Acai bowls are packed full of antioxidants. Common in Cali, they’re easily customizable, but today I’ve opted for a classic acai bowl with mixed fruit.

When I was in Chicago last week someone asked me if I miss having distinct seasons living in California. My answer (without even hesitating) – nope, not at all. I’m a warm weather girl, through and through. I guess you could say it’s in my DNA. It’s also why I’ve chased the sun across the globe for a year of perpetual summer and why my explorer soul has me yearning for destinations full of sunshine, beaches and palm trees.

Now that spring has sprung in Cali, I’m already switching gears from heavier, wintry meals to fruity smoothie bowls. You guys know I love my smoothie bowls (see: mango, cherry, pitaya and green smoothie), but shockingly I didn’t yet have a recipe for an acai bowl.

Acai bowls are the quintessential smoothie bowl. Especially in California.

If you’ve never had an acai bowl, you’re in for a sweet treat. Acai (pronounced a-sigh-ee) is a small, round, purplish berry from the acai palm. Acai palms are native to Brazil and the upper parts of South America, as well as Trinidad, an island that’s been on my “to visit” list for a while.

A few years back, acai became the new exotic “superfood” – and while the fervor may have since died down, I still love acai for it’s fruity flavor, antioxidants and nutrients. When you add mixed berries and a variety of toppings, you get a delicious, berry-packed, cooling smoothie bowl that starts your day right. And all you have to do is throw it all together in a blender. Super easy.

I made this smoothie bowl with frozen acai puree, but you could also use acai powder. If you grab the frozen acai puree, make sure to get unsweetened. There’s no need for added sugar considering the sweetness of all the fruit. Then, I added a few tablespoons of homemade almond butter and collagen for protein goodness, but the beauty of acai bowls are how easily customizable they are.

I love acai bowls for all their chewy goodness, but if you’re looking for something sippable make sure to check out my strawberry acai smoothie.

Next week I’m heading to New York, where the weather is rainy and cool, so this week I’m soaking up the 80 degree, blissful SoCal sunshine and enjoying my fruity acai bowl.

Enjoy!

Acai Bowl with Mixed Berries

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 2

The acai bowl is packed full of nutrients and antioxidants. Make it your own with a variety of toppings! 

Print

Ingredients

• 2 packets unsweetened frozen acai
• 1 cup frozen mixed berries
• 1 banana
• 1 cup cashew milk
• 2 tbsp almond butter
• 1 scoop collagen peptides (optional)

Toppings

• bee pollen
• chia seeds
• coconut flakes
• mixed berries
• hemp seeds (optional)
• cacao nibs (optional)

Instructions

1. Place all the acai bowl ingredients together in a high-powered blender and blend until smooth. 

2. Pour into two bowls and top with mixed fruit and a variety of toppings. 

Other recipes you might like:

Super Seed Buckwheat Waffles (gluten-free, vegan)

Coconut Yogurt with Blood Oranges and Cacao Nibs (dairy-free)

Sweet Potato Hash Browns