How to Make Thick Smoothie Bowls (2024)

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Try these easy recipes for thick smoothie bowls. If you get as annoyed as I do when served a runny smoothie bowl at a restaurant, you’ll choose to make your own at home. Learn how to make 3 delicious smoothie bowl recipes with your favorite fruit and toppings!

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*This post is sponsored by SunButter, a sunflower seed spread perfect for allergy-safe baking and cooking! Thanks for supporting the brands that keep Sunkissed Kitchen running.

Contents

Thick Smoothie Bowls with TONS of Toppings

Being served a runny, thin smoothie bowl, with the toppings sinking in, is one of my dining-out pet peeves! If the toppings can’t sit on top, and you can’t finish it without it completely melting, it doesn’t belong in a bowl.

I have a method for making the best thick smoothie bowls. Put the blender away, and break out the food processor. Choose your favorite fruits, and keep them chopped and in the freezer ready to go.

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When you’re ready, it’s fast to process your favorite frozen fruits along with creamy coconut milk into an ice cream-worthy smoothie. These bowls are like soft serve ice cream — except totally made from fruit.

Add your favorite smoothie bowl toppings — I love:

  • Nut and seed butters — my new fav is Chocolate SunButter. This long-anticipated SunButter variety is finally here!
  • Shredded Coconut
  • Fresh fruit — bananas, berries, and chopped mangoes are great options.
  • Chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate – I also love cocoa nibs
  • Nuts & Seeds – think almonds, pecans, cashews, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds.
  • Granola
  • Crumbled healthy cookies or muffins
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It’s like Nutella – except better! It has a rich chocolate flavor and is slightly salty. And instead of being mostly sugar, it’s main ingredient is protein and vitamin rich sunflower seeds.

Hop on over to the SunButter website to learn more about this delicious spread!

Chocolate Banana Smoothie Bowl

Sometimes basic is best, and this banana smoothie bowl won’t disappoint! This simple smoothie bowl uses only 4 ingredients:

  • Frozen bananas
  • Cocoa powder
  • Chocolate SunButter
  • Coconut Milk

Hop on over to this Chocolate Smoothie Bowl post to see more ideas!

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Step 1: Add the frozen fruit, chocolate SunButter, cocoa, and coconut milk into a food processor bowl. This can also be done in a high speed blender with a tamper stick, but I find it quicker in a food processor.

Step 2: Process until all the fruit is broken down into a soft serve ice cream consistency.

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Step 3: Top with your favorite smoothie bowl toppings.

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Banana Berry Smoothie Bowls

Berries are a great addition to smoothies! The bananas provide a super creamy base, and you can customize this with whatever frozen berries you have on hand or love the most.

  • Frozen bananas
  • Frozen berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries)
  • Coconut Milk
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Make this a strawberry banana smoothie bowl by using all frozen strawberries instead of a mix of berries.

Step 1: Add the frozen fruit and coconut milk into a food processor bowl. This can also be done in a high speed blender with a tamper stick, but I find it quicker in a food processor.

Step 2: Process until all the fruit is broken down into a soft serve ice cream consistency.

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Step 3: Top with your favorite smoothie bowl toppings.

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Orange Mango Smoothie Bowl

This is my favorite of the 3 options! Frozen citrus is amazing is smoothies. It adds the perfect sweet-tart component, and blends into the creamy banana.

  • Frozen bananas
  • Frozen oranges (mandarins work the best)
  • Frozen Mango (see how to cut a mango here)
  • Coconut Milk
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Step 1: Add the frozen bananas, frozen mango, and frozen oranges, along with coconut milk into a food processor bowl. This can also be done in a high speed blender with a tamper stick, but I find it quicker in a food processor.

Step 2: Process until all the fruit is broken down into a soft serve ice cream consistency.

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Step 3: Top with your favorite smoothie bowl toppings.

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Thick Smoothie Bowl Tips

How to Make a Smoothie Bowl Thick: The trick to keeping smoothie bowls super thick is to not use very much liquid, and to use frozen fruit. This method is like making “nice cream,” the vegan frozen fruit “ice cream” trend.

Can I substitute the coconut milk? You can use any milk you’d like in these bowls. Coconut milk lends a sweet tropical flavor and makes them extra creamy. Go ahead and use heavy whipping cream, almond milk, or even some yogurt in place of it.

How to Make a Smoothie Bowl without a Blender: These smoothie bowls use a food processor instead of a blender. The frozen fruit breaks down into a very thick, smooth consistency similar to soft serve ice cream.

How to Make Yogurt Smoothie Bowls: Instead of the coconut milk, add 1/4-1/2 cup of your favorite yogurt. I recommend using something unflavored and unsweetened, like a full fat Greek yogurt. The fruit has all the sweetness you need here!

Try one of these other Smoothie Bowl Recipes:
  • Tropical Green Smoothie Bowl
  • Vegan Green Smoothie Bowl
  • Dragon Fruit Smoothie Bowl

If you make this recipe, be sure to share it with me! Find me on Facebook or Instagram and be sure to tag #SunkissedKitchen @SunkissedKitch

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Smoothie Bowl Recipes

This is more a method than a recipe for a thick smoothie bowl. The keys are to use frozen fruit and minimize the liquid in your smoothie bowl. I make these in a food processor, but use a high speed blender with a tamper stick if that's what you have. Don't forget lots of toppings!

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Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 1 smoothie bowl

Calories: 335kcal

Author: Michelle Miller

Ingredients

Chocolate Banana Smoothie Bowl

  • 1 banana quartered and frozen
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons Chocolate SunButter
  • 1/4 cup coconut milk

Berry Banana Smoothie Bowl

  • 1 banana quartered and frozen
  • 1 1/2 cups berries any type, frozen
  • 1/4 cup coconut milk

Orange Mango Smoothie Bowl

  • 1 cup mango frozen
  • 1/2 banana quartered and frozen
  • 2 mandarin oranges peeled and segmented, frozen
  • 1/4 cup coconut milk

Instructions

  • Add the ingredients for your chosen smoothie bowl into a food process bowl or a high speed blender with a tamper stick. You will need to add a bit more liquid if choosing to use a blender.

  • Be patient — open the lid and press the frozen fruit down into the blades a few times. This will take about 5 minutes to process. If needed, add 1/4 cup of almond milk or milk of choice to get it start coming together.

  • Add the thick smoothie into a bowl and then add toppings as desired.

Video

Notes

*Nutrition facts are for Banana Berry Smoothie with no toppings added.

How to Make a Smoothie Bowl Thick: The trick to keeping smoothie bowls super thick is to not use very much liquid, and to use frozen fruit. This method is like making “nice cream,” the vegan frozen fruit “ice cream” trend.

Can I substitute the coconut milk? You can use any milk you’d like in these bowls. Coconut milk lends a sweet tropical flavor and makes them extra creamy. Go ahead and use heavy whipping cream, almond milk, or even some yogurt in place of it.

How to Make a Smoothie Bowl without a Blender: These smoothie bowls use a food processor instead of a blender. The frozen fruit breaks down into a very thick, smooth consistency similar to soft serve ice cream.

How to Make Yogurt Smoothie Bowls: Instead of the coconut milk, add 1/4-1/2 cup of your favorite yogurt. I recommend using something unflavored and unsweetened, like a full fat Greek yogurt. The fruit has all the sweetness you need here!

Nutrition

Calories: 335kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 672mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin A: 182IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 3mg

Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @SunkissedKitch or tag #SunkissedKitchen!

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How to Make Thick Smoothie Bowls (2024)

FAQs

How do you make a smoothie bowl thicker? ›

No ice: If you don't have ice, you can use frozen fruit, oats, chia seeds, yogurt, or nuts and nut butter to thicken your smoothie. No frozen fruit: Add a scoop of raw oats or chia seeds into the blender instead. No yogurt: You can swap yogurt with nut butter to thicken a smoothie.

Does ice thicken a smoothie bowl? ›

Standard ice cubes are great for adding thickness to smoothies but bear in mind you will need a powerful enough blender to crush the ice (more on this later). For the cleanest flavor also try and avoid adding tap water ice cubes if possible. Opt for cubes made from purified, filtered water instead.

What makes a smoothie too thick? ›

On gelling: If your smoothie is gelling, perhaps you added chia or flax seeds too far in advance. Blueberries, which are very high in natural pectin, are also a culprit of jelly-like smoothies. A re-blend with a little bit of ice and some creamy liquid (if appropriate for the flavor profiles) will likely do the trick.

How do you bulk up a smoothie bowl? ›

Make It a Bowl

Even the biggest smoothie aficionados need a little crunch sometimes, and making a smoothie bowl is the perfect way to beef up your favorite recipe. Add a low-sugar, high-protein granola and some nuts, nut butter or seeds along with your fruit toppings to help keep you full for hours on end.

Does more or less ice make a smoothie thicker? ›

Frozen ingredients are key in creating frostier, thicker smoothies and ice is no different. Adding a half cup or more of ice to your blender full of simple smoothie ingredients can turn a watery creation into a frosty blend in no time!

How do you thicken an acai bowl? ›

To achieve that desirable thickness in your acai bowl, consider using frozen bananas. This not only adds creaminess but also maintains the right consistency. Additionally, be mindful not to add too much liquid, as this can make your bowl watery. Avoid over-blending for a thicker result.

Why isn't my acai bowl thick? ›

4 Pro Tips to Make your Açaí Bowl Thicker

We typically recommend using 1 Açaí packet for smoothies, 2 packs for smoothie bowls. It helps to have a strong blender to chop all your ingredients up into a smooth consistency.

Do frozen bananas make smoothies thicker? ›

But there's plenty of room for an additional protein boost (I've added a few suggestions in the recipe notes down below!). Frozen bananas: While you can use fresh bananas for this smoothie, it'll be thicker, creamier, and more chilled with frozen sliced bananas.

Can all blenders make smoothie bowls? ›

You can create vibrant and delicious smoothie bowls with almost any blender, however, it may be easier to use a powerful blender on low speed with a tamper that you can use to push frozen produce down toward the blade to help ensure a silky smooth consistency.

Why are my smoothie bowls not thick? ›

Liquids like water, green tea and coconut water tend to blend thinner smoothies. If you want to make a thick smoothie bowl, you'll want to use less of these liquids than a recipe calls for. As you blend, add more liquid until you get the desired consistency.

Why do I feel weird after drinking a smoothie? ›

Hard To Digest Ingredients

If you're adding nuts or cashews to your smoothie, they can cause problems as they're hard for the digestive system to break down. Another common culprit could be your protein. Many cheap proteins are filled with unnecessary fillers and artificial sugars that can cause digestive upset.

What is the secret to making a good smoothie? ›

How to Build a Better Smoothie
  • Use frozen fruit. ...
  • Use hefty ingredients to make a thick smoothie. ...
  • But don't make it too thick. ...
  • Sweetness is key. ...
  • Use plenty of add-ins. ...
  • Remember this ratio: ...
  • Don't forget salt. ...
  • Go green (if you want).
Jan 12, 2023

What's the difference between a smoothie and a smoothie bowl? ›

Smoothie bowls are generally more nutrient dense compared to smoothies, and are thick enough to eat with a spoon rather than consumed through a straw. Smoothie bowls often incorporate frozen fruits, veggies, juices or milk, ice and even butters like peanut butter or almond butter for added protein.

Why do my smoothie bowls melt so fast? ›

When your smoothie bowl base is ready, you should be ready with toppings immediately. Any delay in getting toppings can cause your smoothie bowl to melt and get unnecessarily watery and melty.

What protein powder is good for smoothie bowls? ›

The 15 Best Protein Powders for Smoothies, According to Dietitians
  • Best Overall. Naked Whey. Now 25% Off. ...
  • Best Value. Muscle Milk Protein Powder. Now 17% Off. ...
  • Best Plant-Based. Amazing Grass Protein Superfood. ...
  • Best High-Protein. Garden of Life Sport Plant-Based Protein. ...
  • Best Collagen. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder.
Dec 20, 2022

Why is my smoothie bowl liquid? ›

Adding too much liquid can instantly downgrade your smoothie bowl. Putting too much water in the blender can be a fatal flaw. "You can always add more, but start with less so it stays thick," Barkyoumb said.

Can you make a thick smoothie bowl with a food processor? ›

Enter the food processor, which creates a much stronger vortex to puree the fruit. It will get you a thick, smooth final product—not a chunky, watery one. A banana and a bit of honey and salt also contribute to the thickness and flavor of our smoothie bowls, as does yogurt.

How do you thicken a smoothie without adding calories? ›

Xanthan Gum a simple way to thicken your smoothie without adding unnecessary calories, fat, carbohydrates, etc. So what is Xanthan Gum? It is made from a tiny microorganism called Xanthom*onas campestris and is a natural carbohydrate.

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