You don’t have to be on the beach of California to make an acai bowl loaded with toppings and fruits. Ever since I found these Acai Packets at Trader Joe’s (they were on my February Faves list) I cannot stop making these simple smoothie bowls for breakfast. Acai is a superfruit from the Amazon that you can find frozen in packets at the store in the frozen fruit section. It’s typically pricey, but TJ’s has them for less than $5 for four packets.
You may have seen these bowls all over Instagram because of their beautiful colors and fancy looking toppings, but they are honestly rather easy! All you do is make a normal smoothie – mine is simple with acai, banana, berries and mango – then top with whatever you have on hand. I happened to have a kiwi, blueberries and granola, so I used that combo. A lot of people love shaved coconut on top, but I just can’t get on board with coconut. One day I hope! Otherwise, pile it high with extra fruit and finish with a drizzle of agave or honey. The bowl just tastes like a thick smoothie with crunchy toppings. A win-win in my book!
- Smoothie:
- 1 peeled banana
- 1 cup frozen mixed berries
- ½ cup frozen mango chunks
- 1 packet frozen acai
- 1 cup almond milk
- Toppings:
- 1 kiwi, peeled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons granola
- ¼ cup blueberries
- 1 tablespoon slivered almonds
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon agave
- Put all ingredients for the smoothie into the blender.
- Blend until smooth. Add more almond milk or a splash of water if needed. Smoothie should be thicker than drinkable.
- Pour smoothie into a bowl. Top with kiwi slices, granola, berries, almonds and chia seeds in a row across the bowl to create a pretty design. Drizzle with agave.
While I’m traveling like crazy this month, I can always count on frozen fruit to be something in my kitchen. In the last week I have already ventured from Dayton, Ohio back to Indianapolis and now to Nashville, Tennessee. While I had zero other groceries available when I arrived home, I knew I could find frozen fruit in my freezer. After eating out at restaurants for several days during work trips, I crave a big smoothie loaded with fruits and nutrients when I come home. It hits the spot every time and also only takes about five minutes, which is exactly what I’m usually looking for.
What do you like to top your acai bowl with? Do you have any favorite combos? I would love to hear and I also hope you find making an acai bowl is easier than you thought!
Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela
