Thick Acai Cherry Smoothie Bowl

This acai cherry smoothie bowl is full of juicy flavour, antioxidants and healthy fats—made in a blender with just 5 ingredients in 5 minutes. Vegan, gluten free and soy free.

Why You’ll Love This Smoothie Bowl

• Rich in antioxidants
• Thick and creamy
• Anti-inflammatory

This acai cherry smoothie bowl has a delicious cherry flavour deepened by the rich taste of acai berry powder. Combining these two anti-inflammatory fruits creates a super healthy breakfast or snack that is packed with benefits.

Cherries are a healthy fruit because they are so rich in antioxidants. It’s a good habit to consume antioxidant rich foods daily because they protect our bodies from disease as we age. The antioxidant compounds in cherries are called polyphenols, which help to fight cellular damage and reduce overall inflammation in the body.

This smoothie bowl uses freeze dried acai powder instead of fresh or frozen acai berries. Acai powder is rich in antioxidants just like fresh and frozen acai, but it can be more convenient to store. Acai berries have a deep flavour that blends perfectly with cherries. They also contain healthy fats, which makes these berries good for improving skin and hair health.

Ingredients Needed

These are the ingredients you will need to make this acai cherry smoothie bowl.

Acai powder: The key ingredient of this healthy smoothie bowl.

Almond butter: Adds a rich creaminess when combined with the frozen ingredients.

Frozen cherries: Be certain the pits have been removed before adding to the blender.

Frozen bananas: Creates the thick, creamy base of the smoothie bowl and adds sweetness.

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.

Delicious

Smoothie bowls are truly one of the most delicious foods in existence (if you’re reading this post, you probably agree)! There are endless flavour combinations, and some could even be considered as dessert they are so yummy. You can enjoy something that tastes so good knowing it’s also good for your body.

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.

Use frozen acai instead of powder

If you only have (or prefer) to use frozen acai then replace 1 cup of frozen cherries with frozen acai. This will keep the overall texture the same. Too much frozen fruit to almond butter and coconut milk will create a more icy thick texture versus a creamy one.

Switch base ingredients

If you don’t like bananas then try something else as the base! Mango usually substitutes banana well. If you’re allergic to or simply dislike a suggested ingredient then try to find something with a similar texture that you enjoy the flavour of. There is no wrong way to make a smoothie bowl, and you can always omit any ingredients you don’t have on hand.

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 acai cherry smoothie bowl immediately!

Prep & Blending

Freeze fruit ahead

Cut up your favourite and smoothie bowl essential fruits to freeze and have on hand. By keeping frozen fruit available, a quick smoothie bowl is only ever 5 minutes away! You can make smoothie bowls without frozen fruit and just use fresh fruit if you prefer. But the cool, thick and creamy consistency of most recipes comes from a base of frozen fruit like banana, mango, pineapple, strawberries, etc.

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.

Chill your bowl

By placing your smoothie 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 sweeter?

If making this acai cherry smoothie bowl from tart cherries you may wish to add some extra sweetness. 2-3 soaked medjool dates or 1-2 tablespoons of agave syrup will make this smoothie nice and sweet.

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.

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