I’ve learned over the years as a parent that sometimes, a simple change to the way we serve a food is all it takes to get the kids interested. And this berry Smoothie Bowl is a super fun way to serve a smoothie—and the kids can DIY the toppings! Try it for breakfast or snack.
I am always looking for snacks that are quick, easy, and that my kids like and while we have our stash of store-bought snacks for kids always at the ready, I love mixing in some homemade options. This berry Smoothie Bowl has been such a hit with my two little kids (who are 2 and 5 as I’m writing this), especially since they love to add the toppings themselves.
A smoothie bowl can be a little more interactive than a traditional toddler smoothie, with fun toppings to add. And you can change up the toppings based on what you have on hand, which makes this a really versatile toddler breakfast or easy snack to make at home.
What’s a Smoothie Bowl?
Okay, quick explainer if you’re new to this idea. It’s basically a smoothie in a bowl that you eat with a spoon. (Sort of like the whole Acai Bowl trend if you’ve seen those pop up at your coffee or smoothie shops.) They’re a really nice way to vary the way we serve smoothies—it’s entirely possible that a child may just prefer it this way.
(You may also like Apple Smoothie, Fruit Snacks, Pumpkin Smoothie, and my homemade Rocket Pops.)
Table of Contents
Ingredients You Need
To make this berry smoothie bowl recipe, you’ll need these ingredients on hand and ready to go.
- Frozen strawberries: Or any other frozen berries.
- Banana: This is best if it’s very ripe as that means it will be sweetest. The banana can be fresh or frozen. If you prefer, you can use frozen mango which has a similar sweetness level and also lends creaminess.
- Milk: Dairy or non-dairy works.
- Toppings such as homemade granola, berries, bananas, sprinkles…or really anything you like!
TIP: I like to make these thick for toddlers so they are easy to eat with a spoon.
Step-by-Step Ingredients
Here’s a look at how to make this smoothie bowl recipe. Scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full information.
- Add the ingredients to a blender.
- Blend, starting on low and working up to high, using the stick that came with your blender if you have one.
- Pour or spoon into bowls and top with desired toppings.
TIP: I love to hand over as much control as I can to my kids during meals (little kids love power!) so I put out the toppings for the smoothie bowls and let them serve themselves. Yes, it is a little messy, but they usually eat a different mix of foods that I would have expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sure thing! Just use a favorite nondairy milk.
You can use any berries you like including strawberries, mixed berries, and blueberries. You can use raspberries and blackberries too, though I find those harder to blend super smooth (and my kids don’t love the seedy texture.)
You can use an equal amount of mango or yogurt to add creaminess if you leave out banana.
Best Tips for Success
- This is intentionally thick so it’s easy to eat with a spoon. )If it’s too thick for your blender, add a little extra milk.)
- Use dairy or nondairy milk.
- Banana-free: Trade in diced mango or yogurt.
- Serve immediately with desired toppings.
- Try letting the kids (even little ones!) add their own toppings for a fun food activity.
Related recipes
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Strawberry Smoothie Recipe with Yogurt
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Favorite Blueberry Banana Smoothie
Smoothie Recipes
Easy Cherry Smoothie
Smoothie Recipes
Favorite Mango Smoothie Recipe
I’d love to hear your feedback if you try this with your family, so please comment below to share!
Berry Banana Smoothie Bowls (Kid-Friendly)
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 1/2 cups frozen strawberries, blueberries, or mixed berries
- 1 large banana, sliced (about 1 cup)
- Optional toppings: granola, sliced banana, chopped berries, shredded unsweetened coconut, hemp seeds, and/or chopped or small pieces of dried fruit
Instructions
- Place the ingredients (except the optional toppings) into a blender.
- Blend until very smooth.
- Pour into bowls and top with optional toppings as you like.
- Serve immediately.
Equipment
Notes
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container or reusable pouch for up to 24 hours. (It will have the consistency of drinkable yogurt as leftovers.) Or you can freeze it into popsicles.
- This is intentionally thick so it’s easy to eat with a spoon.) If it’s too thick for your blender, add a little extra milk.)
- Use dairy or nondairy milk.
- Banana-free: Trade in 1 cup diced mango or use ½ cup yogurt instead.
- Try letting the kids (even little ones!) add their own toppings for a fun food activity.
Nutrition
This post was originally posted February 2016.
My 2 yr old loves smoothie bowls! I used to make my own granola but don’t have the time anymore, any particular granola brand that you would recommend that doesn’t contain too much sugar?
Just made this for lunch for my almost two year old and he gobbled it up! Added a teaspoon of peanut butter for a little extra something. Thanks for another success!
I’m so glad!
Is “revolutionary” an overstatement for a smoothie recipe? Maybe, but this was a complete success this morning! We have been in a major breakfast rut and my recently 5 yo is OVER everything we regularly make. This was a smash hit for everyone this AM and I am so excited for a healthy and easy no cook option for summer breakfasts!