Summer is the perfect time to indulge in cool, refreshing treats made right at home. The Ninja® CREAMi® XL makes it easy to create a variety of frozen desserts, from creamy ice cream to fruity sorbet, all with a personalized touch.
Follow this step-by-step guide to whip up your favorite summer flavors and learn tips for customizing textures and ingredients for the whole family to enjoy.
Our top pick at a glance
Ninja® CREAMi® XL 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker
- ✔ Weight: Approx. 13 lbs
- ✔ Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 15 inches
- ✔ Power: 120V, 60Hz
Ninja Creami XL 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker with XL Capacity, NC601
- Versatile Ice Cream Maker: Creates ice cream, sorbet, gelato, and more
- Dairy-Free & Smoothie Options: Includes dairy-free and smoothie bowl programs
- Family-Sized Capacity: Two 24-oz tubs for large servings
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Preparing Your Base
Start by selecting your base ingredients. You can use traditional dairy, dairy-free options, or even a mix of fruits and liquids for a healthy twist. For classic ice cream, blend milk, cream, sugar, and flavorings. For dairy-free options, substitute with almond milk, coconut milk, or other plant-based liquids.
Pour your mixture into one of the Ninja® CREAMi® XL’s family-sized 24-oz tubs, filling it up to the indicated line, but no more. Cover with the lid and freeze for at least 24 hours until solid.
Processing and Flavors
Once frozen, remove the tub from the freezer and place it into the CREAMi® machine. Select your desired program — ice cream, sorbet, or gelato. The advanced CreamiFit™ technology transforms your frozen base into a smooth, creamy treat in just minutes.
To add flavor variations, process one base with different mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped fruit, or nuts in the same tub. Use the dual-flavor feature to create two unique treats in one batch, perfect for diverse family tastes.
Customization Tips
- For extra creaminess, hit Re-Spin after processing to enhance the texture.
- Mix in fresh fruit, candy, or brownie chunks during processing for personalized toppings.
- Adjust sweetness or add protein powders to suit dietary needs or preferences.
- Use the smoothie bowl function for a nutritious, frozen breakfast or snack.
Serving and Storage
Serve immediately for a scoopable, soft-serve consistency. For firmer ice cream, transfer to a container and freeze for an additional hour. The XL tubs are dishwasher safe, making cleanup quick and easy after your summer treat-making session.
Enjoy your homemade creations outdoors or bring them to summer gatherings for a cool, delicious surprise that everyone will love.
More Details on Our Top Picks
Ninja® CREAMi® XL 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker
The Ninja® CREAMi® XL is a versatile, family-friendly ice cream maker that transforms ingredients into creamy, customizable frozen treats in minutes. Perfect for summer fun, it offers dairy-free, smoothie bowl, and flavor customization options.
Pros:
- Family-sized 24-oz tubs for large batches
- Creates a variety of frozen treats including dairy-free options
- Dual-flavor processing for variety in one tub
- Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts
Cons:
- Requires 24-hour freezing time before use
- May be bulky for small kitchens
- Limited to processing frozen bases, not fresh ingredients
Best for: Families seeking versatile, customizable frozen desserts for summer gatherings
Not ideal for: Those looking for quick, no-prep frozen treats or small batch makers
Bottom line: A versatile and fun summer appliance for making personalized frozen treats at home.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publishing.
