Making vegan ice cream 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 delicious ice cream. Ninja Creami allows the use of vegetable bases while guaranteeing a creamy texture worthy of the best traditional ice creams. Here are some practical tips for making your vegan ice cream a success.
1. Choosing the right vegetable base
The key to making good vegan ice cream is to choose a base that offers you the right texture and flavors that you like. Several plant-based milks and creams are perfect for creamy and delicious ice creams.
Best plant-based options:
- Coconut milk : Rich in fat, it provides an ultra-creamy texture, perfect for gourmet ice creams.
- Almond milk : Light and subtle, it gives a soft and light texture. Ideal for fruity ice creams.
- Cashew milk : Like coconut milk, it is rich in healthy fats, which allows for a smooth, creamy texture.
- Oat milk : Perfect for ice creams with a soft 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 creamy texture.
2. Add a source of natural sweetness
Another essential step to make your vegan ice cream a success is to dose the sweetener correctly. Whether you prefer a natural sweetener like agave syrup or something lower in calories like stevia , the Ninja Creami lets you adjust the sweetness level easily.
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 : Great for those who want a no added sugar option.
- Dates : Naturally sweet, they can be mixed with the base to add sweetness and texture.
Practical tip: Before freezing your mixture, always taste it! If the mixture is well balanced before freezing, your ice cream will be delicious once mixed.
3. Freeze the mixture well
As with all homemade ice cream, the freezing phase is crucial. Pour your ice cream mixture into the Ninja Creami jars, then leave it in the freezer for at least 24 hours . This guarantees a good grip and a perfect texture when switching to the “ice cream” mode of the machine.
Personal tip: If you prepare several flavors, I recommend using additional pots to vary the pleasures without having to redo everything each time!
4. Mix properly for a perfect texture
Once your base is 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 modes are perfect for obtaining a creamy texture, even without animal fats.
My tip: If after the first mixing, the ice cream is still a little firm, don't hesitate to use the Re-spin . This helps smooth the texture even more and ensures a very 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 little crunch and a gourmet effect
Gourmet tip: If you want an even richer dessert, add a drizzle of peanut butter or tahini on your ice cream before serving. This adds a touch of indulgence and an explosion of flavors.
6. Vegan recipe ideas to try
Now that you know the basics, here are some vegan ice cream recipes that I love to make 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, this is a sweet and light option.
Conclusion
Making vegan ice cream with Ninja Creami is simple, fun and delicious. By choosing the right plant-based bases, adjusting the sweetness and personalizing with gourmet toppings, you can create incredibly creamy frozen desserts, without animal products. So, go ahead and experiment with different flavors to enjoy healthy and tasty homemade vegan ice cream!
