If you are wondering if it is possible to make vegan ice cream with the Ninja Creami , the answer is a big YES ! Whether you're vegan or simply looking to reduce your consumption of animal products, the Ninja Creami is an incredible machine for creating 100% plant-based ice cream without sacrificing creamy texture or indulgent taste.
I've tried several vegan recipes with my Ninja Creami, and believe me, the results are amazing! Here is everything you need to know to make vegan ice creams that have nothing to envy of the classic versions.
1. Plant milks: the key ingredient for creamy vegan ice cream
When we talk about vegan ice cream, the first step is to replace milk or cream with plant-based alternatives. Fortunately, there are a multitude of plant-based milks that work wonderfully in Ninja Creami, and each adds its own unique touch.
My favorites for creamy ice cream:
- Coconut milk : it’s my favorite! It provides a creamy texture and a slightly exotic taste. Perfect for chocolate or vanilla ice cream.
- Almond milk : a lighter option with a mild flavor that pairs well with fruits like strawberry or mango.
- Soy milk : ideal if you're looking for a neutral alternative that works with all kinds of flavors.
My tip: If you want a really rich and creamy texture, opt for canned coconut milk , which is thicker and provides that creaminess that we love in ice cream. If you prefer a lighter version, almond or oat milk is perfect.
2. Natural sweeteners for healthy and delicious vegan ice creams
Once you've chosen your plant-based milk base, it's time to think about sugar . Here again, you can opt for natural alternatives to sweeten your ice cream while remaining vegan and healthy.
My favorites for sweetening vegan ice cream:
- Maple syrup : it provides natural sweetness with a slight caramelized note. Ideal for nut or fruit ice creams.
- Agave syrup : more discreet than maple syrup, it blends perfectly into preparations and helps maintain well-balanced flavors.
- Date puree : an excellent natural sweetener which, in addition to sweetening, brings texture and depth to your ice cream.
My advice: Always taste your mixture before freezing it to adjust the sweetness according to your preferences. Sometimes a little lemon juice can also enhance the flavor and balance out the sugar.
3. Add richness with nut butters
To obtain vegan ice creams as rich and delicious as traditional versions, don't hesitate to play with nut butters . peanut , almond , or even hazelnut butter , these ingredients bring creaminess and incredible richness to your ice cream.
Recipe ideas with nut butters:
- Banana-peanut ice cream : an almond milk base, ripe bananas and a spoonful of peanut butter for a delicious and ultra-comforting ice cream.
- Chocolate-hazelnut ice cream : coconut milk, a little cocoa and hazelnut butter for a vegan version of the famous spread!
Personal tip: Add a few pieces of hazelnuts or pieces of chocolate to add a little crunch to your ice cream. It’s the little extra that makes the difference!
4. Playing with fruit for vegan sorbets
The Ninja Creami is also fantastic for creating vegan fruit-based sorbets. As sorbets require no milk or cream, they are naturally vegan, and a great option for variety.
My favorite vegan sorbet combos:
- Mango and passion fruit for an explosion of tropical flavors.
- Raspberry and lime for a tangy and refreshing sorbet.
- Pineapple and basil for an exotic touch with a hint of fresh herbs.
Practical tip: For sorbets, if you find that your fruits lack sugar, you can add a little maple syrup or even orange juice to naturally sweeten while keeping a light texture.
5. Personalize with toppings and garnishes
Personalization is what makes homemade ice cream even more fun, especially with vegan recipes. Once your ice cream is ready, have fun with toppings to add texture and taste.
Ideas for vegan toppings:
- Crushed nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts or pecans.
- Vegan dark chocolate chips for a crunchy and delicious side.
- Grated coconut , chia seeds or even pieces of dried fruit for a little extra crunch.
My kids love choosing their own toppings, and I have to say it makes the experience even more enjoyable. And all this, without compromising on the vegan !
Conclusion: Yes, Ninja Creami is perfect for vegan ice cream!
The Ninja Creami is a real ally for anyone who wants to create vegan ice cream at home. Whether you choose coconut milk for a rich texture, fresh fruit for sorbets or nut butters for an indulgent twist, the possibilities are endless. The best part of all of this? Your vegan ice creams will have nothing to envy of the classic versions.
So, go ahead, test different combinations, and give free rein to your creativity to make 100% plant-based , creamy, tasty and above all, completely personalized!
