Strawberry Banana Smoothie Bowl with Granola and Chia Seeds

Strawberry Banana Smoothie Bowl with Granola and Chia Seeds

This recipe creates a thick, creamy, and refreshing smoothie bowl, perfect for a nutritious breakfast or a light meal. It’s easily customizable with your favorite toppings!

Yields: 1 large serving Prep time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Smoothie Bowl:

• 1 cup (about 150g) frozen strawberries (hulled)
• 1 ripe banana, preferably frozen and sliced (this makes the smoothie thicker)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) unsweetened almond milk (or your preferred milk like dairy milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut water)
• 1-2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or plain yogurt (optional, for extra creaminess and protein)
• 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar (optional, adjust to taste depending on fruit sweetness)

For Toppings (as seen in image and other popular options):

• 1/2 fresh banana, sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced or quartered
• 1-2 tablespoons granola (rolled oats work too)
• 1 teaspoon chia seeds
• Optional: Toasted coconut flakes, a drizzle of nut butter, other fresh fruits (blueberries, raspberries), a sprinkle of hemp seeds or flax seeds

Equipment:

• High-speed blender

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare Your Frozen Fruit

1. Freeze Strawberries: If your strawberries aren’t already frozen, wash them, hull them, and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for at least 2-3 hours, or until solid. Once frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for later use.
2. Freeze Banana (Optional, but recommended): Peel a ripe banana and break it into 2-3 pieces. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for at least 2-3 hours until solid. Frozen banana is key for a super thick and creamy smoothie bowl. If you don’t have frozen banana, you can use a fresh one, but the smoothie bowl might be slightly less thick.

Step 2: Blend the Smoothie Base

1. Add Liquids First: Pour the unsweetened almond milk (or your chosen milk) into your high-speed blender. If using Greek yogurt, add it now too.
2. Add Frozen Fruit: Add the frozen strawberries and frozen banana slices to the blender.
3. Add Sweetener (Optional): If using, add the maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar. Start with 1/2 tablespoon and you can always add more later if needed.
4. Blend Until Smooth and Thick: Start blending on a low speed, then gradually increase to high. You may need to use the tamper attachment (if your blender has one) or stop and scrape down the sides a few times to help the ingredients combine. The goal is a very thick, creamy consistency that’s scoopable, not drinkable like a regular smoothie. If it’s too thick to blend, add liquid 1 tablespoon at a time until it blends smoothly. Avoid adding too much liquid, or your bowl won’t be thick enough.

Step 3: Assemble Your Smoothie Bowl

1. Pour into Bowl: Once blended to your desired thickness, carefully spoon the smoothie mixture into a serving bowl.
2. Arrange Toppings: Artfully arrange your prepared toppings over the top of the smoothie bowl.
   • Place the sliced fresh banana around one edge.
   • Arrange the sliced fresh strawberries along another edge.
   • Sprinkle the granola generously in the center or across one section.
   • Add the chia seeds next to or on top of the granola.
   • Add any other desired toppings like toasted coconut flakes or a drizzle of nut butter.

Step 4: Serve Immediately Enjoy your beautiful and delicious Strawberry Banana Smoothie Bowl right away! Smoothie bowls are best enjoyed immediately before they start to melt.

Tips for Success:

• For a Thicker Bowl: Use more frozen fruit and less liquid. Greek yogurt also helps with thickness.
• For a Sweeter Bowl: Add more maple syrup, honey, or a date (pitted).
• For a Protein Boost: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder along with the other ingredients.
• Meal Prep: You can pre-portion frozen fruit and store them in individual freezer bags for quick smoothie bowls on busy mornings.