Ninja Creami Key Lime Pie Gelato Ice Cream Recipe

Ninja Creami Key Lime Pie Gelato Ice Cream brings a refreshing twist to a classic American dessert. Utilizing the innovative Ninja Creami, this recipe transforms the traditional key lime pie into a creamy, delectable gelato that’s perfect for any occasion. The Ninja Creami excels in creating a smooth and velvety texture, making it ideal for this dessert.

This gelato recipe features a harmonious blend of tangy fresh key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and whole milk, capturing the essence of a key lime pie in frozen form. What sets this gelato apart is its rich and creamy consistency combined with the addition of crushed graham crackers, offering a delightful crunch that mimics the pie’s crust. The result is a cool, indulgent treat that balances tartness with sweetness, making it a standout dessert for summer gatherings or a special treat any time of year.

Ninja Creami Key Lime Pie Gelato Ice Cream Recipe

Ingredients

• Fresh Key Lime Juice (1/2 cup):
  • Provides the tangy, zesty flavor characteristic of key lime pie. Freshly squeezed key limes are preferred for their vibrant and authentic taste. If fresh key limes are not available, bottled key lime juice can be used as a substitute.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk (1 can, 14 ounces):
  • Adds a rich, creamy sweetness that balances the tartness of the lime juice. It also helps to create a smooth texture in the gelato.
• Heavy Cream (1 cup):
  • Contributes to the creamy, indulgent texture of the gelato. The high fat content in heavy cream is essential for achieving a rich, smooth consistency.
• Whole Milk (1 cup):
  • Provides additional creaminess and helps to lighten the mixture slightly, ensuring that the gelato is not overly rich.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon):
  • Enhances the overall flavor of the gelato, adding a subtle depth of sweetness and balancing the tanginess of the key lime juice.
• Crushed Graham Crackers (1/2 cup):
  • Adds texture and flavor reminiscent of the traditional key lime pie crust. Fold these into the gelato after processing to maintain their crunchy texture.
• Key Lime Zest (optional, for garnish):
  • Adds a burst of fresh lime aroma and a decorative touch. Use a zester or grater to lightly sprinkle over the gelato before serving for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Mixture For Ice Cream Base

• In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of fresh key lime juice, 1 can (14 ounces) of sweetened condensed milk, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of whole milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
• Whisk the ingredients together until well combined and smooth. Ensure there are no lumps and the mixture is evenly blended.
• Transfer the mixture to a refrigerator-safe container and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the mixture is completely cold.

2. Freeze the Mixture

• Pour the chilled mixture into the Ninja Creami freezer bowl. Make sure not to overfill; leave some space at the top of the bowl to allow for expansion.
• Place the freezer bowl in the freezer and freeze for 24 hours, or until the mixture is completely solid.

3. Process and Serve the Ice Cream

• Once the mixture is fully frozen, remove the freezer bowl from the freezer. Insert the bowl into the Ninja Creami and process according to the manufacturer’s instructions until you achieve a smooth, creamy gelato consistency.
• After processing, gently fold in 1/2 cup of crushed graham crackers to add texture and flavor.
• Scoop the Key Lime Pie Gelato into bowls or cones. Optionally, garnish with key lime zest if desired.
• Serve immediately or store in a freezer-safe container for later enjoyment.

Once you’ve served the Key Lime Pie Gelato, enjoy the refreshing and creamy flavors that perfectly capture the essence of a classic key lime pie. For an extra touch, garnish with key lime zest to enhance the dessert’s vibrant aroma. Store any leftovers in a freezer-safe container to keep the gelato fresh for future indulgence. Delight in this homemade treat, and savor each cool, tangy bite!

Ninja Creami Key Lime Pie Gelato Ice Cream offers a delightful twist on the classic key lime pie by transforming it into a creamy, frozen dessert using the Ninja Creami. This innovative machine excels at creating smooth, velvety gelato with a texture that closely resembles traditional ice cream. The recipe combines tangy fresh key lime juice with sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and whole milk to deliver a perfectly balanced flavor that captures the essence of key lime pie. The addition of vanilla extract enhances the overall taste, making each bite a delicious blend of tart and sweet.

What sets this gelato apart is the incorporation of crushed graham crackers, which add a delightful crunch and mimic the traditional pie crust. This key ingredient not only enriches the gelato’s texture but also provides an authentic taste experience. Whether served as a refreshing summer treat or a special dessert year-round, Ninja Creami Key Lime Pie Gelato Ice Cream is sure to impress with its creamy consistency and vibrant flavor.

Ninja Creami Key Lime Pie Gelato Ice Cream Nutrition Info

This nutrition table provides an estimate of the key nutritional values for the Ninja Creami Key Lime Pie Gelato Ice Cream. The values are based on a recipe that yields approximately 6 servings. Individual nutritional needs may vary based on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Per Serving (Approx. 1/2 cup)	Total Recipe (Approx. 6 Servings)
Calories	399	2,392
Total Fat	28g	168g
– Saturated Fat	16g	96g
– Trans Fat	0g	0g
Cholesterol	112mg	672mg
Sodium	93mg	558mg
Total Carbohydrates	35g	210g
– Dietary Fiber	1g	6g
– Sugars	29g	174g
Protein	5g	30g
Vitamin D	1µg	6µg
Calcium	130mg	780mg
Iron	0.5mg	3mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and quantities used. For precise nutritional information, consider using a nutrition calculator with the exact ingredients and measurements.

Here’s a consolidated nutrition table for each ingredient used in the Ninja Creami Key Lime Pie Gelato Ice Cream recipe:

Ingredient	Amount	Calories	Total Fat	Saturated Fat	Cholesterol	Sodium	Total Carbohydrates	Sugars	Protein
Fresh Key Lime Juice	1/2 cup (120 ml)	30	0g	0g	0mg	1mg	8g	7g	0g
Sweetened Condensed Milk	14 oz (396 g)	1,200	36g	24g	120mg	430mg	186g	186g	21g
Heavy Cream	1 cup (240 ml)	800	88g	56g	330mg	80mg	7g	7g	5g
Whole Milk	1 cup (240 ml)	150	8g	5g	30mg	98mg	12g	12g	8g
Vanilla Extract	1 tsp (5 ml)	12	0g	0g	0mg	1mg	1g	1g	0g
Crushed Graham Crackers	1/2 cup (60 g)	200	9g	3g	0mg	150mg	30g	10g	2g
Key Lime Zest	Optional	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible

This table summarizes the nutritional values for each ingredient based on standard quantities. For precise nutritional information, using specific ingredient brands and measurements is recommended.

Tips for Best Results

• Chill the Mixture Thoroughly: Ensure the key lime mixture is well-chilled before freezing. This helps achieve a smoother texture and better consistency in the gelato.
• Pre-Freeze the Bowl: Make sure the Ninja Creami freezer bowl is completely frozen for at least 24 hours before use. This ensures the mixture freezes properly and achieves the right texture.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh key lime juice and high-quality vanilla extract. Freshly squeezed key lime juice provides a vibrant, tangy taste that is essential for a true key lime pie flavor.
• Avoid Overfilling: Do not overfill the freezer bowl; leave some space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing. This helps prevent spills and ensures even freezing.
• Fold in Graham Crackers After Processing: To maintain their crunch, gently fold in crushed graham crackers after the gelato has been processed. This keeps the crust-like texture intact and adds a delightful contrast.
• Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Depending on your preference and the tartness of the key limes, you may adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of sweetened condensed milk.
• Let Gelato Soften Slightly Before Serving: If the gelato is too hard after processing, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before serving. This makes scooping easier and improves the texture.
• Store Properly: Keep any leftover gelato in an airtight, freezer-safe container to prevent ice crystals from forming and to maintain its creamy texture.

Delicious Topping Ideas

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast to the rich gelato. You can also add a sprinkle of lime zest on top for extra flavor.
• Crushed Graham Crackers: Enhance the pie crust experience by sprinkling additional crushed graham crackers over the top of the gelato. This adds a crunchy texture and extra sweetness.
• Key Lime Zest: A sprinkle of key lime zest provides a burst of citrusy aroma and a pop of color, enhancing the flavor profile of the gelato.
• Lime Slices: Garnish with thin slices of fresh lime for a visually appealing touch and a hint of additional tang.
• Fresh Berries: Top with fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a fruity contrast and added sweetness.
• Toasted Coconut: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for a tropical flair and extra texture.
• Mint Leaves: Fresh mint leaves not only add a pop of green but also provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy gelato.
• Drizzle of Honey or Agave Syrup: For added sweetness, drizzle a small amount of honey or agave syrup over the gelato.
• Chocolate Shavings: Add a touch of decadence with chocolate shavings or a light drizzle of melted chocolate.
• Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel sauce can introduce a rich, buttery sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the tangy key lime flavor.

FAQ

Can I use bottled key lime juice instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use bottled key lime juice instead of fresh. While fresh key lime juice offers a more vibrant and authentic flavor, bottled key lime juice is a convenient alternative. Just ensure that the bottled juice is 100% key lime juice for the best flavor. If the bottled juice is not as tart as fresh, you may need to adjust the amount or balance it with a bit of extra sweetness to achieve the desired taste.

How long does the Ninja Creami freezer bowl need to be frozen?

The Ninja Creami freezer bowl needs to be frozen for at least 24 hours before use. This ensures that the bowl is sufficiently cold to freeze the gelato mixture effectively and achieve the desired creamy texture. Make sure the bowl is placed in the back of the freezer, where temperatures are consistently cold, to ensure it freezes evenly.

Can I make this gelato without a Ninja Creami?

Yes, you can make this gelato without a Ninja Creami, but the process and texture may differ. If you don’t have a Ninja Creami, you can use a traditional ice cream maker. Here’s how you can adapt the recipe:

1. Churn the Mixture: Pour the chilled key lime mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This typically takes about 20-30 minutes.
2. Freeze Until Firm: After churning, transfer the gelato to an airtight container and freeze for several hours or until it reaches the desired consistency.

If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can use a manual method:

1. Freeze and Stir: Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and place it in the freezer. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture vigorously with a fork to break up ice crystals. Repeat this process for about 3-4 hours until the gelato is firm and creamy.

The texture might be slightly different from that made with a Ninja Creami, but you’ll still get a delicious homemade gelato.

How should I store leftover gelato?

To store leftover gelato effectively and maintain its quality, follow these steps:

1. Use an Airtight Container: Transfer the leftover gelato to an airtight, freezer-safe container. This helps prevent freezer burn and keeps the gelato from absorbing other odors in the freezer.
2. Smooth the Surface: Smooth the surface of the gelato with a spatula before sealing the container. This minimizes the amount of air in contact with the gelato, which can help maintain its texture.
3. Cover with Plastic Wrap: For added protection, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the gelato before sealing the container. This reduces air exposure even further.
4. Store in the Coldest Part of the Freezer: Place the container in the coldest part of the freezer, typically at the back, where temperatures are most consistent and cold.
5. Avoid Frequent Opening: Try to minimize opening the freezer to avoid temperature fluctuations, which can cause the gelato to become icy.

Properly stored, gelato can last in the freezer for up to 1-2 weeks. For the best texture and flavor, consume it within this timeframe.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?

Yes, you can definitely add mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or other ingredients to your gelato! Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare Mix-Ins: Chop any nuts or chocolate into small pieces to ensure they mix evenly throughout the gelato.
2. Add After Processing: Once the gelato has been processed and has a soft-serve consistency, gently fold in your mix-ins. This method helps maintain the smooth texture of the gelato and prevents mix-ins from being over-processed.
3. Fold Gently: Use a spatula to fold the mix-ins into the gelato, being careful not to over-mix or break up the texture.
4. Freeze to Set: After adding mix-ins, transfer the gelato to an airtight container and freeze for an additional few hours to firm it up before serving.

Adding mix-ins is a great way to customize your gelato and add extra flavor and texture. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations!