Enjoy this easy Ninja Creami Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe. There are only a few simple, whole ingredients to make this cold and creamy treat!
I have been using my Ninja Creami machine to make ninja creami strawberry sorbet and ninja creami chocolate ice cream, and I knew that I would have to create a classic vanilla ice cream recipe. Vanilla ice cream is great on its own or as an accompaniment to other desserts like brownies or apple desserts. Try it with this warm Apple Rose Tart, it's so good!
This homemade ice cream recipe is similar to the one from Ninja Test Kitchen, but with a little less sugar! That's what I love about the Ninja, it's so versatile and easily adjustable to your needs and preferences.
This ice cream maker produces a pint at a time, but you can prepare more and add the mixture to multiple Ninja Creami pints if you would like.
Jump to:
Ingredient Notes
- Cream cheese: A bit of cream cheese is an ingredient you'll find in a lot of Ninja Creami recipes, it adds depth (less ice crystally) and creaminess.
- Vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract): This is the only flavoring agent in this homemade ice cream, so go with a high quality one if you're able. Trader Joe's has a great vanilla bean paste available during the fall, and it's only 5 dollars!
- White granulated sugar: This sweetens the ice cream, and you can adjust how sweet you like it. Anywhere from ¼ cup to ½ cup, depending on your preferences.
- Heavy whipping cream: This adds richness and creaminess to the ice cream.
- Whole milk: I prefer to always cook and bake with whole milk, but 2% or skim will still work.
For full ingredient list and amounts, see recipe card below.
How to make vanilla ice cream in the Ninja Creami
Step 1. Place cream cheese into a microwave safe dish and microwave for 10 seconds.Add to a small mixing bowl, along with sugar and vanilla.
Step 2. Whisk until well combined.
Step 3. Slowly mix in heavy cream and whole milk until everything is fully incorporated.
Step 4. Once completely combined, pour vanilla ice cream base into the pint container and secure lid.
Step 5. Place into the freezer for at least 24 hours until completely frozen. Make sure that the mixture freezes flat so that it doesn't go above the max fill line.
Step 6. Once frozen, remove lid and place base into the outer bowl. Secure the blade lid and place on to the Ninja Creami device, turning until you hear a click. Turn on machine and select ice cream. The machine will take just a few minutes to run through the cycle.Once done, check ice cream. If it looks a little crumbly you can re-spin it. Otherwise, enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Since the flavor of this ice cream comes from the vanilla alone, I suggest using a high quality one. I loved vanilla bean paste for this reason, because the flavor is so vanilla-y! Pure vanilla extract works as well. You can also use a vanilla bean pod and scrape out the seeds to add.
- If the Ninja Creami Vanilla Ice Cream looks crumbly, reattach to the machine and use the "respin" button.
- If the ice cream still looks crumbly, try adding a dash of liquid such as heavy cream or milk (about a tablespoon) before respinning.
Mix-in ideas
Vanilla ice cream is wonderful on its own, but it is also a great base for all of your favorite toppings. Feel free to sprinkle these on top or add to the pint and select the mix-in button to incorporate throughout.
- mini chocolate chips
- hot fudge
- butterscotch chips
- crumbled cookies
- your favorite fruit
Storage
Store any uneaten ice cream in the pint container with lid securely attached. It can be kept in the freezer for several months. When ready to eat, enjoy as is, or respin to enhance the texture for freshness.
Recipe FAQs
This can be because of lack of fat or liquid in the recipe. If respinning doesn't solve the problem, try adding an additional tablespoon of heavy cream or whole milk. You can respin or stir in with a spoon.
Yes and no. The point of freezing for 24 hours is to ensure that the entire pint is frozen all the way through. This helps the machine to function properly and for the ice cream to come out thick. If the mixture appears frozen before the 24 hour mark, you can spin it. The result may just be softer and thaw quicker.
More Ninja Creami Recipes
If you tried this Ninja Creami Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the comments below. I love to hear from you.
Ninja Creami Vanilla Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 1 ½ tablespoons cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- ¼ cup white granulated sugar ⅓ cup if you want sweeter ice cream
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup milk whole milk is preferable
Instructions
- Place cream cheese into a microwave safe dish and microwave for 10 seconds.
- Add to a small mixing bowl, along with sugar and vanilla. Whisk until well combined.
- Slowly mix in heavy cream and whole milk until everything is fully incorporated.
- Once completely combined, pour vanilla ice cream base into the pint container and secure lid.
- Place into the freezer for at least 24 hours until completely frozen. Make sure that the mixture freezes flat so that it doesn't go above the max fill line.
- Once frozen, remove lid and place base into the outer bowl. Secure the blade lid and place on to the Ninja Creami device, turning until you hear a click.
- Turn on machine and select ice cream. The machine will take just a few minutes to run through the cycle.
- Once done, check ice cream. If it looks a little crumbly you can re-spin it. Otherwise, enjoy!
Notes
- If the Ninja Creami Vanilla Ice Cream looks crumbly, reattach to the machine and use the "respin" button.
- If the ice cream still looks crumbly, try adding a dash of liquid such as heavy cream or milk (about a tablespoon) before respinning.
K
Can I use vanilla bean instead of paste or extract? If so, how much of the bean should I use?
Sarah
Yes! For one pint, use the seeds from one pod of vanilla.
-Sarah
Dani
Is 1 tablespoon vanilla correct? Not 1 teaspoon?
Sarah Baumeister
Yes! You can add less, but as it is the only flavoring agent in this recipe, it calls for more.