We’ve always loved the refreshing twist of peppermint ice cream and we’re excited to share our take on it using the Ninja Creami machine. This easy recipe turns simple ingredients into a creamy holiday favorite that’s perfect for festive gatherings or a quick dessert.
What makes it special is how the Ninja Creami delivers that ultra-smooth texture we crave while infusing bold peppermint flavors. Whether you’re a fan of cool treats or new to homemade ice cream you’ll find this a delightful addition to your repertoire.
Ingredients
For our refreshing Ninja Creami Peppermint Ice Cream, we start by selecting high-quality ingredients that deliver a cool, minty burst with a velvety smooth texture. These components, ordered as they’re used in preparation, ensure the ice cream’s bold peppermint flavor shines through while keeping the process simple and efficient.
Base Ingredients
- Heavy cream (2 cups, chilled): Provides the rich, creamy base that whips into a luxurious texture in the Ninja Creami.
- Whole milk (1 cup, chilled): Adds a lighter balance to the cream, ensuring our ice cream remains scoopable and not overly dense.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens the mixture perfectly; dissolve it thoroughly for even flavor distribution.
- Peppermint extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the intense, cooling peppermint essence that makes this treat holiday-worthy—use pure extract for authentic taste.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Enhances the overall depth, complementing the peppermint without overpowering it.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): A pinch to brighten the flavors and balance the sweetness.
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes (½ cup, finely crushed): Added for a crisp, festive crunch that elevates the texture—crush them just before use to maintain freshness.
Equipment Needed
To craft our refreshing Ninja Creami Peppermint Ice Cream with ease, we rely on a few essential tools that ensure smooth preparation and that signature ultra-creamy texture. Let’s break down the key equipment, ordered by their use in the process.
- Ninja Creami machine: This is our primary tool for transforming the peppermint base into velvety ice cream, delivering professional results with its powerful blending capabilities.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for balancing flavors, so we use these to precisely portion out ingredients like heavy cream and sugar.
- Large mixing bowl: We need this to combine and whisk ingredients together, creating a uniform base before freezing.
- Whisk or electric mixer: For blending the peppermint extract and other elements smoothly, ensuring no lumps disrupt the final minty burst.
- Freezer-safe container: Essential for initially freezing the mixture, allowing it to set properly before processing in the Ninja Creami.
- Food processor or mallet: We use this to crush peppermint candies, adding that festive crunch to our ice cream without hassle.
With these items ready, we’re set to move forward and blend our ingredients into a cool, holiday-inspired treat.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our high-quality ingredients and essential equipment, we guide you through the straightforward steps to craft our creamy Ninja Creami Peppermint Ice Cream, ensuring a perfect balance of minty freshness and smooth texture.
Prepare the Ingredients
Before we begin mixing, let’s ensure all components are prepped for efficiency. Start by measuring out 2 cups of chilled heavy cream, 1 cup of whole milk, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, a pinch of salt for enhanced flavor brightness, and 1/2 cup of crushed peppermint candies for that festive crunch. Use a food processor or mallet to crush the peppermint candies into fine pieces if they aren’t already, as this adds a delightful textural contrast to our velvety ice cream base.
Make the Ice Cream Base
In a large mixing bowl, we combine the liquids and sweeteners to create a rich, aromatic base. Whisk together the 2 cups of chilled heavy cream, 1 cup of whole milk, and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture turns smooth and glossy. Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a bold, invigorating mint flavor that evokes holiday cheer, then stir in a pinch of salt to amplify the creamy notes. Finally, fold in 1/2 cup of crushed peppermint candies gently to distribute the crunchy bits evenly, resulting in a base that promises a cool, refreshing burst with every spoonful.
Freeze the Base
Once the base is mixed, we transfer it to a freezer-safe container to achieve the ideal frozen consistency for our Ninja Creami. Pour the prepared mixture into the container, ensuring it’s no more than 2/3 full to allow for expansion, then cover it tightly. Place the container in the freezer and let it freeze for at least 24 hours—this step is crucial for forming a solid block that the Ninja Creami can process into ultra-smooth ice cream, locking in the vibrant peppermint essence for a truly indulgent treat.
Process in Ninja Creami
With the base fully frozen, we use the Ninja Creami to transform it into creamy perfection. Remove the container from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to slightly soften the edges. Insert the frozen base into the Ninja Creami machine, select the Ice Cream function, and process for 1-2 cycles as needed until you achieve a soft, scoopable texture—expect a velvety finish where the peppermint flavors intensify and mingle with the subtle crunch of candies, creating an irresistible, holiday-inspired delight that rivals store-bought versions.
Serve and Store
For the best experience, we serve our freshly processed Ninja Creami Peppermint Ice Cream immediately in chilled bowls, garnishing with extra crushed peppermint candies for added visual appeal and a satisfying snap. If storing leftovers, transfer any unused portions to an airtight container and keep in the freezer for up to 1 week; before serving again, reprocess in the Ninja Creami for 30-60 seconds to restore that creamy consistency and prevent icy buildup.
Make-Ahead Instructions
As we wrap up our step-by-step guide to creating the velvety Ninja Creami Peppermint Ice Cream, let’s explore how we can prepare this festive treat in advance for effortless entertaining. Making ahead allows us to lock in that bold peppermint flavor and ultra-smooth texture, ensuring our ice cream delights guests without last-minute fuss.
Preparing the Base Mixture Ahead
We recommend starting with the ice cream base to maximize convenience. Here’s how we do it:
- Measure and mix ingredients early: Begin by combining 2 cups of chilled heavy cream, 1 cup of whole milk, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated, then gently fold in 1/2 cup of crushed peppermint candies for that irresistible crunch.
- Freeze the base for optimal results: Pour the prepared mixture into a freezer-safe container. We suggest freezing it for at least 24 hours to achieve the ideal hard consistency before processing in the Ninja Creami. This step ensures the base sets properly, enhancing the machine’s ability to deliver that creamy texture we love.
Storing and Reprocessing Tips
To maintain the fresh, minty burst and prevent icy buildup, we focus on proper storage:
- Store the frozen base: Once frozen, keep the base in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 week. This allows us to process it fresh when needed, preserving the vibrant peppermint flavors.
- Handle the finished ice cream: After processing in the Ninja Creami, if we have leftovers, transfer the ice cream to a sealed container and freeze it for up to 2 weeks. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes, then reprocess in the machine for 30-60 seconds to restore its silky smoothness.
| Step | Recommended Timeframe | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Prepare and freeze base | At least 24 hours ahead | Ensures proper hardening for Ninja Creami processing |
| Store processed ice cream | Up to 2 weeks in freezer | Maintains creamy texture and bold peppermint taste |
| Reprocess before serving | 30-60 seconds | Restores freshness and prevents crystallization |
Conclusion
We’re thrilled you’ve explored our Ninja Creami Peppermint Ice Cream recipe
It’s a simple way to bring holiday cheer to your table with its fresh minty twist.
Let’s not forget how this treat sparks joy and creates lasting memories
Whether you’re hosting or indulging solo we’ve made it effortless to enjoy.
Give it a spin and discover the magic of homemade frozen delights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ninja Creami Peppermint Ice Cream?
Ninja Creami Peppermint Ice Cream is a simple, creamy holiday treat made with the Ninja Creami machine. It combines fresh ingredients like heavy cream, milk, sugar, and peppermint extract for a cool, minty flavor with a velvety texture, perfect for festive gatherings or quick desserts.
What ingredients are needed for the recipe?
You’ll need chilled heavy cream for richness, whole milk for balance, granulated sugar for sweetness, peppermint extract for bold flavor, vanilla extract for depth, a pinch of salt, and crushed peppermint candies for crunch. These high-quality ingredients ensure a refreshing, minty burst in every scoop.
What equipment is required to make it?
Essential equipment includes the Ninja Creami machine for smooth texture, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a large mixing bowl, a whisk or electric mixer, a freezer-safe container, and a food processor or mallet for crushing candies. This setup makes preparation straightforward and efficient.
How do I make Ninja Creami Peppermint Ice Cream?
Start by mixing the ingredients, then freeze the base for at least 24 hours. Process it in the Ninja Creami for a creamy texture, let it sit briefly if needed, and serve immediately in chilled bowls with extra crushed candies. The whole process is easy and yields a velvety result.
Can I prepare this ice cream ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix and freeze the base up to a week in advance for effortless entertaining. Freeze it in an airtight container for at least 24 hours to achieve the best consistency, then process in the Ninja Creami when ready to serve.
How should I store and reprocess leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to a week. To maintain creaminess, reprocess in the Ninja Creami before serving, which restores the silky texture and fresh minty flavor for the best taste.