Ninja Ice Cream Maker: The Ultimate Guide

Always screaming for ice cream? You’re not alone! This rich, creamy dessert is a centuries-long favorite for a reason—it’s cool, sweet, refreshing, and comes in a bunch of different flavors. You might even have a pint in your fridge right now as one of your guilty pleasures, and we wouldn’t blame you if you did! 

But why stop at buying it at the grocery store? With all the modern conveniences kitchen appliances provide today, you can easily make this tasty treat at home and have ice cream whenever you want, any and every day of the week! The best place to get an ice cream maker from? None other than Ninja right here on QVC—a trusted brand recognized the world over!  

Why Ninja? It’s a leader in innovation. All its products make full use of automation, meaning each and every appliance in its lineup can take the guesswork out of cooking and baking for you. Ninja’s dedication to producing only quality appliances also means everything it puts out is multipurpose, so you always get good value for your money.

The Ninja CREAMi® ice cream maker is no exception. Coming in 7-in-1 and 11-in-1 variants, it’s pre-programmed to make the frozen treat you want in a flash. On top of that, it can make more than just ice cream—you can also use it to create sorbets, gelatos, milkshakes, and more, all in the custom flavors of your choice!

Still on the fence about getting it for your own home? Read on for the ultimate guide to everything you need to know about this Ninja ice cream maker. From features and setup instructions to the best recipes you can try, learn more about why the CREAMi® will be worth every penny.

Table of Contents

• Key features of the Ninja ice cream maker
• Step-by-step instructions for using the Ninja ice cream maker
• Delicious recipes to try with your Ninja ice cream maker
• Tips and tricks for perfect ice cream every time
• FAQ

User-friendly design

One essential quality you’ll find in this Ninja ice cream maker is that, yes, it comes with all these bells and whistles—but it’s not hard to figure out how to use them. 

Because it comes pre-programmed, you can simply touch a single button on the CREAMi®’s sleek control panel to create the frozen treat of your choice. All you need to do is prep your base, freeze it overnight, and process it in the machine when you wake up! That means you can also keep a couple of pints of your base in the freezer to Creamify later on. With such an intuitive design, this ice cream maker can help you easily fall into the habit of making homemade ice cream whenever you crave it. 

That’s not to mention the CREAMi® Deluxe’s compact design. At 12 inches long, seven inches wide, and just under 16 inches high, its slim dimensions make it easy to slot into most kitchens—so it may just be the perfect fit for your own home.

Versatile Settings 

Like all Ninja products, the CREAMi® is extremely versatile. Wondering what “7-in-1” and “11-in-1” mean for this particular ice cream maker? These numbers refer to the vast range of frozen treats you can make with this single kitchen appliance—from ice cream, gelato, and sorbet to milkshakes, caffeine-infused Creamiccinos™, and even post-work pina coladas!  

On top of that, this Ninja ice cream maker boasts a few additional features that diversify your treat choices even further. The most notable is the fact that the CREAMi® offers three processing modes, one of which allows you to turn your base into two different flavors of ice cream. You also get a mix-in option, which means you can add your choice of fruits, nuts, and candy to further customize how your ice cream tastes! 

And, of course, you can use the CREAMi® with dairy-free and low-carb milk substitutes to suit your lifestyle. To help you along, Ninja even packs a quick-start guide and a recipe book with every order.

Durability and maintenance 

Another reason why this Ninja ice cream maker is worth the investment? It’ll last you for years. Its outer bowl and lid alone are made from ABS, an extremely durable polymer that’s temperature- and impact-resistant. The Deluxe Creamerizer™ Paddle that churns your ice cream to perfection is constructed from solid, food-grade steel. The deluxe pints and lids you’ll use to freeze your bases are made from similarly sturdy materials.  

Of course, the CREAMi® is also easy to clean and maintain! The containers, lids, and paddle are all top-rack dishwasher-safe, so be sure to pop them in for a cycle after each use. Similarly, you can wipe down the rest of the machine with a damp cloth every time you make a new frozen treat. Take advantage of the fact that this Ninja ice cream maker is easy to clean and maintain, and you can guarantee it’ll stay with you for longer. 

Initial setup 

Once the Ninja ice cream maker you ordered from QVC arrives on your doorstep, you can unpack it to discover the bulk of the machine, along with an outer bowl and lid, the Deluxe Creamerizer™ Paddle, four deluxe 1.5-pint containers, and four matching pint lids. From here, assembling it will be a breeze:

1. Take the outer lid. You’ll find a latch at the top—press and hold it to insert the paddle into the bottom of the lid, then release the latch to secure it.
2. Align the arrow on the lid with the corresponding arrow on the outer bowl, then rotate the lid clockwise to lock it in place.
3. Place the outer bowl on the machine’s motor base, like you would a coffee pot into a coffee machine.

If you move houses down the line and need a refresher on these steps, don’t worry—your order will come with an assembly guide and user manual.

Preparing the ingredients

If you want decadent and scoopable ice cream, you need a good base. Ninja CREAMi®’s Kickstarter guide recommends the following ingredients. Feel free to substitute them based on your dietary needs and preferences, such as by using milk alternatives if you’re vegan or lactose intolerant. For exact measurements, be sure to have some measuring cups and spoons handy. That will prevent you from going over the maximum fill line on your CREAMi® pint.

• Cream cheese, 1 tbsp  
• Granulated sugar, ⅓ cup  
• Heavy cream, ¾ cup  
• Whole milk, 1 cup 
• Your preferred extract or flavoring, 1 tsp 

Now it’s time to prep your ingredients with these next steps:

1. Microwave your cream cheese for 10 seconds to soften it.  
2. Add your sugar and extract to a mixing bowl. Whisk them together until you achieve a frosting-like consistency.  
3. Slowly add the milk, heavy cream, and cream cheese to the bowl while whisking constantly. Continue until the mixture is fully combined and the sugar has mostly dissolved.  
4. Add your completed base to an empty pint and seal the lid tightly.  
5. Place it in your fridge for at least 24 hours.  

That last step is important. Though your base may look frozen before the 24 hours are up, it may not meet the temperature requirements to make those beautiful scoops of homemade ice cream. To achieve that consistency, your base needs to be between 9°F and -7°F, so be patient—you’ll be able to enjoy your ice cream in a day! If you don’t want to wait longer the next time around, try prepping multiple batches of ice cream base in one go so you can save some pints for later. You can get additional deluxe pints and lids right here on QVC.  

Operating the machine

Once your pint’s all good to go, it’s time to put it into your Ninja ice cream maker! Start by plugging in the machine—and from there, follow these steps.

1. Take the outer bowl out of the motor base and untwist the lid to remove it.  
2. Place your pint inside the outer bowl. Align the arrows on the outer lid and bowl, then twist the lid to secure it in place.  
3. Put the outer bowl back in the machine, ensuring the handle aligns with its middle.  
4. Twist the handle to the right. This will raise the outer bowl and lock it in place.  
5. Tap the “ICE CREAM” option on the panel to start churning.

With these simple steps, you’ll have your pint of ice cream in no time! If you’re using the Ninja CREAMi® Deluxe, though, you also have the following options: 

1. Turn the dial left depending on how scoopable you want your ice cream to be.  
2. Select a processing mode on the control panel. For example, you can tap “TOP” or “BOTTOM” if you want to only eat half a pint—or split a pint into two different flavors. Otherwise, select “FULL.”
3. If you want to soften up a leftover pint that’s already been processed into ice cream, place it into the machine and tap the “RE-SPIN” option on the control panel. 

If you want to add mix-ins, try these steps: 

1. Take your prepared base and a spoon. Create a hole around one and a half inches wide down the middle. Don’t worry if this causes your base to reach above your pint’s maximum fill line. 
2. Add your mix-ins into the hole. Make sure to chop or break down harder ingredients like nuts for easier processing.  
3. Place your pint into the outer bowl and back into the machine.  
4. Press the “MIX-IN” button on the control panel.  

Once done, just take your pint out of the machine—and enjoy your homemade ice cream! 

Storing and serving

The great thing about the homemade ice cream you make with the CREAMi® is that you can eat it right out of the pint once it’s done—but if you want to get a little fancier, you can also take an ice cream scoop and serve your creation in any way you want! Try these ideas for the perfect sweet treat you can serve at birthdays, family events, anniversaries, graduations, and simple days spent at home with your loved ones: 

• Ice cream sundaes
• Rootbeer or coffee floats 
• Milkshakes  
• Ice cream sandwiches 
• Ice cream cakes

Want to store your homemade ice cream for future consumption? No problem—just transfer them to a food storage container, like an ice cream tub, and they’ll keep in the freezer for weeks or even months! Just take note that your sweet treats can harden in this time, in which case you’ll need to re-process them with the machine to restore their scoopability.

Chocolate fudge swirl

Want something even creamier and more decadent? Chocolate ice cream is the way to go. But why stop there? Make your homemade chocolate creation even richer and more indulgent by swirling in some fudge.

Ingredients

• Granulated sugar, 1 cup  
• Heavy cream, 2 cups  
• Whole milk, 1 cup  
• Unsweetened cocoa powder, ¾ cup  
• Vanilla extract, 1 tsp  
• Salt, ¼ tsp  
• Your choice of chocolate mix-ins and toppings, such as chopped dark chocolate, brownie chunks, chocolate chips, and fudge sauce (optional)

Steps

1. Prepare your base without the cream cheese. When mixing your sugar and extract in a bowl, add a pinch of salt to add depth of flavor to your homemade chocolate fudge swirl ice cream. Be sure to slowly incorporate your unsweetened cocoa powder into your mixture as you would your whole milk and heavy cream.  
2. Transfer your base to a pint and freeze it for 24 hours.  
3. Place your pint into the machine and tap the “ICE CREAM” option on the control panel to start churning. If you’re using the Ninja CREAMi® Deluxe, make sure to adjust the scoopable dial to your preferences and select a processing option.  
4. If you’d like to add mix-ins, do so after the first round of processing before placing your pint back into the machine and selecting the “MIX-IN” option on the control panel.  
5. Serve it in a bowl or on a cone. For even more chocolatey goodness, add some fudge sauce on top!  

Protein-packed ice cream

Go beyond meats, nuts, and fish by adding some protein-packed ice cream to your meal rotation! Here’s a recipe for ice cream that’ll taste great whether you eat it as a post-workout treat or simply as a healthier dessert option:

Ingredients

• One protein shake in your favorite flavor (homemade or store-bought), 1 cup  
• Instant pudding mix (regular or sugar-free), 1 tbsp  
• Heavy cream, 1 tbsp (optional) 
• Additional flavorings such as vanilla extract, 1 tsp (optional) 
• Your preferred protein-rich mix-ins, such as almonds, trail mix, and peanut butter (optional) 

Steps

1. In a mixing bowl, add your favorite protein shake and instant pudding mix. Combine well with a whisk or immersion blender. Add more of each ingredient until you reach your desired ratio and quantity. For additional creaminess and depth of flavor, you can also incorporate heavy cream and additional flavor extracts during this stage.  
2. Transfer your base to a CREAMi® deluxe pint. Make sure your base mixture does not exceed the maximum fill line.  
3. Tightly seal your pint with a lid and freeze it for 24 hours.  
4. Place your pint in the outer bowl and the outer bowl into the machine. Tap the “LITE ICE CREAM” option on the control panel to start churning. If you’re using the Ninja CREAMi® Deluxe, make sure to adjust the scoopable dial to your preferences and select a processing option.  
5. If you’d like to add mix-ins, do so after the first round of processing before placing your pint back into the machine and selecting the “MIX-IN” option on the control panel.  
6. Use the “RE-SPIN” option two or three times until you reach your desired consistency. If your base mixture turns crumbly, add a tablespoon of milk before continuing the churning process.  
7. Serve your protein-rich ice cream in a bowl, cone, or in the pint itself!

Use quality, pre-chilled ingredients

To give your homemade ice cream the same rich, creamy texture store-bought ice cream has, use quality ingredients. Make sure your dairy products are fresh, your fruits are ripe, and that mix-ins like chocolates come from reliable brands. This quality will carry over into the scoops that come out of your Ninja ice cream maker. For even better results, pre-chill all your ingredients before you start prepping your ice cream. That will help you lower the temperature of your base in advance, allowing for a smoother texture you’ll savor more.

Perfect your base

Regardless of whether or not you’re using Ninja’s base recipe or making your own, there are a few best practices you’ll still want to follow. For example, the brand heavily underlines the importance of fully incorporating all your ingredients—the sugar must be almost fully dissolved into your mixture of dairy and flavorings before you place your base in the freezer. Even ingredient distribution will enhance your base’s overall consistency, improving how well it churns in the machine. From here, be sure to freeze your base for a full 24 hours. This step is crucial for getting your base to the right temperature, helping you create a perfectly scoopable batch of homemade ice cream every single time.

Balance your flavors

Going beyond vanilla and chocolate? Ninja’s ice cream maker poses multiple opportunities for you to experiment with different homemade ice cream flavors. To guarantee each batch will taste amazing, make sure to give each flavor profile some thought to ensure it’s balanced. If you want to make mint chocolate chip ice cream, make sure the chocolate you use isn’t so sweet that it overpowers your mint extract. The same thing goes for making your own version of Moose Tracks—you shouldn’t use so much peanut butter that it takes over the subtle flavor of your vanilla ice cream.

Take advantage of re-spins

Though the CREAMi®—and especially the CREAMi® Deluxe—offers countless pre-programmed customization options for homemade ice cream, one thing you’ll have to play by ear is consistency. Don’t worry if you don’t get the texture you want on the first try. You’ve got the re-spin option! This allows the machine to keep churning until you’ve got the consistency and texture you’re after, so don’t settle for that first churn. Take advantage of re-spins to get the perfect scoop of ice cream for you.

Your Questions, Answered

How do I clean the Ninja ice cream maker? 

You can clean most of its parts by popping them into the dishwasher. CREAMi® components like the Deluxe Creamerizer™ Paddle, outer bowl, outer lid, and deluxe pints and lids are all dishwasher-safe. If you’d like to clean the rest of the machine, you can carefully wipe it down with a damp cloth or gently scrub away dirt using warm, soapy water and a brush.  

Can I make dairy-free ice cream with the Ninja ice cream maker? 

Definitely! You can substitute the heavy cream and whole milk used in your ice cream base with alternatives like oat milk, almond milk, coconut milk or cream, and soy milk. 

How long does it take to make ice cream with the Ninja ice cream maker? 

Barring the 24 hours you need to freeze your base, you can make ice cream with a Ninja ice cream maker in as little as 20 to 30 minutes. The actual time it takes a batch to churn will depend on the processing settings you choose and may take longer if you’re adding mix-ins. 

What is the best way to store homemade ice cream? 

The best way to store homemade ice cream is to transfer it to an airtight food storage container. This will keep in the fridge for longer while retaining its texture and flavor. If your ice cream hardens during this time, use the re-spin option on your Ninja ice cream maker to restore its scoopability.  

Can I use the Ninja ice cream maker to make gelato and sorbet?

Yes, you can! The CREAMi® even comes with pre-programmed processing options specifically designed to make gelato and sorbet. You can also process other frozen treats with your Ninja ice cream maker, including drinkable ones like milkshakes and slushies.  

Do I need to pre-freeze the ingredients? 

Though not necessary, your homemade ice cream will come out better if you pre-freeze your ingredients. Doing so will help you maintain a low temperature throughout the prepping and processing stages, resulting in ice cream with a smoother and more even consistency.  

Is the Ninja ice cream maker suitable for making low-fat ice cream? 

Yes, it is! You can substitute the basic ingredients in a CREAMi® ice cream base with various alternatives depending on your dietary needs and preferences. That includes using low-fat instead of regular dairy products. However, you may want to consider using 2% instead of 1% or low-fat milk for your base. Doing so will allow you to maintain a minimal amount of fat in your mixture, as it’s a component your ice cream needs to have if you want it to taste smooth and creamy.  

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts? 

You definitely can. Just make sure that you chop up or break down harder mix-ins like nuts. Doing so will make it easier for your Ninja ice cream maker to incorporate it into your ice cream. It will also help your paddle last for longer. Meanwhile, you can keep larger pieces of soft mix-ins like cookies, as the CREAMi® will easily be able to break them down into smaller chunks.  

What is the capacity of the Ninja ice cream maker? 

On average, a Ninja ice cream maker can make 1.5 quarts of ice cream per batch. That’s about three cups of homemade ice cream for each deluxe-size container.  

How do I prevent ice crystals in my homemade ice cream? 

The simplest solution is to avoid overmixing. Overmixed ice cream has more air incorporated in it, allowing ice crystals to form once you store it in the freezer for later. Though you can always re-spin your pint in the CREAMi® to achieve your desired consistency, try not to do so more than two to three times to avoid overmixing. You can also prevent ice crystals as early on as the base-making stage. Make sure you place your pint of ice cream base on a flat surface in your freezer and try not to freeze it for too long. If you’re making base in advance, try to process your pints within the week (or sooner!) so you won’t give larger ice crystals time to form.