Acai has shot to popularity recently, with just about every second Instagram feed featuring a photo with someone about to devour a delicious Acai Bowl! With the unique bright purple color, it’s not hard to see why.
The Acai berry originates from South America and grows on the Acai Palm tree, which thrives best in rainforest conditions. The Acai berry is higher in antioxidants compared to other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and cranberries. If you haven’t heard much about Acai before, you might be wondering what the key nutritional attributes. Well, other than being rich in antioxidants, Acai berries are also rich in protein and fiber and are also known to contain heart-healthy fats in high quantities. Some people claim that acai berries can help you slow down aging and lose weight significantly, but that’s not proven. However, most importantly they taste great!
The good thing is that there are a couple of healthy ways to enjoy this antioxidant-rich ingredient other than being used in a simple smoothie or the popular Acai bowl.
In this article, I’ll show other fun ways Acai can be used in cooking, including:
- Snack Balls;
- Popsicles;
- Oats;
- Parfait;
- Granola;
- Macaroons;
- Cheesecake;
- Pudding; and
- Pancakes!
1. Snack Balls – Acai, Cashew, Coconut & Lime Bites / Bliss Balls
You can enjoy raw Acai cashew bites with Acai powder as an ingredient that gives them the eye-catching purple color. The zest and fresh lime juice will add a pop of flavor, and you also get to benefit from the antioxidant power of Acai berries. Some snack bite recipes also add coconut oil and honey to make it the perfect on-the-go snack that will give you the energy you need to enjoy your afternoon.
Example recipe: http://amillionmiless.com/2014/10/raw-acai-cashew-bites-with-coconut-and-lime/
2. Popsicles – Make Acai Bowl Popsicles!!
One of the most exciting ways to get the benefits of Acai is by making delicious popsicles. Basically, this is more of flipping your favorite smoothie bowl upside down. The popsicles contain interesting ingredients, including granola, all frozen into popsicle molds. This recipe should be a perfect summertime afternoon treat or breakfast.
Example recipe: https://www.yummymummykitchen.com/2017/06/acai-bowl-breakfast-popsicles.html
3. Oats – Overnight Oats with Acai
In addition to being rich in antioxidants, the acai berry is also known to be a good source of omega-3 acid, fiber, and omega-6 acid. Making your regular overnight oats with Acai at night has numerous benefits; you won’t even struggle to get up from bed in the morning.
Some recipes contain oats, chia seeds, Acai powder, cacao, cinnamon, honey, raspberries, and dairy-free milk. The result is a creamy concoction that will remind you of the tropics while leaving you feeling satisfied. Enjoying this as your delicious breakfast will not only give you some health benefits but also keep your stomach from growling till lunchtime.
Example recipe: http://fannythefoodie.com/2016/04/01/acai-overnight-oats/
4. Parfait – Acai Greek Yogurt Parfait
If you want to try something different from the average parfait, you should try an Acai Greek Yogurt Parfait recipe. As if the protein punch you get from Greek yogurt is not enough, adding Acai to the yogurt enhances the nutritional value of the recipe while also improving the flavor and color. Feel free to top the parfait with fresh fruit and the best granola, whether from the store or homemade, for your morning meal.
Example recipe: https://acaiberryrecipes.com/recipe/acai-greek-yogurt-parfait/
5. Granola – Superfood Quinoa Granola with Acai
There is no better way to make your breakfast than making a mixture of your favorite seeds, nuts, grains, dried fruits, and spices – that’s the versatility you get from granola. The Superfood Acai Quinoa Granola recipe starts with a mix of quinoa and oats, that is already healthy and delicious.
You can then add chia and flaxseeds, in addition to coconut butter, cacao nibs, cinnamon, almonds, goji berries, and dates. The aroma that comes from baking this recipe will make you love it before you can even take the first bite.
Example recipe: https://sweetsimplevegan.com/2014/04/superfood-acai-quinoa-granola-gf/
6. Macaroons – Acai Macaroons!
Just one bite is enough to whisk you away to a trendy Parisian café. With the Acai Macaroons recipe, you can enjoy the health and nutritional benefits of Acai, with three different flavors to choose from.
Example recipes: https://oheverythinghandmade.com/acai-macarons-blueberry-swiss-meringue-filling/
7. Cheesecake – Acai Bowl Cheesecake
Most people are used to cheesecake being a heavy and calorie-loaded dessert, but this does not have to be the case. The Acai version of cheesecake changes this stereotype and will make you synonymous with the following words: fresh, light, and guilt-free.
Example recipes: https://paleohero.com.au/blogs/recipes/acai-bowl-cheescake
8. Pudding – Layered Acai Chia Pudding
The most fantastic thing about this recipe is its beauty. It looks so pretty, you might want to spend a moment adoring it before eating it. The seeds will have to soak overnight in a mixture of Acai powder, maple syrup, and almond milk.
The blended bananas and berries used for this recipe make a picture-perfect meal. You might even want to use a glass jar for a perfect Instagram pic. The beauty of this recipe is not the only fantastic thing about it. It’s also packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidants, which will give something more than a nutritional boost.
Example recipe: https://choosingchia.com/layered-acai-chia-pudding/
9. Pancakes – Matcha Green Tea Pancakes with Acai Filling
Other than being amazingly delicious, these pancakes are also vegan and gluten-free. This recipe contains beetroot, Acai powder, raspberries, and soy cream which create the whipped filling. The only challenge you face after making it, however, is choosing the right filter for your Instagram pic 🙂
For example https://vanillacrunnch.com/antioxidant-spring-matcha-greentea-pancakes-with-acai-creme-filling/
Final Word on the different ways to cook with Acai Berry
With the numerous nutritional benefits and great taste from the Acai berry, you always want to include this superfood in all your favorite recipes.
Luckily for you, there are numerous recipe variations, such as the ones discussed in this article that are not only beautiful and scrumptious but also simple to make to add some Acai into your life!
