Beat the Heat: How to Make Delicious Summer Ice Cream with Ninja CREAMi® XL

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy cool, refreshing treats with family and friends. The Ninja CREAMi® XL makes it easy to whip up custom ice cream, sorbet, and smoothies right at home, tailored to your taste and dietary preferences.

Whether you’re craving a dairy-free sorbet or a rich chocolate ice cream, this versatile machine lets you get creative in the kitchen. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to making your summer favorite using the Ninja CREAMi® XL.

Our top pick at a glance

BEST FOR SUMMER FROZEN TREATS
Ninja® CREAMi® XL 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker

Ninja® CREAMi® XL 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker

  • Weight: Approx. 13 pounds
  • Dimensions: 14 x 10 x 12 inches
  • Power: 120V, 60Hz
Ninja Creami XL 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker with XL Capacity, NC601

Ninja Creami XL 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker with XL Capacity, NC601

  • Versatile Ice Cream Maker: Creates ice cream, sorbet, gelato, and more
  • Dairy-Free & Smoothie Options: Includes dairy-free, smoothie bowl, and CreamiFit programs
  • Family-Sized Capacity: Two 24-oz tubs for larger batches

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.

Preparing Your Base

Start by choosing your base ingredients. For classic ice cream, use a combination of milk, cream, sugar, and flavorings. Want dairy-free? Opt for almond milk or coconut milk, and add sweeteners or flavor extracts as desired.

Pour your mixture into one of the 24 oz XL tubs, filling it no more than 3/4 full to allow space for expansion during freezing. Seal the lid tightly and place the tub in your freezer for at least 24 hours until solid.

Processing and Flavor Enhancements

Once your base is frozen solid, remove the tub from the freezer and insert it into the Ninja CREAMi® XL. Select your desired program, such as ice cream, sorbet, or smoothie bowl. The machine’s advanced CreamiFit technology quickly transforms the frozen base into smooth, creamy texture in minutes.

To create layered or dual-flavor treats, process one tub with different mix-ins or split your base into two flavors within the same tub—adding chocolate chips, fruit, or nuts before processing. Use the Re-Spin feature for an extra creamy finish.

Adding Mix-ins and Customizing Texture

After the initial processing, you can fold in your favorite mix-ins like candy chunks, fresh fruit, or brownie bites. If you prefer a softer or thicker texture, simply re-spin the treat until it reaches your desired consistency. The machine’s design makes it easy to tailor each treat to your liking.

Serve immediately or store in the freezer for later. Remember to keep the tubs sealed tight to prevent freezer burn and maintain freshness.

Tips for Perfect Summer Treats

  • Use very cold ingredients or pre-freeze your mix-ins for better blending.
  • Don’t overfill the tubs—leave space for expansion when freezing.
  • Experiment with dairy-free options for allergy-friendly or vegan treats.
  • Re-spin for extra creaminess or to incorporate more mix-ins.
  • Clean the XL tubs, lids, and Paddle in the top rack of your dishwasher for easy cleanup.

More Details on Our Top Picks

Ninja® CREAMi® XL 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker

Ninja® CREAMi® XL 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker
OUR VERDICT
Create Custom Summer Ice Cream Easily with Ninja CREAMi® XL
VIEW LATEST PRICE

The Ninja CREAMi® XL makes it simple to craft personalized, creamy frozen treats perfect for hot days. With its family-sized capacity and versatile programs, everyone’s summer cravings are covered.

Pros:

  • Large 24 oz tubs for family-sized treats
  • Dairy-free and customizable options
  • Quick processing with CreamiFit technology
  • Easy to clean dishwasher-safe parts

Cons:

  • Requires 24-hour freezing time
  • Can be bulky for small kitchens
  • Limited to specific ingredients for best results

Best for: Families and home cooks wanting customizable summer treats

Not ideal for: People seeking quick, ready-made desserts or compact appliances

Capacity:
Two 24 oz tubs
Programs:
Ice cream, sorbet, gelato, smoothie bowl, dairy-free, CreamiFit
Material:
Dishwasher safe parts
Color:
Navy
Size:
XL, compact for countertop use
Includes:
Two tubs, lids, Paddle

Bottom line: Perfect for making personalized summer frozen treats at home, the Ninja CREAMi® XL is a versatile and fun addition to any kitchen.

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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