Creating these beautiful and delicious smoothie jars is a straightforward process. Follow these steps carefully to ensure perfect layers and a wonderfully smooth consistency. The key is to blend the two main components separately to achieve the distinct layered look.

Part 1: Preparing the Coconut Cream Layer

1. Chill Your Equipment: For the best results, place your blender pitcher and the can of coconut milk in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before you begin. A cold base is essential for a thick, creamy result.
2. Blend the Coconut Base: In your high-speed blender, combine half of the chilled full-fat coconut milk (about 1/2 cup), 1 tablespoon of chia seeds, and half of the unsweetened shredded coconut (2 tablespoons).
3. Add Sweetness and Flavor (Optional): If you desire a sweeter coconut layer, add 1/2 tablespoon of maple syrup and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
4. Blend Until Smooth: Blend on high speed for about 30-45 seconds, or until the mixture is completely smooth, creamy, and the shredded coconut is well incorporated. The consistency should be like a thick, pourable cream.
5. Set Aside: Pour the coconut cream mixture into a separate bowl or measuring cup and place it back in the refrigerator to stay cold while you prepare the berry layer.

Part 2: Preparing the Berry Smoothie Layer

1. Rinse the Blender: Quickly rinse out the blender pitcher to remove any remaining coconut cream. This ensures your berry layer maintains its vibrant purple color.
2. Combine Berry Ingredients: To the blender, add the 2 cups of frozen mixed berries, the frozen ripe banana, the remaining half of the coconut milk (1/2 cup), the remaining 1 tablespoon of chia seeds, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
3. Sweeten to Taste (Optional): Add 1/2 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of maple syrup, depending on the sweetness of your fruit and your personal preference.
4. Blend to Perfection: Start blending on a low speed to break up the frozen fruit, then gradually increase to high speed. Blend for 60-90 seconds, using the blender’s tamper if necessary, until the smoothie is exceptionally thick, smooth, and creamy, with no remaining chunks of fruit. It should have the consistency of soft-serve ice cream.

Part 3: Assembling the Smoothie Jars

1. Choose Your Jars: Select two medium-sized glass jars or glasses (about 12-16 ounces each). Clear glass is best to showcase the beautiful layers.
2. Create the First Layer: Spoon or pour a layer of the thick berry smoothie into the bottom of each jar, filling it about one-quarter of the way up.
3. Add the Coconut Layer: Carefully spoon a layer of the chilled coconut cream on top of the berry mixture. Be gentle to maintain a distinct line between the colors.
4. Repeat the Layers: Continue alternating between the berry smoothie and the coconut cream until the jars are filled, finishing with a final layer of the berry smoothie on top. You can create as many or as few layers as you like. For a marbled effect, you can use a spoon or a skewer to gently swirl the layers together along the inside of the jar.
5. Garnish and Serve: Top your finished smoothie jars with a generous sprinkle of unsweetened shredded coconut, a few fresh berries, and a scattering of extra chia seeds for texture and visual appeal.