Summer is the perfect time to indulge in cool, creamy treats right at home. The Ninja NC301 CREAMi Ice Cream Maker makes it easy to create custom ice creams, gelatos, and sorbets with just a few simple steps.
Whether you’re hosting a poolside party or looking for a fun activity for kids, this compact machine offers versatile options to satisfy every sweet tooth. Let’s walk through a quick and delicious summer recipe using the Ninja CREAMi.
Our top pick at a glance

Ninja NC301 CREAMi Ice Cream Maker
- ✔ Dimensions: 10 x 8 x 8 inches
- ✔ Weight: 8 pounds
- ✔ Material: Plastic and stainless steel

Ninja NC301 CREAMi Ice Cream Maker, for Gelato, Mix-ins, Milkshakes, Sorbet, Smoothie Bowls & More, 7 One-Touch Programs, with (2) Pint Containers & Lids, Compact Size, Perfect for Kids, Silver
7-IN-1 ICE CREAM MAKER -- A FROZEN TREAT FOR EVERY CRAVING: Choose from 7 one-touch programs -- Ice...
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Preparing Your Base
Start by choosing your favorite ingredients for the base. For a classic vanilla ice cream, combine:
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of whole milk
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Mix these ingredients thoroughly until the sugar dissolves. Pour the mixture into one of the pint containers and secure the lid.
Place the container in your freezer for at least 24 hours to ensure it’s fully frozen and ready for churning.
Using the Ninja NC301 CREAMi to Make Ice Cream
Once your base is frozen, remove the pint container from the freezer. Insert it into the Ninja CREAMi machine and select the ‘Ice Cream’ program. Press start and wait for the cycle to complete.
The machine will process your frozen base into smooth, creamy ice cream. For added flavor, you can incorporate mix-ins like chocolate chips, fruit, or cookie pieces during the process if desired.
Adding Mix-ins and Creating Custom Flavors
After the initial churning, you can customize your ice cream further. Use the paddle to incorporate mix-ins such as:
- Chopped nuts
- Fresh berries
- Chocolate chunks
Simply press the ‘Mix-in’ button and add your ingredients through the opening in the lid. The CREAMi will blend them evenly into your creamy base, creating a personalized summer treat.
Serving and Tips for Perfect Results
Once your ice cream is ready, scoop it into bowls or cones and enjoy immediately for a soft-serve texture. For a firmer consistency, transfer it back to the freezer for 1-2 hours before serving.
Tip: Use the smaller pint containers for quick single-serving treats or experimental flavors. Keep your containers in the freezer ready for whenever the craving hits!
More Details on Our Top Picks
Ninja NC301 CREAMi Ice Cream Maker

The Ninja NC301 CREAMi offers a simple way to make a variety of cool treats at home. Compact, versatile, and easy to use, it’s perfect for family summer afternoons and poolside parties.
Pros:
- Easy to operate with 7 one-touch programs
- Includes 2 pint containers for convenience
- Compact size fits easily on countertops
- Great for a variety of frozen desserts
Cons:
- Requires 24-hour freezing time before use
- Limited to small batch sizes
- May need multiple cycles for denser ice cream
Best for: Families and individuals wanting quick, customizable summer desserts
Not ideal for: Large groups or those needing extensive quantities of ice cream
Bottom line: A versatile and easy-to-use machine that makes summer dessert prep a breeze.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publishing.