Ninja Creami Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe (Only 5 Ingredients)

Ninja Creami vanilla ice cream is the best classic homemade vanilla ice cream you can make right at home, and you only need 5 simple pantry ingredients to make it happen. Using your Ninja Creami ice cream maker, you are in complete control of every ingredient that goes into your family’s treat.

My dad loved ice cream more than almost anything, and I have always believed that a simple, creamy vanilla scoop is hard to beat. This recipe gives you exactly that, plus the freedom to add any mix-ins your family loves.

This vanilla ice cream recipe also makes the perfect starting point for so many fun flavors. I love it with crushed Oreos, but chocolate chips, M&Ms, or a swirl of caramel are all just as delicious. Once you try easy homemade ice cream like this, you will wonder why you ever bought vanilla ice cream at the store.

Chocolate chips with a bit it mint extract would make a perfect mint chocolate chip homemade ice cream. There are so many options you can make with this vanilla ice cream and the Ninja Creami machine. 

Check out my Oreo Min-in Recipe:

I also recommend checking out my Ninja Creami Cookies and Cream Ice Cream Oreo Cookie Recipe. It uses this exact vanilla base, and the whole family goes crazy for it.

Why You’ll Love This Ninja Creami Vanilla Ice Cream

• Only 5 ingredients, all easy to find at any grocery store
• You control exactly what goes into your family’s ice cream
• The perfect base for endless mix-in combinations like cookies and cream or mint chocolate chip
• No special skills needed, just mix, freeze, and spin
• Creamy, rich homemade ice cream flavor the whole family will love

5 Ingredients Needed for Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream in the Ninja Creami Machine: 

• 1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1/3 cup sugar (monk fruit sweetener or your favorite sugar substitute work great too)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup half and half
• 1/4 cup milk (skim, whole, oat, almond, or coconut all work)

Tip From Susan For Vanilla Ice Cream

• I use skim milk and regular half and half because that is what we keep in our refrigerator every single day. The type of milk you choose will change the richness of your ice cream.
• If you want an extra creamy, dense ice cream, swap the half and half for heavy cream. Fat-free half and half will work, but will give you a slightly less rich result. Oat milk and almond milk both work well if you prefer a dairy-free option, and each gives a slightly different flavor.
• Before spinning the ice cream, let it sit on the counter for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Also, run the side of the pint with warm water to loosen up any ice crystals that may be on the inside of the pint.

How to Make the Best Vanilla Ice Cream:

1. Soften the cream cheese. Add 1 tablespoon of cream cheese to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 15 seconds. You can also let it sit at room temperature until soft. Pro tip: Soft cream cheese blends much more smoothly and helps prevent any lumpy texture in your finished ice cream.
2. Mix in the sugar and vanilla. Add 1/3 cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the softened cream cheese. Stir until everything is fully combined and smooth. (If you are counting calories, use Munk Fruit sweetener instead of sugar)
3. Add the milk and half and half. Pour in the half and half and your milk of choice and stir well until the mixture is completely combined.
4. Fill the pint container. Pour the ice cream base into your Ninja Creami pint container and fill to the max fill line. Do not overfill, or the lid will not seal and spin properly.
5. Freeze for 24 hours. Place the lid on your pint container and freeze for a full 24 hours. Pro tip: Keep two or three pints pre-made and frozen in your freezer at all times. That way, you always have homemade ice cream ready when your family wants it.
6. Let it rest before spinning. Take the frozen pint out of the freezer and let it sit on the counter for 15 minutes. This step helps the Ninja Creami machine process the base evenly and get that perfect creamy texture. Also, run the side of the pint under warm water.
7. Spin on the Ice Cream setting. Assemble the pint in the outer bowl with the paddle attached and lock it into the Ninja Creami machine. Select the Ice Cream function and let it run. Pro tip: If the ice cream looks crumbly or powdery after the first spin, reattach the pint and select the Respin setting. One respin almost always gives you a perfectly smooth, creamy result.

Easy Ice Cream Variations for This Ninja Creami Vanilla Recipe

• Add Flavor Extracts: Replace or combine the vanilla extract with almond, coconut, or mint extract for a unique twist.
• Stir in Mix-Ins: After the first spin, fold in crushed cookies, chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or fruit pieces for added texture and flavor.
• Swirl in Sauces: Drizzle caramel, chocolate, or berry sauce into the ice cream during the “Mix-In” step for a visually appealing and tasty treat.
• Create a Fruity Blend: Add a puree of fresh or frozen fruit (like strawberries, mango, or blueberries) to the base mixture before freezing for a refreshing flavor.
• Experiment with Sweeteners: Swap regular sugar with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute to customize the sweetness and flavor profile.
• Mint chocolate chip: Add a few drops of mint extract to the base before freezing, then stir in mini chocolate chips after the first spin using the Mix-In function.
• Cookies and cream: After spinning, use the Mix-In function and fold in crushed Oreo cookies for a classic favorite.
• Strawberry swirl: Blend a handful of fresh or frozen strawberries into the base before freezing for a bright, fruity flavor.
• Caramel vanilla: After spinning, swirl in a spoonful of caramel sauce using the Mix-In function for an indulgent twist.
• Extra creamy: Use heavy cream in place of the half and half for a richer, denser scoop.
• Sugar-free: Swap the sugar for monk fruit sweetener or your favorite sugar substitute for a lighter version.

More Ninja Creami Ice Cream Recipes You Will Love

If you love this homemade vanilla ice cream, make sure to try some of my other favorite Ninja Creami ice cream recipes. I know your family will love every single one of these.

• Ninja Creami Protein Chocolate Ice Cream
• Ninja Creami Protein Key Lime Pie Frozen Yogurt
• Ninja Creami Protein Strawberry with Fairlife
• Ninja Creami Pistachio No Artificial Dyes
• Ninja Creami Butter Pecan High Protein Non-Dairy

Frequently Asked Questions

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