Ninja Creamy Blueberry Ice Cream - Recipes.alltimecooking.com

Blueberry ice cream is incredibly simple to make, but the way you handle the ingredients makes all the difference in flavor and texture. With just a few key steps, you can create a creamy, flavorful treat that bursts with blueberry goodness!

Why This Recipe Works

Using the Ninja Creami makes achieving a perfect texture effortless. Instead of simply adding whole blueberries to the ice cream base, I create a blueberry sauce that intensifies the fruit’s natural sweetness. This small extra step results in an ice cream that’s rich in flavor, beautifully smooth, and evenly infused with blueberries. The Ninja Creami ensures a thick, scoopable consistency every time, and if you prefer a softer texture, a quick re-spin with added milk does the trick.

Ingredients Needed

For the Blueberry Sauce:

1 cup fresh blueberries (or frozen)
¼ cup sugar (or sugar substitute)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh or bottled)

For the Ice Cream Base:

1 cup whole milk (or dairy substitute)
¾ cup half-and-half (or ¼ cup heavy cream + ¾ cup whole milk)
⅓ cup sugar (or sugar alternative)
1 tablespoon cream cheese (regular, not whipped)
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)

How to Make Ninja Creami Blueberry Ice Cream

Step 1: Prepare the Blueberry Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the blueberries burst into a thick, saucy consistency (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and let it cool.

Step 2: Blend the Ice Cream Base

In a blender, combine the milk, half-and-half, sugar, cream cheese, and vanilla bean paste. Blend until smooth and well combined. Pour in the cooled blueberry sauce and mix until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Freeze the Mixture

Transfer the blended mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container. Place it on a level surface in the freezer and freeze for at least 24 hours. For best results, ensure your freezer is set between 9°F and -7°F. To avoid a domed top, freeze the mixture without the lid on, then cover it once frozen.

Step 4: Process in the Ninja Creami

After 24 hours, remove the pint container from the freezer. Place it into the outer bowl of the Ninja Creami and secure it into the machine. Select the ICE CREAM function and let the machine work its magic.

Step 5: Adjust Texture if Needed

If the ice cream appears crumbly or dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk and use the RE-SPIN function. Repeat if necessary until the texture is thick and creamy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once your ice cream reaches the perfect consistency, scoop it into bowls or cones and enjoy a creamy, flavor-packed blueberry treat!

Tips for the Best Ninja Creami Blueberry Ice Cream

Why Cook the Blueberries?

Cooking the blueberries intensifies their natural sweetness and ensures an even flavor distribution throughout the ice cream. Uncooked blueberries tend to freeze into icy chunks, which negatively affects the texture.

How to Make Creamier Ice Cream

If the ice cream isn’t creamy enough after the first cycle, add a little more milk and re-spin. The more milk you add, the softer the consistency will be.

Avoiding a Gritty Texture

If your ice cream turns out dry and crumbly, it might lack fat or sugar. A quick re-spin with added liquid will fix this. However, if it looks like small frozen granules (similar to dippin’ dots), just re-spin without adding liquid.

Substitutions for a Healthier or Dairy-Free Option

Milk Alternatives: Use almond, coconut, or oat milk instead of whole milk.
Cream Cheese Substitute: Replace with ¼ teaspoon guar gum or another ice cream stabilizer.
Sweetener Options: Swap white sugar with monk fruit, erythritol, or any 1:1 sugar substitute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Frozen Berries Instead of Fresh?

Yes! Frozen blueberries work well, but do not place them directly into the Ninja Creami without first cooking them into a sauce. Whole frozen fruit can damage the machine.

Why is My Ice Cream the Consistency of Sand?

If your ice cream is too dry, it may be due to low fat or sugar content or an overly cold freezer. The solution? Add a tablespoon of liquid and re-spin.

What Can I Use Instead of Vanilla Bean Paste?

Vanilla bean paste has a deeper, more intense flavor than vanilla extract. However, you can substitute it 1:1 with vanilla extract if needed.

A rich and flavorful blueberry ice cream made with fresh ingredients for the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess.

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 5 minutes | Freeze Time: 24 hours | Total Time: 1 day 10 minutes | Servings: 2

Ingredients

Ice Cream Base

1 cup milk
½ cup half and half
1 teaspoon cream cheese (room temperature)
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste

Blueberry Sauce

1 cup fresh blueberries
¼ cup sugar
½ teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

Make the Blueberry Sauce – In a saucepan, cook blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat for 5 minutes until the berries burst and form a sauce. Let cool.
Prepare Ice Cream Mixture – Blend milk, half and half, cream cheese, and vanilla bean paste until smooth. Add the cooled blueberry sauce and blend again. Pour into a Ninja Creami pint container.
Freeze – Place the container on a level surface in the freezer and freeze for 24 hours.
Process – Insert the frozen pint into the Ninja Creami and select “ICE CREAM.”
Adjust Texture – If the ice cream is crumbly, add a tablespoon of milk and re-spin until smooth.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)