Making vegan at home with the Ninja Creami is not only possible, but also incredibly easy and delicious! Whether you're vegan or simply looking to avoid animal products, you can create perfectly creamy and indulgent ice cream. The Ninja Creami allows you to use plant-based ingredients while guaranteeing a smooth texture worthy of the best traditional ice cream. Here are some practical tips to ensure your vegan ice cream is a success every time.
1. Choosing the right plant-based
The key to making great vegan ice cream is choosing a base that gives you the right texture and flavors you love. Several plant-based milks and creams are perfect for smooth and delicious ice cream.
Best plant-based options:
- Coconut milk : Rich in fats, it provides an ultra-creamy texture, perfect for indulgent ice creams.
- Almond milk : Light and subtle, it gives a soft and light texture. Ideal for fruit ice creams.
- Cashew milk : Like coconut milk, it is rich in healthy fats, which allows for a smooth and creamy texture.
- Oat milk : Perfect for ice creams with a mild and naturally sweet taste, while remaining light.
My personal tip: I love using coconut milk for chocolate or vanilla ice cream, because it always guarantees a very smooth texture.
2. Add a source of natural sweetness
Another essential step to making perfect vegan ice cream is getting the sweetener just right. Whether you prefer a natural sweetener like agave syrup or something lower in calories like stevia , the Ninja Creami lets you easily adjust the sweetness level.
Vegan sweetener options:
- Maple syrup or agave syrup : Perfect for adding a natural and subtle touch of sweetness.
- Coconut sugar : An alternative with a slightly caramelized flavor.
- Stevia : Ideal for those who want an option with no added sugar.
- Dates : Naturally sweet, they can be blended with the base to add sweetness and texture.
Helpful tip: Always taste your mixture before freezing! If the mixture is well balanced before freezing, your ice cream will be delicious once blended.
3. Freeze the mixture thoroughly
As with all homemade ice cream, the freezing stage is crucial. Pour your ice cream mixture into the Ninja Creami containers, then leave it in the freezer for at least 24 hours . This ensures a firm set and a perfect texture when you switch the machine to the "ice cream" setting.
Personal tip: If you're preparing several flavors, I recommend using extra jars to keep things interesting without having to start from scratch each time!
4. Mix thoroughly for a perfect texture
Once your base is completely frozen, it's time to put the Ninja Creami ! The secret to a perfect texture is to use the "gelato" or "sorbet" , depending on the result you want. These settings are perfect for achieving a smooth texture, even without animal fats.
My tip: If the ice cream is still a little firm after the first blending, don't hesitate to use the Re-spin . This will smooth the texture even more and guarantee a perfectly creamy ice cream.
5. Personalize your recipes with vegan toppings
Once your ice cream is ready, it's time to personalize it with toppings . The possibilities are endless and allow you to make each bowl of ice cream unique.
Ideas for vegan toppings:
- Lactose-free dark chocolate chips
- Crushed nuts : Almonds, hazelnuts, pecans…
- Red fruit coulis
- Grated coconut
- Homemade granola : For a bit of crunch and a delicious effect
Gourmet tip: If you want an even richer dessert, add a drizzle of peanut butter or tahini to your ice cream before serving. This adds a touch of indulgence and a burst of flavor.
6. Vegan recipe ideas to try
Now that you know the basics, here are some vegan ice cream recipes that I love making with my Ninja Creami:
- Chocolate-coconut ice cream : Uses coconut milk, cocoa powder and agave syrup for an ultra-indulgent dessert.
- Mango-passion fruit sorbet : Perfect for hot days, this fresh and fruity sorbet is an explosion of flavors.
- Banana-peanut ice cream : With just bananas and peanut butter, you get a creamy, protein-rich ice cream.
- Vanilla-almond ice cream : Made with almond milk and vanilla extract, it's a sweet and light option.
Conclusion
Making vegan ice cream with the Ninja Creami is simple, fun, and delicious. By choosing the right plant-based bases, adjusting the sweetness, and customizing with indulgent toppings, you can create incredibly creamy frozen desserts, free of animal products. So go ahead and experiment with different flavors to enjoy healthy and tasty homemade vegan ice cream!
