Summer is the perfect time to indulge in cool, homemade treats that beat the heat. The Ninja CREAMi XL makes it easy to turn almost anything into creamy ice cream, sorbet, or frozen yogurt, giving you endless summer dessert options.
Whether you’re craving dairy-free sorbet or a classic scoop, this versatile machine helps you craft personalized treats for everyone in the family. Read on for a step-by-step recipe to make your own delicious ice cream using the Ninja CREAMi XL.
Our top pick at a glance
Ninja® CREAMi® XL 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker
- ✔ Dishwasher Safe: Yes
- ✔ Includes: Two 24 oz tubs and lids
- ✔ Dimensions: Standard countertop size
Ninja Creami XL 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker with XL Capacity, NC601
- Versatile Ice Cream Maker: Makes ice cream, sorbet, gelato, and more
- Dairy-Free & Smoothie Options: Includes dairy-free, smoothie bowl, and CreamiFit programs
- Family-Sized Capacity: Two 24-oz tubs, 50% larger than original
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Preparing Your Ingredients
Start by choosing your base: dairy, dairy-free, or even a protein-packed option. Popular choices include frozen fruit for sorbet, or a mixture of milk, sugar, and flavorings for traditional ice cream. Remember, the Ninja CREAMi XL allows you to customize ingredients for texture and flavor, making it perfect for dietary needs and preferences.
Chop your fruits or mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or candy into your base before freezing. Use the 24-oz XL tub to hold your mix, ensuring there’s enough space for expansion during freezing.
Freezing the Base
Pour your prepared mixture into the XL tub, leaving some space for expansion. Seal the lid tightly and freeze for at least 24 hours until solid. The longer it freezes, the better the texture will be when processed in the CREAMi XL.
For best results, make sure your mixture is evenly frozen. This ensures smooth, creamy results when processed.
Processing and Customizing Your Ice Cream
Once frozen, remove the tub from the freezer and place it into the Ninja CREAMi XL. Select your desired program—classic ice cream, dairy-free, or smoothie bowl. Use the ‘Re-Spin’ feature if you want an even creamier texture after processing.
For added flavor, mix in chocolate chips, fresh fruit, or nuts during the processing or after the initial cycle. The machine’s advanced CreamiFit technology ensures a smooth, scoopable consistency in just minutes.
Tips for Perfect Summer Treats
- For softer ice cream, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.
- Experiment with flavor combinations—dairy-free bases with tropical fruits work wonderfully.
- Use the mix-in feature to create layered or dual-flavor treats in a single tub.
- Clean the XL tubs, lids, and paddle in the top-rack dishwasher for hassle-free cleanup.
More Details on Our Top Picks
Ninja® CREAMi® XL 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker
The Ninja CREAMi XL is ideal for creating personalized ice creams, sorbets, and more. Its large capacity and advanced technology make summer dessert prep fun and easy for the whole family.
Pros:
- Family-sized 24 oz tubs
- Supports dairy-free and custom recipes
- Quick, smooth results with CreamiFit technology
- Mix-in customization for fun flavors
Cons:
- Requires 24-hour freezing time
- Limited to processed ingredients in the tubs
- Cleaning can be a bit involved with multiple parts
Best for: Families and home dessert enthusiasts wanting customizable summer treats
Not ideal for: Those seeking a quick, no-prep snack or smaller capacity machine
Bottom line: A versatile and family-friendly ice cream maker perfect for summer customization.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publishing.
