Breakfast & Brunch

Berry Smoothie Bowl

A thick, creamy smoothie made from frozen berries and banana, poured into a bowl and piled with crunchy toppings. Breakfast you eat with a spoon, ready in 5 minutes.

Purple berry smoothie bowl topped with coconut flakes and star-shaped fruit, with a banana on the side
Photo: [Galaxy Smoothie Bowl (Unsplash)](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Galaxy_Smoothie_Bowl_(Unsplash).jpg) by Brenda Godinez cravethebenefits, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

A smoothie bowl is simply a smoothie made thick enough to eat with a spoon, so it can carry a pile of toppings. Frozen berries and a frozen banana give it an ice-cream texture and a beautiful deep purple color, and a scoop of yogurt makes it creamy and filling. It takes 5 minutes and looks like a treat.

The secret to a thick smoothie bowl

  • Frozen fruit, not ice. Ice waters the smoothie down as it melts. Frozen berries and banana keep it thick and flavorful.
  • Very little liquid. Start with just a quarter cup of milk and add more a tablespoon at a time only if the blender stalls.
  • Use the tamper or stop and stir. Pushing the fruit down toward the blades is what makes a thick blend smooth.

Topping ideas

  • Sliced banana, kiwi or strawberries
  • A handful of homemade granola for crunch
  • Coconut flakes, chia seeds, hemp seeds or chopped nuts
  • A drizzle of honey or nut butter

FAQ

How do I freeze bananas for smoothies?

Peel ripe bananas, slice them into coins and freeze them in a single layer on a tray. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer bag. They keep for up to 3 months.

Can I make it without yogurt?

Yes. Replace the yogurt with an extra half banana or a few tablespoons of plant-based yogurt for a dairy-free bowl.

Berry Smoothie Bowl

Print recipe

Prep time
Total time
Servings
2
Yield
2 bowls
Difficulty
Easy
Course
Breakfast
Cuisine
American

Ingredients

Smoothie

Toppings

Conversions are rounded for convenience. For baking, use the original measurements where possible.

Instructions

  1. Put the milk and yogurt in a blender first, then add the frozen berries, frozen banana and honey, if using.

  2. Blend on low, pushing the fruit toward the blades with the tamper or stopping to stir, until thick and completely smooth. Add more milk a tablespoon at a time only if needed.

  3. Spoon into two chilled bowls and smooth the tops.

  4. Arrange the toppings in rows or clusters over the smoothie and serve right away.

Notes

  • Chilling the bowls in the freezer for 10 minutes keeps the smoothie thick for longer.

Tips

  • A high-powered blender handles thick blends best. In a regular blender, let the frozen fruit sit for 5 minutes to soften slightly first.

Substitutions

  • Acai: replace 1 cup of the berries with a 3.5 oz (100 g) frozen acai pack.
  • Dairy-free: use plant-based yogurt and milk.
  • Protein: blend in 1 tablespoon nut butter or a scoop of protein powder.

Storage and reheating

  • Smoothie bowls are best eaten immediately. Freeze any leftover smoothie in ice-pop molds.

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