Forget those store-bought tubs filled with artificial ingredients! This Ninja Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream recipe is your ticket to homemade happiness – and it's surprisingly easy. Using your Ninja blender (or a high-powered blender), you can whip up a batch of unbelievably smooth, rich, and creamy vanilla ice cream in a fraction of the time it takes with traditional methods. Get ready to experience the pure, delightful taste of real vanilla ice cream, made with simple ingredients and a whole lot of love. This recipe is perfect for those hot summer days, family gatherings, or simply a sweet treat to brighten your day. It’s a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas, even though it’s dessert!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
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Chill Your Ingredients: Before you begin, ensure your heavy cream and milk are well-chilled. This is crucial for achieving a creamy texture. Pop them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before starting.
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Combine Ingredients: In your Ninja blender (or high-powered blender), combine the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
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Blend Until Smooth: Secure the lid and blend on high speed for approximately 1-2 minutes, or until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined. You'll notice the mixture thickening slightly.
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Freeze the Mixture: Pour the blended mixture into a freezer-safe container. Cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent ice crystals from forming.
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Freeze and Enjoy!: Place the container in the freezer for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the ice cream to fully freeze. For the best results, stir the ice cream halfway through the freezing process (after about 3-4 hours), to break up any ice crystals that may start to form. This step isn’t strictly necessary, but it improves texture. Once frozen solid, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before scooping to make serving easier.
Tips for Ninja Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream Success:
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the ice cream will taste. Opt for high-quality heavy cream, whole milk, and pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
- Don't Over-Blend: Over-blending can incorporate too much air, resulting in a less dense and creamy ice cream. Aim for a smooth consistency without over-processing.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar according to your preference. If you prefer a less sweet ice cream, reduce the sugar by 1-2 tablespoons.
- Get Creative with Mix-ins: Once your base ice cream is frozen, you can get creative! Fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, fresh berries, or cookie crumbs for a delicious twist.
Variations:
- Chocolate Ice Cream: Add ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the mixture before blending.
- Strawberry Ice Cream: Blend in 1 cup of fresh or frozen strawberries (thawed) along with the other ingredients.
- Coffee Ice Cream: Add 2 tablespoons of instant coffee granules or 1-2 tablespoons of strong brewed coffee to the mixture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximately):
- Calories: Around 250-300 (depending on serving size and added mix-ins)
- Fat: High
- Protein: Moderate
- Carbohydrates: Moderate
This Ninja Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream recipe offers a delicious and healthy alternative to store-bought ice cream. It’s a quick and easy dessert, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without compromising on taste or quality. Enjoy!