Peanut Butter Acai Bowl

This peanut butter acai bowl is full of antioxidant-rich fruit and studded with dreamy peanut butter. All required ingredients are frozen and pantry staples so it’s a great on-the-fly meal when you’re short on fresh ingredients.

Did you catch my post featuring pantry meals from last week? Clearly I’m not having a problem getting creative with meals over here. Dare I say I actually kind of enjoy cooking without a meal plan, granted I have extra time on my hands these days.

Anyways, this peanut butter acai bowl is another idea for a quick and healthy meal that relies completely on frozen/pantry staples. It’s also equal parts beautiful and delicious.

I mean who wouldn’t want to dig into this for breakfast?

What is Acai?

The acai (AH-sigh-EE) berry is a fruit native to Central and South America that has gained popularity in recent years, probably because acai bowls have become so trendy. These always remind me of my California honeymoon because that was the first time I tried one – such a warm weather food! Now it’s easy to find an acai bowl, even in Denver, because they have become so widely available.

While acai isn’t necessarily the magical superfood that some people have claimed (source), the berries are antioxidant-rich and can still be a great addition to the diet for most people. Interestingly, most of the calories in acai come from fat (almost 80%). Not a bad thing by any means, just a unique trait for a fruit.

Thanks to Trader Joe’s frozen acai packets, the bowls are really simple to recreate at home. I found the packets several weeks ago and stocked up! Each bag contains four individual (100 gram) packets.

Per the package directions, you should run the packet under warm water for a bit to partially thaw and break the frozen puree into pieces. This makes it easier to add to the blender, which I found to be true.

Note: if you’re searching for a quality blender to get that super creamy consistency, this is the one I have and love (affiliate).

Ingredients

Along with the packet, here are a few other things you need to make the perfect peanut butter acai bowl:

• Frozen fruit: I went with a combination of pitted cherries (love these), mango chunks and banana. You could definitely customize if you have different options available.
• Water: Juice, coconut water, milk, or a milk alternative also work as the liquid. I wanted this bowl to be all about the fruit and less smoothie-like.
• Peanut butter: Nut butter pairs perfectly. It’s blended in and drizzled on top for max peanut flavor.
• Toppings of choice: granola, coconut flakes, cacao nibs, nuts, hemp hearts, sliced bananas or other fresh fruit (if you have it).

The texture is thicker because there is less liquid than a smoothie, so you can easily eat it with a spoon. To make it a satisfying breakfast, make sure your toppings add some extra protein and texture. What are some of your favorites?

You might also like:

• Strawberry Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie
• Matcha Green Tea Ginger Smoothie Bowl
• Cilantro Lime Fish Tacos (another California-style favorite)

Peanut Butter Acai Bowl

This peanut butter acai bowl is filled with antioxidant-rich fruit and studded with heart-healthy peanut butter.

• Author: Leanne Ray, MS, RDN
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 serving 1x
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Snack
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 frozen acai pack (99 grams)
• 1/2 frozen banana
• 1/2 cup frozen mango
• 1/2 cup frozen cherries
• 2 Tbsp peanut butter
• 1/2 cup cold water
• Toppings of choice: additional peanut butter for drizzling, granola, hemp hearts, cacao nibs, coconut flakes, sliced banana

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients (besides toppings) to a high-powered blender. Blend on high until smooth.
2. Transfer to a bowl and add toppings of choice.

Equipment

blender

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measuring cups

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measuring spoons

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Notes

• I used the frozen acai packets from Trader Joe’s (pictured above), but you should be able to find them in other grocery stores as well, near the other frozen fruit. Try not to omit it if possible! It really adds a wonderful signature flavor to these.
• All nutrition information is calculated based on the bowl only, no toppings included as this will vary based on what you use.
• The Ninja BL660 (affiliate) is the blender I use and love! No problems blending all of this until smooth in under a minute.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 405 calories
• Fat: 20 grams
• Carbohydrates: 48 grams
• Fiber: 9 grams
• Protein: 9 grams

Keywords: peanut butter acai bowl, acai bowl, smoothie bowl, dairy free, gluten free, frozen food, pantry meals