If, like me, you love homemade ice cream but sometimes lack the time to make it, the Ninja CREAMi is a true lifesaver! With a few simple tips, you can reduce preparation time while achieving a perfect texture. Here are my tips for quick ice cream, perfect for an instant sweet craving.
1. Use Ready-Made Ingredients
The number one tip for saving time is to use ready-made, high-quality ingredients. Here are a few simple and effective options:
Frozen fruit : Frozen fruit is perfect for making fruity and natural ice cream in no time. Simply mix it with a little milk, yogurt, or fruit juice and transform it into a quick sorbet.
Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt : For creamy ice cream, use Greek or plant-based yogurt. They are thick and lend themselves well to a smooth texture, without the need to add any other base ingredients. Mix with a natural sweetener or fruit for a quick and delicious dessert.
Fruit purees : Ready-made fruit purees are ideal for saving time. Whether it's mango, strawberries, or raspberries, they transform into sorbet in minutes with the Ninja CREAMi.
2. Freeze in small portions
Another tip for quick preparation is to freeze your ingredients in small portions. Using smaller quantities makes blending faster and results in a perfect, crystal-free ice cream texture.
Mini containers : Prepare your mixtures in advance and freeze them in small containers. This allows you to take out just the portion you need, ideal if you want individual ice cream.
3. Prepare Ice Cream Bases in Advance
If you enjoy homemade ice cream, preparing a large batch of ice cream base is a great way to save time. This way, you can take out your bases, customize them each time, and create a variety of flavors without having to start from scratch.
Vanilla base : Prepare a simple vanilla ice cream base with milk, cream, sweetener, and a little vanilla extract. Freeze in portions and add mix-ins like chocolate chunks or fruit as desired.
Yogurt base : Mix plain yogurt with honey or agave syrup, then freeze in portions. You can easily add fruit or nuts for variety.
Fruity base : A fruit puree blended with a little sugar or honey is ideal for a quick sorbet. Freeze in small portions and use them as a base for a fast sorbet by adding other fruits or a squeeze of lemon juice.
4. Use the "Respin" Mode to Adjust the Texture
The Ninja CREAMi features a "Respin" function that allows you to achieve the perfect texture in seconds, without adding any ingredients. If your ice cream is too firm, a "Respin" cycle will instantly soften it.
Quick tip : If the ice cream seems too hard, add a splash of milk or cream and restart the "Respin" function. In less than two minutes, your ice cream will be smooth and creamy, ready to enjoy!
5. Add Last-Minute Mix-Ins
Mix-ins add a touch of flavor and texture without lengthening preparation time. Here are a few quick ideas:
Chocolate chips : Add chocolate chips directly to the ice cream after blending. They add crunch and an irresistible chocolatey taste.
Fresh fruit pieces : Add small pieces of fresh fruit, such as strawberries, bananas, or mangoes, for a delicious and colorful ice cream. They blend in easily without requiring any additional preparation.
Nuts, seeds, and granola : For a bit of crunch, sprinkle your ice cream with chopped nuts, seeds, or granola. It's quick, easy, and makes all the difference!
6. Use Liquid Sweeteners for Fast Mixing
Liquid sweeteners, such as honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup, mix quickly and eliminate the need for sugar crystals. This is a perfect solution for quick ice cream, as you don't need to spend minutes dissolving sugar. Plus, it's very effective for improving the ice cream's texture at the last minute with the Respin mode!
Tip : If you want to sweeten your ice cream without refined sugar, opt for a drizzle of honey or agave syrup. In addition to mixing easily, these sweeteners provide a subtle flavor that complements fruit or chocolate flavors perfectly.
7. Soften slightly before mixing to speed up the process
If you're having trouble blending very stiff bases, let them sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before placing them in the Ninja CREAMi. This softens the mixture slightly, making it easier to blend and ensuring a smooth texture in less time.
8. Store leftover ice cream in individual portions
If you have leftovers, store them in individual portions in small containers. Not only does this prevent waste, but it's also convenient for quick ice cream. Simply take out a portion, run it through the Ninja CREAMi, and you're done!
9. Customize the Prepared Bases to Vary the Pleasures
By preparing a neutral ice cream base in advance (for example, vanilla or yogurt), you can add different flavors each time. By adding mix-ins like cocoa, flavorings, or fruit, you have a new ice cream without having to start from scratch. Convenient, quick, and always delicious!
With these tips, making quick homemade ice cream with the Ninja CREAMi becomes child's play. Between using ready-made ingredients, pre-mixing in small portions, and tricks to optimize the texture, you have all the keys to quick and creamy ice cream every time.
