Açaí Smoothie Bowl with Granola and Berries

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Thick, spoonable texture—more like soft-serve than a smoothie.
• Loaded with antioxidants and fiber from açaí and berries.
• Beautifully customizable with your favorite toppings.
• Ready in 10 minutes—no cooking required.

Grocery List

• Produce: Bananas (2 total), blueberries (frozen and fresh), strawberries (frozen and fresh), mixed berries for topping.
• Dairy: None (use unsweetened almond milk or coconut water from the refrigerated aisle).
• Pantry: Unsweetened açaí purée packs (freezer section), crunchy granola, unsweetened coconut flakes, chia seeds, almond or peanut butter, maple syrup or honey (optional).

Full Ingredients

For the Thick Açaí Smoothie Base (makes 2 bowls)

• 2 packs (100 g each) unsweetened açaí purée, kept frozen
• 1 medium banana, sliced and frozen (about 130 g)
• 1/2 cup (70 g) frozen blueberries
• 1/4 cup (35 g) frozen strawberries
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) unsweetened almond milk or coconut water, very cold; plus up to 2 tbsp (30 ml) more only if needed
• Optional: 1 tsp maple syrup or honey, to taste

For the Toppings

• 1/2 cup (50 g) crunchy granola
• 1 small ripe banana, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup (70 g) fresh mixed berries (e.g., blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
• 2 tbsp (10 g) unsweetened coconut flakes
• 2 tsp (6 g) chia seeds
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) almond butter or peanut butter, gently warmed for drizzling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Chill bowls and prep the açaí

Place two shallow serving bowls in the freezer for 5–10 minutes so the thick açaí stays frosty. Run each açaí pack under warm water for 5 seconds, then break the purée into a few chunks inside the packet so it releases easily. Keep it frozen while you prep other ingredients.

Step 2: Load the blender in the right order

Add the cold almond milk (or coconut water) to the blender first, followed by the açaí chunks, frozen banana, frozen blueberries, and frozen strawberries. Loading liquid first helps the blades catch without overwatering the blend.

Step 3: Blend to a sorbet-thick texture

Start blending on low speed, then increase to high. Use a tamper to push ingredients toward the blades, keeping the mixture moving without adding extra liquid. Stop and scrape down as needed. Blend just until smooth and very thick—about 30–60 seconds. If the blades stall, add only 1 tablespoon of extra liquid at a time.

Step 4: Adjust sweetness (optional)

Taste the base. If you’d like it sweeter, add 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey and pulse once or twice to combine without thinning the texture.

Step 5: Portion and smooth

Divide the thick açaí mixture between the chilled bowls. Use the back of a spoon to smooth the surface and create gentle swirls and a shallow well where toppings will sit without sinking.

Step 6: Add the toppings

Arrange granola along one side for crunch. Fan banana slices over the center, then nestle the mixed berries. Sprinkle coconut flakes and chia seeds over the top. Warm the almond or peanut butter just until pourable (about 10 seconds in the microwave) and drizzle in thin ribbons across the bowl.

Step 7: Serve immediately

Enjoy right away while the base is cold and spoonable and the granola stays crisp.

Pro Tips

• Freeze banana slices on a parchment-lined tray before bagging to avoid clumps and make blending easier.
• Use a tamper if you have one. No tamper? Pause and scrape the sides frequently rather than adding more liquid.
• Chill your bowls to slow melting and keep the texture ultra-thick.
• Thin nut butter with 1 teaspoon almond milk before warming for a silky, easy drizzle.
• Add granola last and keep it mostly on top so it stays crunchy.

Variations

• Peanut Butter & Jelly Bowl: Blend 1 tablespoon peanut butter into the base and top with 2 teaspoons of your favorite berry jam plus crushed peanuts.
• Tropical Açaí Bowl: Swap the frozen berries for 1/2 cup frozen mango and 1/4 cup frozen pineapple; use coconut water and top with toasted coconut and kiwi.
• Green Protein Açaí Bowl: Add a handful of baby spinach and 1 scoop vanilla protein powder; increase liquid to 1/3 cup and top with pumpkin seeds.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Best texture is fresh. For prep, portion açaí packs, frozen banana, and frozen berries into freezer bags for grab-and-blend packs (up to 3 months). When ready, add the measured cold liquid and blend. Leftover açaí base can be refrigerated up to 1 day (it will loosen—enjoy as a smoothie) or frozen in popsicle molds or a lidded container for up to 1 month. Thaw 5–10 minutes and stir before eating. Keep granola in an airtight container at room temperature and add only at serving time.

Nutrition (per serving)

Approx. 470 calories; 24 g fat; 62 g carbs; 10 g protein; 11 g fiber; 27 g total sugars. Calculated with almond milk and almond butter and without optional sweetener; values vary by brand and toppings.