Get your dessert fix for breakfast and keep it healthy too with this easy açaí bowl recipe. Read on to discover more about this miracle fruit.

Happy New Year! I’m guessing many of us are detoxing after filling up with decadent desserts and pretty sugar cookies over the holiday months. That’s why I'm starting the new year out with this easy açaí bowl recipe.

Making an açaí bowl takes a little more effort than say my healthy yogurt parfait but it’s so worth it! Açaí bowls have been gaining popularity for a while and if you have not had one yet, it's time.

WHAT IS IN AN AÇAÍ BOWL?

An açaí bowl’s main ingredient is blended açaí berry. (It’s pronounced ah-sigh-ee). It’s a South American berry that kind of looks like purple grapes. They don’t have a long shelf life so you can’t really find them outside of their growing region. They are exported in the form of frozen puree, powder and juice.

The açaí bowl contains a frozen blend of açaí and other fruits as a base. Toppings are then added over the frozen base. It’s not dessert but it sure does taste like one. It’s like eating a healthy sorbet!

HOW HEALTHY IS AN AÇAÍ BOWL?

Açaí has become known for its superfood qualities. It’s not only packed with antioxidants but also fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids which are good for the heart. However, as with all health food claims, don’t expect miracles just because you eat a bowl every day.

Açaí can help with your ailments but a general healthy diet and exercise are still more important. Do also keep in mind that this is still a large portion of food and calorie count can vary with how much and what type of toppings you choose.

HOW DO I MAKE AN AÇAÍ BOWL?

I am totally addicted to the açaí bowl.  I make these easy açaí bowls using the frozen puree. These can be found at Whole Foods, online and other health food grocers. Be sure to check the label before buying. Some brands have added sugar to them and this is not necessary for a good açaí bowl.

I use Sambazon pure unsweetened frozen puree packs. They make a sweetened version too. So again, check the label.

I blend the acai with almond milk, frozen berries and a banana. You don’t want to use all acai for your base. It’s very hard to blend on its own and won’t taste as good.

Your toppings can be anything you want. I’ve listed some examples in the recipe below. My personal belief is that the granola is a must! I love the crunch you get mixed into the frozen berry blend. After that I like to top it with fresh strawberries, blueberries, coconut and of course a small bit of mini chocolate chips!

I don’t go overboard with the chocolate chips. A small spoonful goes a long way for me. I also sometimes like to add a drizzle of peanut butter. It adds a nice contrast to all the berry flavor.

The recipe I have below makes one bowl and only uses half a banana. You can use the other half as a topping (or make your kid eat it, like I did). If you double the recipe you can make the bowl for yourself and a friend! Be sure to style it pretty when you add those toppings. Excited yet? Go get creative and make yourself an açaí bowl today!

What’s on your açaí bowl? Leave me a comment or post a pretty picture to your Instagram and tag me @dessarts or #MyDessArt.