For those of you who have never had a Playa Bowl, it's a smoothie bowl chain that has seemingly taken over the New Jersey food scene. It originated in Belmar, NJ and has since spread throughout the state, with more locations to come in New York and Pennsylvania. Aside from being absolutely beautiful, the bowls are fresh, bright, and tasty.

If there's one thing I did this summer, it was spend all of my money going to Playa Bowls. If there was another thing I did this summer, it was try to save money by recreating a Playa Bowl-inspired açaí bowl to satisfy my cravings for it at home. I don’t think I’m alone with this obsession (or maybe I am, which is totally cool, too). So, if I’m not, this Playa Bowls-inspired recipe is really great way to indulge in your obsession without leaving your kitchen.

Learning how to make an açaí bowl is very simple. All you need to make the base is a blender, milk, honey, fruit, and açaí berry pulp. To top it off, sprinkle on some granola, fresh fruit, and either Nutella, honey, or peanut butter on top. The only down side to making this is that you'll never want to stop! If you're feeling a little adventurous, switch out your ingredients for a yummy new flavor combo. Not only does this recipe make for a truly Instagram-worthy smoothie bowl at home, but it's perfect to put in a mason jar and take on the run.

Of course, there is no place like Playa Bowls. However, if you just need a taste of sweet açaí and crunchy granola ASAP but don't want to break the bank, making it yourself can be just as good. Feel free to double up the servings and make it with your friends. It's a filling, sweet, and delicious treat that you can eat at any point in your day. It makes for a great breakfast, lunch, or dessert. Here's how to make an açaí bowl at home whenever your Playa Bowls craving hits.

Açaí Bowl

  • Prep Time:10 mins
  • Cook Time:0
  • Total Time:10 mins
  • Servings:1
  • Easy

    Ingredients

  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 1/2 cups frozen or fresh strawberries bananas or blueberries
  • 1 packet açaí pulp
  • 1 handful granola
  • 1 cup fresh fruit
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Nutella or peanut butter - optional
Gianna Barone

  • Step 1

    Blend the milk, frozen fruit, and açaí pulp together until the consistency is a good balance between smooth and icy. Pour the base into a bowl.

  • Step 2

    Top your bowl with your favorite granola.

    Lauren Machalany

  • Step 3

    Slice your fresh fruit and scatter it over the granola.

  • Step 4

    Drizzle honey, peanut butter, or Nutella to top it off!

    Lauren Machalany

Once you finish, you'll totally want to take a picture before digging in. You can have fun creating any kind of design with your toppings. Be creative and feel free to switch up this recipe to your liking. A nice perk of making this Playa Bowls-inspired açaí bowl is that it doesn't take long to make and it is a quick cleanup! 

#SpoonTip: Make the blend in bulk and keep it refrigerated so  you can just pull it out and garnish it whenever you want.