Fruit is often called natures candy. I could eat fruit all day long, as could my family. Recently while at my parents I was watching everyone play Candy Crush and laughing at how addictive the game seems to be. I couldn’t tell you as I seem to be the only one in the world, or at least in my family, who hasn’t played it. Sitting there not playing and instead thinking of food, as I often do, I got to thinking about candy and started thinking hmm Candy Crush, fruit is natures candy. Then it came to me I had to make a Nature’s Candy Crush Bowl. Great for breakfast, snack, or dessert this colorful bowl is as sweet as they come. I couldn’t pass up the colorful bowl of fresh fruit screaming my name so I also made one for myself adding some chia seeds (forgot to add to mine when I made it again to photograph it) to the fruit and protein (used Vega Viva Vanilla in the one photographed it is also amazing with Vega Tropical Tango Protein Powder which is how I made it the first time) to the Orange Banana Cream to round it out and making this healthy bowl a sweet way start to my day!
Below is what we used to create the Nature’s Candy Crush Bowls pictured however the options are endless! This is a great way to use up fruit you have on hand and adjust to fit your tastes and mood. You can also customize the Banana Cream and make it plain or another flavor twist. If you are not a fan of banana “ice” cream we also like this topped with a tropical sorbet using 1 peeled pitted mango, 1 peeled orange, orange zest, and 4 cups of ice blending everything together in a Vitamix, or high-speed blender.
Nature’s Candy Crush Bowl
Makes 2 servings
1 Ataulfo mango, peeled, pitted and diced
2 Cutie’s clemintines, segments chopped in thirds
diced pineapple
diced strawberries
sliced green grapes
raspberries
1 TBSP chia seeds, optional (use for mine but omit for the girls)
Orange Banana Cream
Makes 2 servings
4 small-medium frozen ripe bananas
zest of 1 orange
1 orange, peeled
1 scoop vanilla, natural, or tropical protein powder, optional (I use Vega One or Vega Protein Smoothie when I want to add a little protein, used Vega Viva Vanilla Protein Smoothie this time in mine)*
non dairy milk of choice, as needed if adding protein powder (used So Delicious Unsweetened Vanilla Coconut Milk)
*Vega Tropical Protein Smoothie is a great addition to the Orange Banana Cream or the Tropical Sorbet (above) and a family favorite in this recipe.
Mix prepared fruit and place into 2 bowls. Sprinkle with chia seeds if using and set aside. In a Vitamix, or high-speed blender, blend together frozen bananas, orange zest, orange, and ice until smooth. If adding protein powder add protein powder and start with a few tablespoons of milk adding more as needed. Pour or spoon Orange Banana Cream over fruit. Sprinkle with orange zest, goji berries, or any additional toppings you may want to add. Enjoy!
As a Vega Recipe Ambassador I receive Vega products, which I used as an option in this recipe. I use Vega not because it is given to me but because it has been my plant-based protein of choice since before I started blogging and some recipes are made with Vega products I purchase. I only write about foods I love, my blog is an extension of my hobby to make fun healthy food creations for me and my family.