Summer is the perfect time to enjoy cool, homemade ice cream and frozen treats. The Ninja® CREAMi® XL makes it easy to create a variety of delicious desserts right in your kitchen, from classic ice cream to dairy-free sorbet and smoothie bowls.
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Follow this step-by-step guide to craft your own summer favorites and impress family and friends with personalized flavors and textures.
Our top pick at a glance
Ninja® CREAMi® XL 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker
- ✔ Power: Not specified
- ✔ Dimensions: Not specified
- ✔ Weight: Not specified
Preparing Your Base
Start by choosing your base ingredients. For traditional ice cream, you might use heavy cream, milk, and sugar. For dairy-free options, blend frozen fruit with a dairy-free milk alternative. The Ninja® CREAMi® XL allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring your treats align with your dietary preferences.
Pour your prepared mixture into the XL tubs, filling them without exceeding the fill line. If you want to make two different flavors, process one flavor in each tub separately.
Freezing the Mixture
Place the filled XL tubs into your freezer and freeze for at least 24 hours. For best results, ensure the mixture is completely frozen to achieve the smoothest texture during processing. The XL capacity allows you to make enough for the whole family, with two 24-oz tubs providing about 2 quarts of your homemade dessert.
Processing with the Ninja® CREAMi® XL
Once frozen, remove the tubs from the freezer and install them into the Ninja® CREAMi® XL machine. Select your desired program—Ice Cream, Sorbet, Gelato, Smoothie Bowl, Dairy-Free, or CreamiFit—and start processing. The advanced Creamify technology transforms your frozen base into a smooth, creamy treat in minutes.
If you prefer a thicker or creamier texture, you can hit the Re-Spin button to refine the consistency further.
Adding Mix-Ins and Final Touches
Before or after processing, add your favorite mix-ins such as chocolate chips, fresh fruit, nuts, or candy. For a layered effect, process one flavor in each tub and combine them later, or process separately to serve distinct flavors. Once done, serve immediately or store in the freezer for later enjoyment.
Tips for Perfect Summer Treats
- Use pre-frozen fruit or cold ingredients for best results.
- Experiment with dairy-free bases to cater to dietary needs.
- Re-spin for a creamier, smoother texture.
- Clean the XL tubs and lids in the top-rack dishwasher for easy cleanup.
More Details on Our Top Picks
Ninja® CREAMi® XL 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker
The Ninja® CREAMi® XL makes creating personalized, creamy frozen desserts easy and fun. Its large capacity and versatile functions make it ideal for summer family gatherings and healthy treats.
Pros:
- Large family-sized capacity (2 quarts)
- Multiple programs including dairy-free and smoothie bowls
- Easy to clean, dishwasher safe parts
- Create two flavors in one tub
Cons:
- Requires 24 hours freezing time
- Can be noisy during operation
- Initial cost may be high
Best for: Families and home cooks wanting customizable summer desserts
Not ideal for: Anyone seeking a quick, no-prep frozen snack
Bottom line: A versatile ice cream maker that turns your summer ingredients into delightful frozen treats.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publishing.
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