Summer is the perfect time to indulge in cooling, homemade frozen treats. Whether you want dairy-free sorbet or a creamy ice cream, the Ninja CREAMi XL makes it easy to craft your favorite summer flavors at home.
With its large capacity and versatile functions, this ice cream maker is a must-have for family gatherings, poolside lounging, or just a quick cool-down on hot days. Let’s explore how to make the perfect summer treat step-by-step.
Our top pick at a glance
Ninja CREAMi XL 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker
- ✔ Weight: Varies by model
- ✔ Dimensions: Compact for countertop use
- ✔ Power: Standard household outlet
Ninja® CREAMi® XL 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker for Ice Cream, Sorbet, Gelato & More, Now Featuring Dariy Free, Smoothie Bowl, and CreamiFit™, Includes (2) Family-Sized 24.oz Tubs, Navy, NC601
NEW FUNCTIONALITY: Turn almost anything into crave-worthy ice cream, sorbet, frozen yogurt, and more. Now featuring dairy-free, smoothie...
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Preparing Your Ingredients
Start by choosing your base ingredients. You can use traditional dairy, dairy-free alternatives, or even fruit and yogurt for smoothies. Measure your ingredients carefully to fit within the 24 oz tubs.
For a classic vanilla ice cream, mix milk, cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. For a dairy-free sorbet, blend frozen fruit with a splash of juice or water. Remember to keep your ingredients simple for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing the Tubs
Before you can make your treats, ensure the two 24 oz tubs are fully frozen. Place them in your freezer at least 24 hours before use. This step is essential for achieving the smooth, creamy texture the CREAMi XL is known for.
Label the tubs if needed, and keep them in the freezer until you’re ready to process your mixture. Proper pre-freezing is key to perfect results.
Making Your Frozen Treats
Pour your prepared mixture into one of the frozen tubs, leaving some space for expansion. Secure the lid tightly and insert the tub into the Ninja CREAMi XL.
Choose your program: ice cream, sorbet, gelato, or smoothie bowl. The machine will process the mixture, and you can customize the texture using the CreamiFit function for a softer or firmer result.
Once the cycle completes, remove the tub, and enjoy your homemade treat directly or serve in bowls or cones.
Tips for Perfect Summer Treats
- For extra flavor, add mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit chunks during the processing phase.
- If your treat is too hard, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes or run it briefly in the CREAMi XL again to soften.
- Clean the tubs, lids, and paddle in the dishwasher after each use to keep your machine in top shape.
Serving and Storage Ideas
Serve your frozen treats immediately for a soft-serve texture or store leftovers in the tubs, covered tightly, in the freezer for later. For best scoopability, let the frozen treats sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Get creative with toppings like fresh fruit, sprinkles, or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce to elevate your summer dessert experience.
More Details on Our Top Picks
Ninja CREAMi XL 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker
The Ninja CREAMi XL offers large capacity, customizable textures, and easy cleanup, making it ideal for creating a variety of frozen summer treats for the whole family. Its features support dairy and dairy-free recipes, perfect for accommodating everyone’s preferences.
Pros:
- Large 2 x 24 oz capacity
- Includes dairy-free and smoothie programs
- Customizable textures and flavors
- Dishwasher-safe parts
Cons:
- Bulky design may take up space
- Requires pre-freezing of tubs
- Limited to specific recipes and mix-ins
Best for: Families who want to make personalized frozen treats at home
Not ideal for: Small kitchens with limited freezer space or those seeking a compact machine
Bottom line: Create personalized, refreshing summer treats effortlessly with the Ninja CREAMi XL.
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