These 59+ Delicious and EASY Ninja Creami Ice Cream Recipes are all created for and tested in the Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker. No need to second guess if your ice cream will turn out or not, simply start off with these recipes and you will have winners every time!
If you're new to the Ninja Creami, or craving something new, I've got you covered! Whether you are looking for basic desserts like Ninja Creami Strawberry Ice Cream or your favorite chocolate ice cream, a classic vanilla ice cream, or something a little more complex like peach cobbler frozen yogurt or ice cream made with rosemary and goat cheese or fresh raspberries, I've got the perfect homemade ice cream recipe for you!
The Ninja Creami is revolutionizing the way we make ice cream and it's super exciting!
Table of Contents-Click the arrow to expand
FAQs, Tips and Tricks for the Ninja Creami
- What is the Ninja Creami ice cream maker?
- How to use the Ninja Creami
- Can you make healthy ice cream in the Ninja Creami?
- Can you put ice cubes in the Ninja Creami?
- How do I get rid of the ice on the outside of my Ninja Creami ice cream? (between the ice cream and the container)
- Do I need to use cream cheese in the Ninja Creami recipes?
- What sugar substitutes can I use in the Ninja Creami?
- Can I use non-dairy milk in the Ninja Creami?
- What stabilizers can I use in the Ninja Creami?
- Can you use store-bought ice in the Ninja Creami?
- Why is my Ninja Creami ice cream dry and crumbly?
- How do I make the Ninja Creami ice cream creamier?
- How do I know if I've added enough sweetener or extract to the Ninja Creami recipe?
- What do you do if the paddle falls off of the spindle?
- Do you really have to wait 24 hours for the Ninja Creami?
- Why is there a greasy/waxy feel to my Ninja Creami ice cream?
- How long will the ice cream last?
- What do you do with Ninja Creami leftovers?
- Can you use frozen fruit in the Ninja Creami?
What is the Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker?
The Ninja Creami machine is like no other ice cream maker out there! It transforms simple ingredients like canned fruit into a super creamy refreshing treat! It works in a totally different way that allows you to make customizable treats, so it's important to have the right recipe when making a frozen treat in the Ninja Creami.
If you've heard of the Pacojet, it's pretty similar. Unlike most traditional ice cream makers, the Ninja Creami ice cream machine does not incorporate much air into the mixture. It also uses a creamerizer paddle or blade that basically shaves the mixture instead of a traditional ice cream maker paddle to incorporate the ingredients.
You'll start off with frozen solid bases, remove them from the freezer, put it into the outer bowl, process with the touch of a button, remove it from the machine, add in unlimited mix-in combinations, process on mix-ins, and voila....you've got perfectly creamy delicious treats!
With the Ninja Creami, the mixture needs to be frozen for 24 hours and then processed, and finally, the chunky ingredients get mixed in at the end. The process for making the ice cream is different, so you really should start your Ninja Creami adventures using a recipe that is made just for the Ninja Creami, first, before experimenting on your own.
If you are looking for information on how to use the Ninja Creami, answers to the most commonly asked questions, and substitutes for sweeteners, be sure to check out my full post on Ninja Creami FAQs here!
How to use the Ninja Creami
- Start off by preparing your base recipe and pouring it into a Ninja Creami pint container. I like to blend all ingredients together before pouring them into the Ninja Creami containers. The base recipe will usually have a liquid (dairy, protein shake, juice), stabilizer (cream cheese, instant pudding mix, guar gum), flavoring (extract, flavor oil, instant pudding mix), and sweetener (sugar or sugar substitute).
- Make sure the top of the mixture is level and then freeze on a level surface for 24 hours. The freezer temperature should be between -7 and 9 degrees Fahrenheit. Some freeze without the lid to try and avoid the hump from being created on the top of the ice cream.
- Remove from the freezer and place into the Ninja Creami ice cream machine. Process on the appropriate cycle.
- Once the process has finished, remove the container from the machine. If the ice cream is dry and crumbly (like sand), pour 1-2 tablespoons of liquid into the ice cream and then process on re-spin. You might need to complete this process more than once.
- If you are adding mix-ins, dig a hole down the center of the ice cream, pour in the mix-ins, and then process on mix-ins.
Now that you know the basics, it's time to find your perfect sweet treat!
Ninja Creami Vanilla Ice Cream Base Recipe
I usually start out with my recipe for Ninja Creami Vanilla Bean ice cream and modify it to add different flavors and mix-ins. Having the right texture for the base recipe is really important. Once you have the perfect combination of ingredients, you can easily add mix-ins or replace the vanilla bean paste with flavored extracts to make just about any flavor you would like!
Here are some mix-in ideas for the delicious vanilla ice cream base.
- Chocolate Chips- I recommend chopping them before adding them to the ice cream so they disperse throughout the ice cream when you hit the mix-in button
- Your Favorite Cookies- This is an easy way to add flavor and texture to your ice cream.
- Fresh Fruit: Add in your favorite chopped fresh fruit to the base for a delicious dessert.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to mix-ins, so get creative and make your own unique concoctions!
Ninja Creami Chocolate Ice Cream Recipes
If you are looking for rich, decadent, Ninja Creami homemade chocolate ice cream, look no further! My recipe for Ninja Creami chocolate lover's ice cream could be the best chocolate ice cream ever!! It's so chocolaty and delicious!! Which chocolate ice cream are you going to try first?
Ninja Creami Classic Ice Cream Recipes
There's a handful of traditional ice cream recipes that you can find at just about any ice cream shop! With the help of the Ninja Creami and my recipes below, you can make the classics at home without having to go to the grocery store!
If you are a gelato lover, this next collection of recipes is just for you!
Ninja Creami Gelato Recipes
Did you know that you can make Ninja Creami gelato with just one ingredient? Well, you can! Not only is this Eggnog Gelato DELICIOUS, but it's super easy to make!
Ninja Creami Fruit Recipes
Some of the best Ninja Creami recipes are made with fruit. When using fruit, you can make sorbet, sherbet, or frozen yogurt. Sorbet usually has a high water content and does not have any dairy in it. Sherbet also uses fruit but usually has dairy in the recipe. Frozen yogurt can be plain or can be fruit flavored based on the ingredients that you use.
Whether you are using yogurt, cottage cheese, condensed milk, or any other liquid, most fruit creates a creamy texture and a wonderful flavor! The blueberry pie recipe is one of my favorites!
- Ninja Creami Apple Cobbler Ice Cream
- Ninja Creami Banana Sweet Cream Ice Cream
- Ninja Creami Peach Cobbler Frozen Yogurt
- Ninja Creami Watermelon Sherbet
- Ninja Creami Blueberry Pie Ice Cream
- Ninja Creami Banana Pudding Ice Cream
- Ninja Creami Lemon Peach Ice Cream- with Peach Whiskey
- Ninja Creami Banana Chocolate Chip Lite Ice Cream
- Ninja Creami Peaches and Cream Ice Cream
- Ninja Creami Pina Colada Lite Ice Cream
- Ninja Creami Raspberry White Chocolate Truffle Ice Cream
Ninja Creami Sorbet Recipes
Nothing beats a delicious sorbet on a hot summer day and these easy Ninja Creami Recipes are sure to please the whole family!
One of the most popular recipes is Ninja Creami Dole Whip and you can order Dole whip mix on Amazon. Or, you can make this recipe: Ninja Creami pineapple sorbet. It’s very similar with just one ingredient; canned pineapple! Not only is it super easy to make, but it's also less expensive and lower in added sugar than the Dole Whip mix.
Ninja Creami Unique Recipes
You can make just about any flavor of ice cream that you would like using the Ninja Creami! Get creative with the ingredients and see what you can come up with! Who would have thought goat cheese or cinnamon tea would make a great treat? Well, it does! Click the pictures below for the full recipe.
Healthy Ninja Creami Recipes
One of the beautiful things about Ninja Creami is the ability to adjust all recipes to fit your own dietary needs. You can take total control of your ingredients and make any type of treat that you would like!
Whether you are looking for a low-calorie Ninja creami recipe, keto Ninja Creami recipes, high-protein Ninja Creami recipe, vegan Ninja Creami recipe, or full-fat Ninja Creami ice cream, you can make it all using the Ninja Creami in just a couple of easy steps!
It's really as simple as substituting the ingredients to fit your needs. If you want to make high-protein Ninja Creami ice cream, you can use protein shakes or add protein powder.
If you want to make low-sugar Ninja Creami ice cream, you can make your ice cream base and use a sugar substitute in place of regular sugar. When making these types of homemade ice cream recipes be sure to use the lite ice cream button. The flavor options are endless, give a few a try and you will find your new favorite frozen concoction!
Here are some of my favorite recipes that have high protein, low sugar and they will satisfy your sweet tooth!
Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream Recipes
My protein-based Ninja Creami recipes use Premier Protein shakes or GNC Unflavored Whey protein powder, but you can use any brand that you would like. Click the pictures below to see the full recipes!
- Ninja Creami Pumpkin Pie Protein Ice Cream
- Ninja Creami Vanilla Bean Protein Ice Cream
- Ninja Creami Chocolate Chip Protein Frozen Yogurt
- Ninja Creami Chunky Monkey Protein Ice Cream
- Ninja Creami Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Ice Cream
- Ninja Creami Strawberry Cheesecake Cottage Cheese Protein Ice Cream
- Ninja Creami Chocolate Protein Ice Cream
- Ninja Creami Caramel White Chocolate Mocha Protein Ice Cream
- Ninja Creami Caramel Banana Chocolate Chip Protein Ice Cream
- Ninja Creami Strawberry Banana Protein Ice Cream
- Ninja Creami Mocha Espresso Protein Ice Cream
- Ninja Creami Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Ice Cream
- Ninja Creami Salted Caramel Butterscotch Chip Protein Ice Cream
- Ninja Creami Banana Cream Pie Protein Ice Cream
- Ninja Creami Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Protein Ice Cream
Tips and Tricks for Using the Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker
- Don't put ice cubes in the Ninja Creami. The Ninja Creami is not a blender. Putting ice cubes in the Ninja Creami pint container and then processing it will be very hard on the machine and will likely damage it.
- To melt the ice so that forms on the outside of the ice cream between the ice cream and the container so that it doesn't affect the texture of the ice cream, microwave the pint for 10 seconds, run the pint under warm water, or thaw the pint for 10 minutes before processing.
- You do not need to use cream cheese in Ninja Creami recipes. But, you will need to use some other type of stabilizer or the ice cream will not be as thick and creamy. See the full list of stabilizers here.
- Sugar substitutes can be used in Ninja Creami recipes instead of sugar. You can use monk fruit sweetener, stevia, Splenda, agave nectar, honey, and many more sugar substitutes in the Ninja Creami! Check out the full list of sugar substitutes that you can use in the Ninja Creami in the FAQ post. Click here to see the list.
- Dairy substitutes can be used in Ninja Creami recipes instead of milk, half and half, or heavy cream. You can use coconut milk, cashew milk, soy milk, oat milk, almond milk, or coconut cream. There are endless options for using non-dairy milk in the Ninja Creami. Check out the full list of dairy-free options that you can use in the Ninja Creami in the FAQ post. Click here to see the list.
- Most Ninja Creami recipes need a stabilizer added to create a thick and creamy ice cream. Check out the full list of stabilizers that you can use in the Ninja Creami in the FAQ post. Click here to see the list.
- Store-bought ice cream can be used to make milkshakes in the Ninja Creami. You do not need to freeze the ice cream when making a milkshake. Instead, you can fill the Ninja Creami container with store-bought ice cream and process using the milkshake function.
Troubleshooting Tips for the Ninja Creami
From time to time, you may run into some issues making your own ice cream. Here are some helpful tips for troubleshooting and fixing the issues so you can enjoy your Ninja Creami Ice Creami!
Why is my Ninja Creami ice cream dry and crumbly?
Usually, if your ice cream comes out dry or crumbly it's due to one of the following reasons:
*Your freezer is too cold. Try to adjust your freezer to be a little warmer or let your ice cream sit on the counter for 5-10 minutes before processing it.
*Your recipe does not have enough fat in it. Try adding in a little bit of a higher-fat dairy product to your recipe next time.
*Your recipe may not have enough sugar in it. The less sugar in the recipe, the icier and crumblier the ice cream will be. Regular sugar, honey, or corn syrup can be used to increase the sugar content if desired.
To help resolve this issue, after processing, add 1-2 tablespoons of dairy and then reprocess.
How do I make the Ninja Creami ice cream creamier?
You usually will need some sort of stabilizer in the recipe. I like to use guar gum, instant pudding mix, yogurt, cottage cheese, or bananas to help create a thick, creamy treat!
Bananas do great things for the texture! But, you can taste the banana flavor. If you've added the proper ingredients, you still might end up with dry or crumbly ice cream. Usually, re-spinning with a tablespoon of liquid like milk will make the sweet treat even creamier!
How do I know if I've added enough sweetener or extract to the Ninja Creami recipe?
Always taste the base mixture before freezing. If the mixture is not sweet enough or does not have enough flavor, add more before freezing. The base recipe should taste a little too sweet or a little too flavorful before freezing. Once frozen, the flavor will be a little milder.
What do you do if the paddle falls off of the spindle when processing?
You will need to contact Ninja directly to resolve this issue. Usually, there is a bigger issue with the machine, the spindle, or the paddle if the paddle does not stay connected to the lid when processing ice cream. It is not advised to continue using the machine once this starts happening. Call Ninja directly or reach out to them on their Facebook business page or official group.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to Ninja Kitchen, yes. It takes 24 hours for the mixture to evenly freeze throughout. You need to have a uniformly frozen block of the base mixture in order for it to process correctly. Many have frozen for a shorter time and been successful. However, doing so may void the warranty.
Many Ninja Creami recipes that have been published by the manufacturer include a lot of heavy cream in the recipes. When the ice cream starts to feel waxy or greasy, there's likely too much fat in your recipe, which oftentimes, comes from adding in too much heavy cream. The heavy whipping cream has a tendency to turn greasy or almost butterlike when there is too much added or it is over-mixed. To prevent this from happening, use less heavy whipping cream or substitute it with half and half or milk. I find that using whole milk and half and half works really well! The results are super creamy and not greasy or waxy feeling!
It depends. If you are keeping the ice cream in the Ninja pint container with the lid sealed tightly and are freezing it in a cold freezer (between 9 degrees F and -7 degrees F), your ice cream will keep for several weeks, even months. However, if you transfer your ice cream to another container or freeze it in a freezer that is not quite as cold (or that is accessed a lot/door opened and closed often), the lifetime of your ice cream will decrease greatly to just a few days and you will likely end up with freezer-burned ice cream.
No mix-ins: Smooth out the top of the ice cream and put it back in the freezer. Freeze until hard and then process again on the same initial process that you used.
Mix-ins added: Most mix-ins do not do well when they are reprocessed. They end up getting pulverized and fully combined into the base mix. So, if you have added mix-ins, it's best to eat the entire pint (or share it with a friend). If that's not possible, you can freeze it again and then let it sit on the counter until it's soft enough to scoop. I don't recommend spinning the mixture in the Ninja Creami again if it has mix-ins like candy, cookies, sprinkles, or mini chocolate chips already added.
Yes, you can use fresh fruit and berries or frozen fruit and berries in the Ninja Creami. But, frozen fruit either needs to be thawed out before using, blended with the other ingredients, or have a liquid, like dairy added to the pint to fill in all of the gaps. You cannot only use frozen fruit as it could damage the machine.
When using fruit, you can make sorbet, sherbet, or frozen yogurt. Sorbet usually has a high water content and does not have any dairy in it. Sherbet also uses fruit but usually has dairy in the recipe. Frozen yogurt can be plain or can be fruit flavored based on the ingredients that you use.
Want even more Ninja Creami recipes?
Join the Ninja Creami Community on Facebook. With over 180K members, there are plenty of new and exciting recipes to inspire you and your next Creami creation!
Be sure to check out my Ninja Creami ebooks too! I've got one that is filled with 57 protein-packed recipes and another with 56 traditional Ninja Creami recipes!
Never miss another recipe! Subscribe to have free recipes sent straight to your inbox!
Looking for more recipes?
I've created a post with 59+ Ninja Creami recipes all in one place! Here's the link to the BEST Ninja Creami Recipes!
I've also pulled together 100 of the BEST Ninja Foodi recipes! You'll find Ninja Foodi recipes to make appetizers, side dishes, main courses, and even desserts! Here's the link to 100 recipes!
Check out some of my newest recipes!
Pin 59+BEST Ninja Creami Recipes on Pinterest!:
Ninja Creami Recipes
Rate this Recipe Print Recipe Pin RecipeAdd Food Grade Vegetable Glycerin To Make Leftover Ice Cream Scoopable Right Out of the Freezer
*Add 1 Teaspoon to full fat/full sugar bases *Add 1.5 teaspoon to high protein bases *Add 2 teaspoons to low sugar/low fat lite bases. Freeze and process per the recipe. Take the leftovers out of the freezer and scoop without having to reprocess.
Original 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
- 1⅔ Cups Dairy (Use any dairy or non dairy that you would like. The higher the fat content, the creamier the ice cream will be. )
- ⅓ Cup Sugar (Use any sugar or sugar substitute that you would like. Be sure to use one that is a 1:1 ratio to sugar.)
- Stabilizer (Use 1 tablespoon of cream cheese, ¼ teaspoon guar gum, ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum, or 2 tablespoons of instant pudding mix. Choose one option, not all. )
- Flavor (Use up to 1 tablespoon of flavor extract or flavor oils. Some flavors only need ¼ teaspoon. Add a little and then taste. Add more as needed. )
Instructions
Make the Ice Cream Mixture
- Pour the diary, sugar, stabilizer, and flavor extract into a small blender and blend until all ingredients are fully combined. Pour the mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container.
- Freeze on a level surface for 24 hours. Your freezer should be between 9 and -7 degrees Fahrenheit. To avoid getting a bump on the top of the frozen mixture, freeze with the lid off of the container.
Process the Ice Cream Mixture
- After 24 hours, remove the pint container from the freezer.
- Place the pint container into the outer bowl of the Ninja Creami and then process on the appropriate cycle.
- If the ice cream is dry or crumbly looking, pour in a tablespoon or two of dairy and then re-spin. You may have to repeat this process a couple of times.
- If you are adding mix-ins, dig a well down the center of the ice cream and pour in the mix-ins. Process on mix-ins.
- Remove the pint from the machine and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. Optional ingredients are not included in the nutrition information.
Looking for more recipes? Be sure to check out some of our favorites below!
Lauren Cardona
Tasty Traveler #1
Hi, I’m Lauren but you can call me Tasty Traveler #1!
I have always had a passion for food, cocktails, and travel. It has become more pronounced over the last several years since I have had the opportunity to do so many of the things that I love. One of my favorite co...
Read More
Luis Cardona
Tasty Traveler #2
Hi, I’m Luis! (I like to think of myself as Tasty Traveler #1 but Lauren says I’m Tasty Traveler #2!)
I too have a love for food, travel, and all things in between! Over the past several years I have found more time to be adventurous with things that I eat, the plac...
Read More
Leave a Reply