Smoothie bowls are one of my favorite things to make and eat for breakfast. And this healthy red berry and chocolate protein smoothie bowl filled with raspberries and strawberries is one of my go to protein smoothie bowl recipes. I love that smoothie bowls can be so versatile. Not only can you use any ingredients that you have on hand but you can also play around with the toppings to create a breakfast that is not just delicious, healthy and nutritious but also your own personal work of art. Since Valentine’s is just around the corner I gave this red berry smoothie bowl a romantic twist adding some strawberry hearts and chocolate.
Made with strawberries, raspberries, greek yogurt, protein powder and topped with chocolate and granola and berries this protein smoothie bowl also makes for a great pre or post workout high protein snack. And if you add the strawberry hearts it also makes a great Valentine’s breakfast for you special someone. It’s also a romantic healthy breakfast to share with your loved one anyday and perfect for surprising him or her with breakfast in bed! The best part is that this red berry smoothie bowl is ready in minutes!
What is the difference between a smoothie and a smoothie bowl?
Similar to a smoothie a smoothie bowl is made by blending your favorite fruits and other ingredients. Instead of serving it in a glass you serve your smoothie in a bowl stopping them with fresh fruit, granola and other ingredients, like chocolate!
The difference between a smoothie and a smoothie bowl it’s consistency. The key to a great smoothie bowl is it’s thicker consistency which makes it easy to eat with a spoon and also lets you add toppings without them sinking into your smoothie.
How to thicken your smoothie bowl?
There are a few different ways to create a thick consistency for your smoothie bowl. Here are a few tips:
- Use Greek yogurt: I always use greek yogurt instead of milk. Greek yogurt is a better option than regular yogurt as it is thicker and it is also healthier and has more protein, which is always a plus in my book.
- Add oats: Adding two tablespoons of raw oats will not only thicken your smoothie bowl but it will also add some add some fiber without changing the flavor of your smoothie bowl.
- Add chia seeds: chia seeds are a natural thickener agent, add one or two tablespoons of chia seeds to your smoothie bowl to thicken it. This is a great option when you don’t plan to eat your smoothie bowl immediately.
- Add frozen fruit: Another great option is to use frozen fruit instead of fresh fruit, this will make your smoothie thicker but it’s important that you eat it right away if you are using frozen food to thicken it as it will become thinner with time.
- Nut butter: weather it’s peanut butter or almond butter or butter made from any other kind of nuts, nut butter will add a smoother thicker texture to your smoothie bowl. Additionally it will also add nutritious fats and lots of protein!
What toppings to use for your smoothie bowl?
When it comes to smoothie bowl toppings the sky’s the limit. It’s all about getting creative and using toppings that add different textures and combine flavors that pair well. Some of my favorite toppings for smoothie bowls include:
Best toppings for smoothie bowls:
- granola: granola is one of my favorite smoothie bowl toppings, it adds texture, crunch and lots of flavor depending on the type of granola you use.
- chocolate: from chocolate chips and shaved chocolate to cacao nibs or even melted chocolate, chocolate is always a good idea!
- nuts: any type of nuts will work but some of my favorite include almonds and walnuts
- fresh or frozen fruit: from berries and tropical fruit like banana, mango and kiwi fruit toppings add lots of flavor and color to your smoothie bowls.
- dried fruit: from dried berries to dried coconut and mango, there are lots of options!
- seeds: some of my favorites include chia seeds, flax seeds, hemp and pepitas.
- peanut butter or nut butter: drizzling some nut butter on your smoothie bowl adds lots of protein and flavor.
Red Berries and Chocolate Protein Smoothie Bowl
Ingredients for the smoothie bowl
- 2 tablespoons of rolled oats
- 1 cup vanilla almond milk
- 1 scoop of Vanilla whey protein powder
- 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
- ½ cup fresh or frozen raspberries
- 1 banana, frozen
- 1 tablespoon of almond or other nut butter
Toppings
- High protein granola
- Dark chocolate, broken into small pieces
- Dried cranberries
- Slivered almonds
- Strawberries
- Pomegranate arils
Instructions
- Place oats in a blender and pulse until finely ground.
- Add almond milk, chia seeds and protein powder and blend until smooth.
- Add Greek yogurt, nut butter, frozen banana and berries and blend until smooth.
- Pour into bowl and top with granola, dried cranberries, chocolate, pomegranate arils and strawberry hearts.
- To make the strawberry hearts you can use a small heart shaped cookie cutter or easily make strawberry hearts using a knife. See how to do it here.
- You can play around with your toppings and add other ingredients to go with the Valentine’s theme like raspberries, dark chocolate hearts, chocolate chips, dark chocolate shavings and other berries.
Red Berry and Chocolate Protein Smoothie Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of rolled oats
- 1 cup vanilla almond milk
- 1 scoop of Vanilla whey protein powder
- 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
- ½ cup fresh or frozen raspberries
- 1 banana, frozen
- 1 tablespoon of almond or other nut butter
- Toppings
- High protein granola
- Dark chocolate, broken into small pieces
- Dried cranberries
- Slivered almonds
- Strawberries
- Pomegranate arils
Instructions
- Place oats in a blender and pulse until finely ground.
- Add almond milk, chia seeds and protein powder and blend until smooth.
- Add Greek yogurt, nut butter, frozen banana and berries and blend until smooth.
- Pour into bowl and top with granola, dried cranberries, chocolate, pomegranate arils and strawberry hearts.
- To make the strawberry hearts you can use a small heart shaped cookie cutter or easily make strawberry hearts using a knife. See how to do it here.
- You can play around with your toppings and add other ingredients to go with the Valentine’s theme like raspberries, dark chocolate hearts, chocolate chips, dark chocolate shavings and other berries.
Paula studied architecture and now makes a living as a freelance writer,traveler and amateur photographer.She started her writing & publishing career as the editor of Bebé y Mamá, the first parenting magazine in Guatemala.She is the founder of www.GrowingUpBilingual.com and www.365thingsswfl.com and writes articles in Spanish and English for both magazines and the web on travel,food and bicultural and bilingual parenting .
When she is not on a plane or road trip she likes to create recipes inspired in the flavors of her native Guatemala.
- Guatemalan Dulce de Chilacayote Recipe (Crystalized Chilacayote Candy) - February 26, 2024
- Guatemalan Naranjas en Miel Recipe (Candied Oranges Recipe) - February 25, 2024
- Traditional Guatemalan Candy - February 25, 2024
This looks yum i will have to try this