During our Hot Mess Express Camp, the topic of the Ninja™ Creami® came up. I had to admit that I had owned one for a good while and only used it a couple of times. But when some of our campers started sharing recipes to use with it, I knew I would have to dust it off. I’ve compiled some of the easiest Ninja Creami recipes here, along with some helpful hints to get you started.
What is a Ninja Creami?
If you don’t know what a Creami is, it is a small kitchen appliance that makes ice cream, sorbet, milkshakes, and other frozen treats. It’s perfect for hot summer days, movie nights, and you know, days when you just need ice cream.
I’m seriously so amazed at the variety of flavors and textures this thing can make. The options are endless, so it's a great machine to have in your shelf cooking toolkit. Plus, with the cost of ice cream these days, this could save you from overspending at the grocery store or the local ice cream parlor when the cravings hit.
Getting Started with a Ninja Creami
Just a couple of things to keep in mind before you start:
- First and foremost, do NOT freeze water in your Creami. It can ruin your machine, which would be so sad.
- You have to mix and freeze your ingredients for 24 hours before spinning, so be sure to plan ahead for any possible ice cream craving.
- Buy extra containers from Amazon. They don’t have to be Ninja brand, just make sure you get the right size for your machine model.
- A lot of recipes will let you add a small amount of instant pudding or gelatin mix with a liquid of your choice to help it thicken. Don't use too much though
- The Creami is not a blender — you can’t just cut up strawberries and throw them in alone. If you want to use fresh fruit, smoosh it down to release the juices, and blend them with another liquid.
Ninja Creami Recipe Round Up
Alright, on to the recipes! I rounded up some of the best recipes I could find to get you started, but really, the Creami is a shelf-cooker’s dream machine. Don’t have milk? Use fruit juice or lemonade. Can’t eat dairy? Use nut or oat milk instead. Out of sugar? Try out these sugar substitutes! Want to add a little bit of crunch? See what goodies you have in your pantry that you could smash up and add in (e.g. chocolate chips, marshmallows, nuts, cookies, M&Ms, etc.).
Chocolate Ice Cream
Let’s start with an easy one. It only takes one ingredient: chocolate milk. Pour your favorite chocolate milk into your pint, freeze it for 24 hours, and then spin on the ice cream setting. Once it’s done, add a splash more milk and respin. Voila! Enjoy a soft, creamy, chocolatey treat.
If you want a little extra pizazz, make a well in the middle after the first spin, and then add in crushed cookies, mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts.
Vanilla Ice Cream
If you’re looking for simple, classic vanilla ice cream, Margin Making Mom has the recipe for you. And remember, you can always add in frozen berries, crushed peanut butter cups, or even caramel for extra flavor. Yum!
Peanut Butter Ice Cream
Peanut butter lovers, this one's for you. Imagine this with some chocolate drizzled on top or some nuts mixed in. Yum!
Reese’s Peanut Butter Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream
Want to get a little fancier and add some protein? You’ve got to see this recipe from Lauren Fit Foodie.
Dole Whip Dupe
Plan a Disney staycation with this homemade Dole Whip recipe from The Tasty Travelers.
Strawberry Ice Cream
If you love all things strawberry, you’ll want to try this recipe from Recipes from a Pantry.
Strawberry Sorbet
Need a dairy free or low-calorie option? Make it a sorbet! Food With Feeling shows you how.
Key Lime Pie Protein Ice Cream
This recipe by Life After Wheat takes four simple ingredients and turns them into a yummy, creamy protein-packed treat.
Other combinations to try in your Ninja Creami:
- Tropical sorbet: pineapple tidbits + canned mango + canned peaches (include all the juices!)
- Lemon meringue: lemonade + Dream Whip
- Oreo: vanilla protein milk + Oreo pudding mix + crushed oreos
- Butterfinger: chocolate Fairlife shake + butterscotch pudding mix + peanut butter + mini chocolate chips
- Summer slush: blue raspberry lemonade powder mix + hot water (to dissolve) + Sprite (after initial freeze)
Grocery List
There are a few ingredients to keep on hand so you can always have something ready to go into your Ninja Creami:
- Heavy cream
- Fairlife protein milk
- Pudding mixes (your favorite flavors)
- Canned fruit
- Heavy cream
- Cream cheese
Once you explore and find your favorite recipes, you might be able to narrow down this list.
Have you made a Creami® recipe you love? Tell us all about it in the comments!