Simple & Delicious: Vegan Berry and Banana Smoothie Bowl Recipe

I start all mornings with coffee but after that I tend to have one of two things for breakfast. I either have a smoothie or a smoothie or yogurt bowl. That’s why I love this  vegan berry and banana smoothie bowl recipe. 

It is so perfect because I can eat it at my desk while catching up on my email or reading. It is creamy and naturally sweetened and I can top it with whatever fruit I have on hand. 

I take pride in the flexibility of this recipe, which allows for customization based on what’s in season or what I have on hand. It also means that rarely are any of them exactly the same. I like to have a bit of variety in my meals.

If you are in a hurry hit that jump to recipe button up there and here are the ingredients:

Ingredients:

2 large ripe bananas – Frozen bananas provide a creamy, ice cream-like base.
1 cup mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) – Fresh or frozen for a fruity flavor.
1/4 cup almond milk – To blend and adjust consistency.
1 tablespoon chia seeds – For added nutrition and texture.
Toppings: Additional berries, sliced banana, a sprinkle of granola, or a drizzle of agave syrup.

Bananas in my smoothie bowls? Absolutely! They’re not just for their natural sweetness and smooth texture, they’re the perfect base. And the berries – oh, how I adore them! They add a lively splash of color and are like little bursts of joy. 

Each bowl turns into a personal canvas, with the smoothie mix laying the groundwork for a playful array of toppings. Think walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or a generous sprinkle of granola. Although, these days my latest obsession is Muesli instead of granola. 

Have you tried it?

It’s all about creating something that’s as delightful to look at as it is to taste. It’s my little morning ritual that brings a smile to my face and a great start to the day.

Why Use Frozen Bananas In A Smoothie Bowl

When I make a Vegan Berry and Banana Smoothie Bowl, I always opt for frozen bananas, and here’s why:

• Texture: The main reason I use frozen bananas is for the desired creamy, ice cream-like consistency they provide. When blended, the frozen banana pieces transform the smoothie bowl base into a lush and smooth texture that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
• Convenience: I find frozen bananas extremely handy. By pre-freezing ripe bananas, I’m preparing for future smoothie bowls. This step saves me time because I can have a batch ready to go whenever the craving strikes.
• Reduction of Food Waste: Freezing bananas is a great way to reduce waste. Instead of letting overripe bananas go bad, I freeze them at their peak sweetness, which also adds natural sweetness to my smoothie bowl without the need for added sugars. Plus no matter how hard I try, I can never eat bananas fast enough. 
• Versatility: Frozen bananas are versatile; they work well with a variety of other ingredients and flavors. Whether I’m pairing them with berries, nuts, or seeds, frozen bananas always complement the other components perfectly, enhancing the overall taste.

Here is how I typically freeze bananas:

1. Peel ripe bananas.
2. Slice them into 1-inch pieces.
3. Place the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Freeze until completely solid, then transfer to a container or zipper-lock bag for storage

About The Ingredients

Frozen Bananas – Starting with the base, I love using frozen bananas because they give a creamy consistency that’s reminiscent of ice cream. Plus, they’re naturally sweet, which means there’s no need for added sugars. They are just yummy and make smoothies better. 

Berries – I go with a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries OR whatever is on sale. If there are no deals on fresh berries, I go with frozen berries. If using frozen berries it’s okay to use a pre-mixed bag or handpick your favorites to create the perfect berry blend.

Almond milk – Now, to get everything blending smoothly, a splash of almond milk does the trick. Just a quarter cup should be enough to give a nice blendable texture, but I add a little more if needed.

Chia Seeds – Oh, how I love chia seeds. These tiny seeds pack a punch with fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, doing wonders for both the body and the bowl’s texture. Yeah yeah. All of that health stuff is great but I just love it when they soak up some of the liquid and get a goey texture. Seriously, I am a HUGE fan.

Final Toppings – Here’s my go-to assortment to sprinkle on top for that perfect finish.

Nuts and Seeds

• Almonds: A handful of toasted almonds adds a satisfying crunch.
• Chia Seeds: Sprinkle on some chia seeds. The most popular way to use chia is to sprinkle it on top. I personally love to soak chia seeds first and then add them.

Fresh Fruit Toppings

• Banana Slices: Fresh banana gives a natural sweetness.
• Berry Variety: A mix of fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries offers antioxidants.
• Red Dragon Fruit: These are a bit pricey so we don’t keep them around BUT we did just get a delivery of some today. Cut them up into chunks and put them on top. I WILL do this tomorrow.

Fresh fruits are essential for me to include for that burst of freshness and are a great way to enhance the natural sweetness of the bowl.

Extra Superfoods

• Granola: A sprinkle of granola works for a hearty crunch.
• Coconut Flakes: For a tropical twist, toasted coconut is my favorite.
• Muesli: This is my new crunchy obsession and will be going on my next smoothie bowl.

These superfoods are my secret to turning a simple smoothie bowl into a nutrient-dense powerhouse that keeps me energized.

The bottom line

These smoothie bowls are so easy to make and they are a great vegan snack or vegan breakfast. Have fun with the toppings and make each one unique.