Learning how to make a thick smoothie bowl allows you to enjoy a larger portion, so you can add more ingredients, experiment with different textures, and try out a wide range of healthy recipes that are loaded with all the vitamins and nutrients you need to get you through the day.
When you pour a smoothie into a bowl, not only do you get to enjoy a bigger portion, but you can also add plenty of different toppings ranging from fresh fruit to chocolate shavings, or granola.
However, there are some basic rules you should follow to achieve the perfect consistency, a smoothie that’s loaded with flavor, and the tools of the trade that you’ll need to create this type of versatile dish, whether you want to make a healthier snack, or you’re looking for a breakfast option that’s loaded with essential vitamins and minerals.
Table of Contents
Focus on Consistency
The first step is using the best blender for green smoothies. These blenders are designed to handle pretty much any type of leafy green produce, soft fruit, or tough veggies. The best part is that cleanup will also be a breeze. Focusing on creating a thicker texture is a must since a thinner texture will leave you with a bowl of yogurt-based soup. The right type of smoothie bowl should be frosty and thick. There are a couple of ways you can achieve a thicker texture. First, you can begin by using less liquid compared to the amount of liquid used in a traditional smoothie. You can also add more ingredients such as frozen fruit, to give the smoothie a thicker texture. Frozen fruit is the best choice since it will instantly give the smoothie a frosty, extra-thick texture, as opposed to soft fresh fruit. If you blend up the ingredients and the consistency still isn’t right, you can always add more fruit.
Use a Powerful Blender to Make Smoothie Bowls
If you’re making smoothies, then you need to use a blender that’s up to the task, especially if you’re dealing with frozen fruit or leafy greens. Otherwise, you may end up with a blender that’s overheating or a blade system that simply can’t handle tougher textures. If you’re not sure which type of blender will work for your smoothie making needs, check out the Oster Blender Pro 1200, which features an impressive blade design, a powerful motor, and other great features that will totally change the way you make smoothies.
How to Begin Smoothie Bowl
Smoothie bowls can melt quickly, despite the fact that they’re much thicker than your average smoothie. If you want to keep the frosty texture for longer, then use a chilled bowl. To do, place a bowl in the freezer for an hour or two and bring it out only when you’re ready to pour. You can do the same thing for a regular smoothie if you want to make a smaller frozen smoothie for the kids.
Bowl Size
You’ll want to use a deeper bowl for this type of smoothie, which will help to keep it chilled and thicker for a longer period of time. The deeper bowl will also prevent the smoothie from melting quickly.
Prep
If you’ve made smoothies in the past, then you already know that prepping is key, so make sure you prep all of the ingredients before you start blending. Doing so can prevent the smoothie from melting quickly. Gather all of your smoothie making supplies, cut up any fruits and veggies, and toppings before you get started. Depending on the type of blender you have, you make need to cut the fruit into smaller chunks and tear up any leafy greens into more manageable sizes to prevent them from clogging the blades in the blender.
Use Toppings
Who doesn’t love toppings on their frozen yogurt? If you’ve ever had frozen yogurt, then you already know what type of toppings I’m talking about, but if you’re trying to lose weight, there are many healthier options to choose from than what you’ll find at your local frozen yogurt joint.
The biggest thing that makes a smoothie bowl much different than a smoothie you’d drink in a glass are the toppings. The bowl’s bigger surface area will allow you to add more crunch and different textures with chocolate shavings, granola, nuts, cereal, coconut, seeds, fruit, and more.
Liquid Ingredients to Make Smoothie Bowl
You’ll have the same options in terms of what types of liquid ingredients you can use. This includes almond milk, cow’s milk, soy milk, juice, nut milk, or water. There are a variety of flavored nut milks to choose from these days, but if you’re trying to lose weight then I recommend plain or unsweetened vanilla flavor.
Get Creative with Flavors
Just like a regular smoothie, you can add several different types of ingredients to create a smoothie that’s loaded with flavor, vitamins, and nutrients. Make sure you include ingredients that can also add some creaminess. In terms of fruit, both frozen bananas and mangoes are perfect. You can also try adding cashews, squash, or avocado.
If you’re ready to add some toppings, make sure you add them at the right time. As an example, if you add granola way before the smoothie is ready to be served, then you’ll end up with soggy granola, which can definitely impact the smoothie’s flavor and texture. Chia seeds should be added first, in order to allow them to absorb some of the liquid from the smoothie, which will soften them up a bit. If you want to use flaxseed, it should not be used as a topping. Instead, it should be blended into the smoothie.
Now, if you’re ready to make a smoothie, check out the great recipe ideas I’ve included below.
Green Smoothie Bowl
If you know what you’re doing in the kitchen, then there’s no reason why you have to end up with a bitter-tasting green smoothie. With the perfect blend of fruits and toppings, you can enjoy a healthy smoothie bowl that actually tastes good and one that will satisfy any sugar cravings you’re struggling with.
This is one of the best green smoothie recipes for weight loss and it’s packing some serious flavor. Green smoothie bowls tend to be easier to make since achieving a thicker consistency is pretty easy. In order to make this type of smoothie, use a good base that includes:
- Frozen bananas or mangoes
- Leafy greens
- Nut milk
- Chia seeds
- Shredded coconut
- Flaxseed
- Granola
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
Blend the leafy greens using half a cup of nut milk, then add the frozen mango or banana. Once it’s well-blended, you can add the berries and other ingredients. And that’s it. For more smoothie weight loss recipes that work, click here to read my article on avocado smoothies for weight loss.
Strawberry Smoothie Bowl
This type of smoothie bowl will taste great with a nut butter, so you’ll also have a great healthy protein source and lean fat.
To make, you’ll use many of the same ingredients as the green smoothie recipe, just without the frozen mango, banana, and leafy greens. Instead, you’ll add two tablespoons of your preferred nut butter, half a cup of nut milk, and one cup of frozen strawberries. You’ll want to blend the berries and the nut milk before you add the nut butter. Once well-blended, add the nut butter and mix up the smoothie before pouring. Next, you can add your favorite toppings.
Tropical Bowl
If you’re not a big berry fan or leafy green junkie, then try something tropical. Make a tropical smoothie out of pineapple and mango, for a bigger kick of flavor. To make, you’ll need to use nut milk, frozen mango, frozen banana, and frozen pineapple. This smoothie bowl can be topped with chia seeds, shredded coconut, chopped up bananas, and nuts. Unfortunately, unlike the other smoothies I’ve included here, this smoothie is missing some important superfoods such as greens and berries, but the nuts and chia seeds can provide some important vitamins and nutrients.
Chocolate Smoothie Bowl
If you’re craving something sweet and fruit doesn’t sound that appealing, then try making a peanut butter chocolate bowl. To make, you’ll need to use nut milk, a frozen banana, chocolate-flavored protein powder, and all-natural peanut butter. This bowl can be topped with banana, toasted coconut, chia seeds, and granola. For a lower fat option, use almond butter instead of peanut butter.
Final Thoughts on How to Make a Smoothie Bowl
Learning how to make a thick smoothie bowl allows you to get more creative in the kitchen with your blender. While there’s nothing wrong with making a traditional smoothie, if you’re craving ice cream or a frozen treat with a thicker consistency than a smoothie, then these bowls can do the trick and will definitely work to satisfy that sweet tooth. Remember, the key to making a thicker smoothie is to use less liquid and be sure to add one frozen fruit source, which will instantly chill your smoothie and give it a creamy, thick consistency.