Strawberry Banana Smoothie Bowl
Extra thick and creamy, this strawberry banana smoothie bowl is a classic breakfast that boasts impressive health benefits—easy to make in just 5 minutes with 4 healthy ingredients. Vegan, gluten free, nut free and soy free.
Why You’ll Love This Smoothie Bowl
- Anti-inflammatory
- High in antioxidants
- Extra thick texture
This strawberry banana smoothie bowl is perfectly sweet, tangy, creamy and extra thick. This go-to combination pairs well with any toppings including sliced fresh fruit, granola, seeds or even nut butters. It can even be enjoyed as a healthy dessert or a post-workout snack. Add 1-2 scoops of any favourite protein powder to easily turn this smoothie bowl into a high protein treat.
The base of this smoothie bowl is made with frozen strawberries and bananas. Strawberries are high in antioxidants and have powerful anti-inflammatory compounds called anthocyanins. Regularly consuming anti-inflammatory fruits like strawberries and bananas can reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases that develop over time.
Strawberries are also high in vitamin C, an essential for healthy skin and optimal immune system function. The insoluble fibre found in bananas acts as a prebiotic to good gut bacteria which may help reduce bloating over time.
Ingredients Needed
These are the ingredients you will need to make this strawberry banana smoothie bowl.
Frozen strawberries & banana: Creates the thick, creamy base of the smoothie bowl.
Agave syrup: Completely optional, adds extra sweetness. Helpful if the bananas or strawberries aren’t very sweet.
Coconut milk: The liquid that brings all of the other ingredients together to blend smoothly and adds a creamy consistency.
For ingredient amounts and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Benefits
High fibre
Easily get more fibre in your every day diet! In addition to being generally healthy, getting enough fibre can be extremely helpful for weight loss as it helps keep you feeling full for longer, without adding calories. Fibre also helps improve our gut health.
Nutrient dense
Vegan smoothie bowls are a great way to get more nutrient rich foods in each day. By blending them into a single meal, it’s super quick, easy and fun! Choose ingredients like dark leafy greens, berries, nuts, seeds and fruits to make your smoothie bowls nutrient rich.
Quick and easy
It’s incredibly fast to make a yummy smoothie bowl. Gather your ingredients and toss them in the blending container, blend, and you’re already done! Rinse the blender container. It doesn’t get much more simple than that. Smoothie bowls rarely take more than 5 minutes to make. This makes them a great option if you find yourself short on time for a healthy meal.
Variations
Try an alternative plant milk
This recipe uses coconut milk but you can try using any plant based milk you prefer. Some alternatives include soy, almond or cashew! You can also make your own plant milk from scratch.
Adjust the consistency
If you prefer a thicker consistency you can try the recipe using a bit less liquid than what is suggested. If you want a thinner consistency, try adding a bit of extra liquid to the recipe.
Experiment with toppings
Finding the perfect combination of toppings is one of the best things about smoothie bowls. The right toppings will add wonderful texture and flavour to your already delicious smoothie base. Some topping ideas for this smoothie bowl are granola, hemp seeds, cashews, almonds, fresh strawberries and banana slices!
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to blender.
- Start blending at low speed for 5-10 seconds. Increase to high speed and blend for 1-2 minutes. Use the blender tamper to push ingredients down towards the blades.
- Scoop into a bowl and add desired toppings. Serve your strawberry banana smoothie bowl immediately!
Prep & Blending
Add ingredients in the correct order
Always add liquid ingredients to your blender first. Then add powders, nut butters, nuts and seeds. Then add fresh greens and fresh fruit. Finally add your solid ingredients like frozen fruit. If using a small blender container with a twist on lid, reverse the order so that when you turn the container over to blend the frozen ingredients are farthest away from the blades.
Use a tamper
Push ingredients down towards the blades while blending using the tamper that comes with your blender. This helps to avoid thick smoothie bowls from getting stuck, so you don’t have to stop blending and scrape down the sides of the container.
Avoid over blending
Try to blend your smoothie bowl for less than a couple of minutes. If blended for too long, even thick smoothie bowls will become thin. This is because the heat generated by the blades and motor of the blender heat up your ingredients while they are being blended.
Use a high power blender
For smoothie bowls that have a perfectly smooth and creamy texture use a high powered blender such as a Vitamix. A Vitamix can break down any ingredients to much finer particles than standard blenders, and more nutrients are released. A high speed blender also reduces the time you need to blend your recipe, which helps keep it nice and cold.
Chill your bowl
By placing your bowl in the freezer for a few moments you can help your smoothie bowl stay cool for longer. This way it won’t start melting instantly while you are eating it. This is especially helpful if you’re in a hot climate. Pop it into the freezer while you are prepping and blending, then take it out when it’s time to pour your finished smoothie bowl!
FAQ’s
Can I make this smoothie bowl with fresh strawberries?
No, only frozen fruit should be used which includes the strawberries. Using fresh strawberries will result in a thinner consistency, like a smoothie. It’s important to use only frozen fruit to get a thick smoothie bowl texture that is scoop-able with a spoon.
Can I lose weight with smoothie bowls?
Smoothie bowls are an excellent weight loss food! This is because they are generally healthier and higher in fibre and nutrients. Due to high water content, the large volume of a smoothie bowl helps your stomach to feel satiated. And the fibre keeps you feeling full for longer, without feeling weighed down or tired.
Can smoothie bowls be refrigerated?
Smoothie bowls are best enjoyed immediately after blending, while they are freshest. However you can refrigerate most smoothie bowls for 1-2 days in an airtight container such as a jar. Be aware the consistency will not be as thick as a fresh smoothie bowl.
Can I make smoothie bowls without a high speed blender?
Yes, you can still make smoothie bowls with a regular blender. It might take more patience depending on the recipe, but it can work. Turn off the blender to scrape down the sides of the container, and secure the lid before continuing to blend. Repeat as needed. Alternatively you can add a small amount of additional liquid to the recipe, which should help.
How can I increase the protein?
If you wish for your smoothie bowl to have a higher protein content, you can simply add (more) protein powder to the recipe. Plain unsweetened plant based protein will work in any smoothie bowl. Alternatively you can try adding hemp seeds or even silken tofu.
Related
Strawberry Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie
Easy Strawberry Weight Loss Smoothie (No Banana)
Strawberry Basil Smoothie Bowl
Strawberry Lemonade Smoothie Bowl
Strawberry Banana Smoothie Bowl
Equipment
- high power blender
Ingredients
- ½ cup coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon agave syrup (optional)
- 3 cup frozen strawberries
- 2 frozen bananas
Toppings Pictured
- banana slices
- strawberries
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to blender.
- Start blending at low speed for 5-10 seconds. Increase to high speed and blend for 1-2 minutes. Use the blender tamper to push ingredients down towards the blades.
- Scoop into a bowl and add desired toppings. Serve immediately.