This Vanilla Ice Cream with the Ninja Creami is a creamy, classic delight made with just 5 simple ingredients. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for a refreshing treat anytime.
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Vanilla ice cream is a timeless classic, and using the Ninja Creami means I can skip those giant Costco tubs.
If you're looking for the best vanilla base for many other ice cream flavors, your search is over. This is the most flavorful vanilla ice cream you can make in your Ninja Creami.
Not only is it the perfect vanilla base, but you can also use it for strawberry ice cream, s'mores ice cream, pistachio ice cream or even cookie butter ice cream. Say goodbye to Costco’s big tubs of vanilla ice cream—this homemade version takes the win! Making this at home means you can control the sweetness and creaminess, making it an ice cream dream.
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Why You'll Love This
- Classic Comfort: Enjoy a creamy, timeless vanilla ice cream that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
- Quick & Easy: Made with just 5 simple ingredients, it’s a breeze to prepare with the Ninja Creami.
- Family Favorite: A guaranteed hit with everyone, unlike those experimental healthier versions.
- Flavor Versatility: Use this base to create endless flavors like cookies and cream, mango, or birthday cake.
- No Costco Tubs: Skip the bulk buying and make fresh, homemade ice cream anytime.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Heavy Cream: Use for a rich, creamy texture that makes the ice cream indulgent and smooth.
- Half and half: Combines cream and milk for a balanced richness without being too heavy.
- Cottage Cheese: Adds extra creaminess; blend well to ensure a smooth texture if using.
- Condensed Milk: Provides a sweet, creamy consistency—adjust quantity for desired sweetness.
- Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste: Vanilla extract offers a classic flavor, while vanilla bean paste adds extra depth and specks of vanilla.
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitution and Addition
- Milk alternatives: Use almond milk or coconut milk instead of half and half for a dairy-free version.
- Sweeteners: Substitute condensed milk with honey, agave, or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
- Thickener: If you're not a fan of cottage cheese, you can substitute it with cream cheese or plain yogurt for an added protein boost.
How To Make Vanilla Ice Cream Using Ninja Creami
- In a blender, heavy cream, half and half, cottage cheese, condensed milk and vanilla. Pour the blended mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container, making sure it does not exceed the max fill line.
- Place the pint container in the freezer and freeze for at least 18-24 hours.
- After freezing, remove the pint container from the freezer and place it into the Ninja Creami machine. Attach the pint holder lid and lock it into place. Select the "Ice Cream" setting and let the Ninja Creami process the mixture. *see notes
- Scoop the vanilla ice cream into bowls and top with your favorite toppings.
NOTE: If your mixture is still crumbly after the first spin, just hit the "Respin" button and keep going until it’s nice and creamy. Adding a tablespoon of cream or milk can help speed things up.
Normally, if you let it sit out for 5 to 10 minutes after taking it out of the freezer, it usually won't need any extra spin.
Mix-in or Topping Suggestion for Vanilla Ice Cream
- Chocolate Chips: Add a sweet and crunchy bite with dark or milk chocolate chips.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce for a rich, buttery flavor.
- Crushed Cookies: Mix in crushed Oreos, chocolate chip cookies, or graham crackers for added texture.
- Fresh Fruit: Top with strawberries, blueberries, or mango chunks for a fruity twist.
- Nuts: Sprinkle with chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans for a satisfying crunch.
- Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles for a fun, festive touch.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream makes the ice cream even more indulgent.
- Brownie Bites: Fold in small pieces of brownies for a decadent treat.
💪🏼Make It High Protein
- Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder before blending.
- Replace cottage cheese with Greek yogurt.
- Stir in a tablespoon of collagen powder to add a protein boost without affecting the flavor or texture.
👍🏼Make It Less Sugar
- Use sugar-free condensed milk or reduce the amount of condensed milk.
- Substitute with a low-calorie sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.
- Use unsweetened almond milk instead of half and half.
Variations
- Birthday Cake Ice Cream: Add cake pieces and sprinkles after blending.
- Mango Ice Cream: Blend in some fresh or frozen mango chunks.
- Halo-Halo Ice Cream: Mix in sweet beans, jackfruit, and coconut for a Filipino twist.
- Cookie Butter Ice Cream: Swirl in cookie butter for an extra indulgent treat.
- Affogato: Pour a shot of espresso over the vanilla ice cream for a creamy dessert-coffee hybrid.
- Chocolate Chip Ice Cream: Add chocolate for a more indulgent treat.
Equipment
- Ninja CREAMi Deluxe 11-in-1 Ice Cream & Frozen Treat Maker: his will help you achieve the perfect creamy texture and mix-ins distribution for your ice cream.
- Blender: Perfect for blending the ice cream base to a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Ninja Creami Pint Container: The pint container is essential for freezing and churning your ice cream mix.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, but it may result in a less creamy texture. For a richer taste, stick with half and half.
Adjust the amount of condensed milk to control the sweetness level according to your taste.
Yes, but vanilla extract or paste will give a more authentic vanilla flavor compared to essence.
If it's too hard, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes or blend it briefly in the Ninja Creami to restore its creamy texture.
Vanilla ice cream is the best because it's incredibly versatile. Its neutral flavor pairs well with almost anything, from classic toppings like chocolate syrup and sprinkles to more adventurous combinations like fruit, cookies, or even savory ingredients. Plus, it's a timeless classic that everyone loves.
More Vanilla-Based Ninja Creami Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
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Ninja Creami Vanilla Ice Cream
Equipment
- Blender
- Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker
- Ninja Creami Pint Container
Ingredients
- ½ cup Heavy Cream
- 1¼ cup Half and half
- ½ cup Cottage Cheese
- ½ cup Condensed Milk
- 2 teaspoon Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
Instructions
- In a blender, heavy cream, half and half, cottage cheese, condensed milk and vanilla. Pour the blended mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container, making sure it does not exceed the max fill line.½ cup Heavy Cream, 1¼ cup Half and half, ½ cup Cottage Cheese, ½ cup Condensed Milk, 2 teaspoon Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- Place the pint container in the freezer and freeze for at least 18-24 hours.
- After freezing, remove the pint container from the freezer and place it into the Ninja Creami machine. Attach the pint holder lid and lock it into place. Select the "Lite Ice Cream" setting and let the Ninja Creami process the mixture. *see notes
- Scoop the vanilla ice cream into bowls and top with your favorite toppings.
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Ce says
Hi
How about dairy free recipes? Please
Rose Sioson says
Hello Ce! I'll remember to let you know as soon as I have them available. I appreciate your feedback. If you have any other flavors in mind, let me know. 🙂