Making homemade ice cream with the Ninja Creami can deliver results worthy of the best ice cream parlors, but there are a few little tricks you need to know to achieve that perfect creamy texture I'm going to share with you what I learned from experimenting with the machine, and believe me, a few details can really make the difference!
1. Don't skip the complete freezing step
Ok, I know you want your ice cream right away, but you have to be patient with freezing ! To have an impeccable texture, your mixture must be well frozen, for at least 24 hours . If the mixture isn't completely frozen, you risk ending up with a consistency that won't be great.
My tip for those in a hurry: prepare several pots in advance. That way, you always have one on hand, ready to be transformed into ice cream whenever the mood strikes!
2. Fat, your ally for cream
For super creamy ice cream , fat plays a key role. Whether you use cream, whole milk or even plant-based milks like coconut milk, it is this fat that will give body to your ice cream. If you use liquids that are too light, like skimmed milk, your ice cream may be a little grainy.
Want a lighter but still creamy version? Try with almond butter or peanut butter . Not only does it give the perfect texture, but it also adds a delicious taste and a little nutritional boost.
3. The secret: taste before freezing
This is a crucial step that many people forget: taste your mixture before freezing it! If your mixture is good, your ice cream will be good. This is the perfect time to adjust the flavors. If it's too bland, add a little agave syrup, honey, or even a little vanilla extract. If you want a touch of acidity, a squeeze of lemon juice can work wonders.
You need to be happy with the taste before freezing, because once the ice cream is ready, it will be too late to adjust. So before you pour your mixture into the jars, grab a spoon and make sure it's already delicious!
4. Use the “Re-spin” function with a little liquid
Even if you have done everything correctly, it may happen that the first turbine of the Ninja Creami gives you ice cream that is a little too firm. Don't panic, this is where the "Re-spin" becomes your best friend. But to really improve the texture, add 5 tablespoons of liquid (milk, vegetable milk, or even water) before starting the re-spin. This helps make your ice cream softer and creamier, and it works every time!
5. Add a little sugar or alcohol to soften the ice cream
To prevent your ice cream from becoming too hard after prolonged storage in the freezer, consider adding a small amount of sugar or even a small dose of alcohol to your mixture (a spoonful of rum or vodka may be enough). The sugar and alcohol help soften the texture by lowering the freezing point, which prevents the ice cream from turning into a hard block.
If you prefer to keep your recipes low on sugar, agave syrup or honey are excellent alternatives.
6. Mix well before freezing
I know it may seem obvious, but it's essential mix well before freezing it. If you make a recipe with powders (like protein or cocoa), these ingredients may tend to clump together. A quick blast with a blender or hand blender before pouring your mixture into the jar and freezing it helps avoid lumps and guarantees a smooth texture.
Conclusion: Creamy ice cream is yours with Ninja Creami!
The Ninja Creami is a fantastic machine for making homemade ice cream, but as with everything, there are a few little tricks you need to know to get that perfect texture that makes all the difference. Between tasting your mixture carefully before freezing, using the re-spin function with a little liquid, and making sure you have a good fat balance, you will see that with a little practice, you will become a real pro at homemade ice cream!
And don't forget, the most important thing is to have fun testing different recipes and flavors. With the Ninja Creami, the possibilities are endless!
