Summer is the perfect time to indulge in cool, homemade ice creams and frozen treats. With the Ninja® CREAMi® XL, you can create a variety of delicious, personalized frozen desserts right in your own kitchen, making every family gathering or solo snack special.
From classic ice cream to dairy-free sorbet and smoothie bowls, this versatile machine helps you craft healthy, indulgent, and creative frozen delights with ease. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your summer favorite using the Ninja CREAMi XL.
Our top pick at a glance
Ninja® CREAMi® XL 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker
- ✔ Tubs capacity: 24 oz each
- ✔ Programs: Multiple including Dairy-Free & Smoothie
- ✔ Dishwasher safe parts: Yes
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, smoothie bowl, and CreamiFit programs
- Large Family Capacity: Two 24-oz tubs for bigger batches
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Preparing Your Ingredients
Start by choosing your base for the ice cream. You can use traditional dairy ingredients or opt for dairy-free options to suit your dietary needs. For a creamy classic, blend milk, cream, sugar, and flavorings. For a dairy-free version, blend coconut milk or other plant-based milks with your desired sweeteners and flavorings.
Pour your mixture into the two 24 oz XL tubs, filling each no more than 2/3 full. Add mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or fruit to customize each flavor.
Freeze the tubs for at least 24 hours until solid. For best results, ensure your mixture is thoroughly frozen before processing in the CREAMi®.
Processing and Texture Customization
Once frozen solid, remove the tubs from the freezer. Place one tub into the CREAMi® device, secure the lid, and select your desired program—Ice Cream, Sorbet, or Smoothie Bowl. The advanced Creami® technology transforms your frozen base into a smooth, creamy treat in just minutes.
If you prefer an even creamier texture, use the Re-Spin feature after processing. This step helps achieve a richer, scoop-ready consistency tailored to your preference.
Repeat with the second tub if making two flavors at once. The machine’s capacity allows you to process two different flavors or mix-ins in a single session, making it ideal for family-sized treats.
Adding Mix-Ins & Serving
After processing, open the lid and fold in additional mix-ins such as chocolate chips, fruit chunks, or candies to enhance your flavors. Use the included Creamerizer Paddle for mixing in ingredients if needed.
Serve immediately for a soft-serve texture or re-freeze for a firmer scoop. The XL tubs make it easy to store leftovers or prepare ahead for summer gatherings.
For smoothies or dairy-free options, simply select the appropriate program and follow similar steps, customizing your ingredients for a healthy, refreshing treat.
Tips for Perfect Summer Frozen Treats
- Ensure your ingredients are thoroughly frozen before processing for the best texture.
- Experiment with mix-ins to create unique flavors—try adding fresh berries, cookie chunks, or a swirl of fruit jam.
- Use the Re-Spin option if your ice cream isn’t as creamy as you’d like.
- Clean the XL tubs and accessories regularly — they are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
- Try dairy-free bases for lighter, allergy-friendly options that everyone can enjoy.
More Details on Our Top Picks
Ninja® CREAMi® XL 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker
The Ninja® CREAMi® XL offers versatile, family-sized capacity to make delicious frozen treats easily. Its advanced technology ensures smooth results, perfect for summer cooling and family fun.
Pros:
- Large capacity with two XL tubs
- Supports dairy-free and customizable flavors
- Quick, smooth results with Creami® technology
- Easy to clean dishwasher-safe parts
Cons:
- Requires pre-freezing of tubs for 24 hours
- Can be noisy during operation
- Limited to frozen dessert types
Best for: Families and home cooks wanting customizable summer treats
Not ideal for: Those seeking quick, no-prep frozen snacks or small batch makers
Bottom line: Perfect for making personalized, creamy frozen treats for summer family fun.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publishing.
