Indulge in the bright and zesty flavors of Ninja Creami Lemon Ice Cream, a refreshing homemade treat that’s both creamy and bursting with citrus goodness. The Ninja Creami makes it incredibly easy to create smooth, restaurant-quality ice cream right at home, allowing you to customize flavors, sweetness, and texture to your liking. With its powerful blending and re-spin functions, this machine transforms frozen ingredients into a silky-smooth dessert in just minutes.
Ninja Creami Lemon Ice Cream Recipe
Ingredients for Ninja Creami Lemon Ice Cream
To make this refreshing and creamy lemon ice cream, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Each one plays an important role in achieving the perfect balance of tangy citrus flavor and smooth, velvety texture.
Fresh Lemon Juice (½ cup)
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Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice can be too acidic or have a slightly artificial taste.
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This gives the ice cream its signature tart and zesty flavor.
Lemon Zest (1 tablespoon)
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The zest adds extra depth to the lemon flavor by incorporating the natural oils from the peel.
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Be sure to use only the yellow part of the peel, as the white pith can be bitter.
Heavy Cream (1 cup)
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Provides a rich and creamy texture, making the ice cream smooth and indulgent.
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If you prefer a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead.
Whole Milk (¾ cup)
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Balances the richness of the heavy cream while maintaining a smooth consistency.
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For a dairy-free alternative, use full-fat coconut milk or almond milk.
Granulated Sugar (½ cup)
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Sweetens the ice cream and balances the tartness of the lemon.
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Adjust the amount if you prefer a sweeter or more tangy ice cream.
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Can be substituted with a sugar alternative like erythritol for a low-carb version.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
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Enhances the overall flavor, adding a subtle warmth and depth to the citrusy ice cream.
Pinch of Salt
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A small amount of salt helps enhance the flavors and balance the sweetness.
These ingredients come together to create a refreshing, creamy, and perfectly tangy homemade lemon ice cream using the Ninja Creami.
Instructions for Ninja Creami Lemon Ice Cream
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create smooth, tangy, and refreshing Ninja Creami Lemon Ice Cream right at home.
Step 1: Prepare the Ice Cream Base
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Zest and Juice the Lemons
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Wash the lemons thoroughly and pat them dry.
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Use a fine grater or zester to collect 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, avoiding the bitter white pith.
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Cut the lemons in half and squeeze out ½ cup of fresh lemon juice. Strain the juice to remove seeds and pulp.
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Mix the Ingredients
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In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of heavy cream, ¾ cup of whole milk, and ½ cup of granulated sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved.
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Add the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
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Continue whisking until all ingredients are well combined. The mixture may look slightly curdled due to the acidity of the lemon juice, but this is normal and will smooth out when processed.
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Step 2: Freeze the Mixture
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Transfer to a Ninja Creami Pint Container
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Pour the mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container, ensuring it doesn’t exceed the fill line.
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Secure the lid tightly.
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Freeze for at Least 24 Hours
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Place the container in the coldest part of your freezer and let it freeze for at least 24 hours until solid.
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Do not disturb or shake the container while freezing, as this ensures a uniform texture when processed.
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Step 3: Process in the Ninja Creami
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Set Up the Ninja Creami Machine
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Remove the frozen pint from the freezer.
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Secure it in the Ninja Creami machine, locking the lid and selecting the “Ice Cream” mode.
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Process the Ice Cream
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Allow the Ninja Creami to blend the frozen base into a creamy consistency.
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If the ice cream appears crumbly or too firm after the first spin, use the “Re-Spin” function to achieve a smoother texture. You may need to re-spin 1-2 times.
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Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
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Scoop into Bowls or Cones
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Once the ice cream reaches the perfect creamy texture, scoop it into bowls or serve in cones.
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Optional Garnishes
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Add a sprinkle of extra lemon zest for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
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Drizzle with honey or top with whipped cream for extra indulgence.
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Serve with fresh berries or a mint sprig for a refreshing touch.
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Store Any Leftovers
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If you have leftovers, cover the pint container and store it in the freezer.
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Before serving again, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften.
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Enjoy your homemade Ninja Creami Lemon Ice Cream, a creamy, tangy, and refreshing treat perfect for any occasion!
Ninja Creami Lemon Ice Cream Recipe
Equipment
- Ninja Creami Machine – Essential for transforming the frozen base into creamy ice cream.
- Ninja Creami Pint Container – Used to freeze and process the ice cream mixture.
- Mixing Bowl – For whisking together the ingredients before freezing.
- Whisk or Spoon – To mix the ingredients thoroughly.
- Zester or Grater – For extracting fresh lemon zest.
- Citrus Juicer – To squeeze fresh lemon juice easily.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – For precise ingredient measurements.
- Strainer (Optional) – To remove pulp or seeds from the lemon juice.
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup (180ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120ml) fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1-2 lemons)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1-2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup (for extra sweetness)
- ½ cup fresh berries (stirred in after processing)
- Crushed graham crackers (for a lemon pie flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the Lemon Ice Cream MixtureIn a mixing bowl, whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Transfer and FreezePour the mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container, ensuring it does not exceed the max fill line. Secure the lid and place it in the freezer for at least 24 hours until fully solid.
- Process in the Ninja CreamiOnce frozen, insert the pint container into the Ninja Creami machine, lock it in place, and select the "Ice Cream" function to blend until smooth and creamy.
- Re-Spin if NecessaryIf the texture appears crumbly after the first spin, use the "Re-Spin" function to achieve a smoother consistency. If needed, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk or cream and re-spin again.
- Serve and Enjoy!Scoop your refreshing lemon ice cream into bowls or cones. Garnish with extra lemon zest, fresh berries, or crushed graham crackers for added flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Tips for the Best Ninja Creami Lemon Ice Cream
Make your homemade lemon ice cream even better with these expert tips!
1. Use Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest
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Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the best flavor—bottled juice can taste artificial.
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Lemon zest adds natural citrus oils, enhancing the taste. Just avoid the bitter white pith when zesting.
2. Balance the Sweetness and Tartness
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If you prefer a sweeter ice cream, add extra sugar or a drizzle of honey.
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For a more tart flavor, increase the lemon juice slightly.
3. Avoid Curdling in the Mixture
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Lemon juice can sometimes react with dairy, causing curdling. To prevent this:
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Whisk the lemon juice in gradually instead of adding it all at once.
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Use cold ingredients, as warm milk and cream react more easily with acid.
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4. Get the Perfect Creamy Texture
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If the ice cream looks crumbly after the first spin, use the Re-Spin function until it becomes smooth.
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Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk or cream before re-spinning if needed.
5. Enhance the Flavor
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A few drops of lemon extract can boost the citrus flavor without extra acidity.
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Try adding a small amount of honey or agave syrup for a natural sweetness.
6. Experiment with Add-Ins
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Mix in blueberries or raspberries after processing for a fruity twist.
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Swirl in crushed graham crackers for a lemon pie-inspired treat.
7. Let It Soften Before Serving
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If the ice cream is too firm after freezing, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping.
8. Store Properly for Freshness
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Keep leftover ice cream in an airtight Ninja Creami pint to prevent ice crystals.
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Eat within a week for the best texture and flavor.
Follow these tips for a smooth, creamy, and perfectly tangy Ninja Creami Lemon Ice Cream every time!
Conclusion
With its bright citrus flavor and creamy texture, this Ninja Creami Lemon Ice Cream is the perfect treat for warm days or anytime you crave something light and refreshing. The combination of fresh lemon juice, zest, and a rich dairy base creates a perfectly balanced dessert—sweet, tangy, and incredibly smooth. Thanks to the Ninja Creami, you can achieve a professional-quality ice cream at home with minimal effort, customizing it to your taste with add-ins or alternative ingredients.
Whether you’re making it for a summer gathering, a special occasion, or just as a homemade indulgence, this lemon ice cream is sure to impress. Its zesty flavor and creamy consistency make it a standout dessert that will keep you coming back for more. Try it with fresh berries, a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of extra lemon zest for an even more delightful experience. Enjoy your homemade Ninja Creami Lemon Ice Cream and savor the refreshing taste of citrus in every bite!
Hi, I’m Katelyn Williams, the expert behind Ninjacreamiicecream.com. With a deep passion for creating delectable ice cream recipes, I’m here to share my love for all things ice cream. I earned my Bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University, and since then, I’ve been dedicated to perfecting the art of ice cream making. From classic flavors to innovative creations, my goal is to inspire you to make delicious and creamy treats at home effortlessly. Join me for the best recipes, tips, and techniques to elevate your ice cream game and indulge in delightful frozen desserts!