in me couldn’t help but cringe with every purchase. So this lead me to wonder how I could make a more cost efficient version in my own kitchen, but still taste as good as the ones made from the pros. After several attempts, I feel like I have finally accomplished how to make the perfect açaí bowl from home. Scroll down to get my yummy recipe.

The Perfect Açaí Bowl

Serving: Makes 1 Bowl      Total Time: 10-15 minutes

Ingredients:

Açaí puree:

• Unsweetened frozen açaí puree (I get mine from Trader Joe’s)
• Splash (roughtly 1/4 cup) of unsweetened coconut milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
• 1/2 of a banana
• 2 tablespoons of a nut butter (I prefer freshly ground almond butter)
• Ice

 

Toppings: 

• 1/3 cup of granola
• 1/2 of a banana OR 1/2 of a mango
• 1/2 of a kiwi
• Blueberries
• Raspberries
• Unsweetened coconut flakes
• Honey

 

Instructions:

1. Açaí Puree: Run frozen açaí packet under hot water for 5 seconds & add to blender or vitamix. Add a couple handfuls of ice cubes (roughly 8-10 cubes). Add the remaining ingredients: coconut milk, almond butter, and 1/2 of banana. Blend until smooth & to a thick consistency.
2. Toppings: Top açaí puree with granola and layer the different fruit. Sprinkle the unsweetened coconut flakes, drizzle with honey, and ENJOY!

Helpful tips:

• Take the lid off the vitamix or blender & check the açaí puree consistency. If it seems a little too runny, add more ice. This really is the hardest part when making an açaí bowl. It can vary, depending on the type of blender and the settings you use (I use the frozen dessert setting on my vitamix). You may have to learn the settings and make these bowls a couple of times before you have it down. Don’t worry though, you’ll be a pro in no time.
• Some brands add sugar to their açaí puree. Other frozen açaí brands can be located at various grocery stores, just make sure it’s the unsweetened frozen açaí puree. This is also why 1/2 of a banana is combined with the puree for a hint of sweetness and added thickness. Ultimately, the sweetness should come from the fresh fruit added on top.

*Trader Joes Unsweetened Organic Açaí Puree Packets (These particular açaí puree packets I use, are hands down, my all time favorite Trader Joe’s find).

• Get creative with the toppings and feel free to try out other options. Try different fruits (blackberries, strawberries, pineapple, etc.) or swap out the granola for some slivered almonds or chopped nuts of your choice.