These coconut smoothie bowls are always the answer when your taste buds are craving something tropical, creamy, and packed with superfood goodness! Get ready to go coco-nuts for this vanilla coconut smoothie bowl.
It's like a vacation in a bowl, with a thick consistency that rivals the best options at any smoothie joint—minus the additional cost. Plus, it’s loaded with plant-based ingredients that are low glycemic, making it the perfect, soft-serve treat for all eaters.
about this recipe
This coconut smoothie bowl recipe has simple ingredients that create a creamy base.
The key? Frozen banana and coconut milk ice cubes blended to perfection for a superior taste and consistency.
With chia seeds, protein powder, and a drizzle of honey or liquid allulose (optional), this bowl is a nutritious smoothie that helps when it comes to keeping hunger in check and maintaining steady blood sugar levels.
what is a coconut smoothie bowl?
Smoothie bowls are made with ingredients similar to a typical smoothie. But smoothie bowls are essentially thicker smoothies—almost like the consistency of soft-serve ice cream.
They’re served in a bowl and topped with fresh fruit, granola, or a drizzle of nut butter—basically, any fun toppings of choice!
Sure, a smoothie bowl isn’t as portable as a regular smoothie (if you need something on the go, check out my banana almond butter smoothie or green ginger smoothie), but they feel more special when served in a bowl with fun toppings.
These coconut smoothie bowls are:
- A delicious way to enjoy coconut flavor in smoothie bowl form.
- Keto, low-carb, gluten-free, dairy-free
- Quick and easy—ready in just 5 minutes for a perfect breakfast!
- A satisfying snack or dessert that everyone will love with wonderful flavor.
the ingredients
Here's a look at what you'll need to make your own beautiful coconut bowls with all of the fixings!
- Frozen banana or pineapple – Gives the smoothie a thick consistency and natural sweetness.
- Coconut milk ice cubes – The secret to achieving that creamy coconut smoothie bowl texture and the perfect coconut base. This takes a tiny bit of pre-planning but it's simple. All you need to do is pour a can of coconut milk into an ice cube tray and let it freeze overnight.
- Chia seeds – A fiber aid that provides omega-3s and keeps you full longer.
- Unsweetened vanilla almond milk and protein powder – Helps blend everything while keeping it dairy-free. The protein powder adds not only protein, but boosts sweetness without adding sugar.
how to make coconut smoothie bowls
Here's a look at the simple process but be sure to view the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page for all of the details.
One thing I want to emphasize is that you have to get the ingredient amounts just right to achieve that thick, soft-serve consistency. Start small with the frozen coconut milk- I add about half of it to start and add more as needed to thicken the mixture.
Prep your ingredients: Freeze coconut milk in ice cube trays the night before. Trust me, this plays an important role in getting that ultra-thick smoothie base.
Add frozen banana or pineapple, coconut milk ice cubes, shredded coconut, chia seeds, almond milk, vanilla extract, and protein powder to a high-powered blender.
Start on low to break up the frozen chunks, then gradually increase to medium-high. Blend until you get a thick, smooth texture. If it's too thick, add more almond milk. If it's too thin, add more of the frozen coconut milk cubes.
Scoop into bowls and sprinkle on your favorite toppings like coconut flakes, cacao nibs, fresh berries, chia or hemp seeds.
health benefits
Coconut isn't just delicious—it’s also a powerhouse for your skin and hair!
Coconut contains healthy fats and antioxidants that help hydrate skin, promote collagen production, and fight free radicals.
The natural antimicrobial properties of coconut can help prevent breakouts and soothe skin irritation.
Additionally, coconut’s moisturizing effects extend to your hair, keeping it soft, shiny, and protected from damage. Including coconut and coconut oil in your diet helps nourish your body from the inside out!
Not only does this coconut smoothie bowl taste amazing, but it also features other ingredients that boost overall wellness:
- Boosts hydration: Coconut milk and chia seeds help maintain hydration levels and keep your skin looking fresh.
- Aids digestion: Fiber from chia seeds and fruit supports gut health and digestion.
- Sustains energy levels: The combination of healthy fats, protein, and natural sugars provides lasting energy without the sugar crash.
- Supports immune health: Coconut contains lauric acid, known for its immune-boosting and antimicrobial properties.
tips for this recipe
- Use frozen fruit and coconut milk ice cubes – This will help you achieve a thick smoothie bowl consistency instead of a thin, drinkable smoothie.
- Taste & adjust - Add a bit of liquid allulose, date syrup, or maple syrup if you prefer it sweeter.
- Make it visually appealing – Smoothie bowls can be a blank canvas for a truly beautiful treat! Layer whole fresh fruit like banana slices, whole blueberries or blackberries, and sliced fruit in vibrant colors for a smoothie bowl that looks as wonderful as tastes.
variations
- Experiment with different varieties of toppings – Try dark chocolate chips, coconut meat, almond butter, or grain-free granola.
- Want a more tropical smoothie vibe? – Swap out frozen banana for mango and add a splash of coconut water.
- For an extra protein boost – Add Greek yogurt for a decadent creamy vanilla ice cream texture.
storing
You can store any of the leftover coconut smoothie mixture in the freezer, it will just need a little defrost time and another few pulses in the blender to get back to the perfect consistency.
I don't recommend storing it in the fridge or your frozen ingredients will melt.
you might also love
- If you are a berry lover, the berry smoothie bowl may be the right choice for you.
- A keto tropical smoothie is the perfect addition to a quick morning.
- This grain-free almond butter granola would be delicious on top of any coconut smoothie bowl!
Creamy Coconut Smoothie Bowls
These coconut smoothie bowls are a healthy, soft-serve delight! The flavors of coconut and vanilla shine in this frozen treat that works as a standalone breakfast, post workout snack, or a simple dessert. They are low carb, gluten-free, and so easy to make!
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup frozen banana slices or frozen pineapple chunks
- 14 ounces full-fat coconut milk, frozen into ice cubes
- 2 tablespoons shredded unsweetened coconut, plus more for serving
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds, plus more for serving
- ½-¾ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large scoop vanilla protein powder
- pinch of fine sea salt
- Liquid allulose or date syrup add to taste (I use about 1-2 tablespoons)
- Fresh berries or fruit for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients (start with half of the frozen coconut milk cubes and ½ cup almond milk) to a large high-powered blender. Pulse a few times to break up the frozen ingredients, then increase the speed to medium-high.
- Blend until it is smooth but still very thick. If it's too thin, add more of the frozen coconut milk. If it's too thick, add extra splashes of almond milk. Taste and add liquid allulose or date syrup as needed to sweeten the mixture. Depending on your taste and sweetness of the protein powder, you may not need an extra sweetener.
- Scoop into serving bowls and top with fresh fruit and more shredded coconut and chia seeds (optional).
Notes
- For the best results and thick consistency, use frozen fruit and frozen coconut milk. I pour a can of coconut milk into an ice cube tray and freeze it the night before. If your ingredients are not frozen, you’ll end up with more of a smoothie instead of a thick smoothie bowl, which should be a soft-serve consistency.
- Vanilla protein powder will sweeten this bowl but if you’re using unflavored or unsweetened protein powder, you may need to rely on more liquid allulose.
- Liquid allulose is a low-glycemic liquid sweetener. You can also use pure monk fruit or stevia drops. Honey or pure maple syrup are both good substitutes but will add extra grams of sugar to the smoothie bowl.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 136Total Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 74mgCarbohydrates: 9gNet Carbohydrates: 7gFiber: 2gSugar: 1gProtein: 8g
This nutritional information is approximate and is provided for convenience as a courtesy.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!