Ninja Creami Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe: The Creamiest Dream You’ll Ever Make!

Craving a delicious, creamy, and intensely strawberry-flavored ice cream but don’t want all the added sugars and preservatives from store-bought versions? Look no further! This Ninja Creami Strawberry Ice Cream recipe is your ticket to homemade frozen bliss. Using the magic of the Ninja Creami, you can transform simple ingredients into a decadent treat that’s perfect for a hot summer day, a special occasion, or just a satisfying dessert any time of year. Get ready to experience strawberry ice cream like never before – smooth, rich, and bursting with fresh, fruity goodness. This recipe is so easy, even a ninja could master it!

Why This Recipe Works

This Ninja Creami Strawberry Ice Cream recipe is a winner for several reasons:

• Fresh Strawberry Flavor: We use a generous amount of fresh strawberries to ensure an authentic and vibrant strawberry taste. No artificial flavorings needed!
• Creamy Texture: The Ninja Creami’s unique processing method creates an incredibly smooth and creamy texture, unlike traditional ice cream makers that can sometimes result in icy or grainy results.
• Customizable Sweetness: You have complete control over the amount and type of sweetener you use, allowing you to tailor the recipe to your preferred level of sweetness and dietary needs.
• Simple Ingredients: This recipe relies on just a handful of wholesome ingredients, making it a healthier and more natural alternative to store-bought ice cream.
• Quick and Easy: While the freezing process takes time, the active preparation time is minimal. Simply blend, freeze, and spin!

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) Fresh Strawberries: Washed, hulled, and roughly chopped. Fresh strawberries are key to the best flavor. Frozen can be used in a pinch, but thaw them slightly and drain off excess liquid.
• 1 cup (240ml) Heavy Cream: Provides richness and contributes to the creamy texture.
• 1 cup (240ml) Whole Milk: Balances the richness of the heavy cream and adds moisture.
• 1/2 cup (120ml) Granulated Sugar: Adjust to your preferred sweetness. You can substitute with other sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute (see notes below).
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor and adds a touch of warmth.
• 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice: Brightens the strawberry flavor and helps prevent the ice cream from becoming too icy.
• Pinch of Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

Sweetener Notes:

• Honey or Maple Syrup: Use about 1/3 cup of honey or maple syrup instead of sugar. Keep in mind that these sweeteners will slightly alter the flavor of the ice cream.
• Sugar Substitute: If using a sugar substitute, follow the package instructions for equivalent sweetness to 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Some sugar substitutes may affect the texture of the ice cream, so experiment and adjust as needed. Erythritol and Monk Fruit are generally good choices.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Strawberry Mixture: In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped strawberries, heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and salt. Blend until completely smooth.
2. Pour into Creami Pint: Pour the strawberry mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container. Ensure that the mixture does not exceed the maximum fill line indicated on the pint.
3. Freeze for at Least 24 Hours: Place the pint in the freezer for at least 24 hours, or until completely frozen solid. This is a crucial step for achieving the correct texture.
4. Prepare to Spin: Remove the frozen pint from the freezer. If the pint is frozen unevenly, let it sit on the counter for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly.
5. Spin on “Light Ice Cream” Setting: Place the pint into the Ninja Creami machine and secure the lid. Select the “Light Ice Cream” setting and press start.
6. Check Consistency and Respin if Needed: After the first spin, check the consistency of the ice cream. It may appear crumbly or powdery. This is normal.
7. Respin (If Necessary): If the ice cream is crumbly, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk or cream to the pint and select the “Respin” function. Repeat the respin process until the ice cream reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. You might need to scrape down the sides of the pint with a spoon between respins.
8. Serve Immediately or Freeze: Enjoy your homemade Ninja Creami Strawberry Ice Cream immediately for the softest texture. If you prefer a firmer consistency, freeze for another 30-60 minutes before serving.

Tips for Success

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better your ice cream will taste. Opt for ripe, flavorful strawberries and high-quality dairy.
• Don’t Overfill the Pint: Overfilling the pint can damage your Ninja Creami machine. Always stay below the maximum fill line.
• Freeze Solid: Ensure the mixture is completely frozen solid before spinning. This is essential for achieving the correct texture.
• Be Patient with Respins: Don’t be afraid to respin multiple times until you achieve the desired consistency. Adding a little extra liquid during the respin process can help.
• Experiment with Add-Ins: Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to experiment with add-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, strawberry jam swirls, or chunks of fresh fruit. Add these after the first spin, before respining.
• Clean Your Creami: Clean the Ninja Creami container and blade thoroughly after each use to prevent any lingering flavors or odors.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover Ninja Creami Strawberry Ice Cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It’s best to store it in the Ninja Creami pint container with the lid securely fastened. Keep in mind that homemade ice cream tends to harden more than store-bought ice cream due to the lack of stabilizers and preservatives. To soften before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes or respin it in the Ninja Creami using the “Respin” function.

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?

A: Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but fresh strawberries will yield the best flavor. If using frozen, thaw them slightly and drain off any excess liquid before blending.

Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

A: Yes! Substitute the heavy cream and whole milk with plant-based alternatives like coconut cream and almond milk or oat milk. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.

Q: My ice cream is icy. What did I do wrong?

A: Icy ice cream is often caused by insufficient fat content or not freezing the mixture completely solid. Ensure you are using full-fat heavy cream and whole milk, and that the mixture is frozen solid for at least 24 hours.

Q: My ice cream is too sweet/not sweet enough. Can I adjust the sugar?

A: Absolutely! Adjust the amount of sugar to your personal preference. Start with the recommended amount and then taste the mixture before freezing. Add more sugar or sweetener as needed.

Q: Can I double the recipe?

A: Yes, you can double the recipe, but make sure to divide the mixture into two separate Ninja Creami pint containers. Do not overfill the containers.

Conclusion

This Ninja Creami Strawberry Ice Cream recipe is a game-changer for homemade ice cream enthusiasts. It’s easy to make, customizable to your preferences, and delivers an incredibly creamy and flavorful result that rivals any store-bought brand. So, ditch the artificial ingredients and embrace the fresh, fruity goodness of this recipe. Your taste buds (and your Ninja Creami) will thank you!