My kids are the toughest food critics in this house. So when I say these kids-approved Ninja Creami ice cream recipes pass the test, I mean they've been requested more than once, sometimes on the same weekend. No gums, no pudding mixes, no mystery ingredients. Just real bases and flavors kids actually want to eat.
The other thing I love about making Creami ice cream with kids? They can help. Measuring, mixing, picking the flavor, it's the kind of low-pressure kitchen time that ends with everyone eating ice cream. That's a win on a Saturday afternoon.
The only rule: freeze your base the night before. Everything else takes about 10 minutes of hands-on work.
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Jump to:
- Before You Start: One Tip That Makes It Easier
- Why These Recipes Are Kid-Approved?
- What is Ninja Creami?
- Top Tips for Making Ice Cream Using Ninja Creami
- The Crowd-Pleasers
- Cookie Monster Ice Cream
- Butterfinger Ice Cream
- S’mores Ice Cream
- Milo Ice Cream
- Chocolate Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream
- Birthday Cake Ice Cream
- Banana Split Ice Cream
- Watermelon Sorbet
- Blueberry Ice Cream
- Dole Whip
- Strawberry Ice Cream
- Cotton Candy Ice Cream
- Marshmallow Ice Cream
- Bubble Gum Ice Cream
- What To Serve With These
- Dairy-Free Options for Kids
- Tips for the Best Results
- FAQs
- Ninja Creami Recipes To Try
- Did you try this recipe?
Before You Start: One Tip That Makes It Easier
Freeze two or three pints at once. Creami ice cream requires a 24-hour freeze, so if you only prep one pint at a time, you're always waiting. Get a few bases in the freezer on Sunday and you'll have options all week. Kids change their minds constantly — it helps to have backups.
If you're brand new to the machine, my easy Ninja Creami recipes for beginners is the best place to start. Vanilla first, then branch out.
Why These Recipes Are Kid-Approved?
- Made with simple, real ingredients (no weird stuff!)
- Easy to blend, freeze, and spin—no cooking needed
- Customizable for picky eaters, food allergies, or dietary swaps
- Sweet enough for kids, but not over-the-top
- Great for making ahead and storing in the freezer
What is Ninja Creami?
The Ninja Creami is a revolutionary gadget for making ice cream, gelato, sorbet, and more. It’s compact, easy to use, and perfect for crafting customizable frozen treats.
Unlike traditional ice cream makers, the Ninja Creami uses a unique churning process to create ultra-creamy textures. You can even spin leftovers into fresh creations the next day!
It’s a must-have for ice cream enthusiasts. Curious about the best model? Check out my guide on Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker: Deluxe vs Regular.
Top Tips for Making Ice Cream Using Ninja Creami
- Prep your base: Blend your ingredients until smooth for the creamiest results.
- Chill before churning: Let your base freeze for 24 hours to achieve the perfect texture.
- Experiment with mix-ins: Add cookies, candy, or fruit for extra fun.
- Taste as you go: Adjust sweetness and flavor before freezing.
- Clean immediately: Rinse parts after use for easy maintenance.
The Crowd-Pleasers
These are the flavors that work for basically every kid at the table. If you're making Creami ice cream for a birthday party, a playdate, or just a Friday night, start here.
Cookie Monster Ice Cream
This playful blue ice cream is packed with crushed cookies and chocolate chips. It’s a hit at every kids’ party!
Butterfinger Ice Cream
Crushed Butterfingers add a nostalgic, peanut-buttery crunch to this creamy delight. Perfect for candy bar lovers!
S’mores Ice Cream
Bring the campfire to your freezer! With marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate, it’s a gooey, dreamy treat.
Milo Ice Cream
This chocolate-malt flavor is a childhood favorite with a creamy twist. Top with extra Milo for added fun.
Chocolate Ice Cream
Rich, velvety, and oh-so-chocolatey, this classic never goes out of style. Add mini marshmallows for extra joy.
Vanilla Ice Cream
Simple yet elegant, vanilla ice cream is a blank canvas for endless toppings. Perfect with sprinkles or caramel sauce.
Birthday Cake Ice Cream
Celebrate every day with this festive flavor, complete with sprinkles and a cake batter base.
Banana Split Ice Cream
Banana, chocolate, and a cherry on top make this a classic dessert in ice cream form. Add whipped cream for flair.
Watermelon Sorbet
Light and refreshing, this fruity option is perfect for hot summer days. Bonus: it’s dairy-free!
Blueberry Ice Cream
Bursting with fresh blueberry flavor, this one’s a berry lover’s dream. Swirl in some jam for extra sweetness.
Dole Whip
This pineapple-infused treat is a tropical getaway in a pint. Serve with a tiki umbrella for the full effect.
Strawberry Ice Cream
Fresh strawberries blended into creamy perfection—a fruity favorite that’s as refreshing as it is delicious.
Cotton Candy Ice Cream
Sweet, colorful, and totally nostalgic! This flavor is a carnival in a cup and always a hit with kids who love fun, pastel-colored treats.
Marshmallow Ice Cream
Fluffy and creamy with just the right sweetness. Tastes like melted marshmallows and makes a dreamy base for s’mores-inspired toppings.
Bubble Gum Ice Cream
Bright, playful, and bursting with bubble gum flavor—minus the chewing! Perfect for kids who want something sweet and silly.
What To Serve With These
- Brownies: Rich and fudgy—a classic pairing.
- Waffles: Turn your ice cream into a decadent breakfast.
- Fresh fruit: Adds a refreshing contrast.
- Pound cake: A buttery base for your favorite scoops.
- Cookies: Sandwich your ice cream between for a fun twist.
- Chocolate sauce: Because more chocolate is always better.
- Sprinkles: A must-have for the kids.
- Whipped cream: Light and fluffy, it complements any flavor.
- Chopped nuts: Adds crunch and nuttiness.
- Caramel drizzle: Sweet, gooey, and irresistible.
- Marshmallows: Perfect for s’mores-inspired flavors.
- Cereal toppings: Adds color and crunch.
- Crushed candy: Turn your ice cream into a candy-lover’s dream.
- Graham crackers: Ideal for fruity or s’mores ice creams.
- Ice cream cones: A classic way to serve your creations.
Dairy-Free Options for Kids
Several recipes in this list are naturally dairy-free or easily swapped. For dairy-free bases, coconut milk gives the creamiest result. Oat milk works too but produces a slightly icier texture. Add a tablespoon of coconut cream to boost richness if needed.
- Naturally dairy-free in this list: Watermelon Sorbet, Dole Whip.
- Easy to make dairy-free: Mango Ice Cream, Strawberry Ice Cream, Lychee Ice Cream, Ube Ice Cream (use full-fat coconut milk in place of heavy cream).
If dairy-free recipes are a priority, the cottage cheese ice cream collection is also worth bookmarking — those are higher-protein and work well for kids who need a lighter option.
Tips for the Best Results
- Freeze multiple pints at once. Once you're in the habit, it's seamless. Prep three bases on Sunday and spin them on demand all week.
- Taste the base before freezing. It should be a touch sweeter than you want the final product. Freezing dulls sweetness slightly.
- Fill to the Max Fill line. Not above it. Every time.
- Re-spin if it comes out crumbly. One extra spin fixes the texture almost every time. Don't panic.
- Let kids pick the mix-ins. It's the easiest way to get a picky eater invested. Cookie Monster is endlessly customizable.
FAQs
Most recipes can be made with coconut milk, oat milk, or almond milk. Just adjust sweetness and fat content to match original texture.
Up to 1 month when stored flat in the pint. For best texture, thaw slightly or respin before serving.
Half and half, condensed milk, or cottage cheese all work great. They create creamy texture without artificial thickeners.
Ninja Creami Recipes To Try
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