Strawberry Ice Cream (Ninja Creami)
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I’m back with another Ninja Creami recipe and this one is the perfect summer ice cream!!
This Strawberry Ice Cream is sweet, creamy and full of fresh strawberry flavor!!🍓 It’s ridiculously easy to make and is the perfect summer flavor to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Just like my new Strawberry Frozen Yogurt, this ice cream uses a few simple ingredients like fresh strawberries, sugar and lemon but has a more traditional ice cream taste than the frozen yogurt due to using heavy cream instead of Greek yogurt as the base (I highly recommend you check out my frozen yogurt recipe if you’re looking for the same taste but a little healthier option)! But if you’re more of a classic ice cream fan, this is the recipe for you!!
And to really take this ice cream to the next level, you have to pair this ice cream with one of my Strawberry Iced Oatmeal Cookies for the ultimate strawberry combo!
I have been loving the Ninja Creami lately and know it’s going to be my favorite kitchen appliance this summer but if you haven’t gotten one yet and are still craving ice cream, check out my No Churn Dark Chocolate Oreo Ice Cream, Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream or Chocolate Chip Mint Ice Cream options!
Table Talk with Tawnie
Nothing screams summer more than fresh strawberries so I knew when I started my list of Ninja Creami recipes for this year I had to make a strawberry version! This Strawberry Ice Cream is so creamy, light, and packed with REAL strawberry flavor. And the best part? There’s no artificial ingredients so even though it’s still a sweet treat you can feel way better about it enjoying it than buying the store-bought stuff! Plus, it taste better too!!
- Fresh strawberries: It’s officially spring time so this recipe is perfect for using fresh, ripe strawberries🍓You can use frozen strawberries but they will need to be thawed so you can mash them down and I don’t think they are as sweet.
- Heavy cream: To get the best, thick, creamy consistency I like using heavy cream for this ice cream recipe. You can use regular milk but just note that the ice cream won’t be as thick or creamy.
- Granulated sugar: You can adjust the amount of sugar based on your sweetness preference.
- Lemon juice: The freshly squeezed lemon juice helps to balance out the sweetness of the sugar and really helps to enhance the fresh strawberry flavor too!
Step by Step Directions
(For the full recipe, scroll down to the recipe card below)
Prep your Creami
Prep your Creami by adding the diced strawberries and sugar to an empty pint container. Using a fork or spoon, mash the strawberries with the sugar until they become jammy then add the rest of the ingredients.
Freeze
Place the pint container in the freezer (with the lid off) and freeze for 24 hours.
Spin it!
It’s go time! Place in the Creami machine and select the Ice Cream setting. If needed, scrape down the sides with a spoon or butter knife and add a small splash of heavy cream or milk then run the Respin cycle once (or until you reach your desired consistency).
Enjoy!
Top with you favorite toppings like whipped cream, fresh strawberries, a warm cookie, etc. and ENJOY!🍓🍨
Expert Tips
- Prep in advance: Make sure to allow your pint at least 24 hours to freeze before spinning.
- Avoid icy edges: If you don’t have time to let your pint sit on the counter for ~15-20 minutes, you can run your pint container under warm water for 30 seconds before running it through the Ninja Creami machine. You can also run a butter knife or spoon along the sides after the initial spin to make sure there aren’t any icy edges.
- Respins: If your ice cream isn’t smooth and creamy after the first respin, you can respin until you get your desired consistency.
- Don’t overfill the container: Make sure not to overfill the pint container. The ice cream will expand in volume as it spins so don’t worry if it looks like the pint isn’t initially full.
Time Saving Tip!
If you want to save a little time, you can simply add all ingredients to a blender and blend together until smooth! Once combined, just pour directly into your Creami pint and freeze! However, in my testing, the macerating step helps create super-flavorful ice cream!
Variations / Substitutions
- Mix-ins: Toss in some cheesecake pieces, graham crackers, or chocolate chips! To mix into the Creami, add mix-ins of choice after the Respin cycle, then press the Mix-Ins cycle. Or you can just add them to the top after mixing!
- Toppings: Top your ice cream with whipped cream, fresh strawberries, chocolate chips, sprinkles, crumbled cookies, M&M’s, etc.
Storage / Freezing
- If you don’t finish the pint, use a spoon to smooth and level out the top of the remaining ice cream and place it back in the freezer with the lid. When ready to eat again, let the ice cream slightly defrost and respin the frozen pint until you reach your desired consistency.
- If you want to free up one of your Creami pint containers, you can also transfer the ice cream to another freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw on the counter for a few minutes or microwave it for 5-10 seconds or until it’s scoopable.
FAQs
Why does my ice cream look powdery after the first spin?
It is normal for your Creami to be crumbly and powdery after the first spin. The first spin in mainly to break everything up and get it ready to mix together. When you add a little more milk and respin, that’s when the magic happens! After the first respin if your ice cream still isn’t creamy enough respin again (or as many times until your desired consistency). If you’re adding mix-ins that cycle will also help to mix everything again!
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries but they will need to be thawed so you can mash them down. The Creami blade is not designed to process uneven chunks or pieces of frozen fruit.
Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes, you can use any milk (although heavy cream will produce the thickest, creamiest texture). If you’re looking for a similar but lighter option, you can try my Strawberry Frozen Yogurt made with Greek yogurt as the base instead of heavy cream!
Do I really have to let my pint freeze for 24 hours?
For the best results, I recommend letting the pint freeze for at least 24 hours. I’ve tested it after 12 hours, and although it does work, it doesn’t have as thick or creamy a consistency as when it freezes for the full 24 hours.
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Strawberry Ice Cream (Ninja Creami)
Ingredients
- 8 oz. fresh strawberries (washed and diced small)
- ⅓-½ cup granulated sugar (use more or less depending on your preference)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp. lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Last step! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- Prep the strawberries: Add the small diced strawberries and sugar to an empty CREAMi™ Pint. Mash the strawberries a bit using a fork, and allow them to sit for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. (This is macerating the strawberries; it helps to tenderize them and intensify their flavor.)8 oz. fresh strawberries, ⅓-½ cup granulated sugar
- Add remaining ingredients: Once the strawberries are somewhat jammy and no large chunks are left behind, add in the heavy cream, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt. Stir to combine.1 cup heavy cream, 1 tsp. lemon juice, 1 tsp. vanilla extract, pinch of salt
- Freeze: Freeze the pint on a level surface in the freezer, with the lid off, for 24 hours. (freezing with the lid on creates a hump at the top of the ice cream, which can damage the blade, so be sure to leave it off).
- Slightly defrost (optional): Once you remove the pint from the freezer, you can allow it to sit on the counter for ~15-20 minutes before spinning. This can help create a smoother ice cream and be easier for the blades to process.
- Assemble: Finally, place it in the outer bowl, and lock the lid on top. Place the bowl assembly on the motor base, twist the handle right to raise the platform, and lock it in place.
- Spin it! Process on the Ice Cream setting. Scrape down the sides if needed for a creamier texture, add a small splash of heavy cream or milk, and run the Respin program 1x.
- Hardest step…enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Add in mix-ins: Cheesecake pieces, graham crackers, and chocolate chips are all yummy options.
- Frozen strawberries may be used but they will need to be thawed so you can mash them down. The Creami blade is not designed to process uneven chunks or pieces of frozen fruit.
- Blend before freezing option: Instead of macerating the strawberries, you can skip that step and simply add all ingredients to a blender. Once smooth, pour directly into your Creami pint. However, in my testing, the macerating step helps create super-flavorful ice cream!
- Slightly defrost: Once you remove the pint from the freezer, some have benefited from allowing it to sit on the counter for ~15-20 minutes. This will create a smoother ice cream and be easier for the blades to process.
Nutrition Information
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is automatically calculated. It should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Kroll’s Korner can’t make any guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
📸 Photos by Creating Kaitlin
