How to Make an Ultra Thick Smoothie Bowl

Learn how to make a super thick smoothie bowl with this simple recipe! It’s easy to customize with a creamy texture and plenty of toppings.

What is a smoothie bowl?

A smoothie bowl is a thick smoothie that’s scooped into a bowl and served with a spoon and toppings. It should be very thick with a creamy texture and scoopable consistency. It’s not meant to be drank with a spoon like a regular smoothie.

You can make a smoothie bowl in any flavor you want, just like a regular smoothie!

How do I make a thick smoothie bowl?

The main difference between a smoothie and a smoothie bowl is the amount of liquid you add. A smoothie bowl requires far less liquid since you want it to be scoopable.

The key is to start with less liquid, then add a little bit more at a time until you reach the desired consistency. You will need to blend for a few seconds, then stop the blender to scrape the sides with a spatula.

Any frozen smoothie recipe can be turned into a smoothie bowl! Just start with less liquid than the recipe calls for and gradually add more until you reach a thick consistency.

Thick Smoothie Bowl Ratio:

For a basic smoothie bowl, start with:

• 2 cups of frozen fruit
• 1/2 cup of liquid

You can also add:

• 1/3 cup of yogurt (for creaminess)
• 2 tablespoons of nut butter (for protein)
• a handful of greens (for nutrients)

You will most likely need more liquid than 1/2 cup, but it’s a good starting point. You combine both the liquid and fruit in a blender and blend for a few seconds, then stop the blender and use a spatula to push the fruit towards the middle of the blender.

Blend again, adding a splash more liquid as needed, until the smoothie begins to rotate in the blender and blend into a smooth but very thick consistency! You may have to stop and scrape multiple times.

What kind of blender should I use?

It’s best to use a high-speed blender for a smoothie bowl. A high-speed blender is a blender that has a powerful motor with super sharp blades. Blenders range from 200 to 1400 watts, with the Vitamix rocking 1400 watts.

If you can’t afford a Vitamix, that’s okay! I also have a 1000 watt Ninja that I bought for 75 bucks 8+ years ago and it’s served me well. I use it daily with minimal issues. If you buy a cheap blender but it only lasts two years, in the end you’re not saving money.

Thick Smoothie Bowl Tips:

• Use frozen fruit! Frozen fruit is what thickens the smoothie mixture. Fruit contains a substantial amount of water (like 80-90 percent) so fresh fruit will thin out your smoothie bowl some.
• Use a frozen banana for a creamier texture. For a creamy texture, use 3/4 cup of frozen banana and 1 1/4 cup of berries/fruit. Just cut a banana into chunks, place it in a freezer bag, and freeze overnight.
• Start with less liquid, then add more as needed. I start with 1/2 cup of liquid, then add more if needed. If you add too much, the smoothie won’t be thick!
• Stop the blender if the fruit isn’t moving, then scrape down the sides of the bowl to move it toward the center. Or if your blender has a tamper, use it to move the fruit. You may have to blend, stop, and scrape multiple times. If the fruit isn’t blending, add a splash more liquid to get it moving.

Variations:

Thick smoothie bowls are easy to customize!

• Liquid – You can use regular milk, orange juice, plant-based milk, a combination, or the liquid of your choice. Check out my favorite liquid bases here! I love to add a splash of lime juice for a bright pop of flavor.
• Yogurt – For a creamier smoothie bowl. I prefer to use unsweetened Greek yogurt, but you can use any kind or sweetness you like. Just beware of too much added sugar.
• Nut butter – For some additional protein and nuttiness! Peanut butter tastes surprisingly good with strawberries and mixed berries. Think peanut butter and jelly vibes.
• Greens – Baby spinach is a good one because the leaves are tender and mild so they blend up nicely. It’s nutrient-dense with vitamin A, vitamin K, folic acid, and iron.
• Protein powder – Add a scoop of protein powder for an extra boost of protein. You may need a splash more liquid to compensate.
• Sweetener – If the smoothie isn’t sweet enough, add a teaspoon of maple syrup or honey.

How to make a thick smoothie bowl:

Smoothie bowls are super simple! The key to a thick smoothie bowl is less liquid and frozen fruit.

Combine ingredients: In the base of your blender, combine the frozen fruit and liquid of your choice.

Blend, stop, and scrape: Blend for a few seconds until the fruit stops moving. Stop the blender and scrape down the sides of the blender. Add a splash more milk if needed.

Repeat until smooth: Repeat the process until the fruit starts moving slowly and blends into a thick, smooth mixture. You may have to stop and scrape several times. I usually add a few more splashes of milk too.

Thick Smoothie Bowl Toppings:

Toppings are the best part! They add crunch, sweetness, and nutrients. Here’s a few of my favorites:

• Granola – I’m a big fan of Purely Elizabeth and Kind granola. Be sure to check the ingredients as some brands pack in a lot of added sugar.
• Nuts – Walnuts, pecans, slivered almonds, pistachios, cashews, or peanuts add a nutty crunch and plant-based protein.
• Fresh berries – Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries add sweetness and essential vitamins.
• Unsweetened coconut – You can use sweetened if you prefer.
• Seeds – Hemp, chia, flax, and pumpkin seeds are all great!

Smoothie Bowl Ideas:

Here are a few variations to get you started:

• Strawberry Orange Banana: 1 1/4 cup of frozen strawberries + 3/4 cup of frozen banana + 1/2 cup of orange juice
• Mixed Berry: 2 cups of frozen mixed berries + 1/2 cup of unsweetened almond milk
• Chocolate Peanut Butter: 2 cups of frozen bananas + 2 tablespoons of peanut butter + 1/2 cup of almond milk + 1 tablespoon dark cocoa powder

FAQs:

More Smoothie Recipes:

• Strawberry Plum Smoothie
• Pineapple Raspberry Smoothie
• Mixed Berry Smoothie (3 Variations)