Check out my recipe for making Ninja Creami Mint Chocolate Ice Cream!
One of my favorite ice creams is the mint chocolate chip ice cream from Baskin Robbins. It doesn't have big chips in it. Instead, it has little flakes of chocolate everywhere! The chocolate flakes are mixed into green mint ice cream! Well, guess what?!? I figured out a really great way to make something super close to it!!
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The reason this Ninja Creami ice cream is called mint chocolate instead of mint chocolate chip is that there are no actual chips in it! You can add in mini chips if you would like, but there is no need to! The secret ingredient to making mint chocolate ice cream similar to the mint chocolate chip ice cream at Baskin Robbins is.....MAGIC SHELL!!! That's right! The magic shell chocolate fudge does not fully mix into the ice cream while it's processing as normal fudge does! Instead, the magic shell breaks up into flakes of chocolatey goodness!! Magic shell makes a magical sweet treat!!
For this recipe, I used peppermint extract. And, I will tell you...a little goes a VERY long way! I went through several variations and figured out very quickly that if you put too much of the peppermint extract in, the flavor becomes VERY overpowering and not good at all. So, be sure to follow the recipe below so that you don't end up with something that tastes more like toothpaste than like ice cream!
How long does it take Ninja Creami to make ice cream?
The Ninja Creami is unlike other ice cream makers due to it not having a cooling/freezing element to the machine.
Traditional Ice Cream Maker:
- Traditional ice cream makers have a chilled bowl that you add your base ingredients to. The bowl spins in the machine and slowly freezes the ice cream base.
- You can add in "mix-ins" and they will pretty much keep their form.
- The process only takes a few hours based on which ice cream maker you own. You can go from having just ingredients to having fully frozen ice cream that's ready to eat in just a couple of hours.
- However, the ice cream maker needs to start with a liquid base. It does not have the capability to take things like fruit and turn them into a creamy ice cream.
Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker:
- The Ninja Creami is different in that it does not have a cooling element. So, you need to prepare your ice cream base ingredients ahead of time and freeze for 24 hours.
- The amount of ice cream is much smaller than a traditional ice cream maker. Based on which model of the Ninja Creami you have, you can only make 2 or 3 cups of ice cream at a time.
- You can put almost anything in the Ninja Creami containers and freeze it. Fruit, protein shakes, dairy, and sugar-based recipes, basically, anything that is not just water can go in the Ninja Creami.
- After the base has frozen for 24 hours, it goes into the Ninja Creami and it processes it by spinning the blade/paddle through the frozen base. It basically shaves the contents and mixes them together to create a very creamy consistency.
- After processing you can add in any type of "mix-ins" that you would like.
- The Ninja Creami doesn't just make ice cream. It can also make smoothies, milkshakes, gelato, creamiccinos, frozen drinks, frozen yogurt, lite ice cream, sorbet, and smoothie bowls. Options vary based on the model.
Mint Chocolate ice cream is the perfect homemade ice cream! Something to keep in mind when making Ninja Creami mint chocolate ice cream and other Ninja Creami recipes is that when you add in mix-ins, it becomes a challenge to eat the leftovers. Once the mix-ins have been added in, you do not want to process it again. If you do, the mix-ins will be pulverized by the paddle and thoroughly mixed in with the ice cream base.
So, for this recipe, and other recipes that have mix-ins, like butter pecan ice cream, or anything with brownies, nuts, graham crackers, cookies, or chunks of fruit, I would recommend sharing it with a friend so that you finish the pint off in one sitting.
Or, if that's not an option, put it back in the freezer (you can even transfer it to another container so that you are not using up your valuable pint containers) and when you are ready to eat it again, let it sit on the counter until it softens up and becomes scoopable again. This can take 10-30 minutes. The texture will not be quite as creamy but it will still be a delicious treat!!
Tips for making Ninja Creami Mint Chocolate Ice Cream
Peppermint or spearmint extract can be used. Spearmint extract is more overpowering and stronger in flavor, so peppermint extract can be a better option. In either case, a little goes a very long way. Always taste your ice cream base mixture before freezing to determine if you need more or less mint flavoring.
Green food coloring is added to mint ice cream to make it look green. The flavors are the same whether it is green or white. As companies move towards removing artificial ingredients, some have removed the green food coloring from their recipes.
Per the manufacturer, it is recommended to freeze your desserts for a full 24 hours to ensure that the base mixture is evenly frozen throughout. Many have experimented and frozen for a shorter amount of time and have had good results. When making milkshakes with prepared ice cream, you don't need to wait 24 hours.
The Ninja Creami makes all sorts of treats. Since you control the ingredients you can make full-fat and sugar recipes or make keto, vegan, diabetic, bariatric-friendly, or protein-based treats. Based on your dietary restrictions you can modify almost any recipe to meet your needs.
Instead of regular milk, you can use almond milk, coconut cream, coconut milk, dairy-free milk like oat milk, bananas or protein powder and shakes.
Instead of sugar, you can use monk fruit sweetener, agave nectar, swerve, or allulose.
Instead of cream cheese you can use vegan cream cheese, goat cheese, cottage cheese, or instant pudding.
Click HERE to see a full list of substitutions. Some substitutions provide a less creamy texture.
Mint chocolate chip ice cream is made of a base of mint-flavored ice cream, usually peppermint or spearmint. Chocolate chips or chunks are added in. The result is a delicious mint chocolate ice cream with little chocolate surprises throughout! Mint chocolate chip ice cream is one of the most popular flavors.
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Ingredient substitutions and tips for making Ninja Creami Mint Chocolate Ice Cream:
The full ingredient list is found at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.
Sugar and dairy substitution suggestions can be found here.
***Ice Cream Base
Milk- I prefer to use whole milk when making an ice cream base. But, you can use lower-fat milk or a dairy substitute instead. Lower-fat ice creams tend to be less creamy than full fat so the texture may vary a bit.
Half and Half- If you don't have half and half, you can use a mixture of heavy cream and milk instead.
Sugar- White sugar was used. You can use a sugar substitute instead.
Instant Pudding Mix- Vanilla flavored-DO NOT use cook-and-serve pudding. Be sure to use instant pudding. You can use sugar-free instant pudding instead.
Peppermint Extract- Spearmint or mint extract can be used instead. However, the strength and flavor of extracts can vary by brand. So, start out with a VERY small amount of extract added to the base mixture. Stir and taste the mixture before adding more.
Green Food Coloring- Can be omitted or changed to a different color! Use red food coloring for Valentines day or orange for Halloween!
Mix-ins
Magic Shell- Chocolate fudge flavored. DO NOT use regular chocolate fudge. For this recipe, you must use magic shell that hards when cold.
Optional:
Mini Chocolate Chips- You can add mini chocolate chips to add more chocolate to the ice cream. Be sure to use the mini chips as the full-size chips get very hard when frozen.
Steps for making Ninja Creami Mint Chocolate Ice Cream Ice Cream:
Directions for making Ninja Creami Mint Chocolate Ice Cream:
1. Combine all ice cream base ingredients in the Ninja Creami pint container. Mix well with a whisk or immersion blender.
2. Put the lid on the pint and freeze on a level surface for 24 hours.
3. After 24 hours, remove the pint from the freezer. Remove the lid.
4. Place the Ninja Creami pint into the outer bowl. Place the outer bowl with the pint in it, into the Ninja Creami machine and turn until the outer bowl locks into place. Push the ICE CREAM button. During the ice cream function, the ice cream will mix together and become very creamy.
5. Once the ice cream function has ended, turn the outer bowl and release it from the Ninja Creami machine.
6. Dig a hole in the center of the ice cream and squirt in the magic shell. Also, drizzle the magic shell over the top of the ice cream. Let it sit for about a minute so that the magic shell sets up and gets hard.
Optional: Add mini chocolate chips.
7. Put the pint back into the Ninja Creami and process on the "Mix-Ins" function. Once the Ninja Creami is finished processing, remove it from the machine.
8. Your ice cream is ready to eat! Enjoy!
Pin Ninja Creami Mint Chocolate Ice Cream for later:
Ninja Creami Mint Chocolate Ice Cream
Rate this Recipe Print Recipe Pin RecipeOriginal and Deluxe Ingredient Measurements
Use the multiplier below to adjust quantities based on the machine that you own. 1X=Original 16 ounce 1.5X=Deluxe 24 ounces
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base
- 1 Cup (244 g) Milk
- ½ Cup (121 g) Half and Half
- ⅓ Cup (66 ⅔ g) Sugar
- 2 Tablespoons (2 Tablespoons) Instant Pudding Mix (Vanilla)
- ½ Teaspoon (½ Teaspoon) Peppermint Extract
- 4 Drops (4 Drops) Green Food Coloring
Mix-Ins
- 2-3 Tablespoons (2 Tablespoons) Magic Shell (Chocolate Fudge)
- 1 Tablespoon (1 Tablespoon) Mini Chocolate Chips (OPTIONAL)
Instructions
- Combine all ice cream base ingredients in the Ninja Creami pint container. Mix well with a whisk or immersion blender.
- Put the lid on the pint and freeze on a level surface for 24 hours.
- After 24 hours, remove the pint from the freezer. Remove the lid.
- Place the Ninja Creami pint into the outer bowl. Place the outer bowl with the pint in it, into the Ninja Creami machine and turn until the outer bowl locks into place. Push the ICE CREAM button. During the ice cream function, the ice cream will mix together and become very creamy.
- Once the ice cream function has ended, turn the outer bowl and release it from the Ninja Creami machine.
- Dig a hole in the center of the ice cream and squirt in the magic shell. Also, drizzle the magic shell over the top of the ice cream. Let it sit for about a minute so that the magic shell sets up and gets hard. Optional: Add mini chocolate chips.
- Put the pint back into the Ninja Creami and process on the "Mix-Ins" function. Once the Ninja Creami is finished processing, remove from the machine.
- Your ice cream is ready to eat! Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. Optional ingredients are not included in the nutrition information.
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If you want to upgrade your Magic Shell, use about 200 g of your favorite chocolate (I like a good 70% dark), and melt with 3 TB coconut oil (you can use unprocessed if you like the coconut flavor, or processed if you want just the chocolate flavor). Cheaper and better tasting than store bought.
Virginia
OMG!!!!! Unbelievably good. My husband and I ate every bit of it yesterday and I’m making more today! It is such a treat to my taste buds. We added the mini chocolate chips! Highly recommend if you like peppermint and chocolate! Cannot miss with this recipe.