How to make ice cream in a Ninja blender?
Introduction
Making delicious homemade ice cream is easier than you think with a Ninja blender. Ninja blenders are versatile kitchen appliances that can handle ice cream making tasks like emulsifying, aerating, and chilling the ice cream base. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can churn out creamy ice cream without needing bulky or expensive equipment. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to make ice cream at home in a Ninja blender.
Benefits of Making Ice Cream in a Ninja Blender
There are several advantages to using a Ninja blender to make ice cream compared to traditional ice cream machines:
- Cost – Ninja blenders are more affordable than standalone ice cream makers.
- Compact – They take up less storage space in your kitchen.
- Versatility – Ninja blenders can be used for other tasks like smoothies, purees, etc.
- Quick – Ice cream can be ready in as little as 10 minutes.
- Customizable – You control the ingredients so you can create any flavor.
With a little practice, you can even make dairy-free ice cream by using alternate bases like coconut milk, almond milk, or bananas. The strong motor in a Ninja blender has no problem handling frozen ingredients and churning out smooth textures.
Choosing a Ninja Blender Model
Ninja offers several different blender models that are all capable of making homemade ice cream. Here are some good options:
| Blender | Features |
|---|---|
| Ninja Professional Blender | 1000 watt motor, Total Crushing blades, 64-ounce pitcher |
| Ninja Mega Kitchen System | 1500 watt motor, 72-ounce pitcher, dough blade |
| Ninja Foodi Power Blender | 1400 peak watt motor, 68-ounce pitcher, precision heat settings |
The more powerful the motor, the better it will be able to process thick and frozen ingredients. The Ninja Foodi Power Blender specifically has a “Frozen Drinks” setting that is ideal for ice creams and smoothies.
Ingredients for Ice Cream Base
The foundation of ice cream is the cream base. This base mixture eventually gets frozen and churned to create the smooth, creamy texture we love. Here are the key ingredients you’ll need:
- Cream – Heavy cream or heavy whipping cream gives ice cream its signature rich taste and creamy texture. You can also use half and half or whole milk.
- Sugar – White granulated sugar sweetens the base. Caster sugar or powdered sugar can also be used.
- Egg yolks – Eggs contribute protein which helps ice cream stay scoopable when frozen.
- Vanilla – Pure vanilla extract enhances flavor.
- Salt – A pinch of salt balances the sweetness.
For 1 quart of ice cream, typical ratios are:
- 2 cups heavy cream or half and half
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 1-2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Feel free to experiment with other add-ins like chocolate sauce, caramel, fruit, etc. The possibilities are endless!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to make ice cream in your Ninja blender:
- Prepare the cream base – In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the cream, sugar, egg yolks and salt. Heat the mixture until it reaches 170°F, stirring constantly so the eggs don’t curdle. Remove from heat.
- Cool the base – Transfer the cream base to a metal or glass bowl. Allow it to fully cool down to refrigerator temperature. This takes about 4 hours. Quick cooling by placing the bowl over an ice bath.
- Add flavorings and chill – Once cooled, stir in any additional flavorings like vanilla extract, cocoa powder, fruit purees, etc. Cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight.
- Blend in Ninja pitcher – The next day, pour the chilled ice cream base into your Ninja blender pitcher. Make sure not to overfill past the max line.
- Churn and freeze – Put the lid securely on the Ninja pitcher. Blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes using the “Frozen Drinks” or “Ice Cream” setting if available. Mix until increased in volume and creamy.
- Transfer to freezer – Pour the soft serve ice cream into a freezer safe container. Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours to harden.
- Enjoy! – Scoop and serve your homemade ice cream straight from the freezer. Garnish with toppings if desired.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips for making perfect ice cream in a Ninja blender:
- Use very cold ingredients for the base – the colder the better!
- Avoid overfilling the Ninja pitcher past the max line.
- Begin blending on a lower speed to avoid splatter, then increase to high speed.
- Blend in short intervals, stopping to stir occasionally.
- For mix-ins, layer them between blending instead of blending for long periods.
- Let ice cream harden in the freezer for 4-6 hours for best consistency.
- Store leftovers in a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here are some common troubleshooting tips for Ninja blender ice cream:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Ice crystals forming | Blend cream base thoroughly while still liquid before freezing. |
| Ice cream is too hard | Add 1-2 tablespoons of alcohol like vodka or rum to lower freezing temperature. |
| Blender is struggling to churn | Don’t overfill pitcher. Use short blend intervals. Let ice cream soften slightly first. |
| Ice cream is grainy | Blend longer to fully break up ice crystals. Or try richer dairy like heavy cream. |
Recipes to Try
Here are some delicious ice cream recipes to try in your Ninja blender:
| Flavor | Key Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Vanilla | 2 cups heavy cream, 3/4 cup sugar, 4 egg yolks, 2 tbsp vanilla extract |
| Chocolate | 2 cups heavy cream, 3/4 cup sugar, 4 egg yolks, 1/2 cup cocoa powder |
| Strawberry | 2 cups heavy cream, 3/4 cup sugar, 4 egg yolks, 1 cup strawberry puree |
| Mint Chocolate Chip | 2 cups heavy cream, 3/4 cup sugar, 4 egg yolks, 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, 1 tsp peppermint extract |
Feel free to get creative and substitute different mix-ins. The possibilities are endless!
Conclusion
With the right techniques, making delicious homemade ice cream in a Ninja blender is easy. Just remember to cook the cream base thoroughly, chill it overnight, and then blend in short intervals for an airy, smooth texture. Be sure to freeze the ice cream for at least 4 hours before serving. The ability to customize flavors and skip bulky equipment makes Ninja blenders a great choice for ice cream making. In no time you’ll be churning out artisan-quality ice cream from the comfort of your own kitchen.