Ninja Creami Chestnut Ice Cream Recipe

This creamy, velvety Chestnut Ice Cream made with Crème de Marrons (Chestnut Cream) is an absolute game-changer! It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to whip up for a holiday treat.

...🌰Chestnuts roasting on an open fire...🎶

Christmas is coming, and naturally, chestnuts came to mind. But instead of roasting them, I thought, why not turn them into ice cream? I absolutely love chestnuts! We usually grab a small bag of roasted chestnuts sold outside Asian groceries. This time, I wanted to make things easier (and a little fancier) by using Crème de Marrons, or chestnut cream.

Recently, I made my eggnog ice cream using my vanilla ice cream recipe as the base. Since it’s early for Christmas, you can enjoy this Chestnut treat alongside my fall treats like pumpkin pie ice cream and apple pie ice cream!

And speaking of chestnuts— I got a chestnut-flavored KitKat inside the TokyoTreat snack box from Japan! It’s the perfect topping for this ice cream, and I couldn’t be more excited to share it with you.

What is Crème de Marrons (Chestnut Cream)?

Crème de Marrons (pronounced "krem duh ma-ron") is a delightful chestnut spread. Originating from France, it’s a favorite during the holidays.

Crème de Marrons is made from boiled chestnuts, vanilla, and sugar. This smooth, sweet cream is popular across Europe. It’s used in desserts like Mont Blanc or simply spread on toast.

Ingredients

Here's what you'll need:

• Crème de Marrons (Chestnut Cream): This sweet chestnut spread adds richness and depth.
• Condensed Milk: Provides sweetness and helps achieve that velvety texture.
• Cottage Cheese: Adds creaminess and a boost of protein without overwhelming the flavor.
• Half and Half: The perfect blend of milk and cream for a balanced base.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chestnut flavor with a hint of warmth.

See recipe card for quantities.

Substitution and Additions

💪🏼 Make It High Protein

• Add vanilla-flavored protein powder.
• Add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt to the mixture.
• Use silken tofu instead of cottage cheese for extra protein and creaminess.

👍🏼 Make It Less Sugar

• Use a sugar-free version of condensed milk.
• Add a sugar substitute like monk fruit or stevia to reduce sweetness.
• Try using unsweetened chestnut puree with a touch of natural sweetener.

👍🏼 Make It Non-Dairy/ Vegan

• Swap condensed milk with coconut milk or a dairy-free condensed milk alternative.
• Use almond milk instead of half and half.
• Replace cottage cheese with a plant-based cream cheese or silken tofu for a similar texture.

How To Make Chestnut Ice Cream?

1. In a blender, combine half and half, cottage cheese, condensed milk, vanilla extract, and chestnut cream. Blend until smooth and creamy.

2. Pour the blended mixture into your CREAMi pint container. Freeze for at least 24 hours or until the base is solid.

3. Once the base is frozen solid, insert the pint into your CREAMi and run it on the "Ice Cream" setting.

4. After processing the ice cream, add your mixins. Use the “Mix-In” setting to evenly incorporate them.

🍨Mix-in or Topping  Suggestion 

• Crushed Chestnut KitKat: Adds a delightful crunch and extra chestnut flavor.
• Dark Chocolate Shavings: A little bitterness contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the treat!
• Candied Chestnuts: These bring an extra burst of chestnut goodness in every bite.
• Roasted Almonds: For a nutty, crunchy texture that pairs well with the smoothness of the ice cream.
• Caramel Drizzle: A sweet, buttery topping that complements the earthy chestnut flavor.

Equipment Used

• Ninja CREAMi Deluxe 11-in-1 Frozen Treat Maker
• Blender: To blend the ingredients into a silky base.
• Pint Container: The pint container is essential for freezing and churning.

Recipe FAQs

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