Hey there, ice cream lovers! If you have a sweet tooth like me, my hubby, and my daughter, who constantly beg me to restock on ice cream. Or you love a frozen treat but want to stay away from sugar-loaded or artificially sweetened stuff; then my healthy Ninja Creami recipes will become part of your guilt-free post-dinner routine. Yes, you can have it all: health, taste, and enjoyment all in one; check out the 6 options below, from low-carb options to high-protein treats, all without any added sugar or artificial rubbish.
As a health coach and self-proclaimed foodie, I’ve always been wary of those “healthy, sugar-free, or high protein” ice creams lining the supermarket shelves. You know, the ones – that promise the moon but deliver a laundry list of artificial ingredients that would make your head spin.
Discovery of the Ninja Creami
That’s when I discovered the Ninja Creami ice cream maker – a clever little gadget that promised to turn my kitchen into a healthy ice cream parlor. Intrigued? You bet I was! Now, I’m not one to fall for kitchen gadget gimmicks, but the idea of whipping up wholesome, additive-free ice cream at home was too tempting to resist. So, I took the plunge and brought this magical Ninja Creami machine home. And let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer!
No more compromising between health and taste, no more guilt-tripping myself over ingredient lists. Just pure, creamy ice cream made with simple ingredients I can actually pronounce. Ready to join me on this frosty adventure? I’ve whipped up six delicious healthy Ninja Creami recipes that will make you wonder why you ever bothered with store-bought versions. These healthy Ninja Creami recipes are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while keeping your wellness journey on track. So if you have a sweet tooth family like mine, you will be their hero in an apron.
1. Tropical Mango Coconut Delight
This refreshing treat will transport you straight to a sunny beach!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen mango chunks
- 1/2 cup light coconut cream
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon organic vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon pure xanthan gum (optional for extra creaminess)
Instructions:
- Put all the ingredients into the Ninja Creami pint container and freeze for 24 hours.
- Process in the Ninja Creami using the Lite Ice Cream setting.
- Use the re-spin function if needed for a creamier texture.
2. Low-Carb Berry Bliss
A keto-friendly option packed with antioxidants!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mixed frozen or fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut cream
- 1/4 teaspoon liquid stevia (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup plain unsweetened yogurt (you can skip this if you want dairy free option)
- 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum (optional, but it will help make it more creamy)
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Pour into Ninja Creami pint container and freeze for 24 hours.
- Process in the Ninja Creami using the Lite Ice Cream setting.
- Re-spin if needed for a creamier texture.
3. Peanut Butter Caramel Protein Punch
The caramel flavor comes from Medjool dates rather than sugar and we use natural peanut butter for healthy fats here.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup of chopped and pitted Medjool dates
- 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter (no sugar added type). Barney Butter is my fave brand.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 scoop of clean vanilla protein powder (optional)
Instructions:
- Soak pitted Medjool dates in boiling water for a couple of minutes to soften and clean them.
- Add all ingredients, including the softened and drained dates, into the Ninja Creami pint container and freeze for 24 hours.
- Process in the Ninja Creami using the Lite Ice Cream setting.
- Re-spin if needed for a creamier texture.
4. Pistachio and Cranberry Delight
This healthy Ninja Creami ice cream has it all; it’s crunchy, creamy, and chewy all at the same time.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of whole-cream milk or plant milk for dairy-free version
- 1/4 cup of pistachio nuts
- 1 tablespoon of dried low-sugar cranberries
- 2 tablespoons of natural maple syrup or Stevia if you want to make it sugar-free
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Pour into Ninja Creami pint container and freeze for 24 hours.
- Process in the Ninja Creami using the Ice Cream setting.
- If the texture is crumbly, use the Re-spin setting until creamy.
- Sprinkle with some additional cranberries and pistachios on top.
5. Banana Chocolate Protein Ice Cream
A delicious way to boost your protein intake with this healthy Ninja Creami recipe while satisfying your sweet tooth!
Ingredients:
- 1 scoop of clean protein powder (vanilla or chocolate)
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Mix Fairlife protein shake, mashed banana, and cocoa powder in the Ninja Creami container.
- Freeze for 24 hours.
- Process using the Ice Cream setting.
- Add walnuts and chocolate chips, then use the Mix-in setting.
6. Classic Vanilla Bean Dream but Without Sugar
Let’s finish off with a classic vanilla bean but sugar-free version. This healthy Ninja Creami recipe is anything but boring!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup organic Stevia powder, or if you don’t like the taste of Stevia, then use organic monk fruit sweetener like Lakanto.
- 1 tablespoon cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon natural vanilla bean paste
- 1/4 teaspoon of pure xanthan gum (optional for extra creaminess)
Instructions:
- Microwave the cream cheese for 10 seconds to soften.
- Mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla bean paste until smooth.
- Gradually stir in milk and cream until fully combined.
- Pour into a Ninja Creami pint and freeze for 24 hours.
- Process in the Ninja Creami using the Ice Cream setting.
- Re-spin if needed for extra creaminess.
Tips for Ninja Creami Recipe Success
To ensure you achieve that perfect creamy texture every time in your healthy Ninja Creami Recipes:
Freeze Your Base Mixture:
Always freeze your ice cream base for at least 24 hours on a flat surface in your freezer to ensure even freezing and optimal texture.
Let It Soften:
Before processing, let your frozen pint sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to help prevent icy edges and promote a smoother texture.
Use the Re-spin Function:
If your ice cream comes out crumbly or icy after the first spin, simply use the re-spin function on your Ninja Creami machine to achieve that perfect creamy texture.
Get Creative with Mix-ins:
After the initial churning process, you can add mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or fresh fruit using the mix-in function on your Ninja Creami machine to create different flavors and textures.
Experiment with Ingredients:
Don’t be afraid to try different milk alternatives (like Fairlife milk), sweeteners (such as stevia or honey), or protein powders (like whey or plant-based). The Ninja Creami is versatile enough to handle various ingredients while still delivering delicious results.
Use Thickeners:
A little bit of xanthan gum or guar gum can go a long way in creating a creamier texture, especially in low-fat or protein-rich ice creams.
Try Different Settings:
Experiment with different settings like Lite Ice Cream, Gelato, or even Smoothie Bowl settings to create various textures and consistencies that suit your preferences.
Why Make Homemade Ice Cream with the Ninja Creami?
Making ice cream at home with your Ninja Creami ice cream maker has several advantages over using a regular ice cream maker or buying store-bought options:
Control Over Ingredients:
You know exactly what’s going into your dessert—no hidden additives or preservatives here! This is especially important when creating healthy ice cream recipes that fit into your dietary needs. If you are feeling bloated and unwell after eating store-bought ice cream, it may be due to all the additives and refined sugars in them, so making your own is a great solution to this problem.
Customization:
Easily adjust sweetness levels by using natural sweeteners like maple syrup or stevia; add protein powders or yogurt for an added protein boost; or make your ice cream dairy-free by using nut milk instead of regular dairy products.
Cost-effective:
In the long run, making ice cream at home can be more economical than buying premium healthy ice creams or store-bought protein ice creams that often come at a premium price.
Fun for the Whole Family:
Get your kids involved in creating their own flavors! It’s a great way to teach them about nutrition while having fun together in the kitchen. My daughter loves making her own watermelon concoction.
Freshness:
Nothing beats the taste of freshly churned ice cream made right at home from fresh fruit and dairy! The Ninja Creami allows you to make small batches so you can always enjoy fresh ice cream whenever you want.
Protein-Packed Options:
It’s easy to create high-protein ice cream recipes that taste just as good as regular ice creams by incorporating protein powders like Fairlife protein drink or Greek yogurt into your base mixture.
Portion Control:
Each Ninja Creami container makes one pint of deliciousness—helping you manage portion control compared to having an entire tub of store-bought ice cream tempting you from inside your freezer!The Ninja Creami has truly revolutionized how we can enjoy homemade desserts without sacrificing health or flavor! With these healthy ninja creami recipes at your fingertips, you can create delicious homemade desserts that are free from refined sugars and artificial additives while still being indulgent enough to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Sweet and Healthy Conclusion.
Remember that making homemade ice creams is not just about following recipes; it’s about experimenting with flavors and ingredients! The key to great Ninja Creami ice cream is experimentation—don’t be afraid to try new combinations or adjust ingredients based on what you have available in your pantry! So next time you’re craving something sweet after dinner or need a refreshing treat on a hot summer day, reach for your Ninja Creami!
Try out these healthy Ninja Creami recipes or get creative with your own combinations—you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to whip up nutritious frozen desserts that everyone will love!