What to put in a smoothie bowl to make it thick?

Smoothie bowls have become an increasingly popular breakfast or snack in recent years. Their thick, creamy texture makes them filling and satisfying. While smoothies are typically drinkable, smoothie bowls are meant to be eaten with a spoon. Creating the perfect thick and creamy smoothie bowl can be a bit tricky, but there are some simple ingredients you can use to achieve the ideal texture.

Use Frozen Fruit

The easiest way to create a thicker smoothie bowl is to use frozen fruit. Bananas, mangos, pineapples, berries – freeze any of your favorite fruits overnight or longer and add them to your smoothie. The frozen fruit will blend up thicker than fresh fruit. You’ll get a creamy chilled texture without having to add any extra thickeners.

Berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries work especially well frozen in smoothies. They have small seeds that help to add natural thickness. Just be sure to account for extra sweetness from very ripe, frozen fruit.

Add Greek Yogurt

Plain Greek yogurt is an ideal smoothie bowl thickener. It blends perfectly into smoothies adding protein, creaminess, and tang. Non-fat Greek yogurt works best as it won’t water down the smoothie bowl texture.

For every 1 cup of fruit or juice in a smoothie, add around 1/4 to 1/2 cup Greek yogurt. Start with less and blend in more to reach the thickness you prefer.

Use Bananas

Ripe bananas are one of the best natural smoothie thickeners. They add nutrients like potassium and fiber as well. Bananas blend easily and have a creamy, smooth texture.

For one serving of a smoothie bowl, use one whole banana. You can also freeze peeled bananas for even thicker smoothies. If your smoothie is still too thin after adding a banana, try blending in a spoon or two of nut butter.

Add Oats

Quick oats are an easy way to add substance to a smoothie bowl. They blend easily and provide a thicker consistency with fiber and whole grains.

Add around 1/4 cup dry oats per smoothie bowl. Make sure to blend the oats first with any liquid ingredients to fully break them down before adding fruits and veggies.

Use Avocado

Avocados are a creative way to thicken up a smoothie bowl recipe. They have a smooth, creamy texture that adds richness. Avocado also provides heart-healthy fats and fiber.

Blend in 1/4 to 1/2 of an avocado per smoothie bowl. They pair especially well with chocolate or vanilla flavored smoothies.

Add Nut Butters

Nut butters like almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter can help make smoothie bowls extra thick and satisfying. They add protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

Add 1 to 2 tablespoons nut butter to your smoothie. Too much can overpower other flavors. Peanut butter pairs well with banana smoothies.

Use Silken Tofu

Silken tofu is a vegan ingredient that can thicken up dairy-free smoothie bowls. It has a smooth, creamy texture when blended.

For one serving, add around 1/4 cup silken tofu. Make sure it is blended fully for the smoothest texture.

Add Chia Seeds

Chia seeds naturally gel and thicken when blended with liquids. They are a great option for creating thickness in a smoothie bowl.

Use 1-2 teaspoons chia seeds per smoothie bowl. For best results let them soak for 10-15 minutes in the other smoothie ingredients before blending.

Use Flaxseed

Like chia seeds, flaxseed naturally forms a gel-like consistency in liquids. The seeds will thicken a smoothie when blended.

Add 1-2 teaspoons ground flaxseed meal to your smoothie. Whole flaxseeds may not fully break down enough when blended.

Blend in Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is a high protein ingredient that can help make smoothies extra thick and creamy. Use 1/4 to 1/2 cup cottage cheese per smoothie bowl.

Low-fat or nonfat cottage cheese works best as it blends up smooth. Make sure there are no lumps of cottage cheese left after blending.

Add Cooked Oatmeal

Instead of raw oats, you can use cooked oatmeal to instantly thicken a smoothie bowl. The cooked oats blend down into an ultra creamy texture.

Let 1/4 to 1/2 cup oatmeal cool completely before adding to a smoothie to avoid a hot or uneven texture.

Use Protein Powder

Whey, plant, or nut protein powders can help add thickness and creaminess to smoothie bowls while also boosting the nutrition. They quickly blend into liquid for a smooth texture.

Add 1 to 2 scoops protein powder per smoothie bowl. Vanilla flavors work well for creating a creamy base.

Blend in Pureed Veggies

For a nutrient boost, add pureed vegetables like cooked sweet potato, pumpkin, carrots, or beets. The purees will add natural thickness.

Adding around 1/4 cup or more vegetable puree per smoothie bowl will make it thicker. Make sure vegetables are fully blended to avoid chunks.

Use Milk

Dairy milk like cow’s milk adds thickness, protein, and calcium to smoothies. For one serving, use around 1/2 to 1 cup of milk.

Non-dairy milks like soy, almond, oat, and coconut can help create thickness too. Low-fat, protein-rich milks work best.

Try Ice Cream

For an extra decadent smoothie bowl, add in a 1/4 to 1/2 cup full fat ice cream. Vanilla flavors work well. The cold creaminess of ice cream makes smoothies rich.

Sorbets can be used too but may not add as much thickness. Use just enough sweet ice cream to make it thick but not watery.

Blend in Canned Coconut Milk

The thick creaminess of coconut milk makes it perfect for adding richness to smoothie bowls. Use around 1/4 to 1/2 cup per smoothie.

Look for full-fat coconut milk canned varieties. Light coconut milk won’t have the same thickness.

Add Instant Pudding Mix

Using dry instant pudding and pie filling mixes lets you add thick creaminess with just a tablespoon or two. They quickly blend into smoothies for texture.

Use flavors like vanilla or chocolate pudding to complement your smoothie ingredients. Let the mix dissolve fully when blending to avoid clumps.

Use Soft Tofu

Where silken tofu has a creamy, smooth texture, soft tofu is a bit thicker. Blending it into smoothies helps to create a nice consistency.

Add around 1/4 to 1/2 cup soft tofu per smoothie bowl serving. Make sure it blends fully for smoothness.

Blend in Yogurt Cheese

Yogurt cheese is a thickened yogurt product made by straining regular yogurt. Thanks to its extra density, it thickens smoothies easily.

Use around 1/4 to 1/2 cup yogurt cheese per serving. Nonfat Greek yogurt strained overnight makes an easy homemade version.

Thick Smoothie Bowl Recipes

Once you have some thick ingredients on hand, it’s easy to make delicious smoothie bowls at home. Here are a few recipes to help you get started:

Thick Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie Bowl

Ingredients:

  • 1 frozen banana
  • 1 cup milk of choice
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Thick Berry Smoothie Bowl

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup frozen mixed berries
  • 1 banana
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup milk of choice
  • 2 tablespoons oats
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

Thick Green Smoothie Bowl

Ingredients:

  • 1 frozen banana
  • Handful spinach
  • 1/4 cup avocado
  • 1 cup milk of choice
  • 1 tablespoon nut butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Smoothie Bowl Topping Ideas

Once your smoothie bowl base is blended thick and creamy, the fun really starts with creative toppings. Here are some topping ideas to make your smoothie bowls colorful and nutritious:

  • Sliced fresh fruit like bananas, berries, mango, kiwi, etc.
  • Diced avocado
  • Granola or crunchy cereal
  • Chopped nuts or seeds
  • Nut butter
  • Shredded coconut
  • Chia seeds
  • Sliced almonds
  • Dried fruit like raisins, cranberries or dates
  • Cocoa nibs or chocolate chips
  • Coconut flakes
  • Yogurt
  • Honey, maple syrup, or agave
  • Granola
  • Sprinkles

Feel free to get creative with the toppings and add your favorite fruits, nuts, seeds, granolas, or other mixins to make each smoothie bowl unique. The thicker the smoothie bowl base, the better it will be able to hold all the fun toppings.

Tips for Making Thick Smoothie Bowls

Follow these tips for making the thickest, creamiest smoothie bowls every time:

  • Use at least 1 frozen ingredient like frozen fruit or yogurt.
  • Blend ingredients like bananas, avocados, yogurt, oats, nut butters, and milks.
  • Add just a small amount of liquid like milk or juice to allow thickness.
  • Use a powerful blender like a Vitamix if possible for smoothest texture.
  • Blend ingredients for 1-2 minutes to fully incorporate.
  • Add extracts like vanilla or cocoa powder for flavor.
  • Try different ingredient combinations to find your favorites.
  • Store any leftovers in the fridge for a chilled, pudding-like treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my smoothie bowls runny?

If your smoothie bowl is runny or watery, there are a few possible reasons. Not enough thick ingredients like bananas, yogurt, oats, or nut butters can lead to a thinner texture. Too much juice or milk may be diluting it as well. Use more frozen fruit or try less liquid next time.

Is it okay to use ice in smoothie bowls?

It’s generally better to avoid regular ice cubes in smoothie bowls, as they can lead to an icy, watery texture. Using frozen fruits and yogurt helps create natural thickness better. But if needed in a pinch, a small amount of crushed ice can work.

Can I meal prep smoothie bowls in advance?

Yes, smoothie bowls can be prepped in advance for quick breakfasts later. Blend the smoothie base without any toppings. Then store in airtight containers in the fridge for 3-5 days. Add your favorite toppings when ready to eat.

What can I use instead of yogurt to thicken smoothies?

Good yogurt alternatives include silken tofu, avocado, cottage cheese, nut butter, protein powder, oats, or milk. Bananas and frozen fruit also naturally thicken without yogurt. Combine a few ingredients for best results.

Is it better to use fresh or frozen fruit?

Frozen fruit is often ideal as it blends up thicker than fresh. But fresh fruit works too, especially bananas. A mix of fresh and frozen can help add texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Smoothie bowls let you turn your favorite smoothie combo into a fun, filling meal. Getting the consistency just right can take some trial and error. Focus on ingredients that add natural thickness like bananas, yogurt, nut butters, and frozen fruit. Then top with crunchy, nutritious mix-ins. With the right blend of ingredients and toppings, you’ll be able to whip up the perfect smoothie bowl texture.

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