Enlighten Smoothie Bowl
Enlighten Smoothie Bowl is a thick and creamy smoothie in a bowl topped with a healthy and colorful mix of toppings for a delicious breakfast or treat!
The smoothie bowl of all smoothie bowls, similar to my Acai Bowl, is dairy-free, gluten-free, and topped with lots of color, texture, and flavors!
Not too much else to say about this one, except that it’s delicious!
The smoothie bowl is a great way to add fresh fruits and superfoods to your diet.
Adding one daily – or almost daily – to your meal routine, you will find just how much your body can transform itself with simple, clean food!
Are Fruit Sugars Healthy?
Yes! For those who avoid fruits because of sugars, I’d like to remind you that although fruit does have sugar, natural sugar, they also contain vitamins, antioxidants, and trace elements the body needs, unlike refined sugar.
Fruit is nature’s candy and should be enjoyed without reservation unless advised otherwise by a medical professional.
The sugars you should be wary of are refined sugars in packaged goods, including packaged sugars.
Instead, give up the sugary packaged foods, grab some fresh and/or frozen fruit, add a few superfoods, whip up an enlightened smoothie bowl, and feel the difference!
How To Make The Best Smoothie Bowl
Start with your smoothie base. It can be whatever fruit combo you like or have on hand.
I used 1 1/2 cups of a frozen berry blend and fresh bananas. I also added two tablespoons of peanut butter for added protein (you can add a dollop as a topping if you prefer). You could also add a scoop of protein powder instead (you may need to add a little extra water if you do).
Toss it all in a blender cup with unsweetened non-dairy milk or water, and blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into serving bowls and top with your favorite toppings (see below for suggestions).
Smoothie Tips
- The riper the banana the better. Overripe bananas, which are nice and spotty, are much sweeter and flavorful.
- Use sliced bananas. This may be a given, but sliced bananas are easier to blend for a thicker, creamier smoothie. So be sure to slice them before freezing for best results.
- Use a mix of fruits or all of one kind. I like the flavor of mixed fruits, but if you only have one or two types of berries, you can adjust to suit your needs. You can even change up the berries, adding pineapple, mango, etc.
Healthy Smoothie Bowl Toppings
The toppings are almost endless, adding more flavor, texture, and nutrients to your smoothie in a bowl!
Here are 15 healthy toppings you can mix and match to your hearts delight:
- Hemp hearts – are a good source of omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, antioxidants, protein, iron, and vitamin B! I usually pick mine up online (affiliate link), but they can found in stores too.
- Strawberries – are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Strawberries are on the dirty dozen list, so purchase organic whenever possible.
- Blueberries – are low-sugar and loaded with antioxidants.
- Almonds – are rich in protein and a good source of vitamin E, while adding crunch.
- Bananas – are economical, creamy, and add just the right amount of sweetness. Plus, they are great for gut health!
- Raspberries – are another low sugar fruit loaded with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Pepitas (pumpkin seeds) – are great for those with nut allergies, adding protein and crunch.
- Kiwi – are rich in vitamin C and fiber and adds a nice pop of color.
- Blackberries – are rich in fiber, vitamin C, manganese and are low in sugar.
- Chia seeds – are a good source of omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, antioxidants, fiber, iron, and calcium! I buy mine in bulk at sprouts.
- Cacao nibs – are rich in antioxidants and adds crunchy bits of healthy chocolate. I pick up mine in bulk online (affiliate link) and keep them stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Nut butter – adds healthy plant-based protein and creaminess. Use peanut, cashew, or almond butter. Blend it in, or add a dollop to the top of your smoothie bowl. For nut allergies, use sun butter instead.
- Coconut – I toast my coconut for about 5 minutes at 400 degrees F., let it cool down, then store it in airtight containers, so it’s handy when making smoothies.
- Granola – I love the Targets Good & Gather vanilla granola, but Sprouts also has a terrific vanilla flavored granola mix in the bulk section. Or use your favorite.
- Goji berries – are antioxidant-rich and a good source of vitamin A and C. I pick mine up online (affiliate link).
These are a few ideas for toppings. Add whatever toppings you like. Go simple or all-out, making the perfect bowl to suit your taste!
Get More Protein From Your Smoothie
Add protein powder or nut butter! Since fruits don’t have much protein, I encourage you to add a scoop of vegan protein powder or a serving of natural nut butter to the mix.
Adding 2 tablespoons of almond butter will give you an added 8 grams of protein. Protein powders will vary, but most will give you quite a bit more than a serving of nut butter.
Alternatively, I love Silk brands unsweetened Protein & Nut Milk, vanilla or plain, which has 10 grams of protein per 1 cup serving. Use this alone or with the options mentioned above.
More Easy Smoothie Recipes!
Because you can never have too many smoothie recipes, whether in a bowl or in a glass!
- Chocolate Almond Butter Smoothie Bowl
- Chocolate Cherry Smoothie
- Berry + Yogurt Smoothie
- Vanilla Date Smoothie
- Or see all the Smoothie recipes!
If you try this smoothie recipe or have a question, please let me know! Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make.
PrintEnlighten Smoothie Bowl
The smoothie bowls of all smoothie bowls feature tons of color and texture and full of delicious flavor!
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 1 – 2 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Smoothie
- Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients
smoothie mix
- 1 1/2 cups berry mix (or frozen fruit mix of choice)
- 2 bananas, 1 fresh + 1 frozen (use the other fresh half sliced on top)
- 2 tablespoons almond butter or nut butter (or 1 scoop vegan protein powder), optional
- 1/2 – 3/4 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk or water
some optional toppings
- granola
- coconut
- cacao nibs
- natural nut butter (almond, peanut, sunflower, etc.)
- banana
- blueberries
- strawberries
- grapes
- kiwi
- goji berries
- hemp hearts
- chia seeds
- pomegranate seeds
- almonds
- pumpkin seeds
Instructions
In a blender, place berry mix, banana, nut butter, and liquids. Blend until thick and creamy. Pour into a serving dish and top with whatever toppings you like.
Serves one or two small.
Notes
Add extra water as needed once blended. If using protein powder you may find you need a little extra.
Adding nuts and seeds as part of your toppings will add extra protein.
Nutrition information includes 2 tablespoon almond butter, omit for a low-fat smoothie or use protein powder.
Updated: This recipe was originally published in April 2014. It has been retested and updated with new photos and helpful tips in April 2021.
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Wow! Your smoothie bowls look so delicious! Thanks for the inspiration!! :D
Looks wonderful, just make sure the chia seeds get to soak for a while, if not you may get a belly ache.
what's your fav granola?
Currently, I love Good & Gather s vanilla granola from Target.
I love (and use all the ingredients) but I prefer to chew my food rather than blend it most of the time :)
Holy crap I've never seen a more beautiful smoothie bowl in my life! How do you make it so PRETTY?
Thank you! It didn't take much. :)
This is so gorgeous, and most definitely what I am having for breakfast this morning!!
Thank you! I hope you loved it! ♥
This looks amazing! What a beautiful smoothie bowl!
Thank you so much! :)
Oh my goodness, this is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen!! :) Looks delicious <3
Thank you! :)
What a gorgeous smoothie bowl, I could see myself sitting in front of this every day!
Thank you! Everyday is best :)
Wow. That is some breakfast. :) Sometime definitely worth waking up early for. I love all the colors!
Will be a perfect way to wake up! Cheers :)