Ninja Creami Mint Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe

The Ninja Creami Mint Chocolate Ice Cream is a refreshing and decadent treat that combines the best of creamy texture, cool mint, and rich chocolate. This homemade ice cream is perfect for those who love the classic mint-chocolate combination, with the added bonus of using fresh ingredients and controlling sweetness to your liking. The Ninja Creami machine ensures a smooth, velvety consistency, making each bite indulgent and satisfying.

One of the key features of this ice cream is its creamy texture, achieved by blending milk, heavy cream, and optionally, egg yolks for a richer base. The refreshing mint flavor adds a cool and invigorating touch, balanced by the sweet chocolatey goodness of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips. This dessert is perfect for hot days or whenever you crave a cool, minty treat!

Ninja Creami Mint Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe

Ingredients

1. Mint Base:
   • Fresh Mint Leaves (1 cup, loosely packed): For a natural, fresh mint flavor. The leaves are steeped in warm milk to infuse the flavor into the base. If you prefer a stronger or more controlled mint flavor, you can substitute with mint extract.
   • Mint Extract (1 teaspoon): If you’re not using fresh mint, mint extract works perfectly. Adjust the quantity based on your flavor preference, but start with 1 teaspoon for a balanced minty taste.
   • Whole Milk (1 cup): Adds creaminess to the ice cream. Whole milk works best, but you can use other milk alternatives depending on your dietary needs, like almond milk or oat milk, though the texture may change.
   • Heavy Cream (1 cup): Essential for creating the rich, velvety texture. Heavy cream adds fat, which results in a smooth and luscious consistency in the finished ice cream.
   • Granulated Sugar (3/4 cup): Provides the necessary sweetness to balance the mint and chocolate. You can use regular granulated sugar, or swap it for a sugar alternative like Stevia or monk fruit sweetener, though the sweetness level and texture may vary.
   • Egg Yolks (3, optional): If you want a custard-style base, egg yolks are used to create a thicker, richer ice cream. The egg yolks are whisked into the milk and cream mixture to add extra creaminess and a smooth texture.
2. Chocolate Chips:
   • Semi-Sweet or Dark Chocolate Chips (1/2 cup): These add bursts of chocolatey goodness throughout the ice cream. You can also use chopped chocolate bars or chunks if you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor.
   • Optional Chocolate Chunks or Shavings (1/4 cup): For an extra layer of chocolate, you can add additional chocolate chunks or shavings to mix in or garnish the ice cream. This gives a satisfying bite and texture contrast to the creamy base.

These ingredients create a perfect balance of refreshing mint and indulgent chocolate flavors while ensuring a rich, creamy texture.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Mint Base

• Infuse the Mint (if using fresh leaves): In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup of whole milk over medium heat until it’s warm (not boiling). Add 1 cup of loosely packed fresh mint leaves, then remove from heat and let it steep for 10-15 minutes. Strain out the mint leaves.
• • Skip this step if using mint extract.

• Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mint-infused milk (or 1 teaspoon of mint extract), 1 cup of heavy cream, and 3/4 cup of sugar until the sugar is dissolved. If making a custard base, whisk in 3 egg yolks.
• Optional Custard (for richer ice cream): If using egg yolks, heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes). Do not let it boil. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Step 2: Freeze the Mint Mixture

1. Transfer the Mixture: Pour the mint base into a freezer-safe container that fits your Ninja Creami machine’s requirements.
2. Freeze the Mixture: Place the container in the freezer for at least 1-2 hours, or until the mixture is firm but not fully frozen. For best results, freeze it overnight.

Step 3: Process with Ninja Creami and Add Chocolate

1. Process in Ninja Creami: Attach the frozen container to your Ninja Creami machine. Select the “Ice Cream” setting and process until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. If necessary, re-spin until you reach the desired consistency.
2. Add Chocolate Chips: Once the base is smooth, stir in 1/2 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (or mix them in using the “Mix-In” function if your machine has this option). You can also add extra chocolate chunks or shavings at this stage.
3. Serve: Enjoy immediately for a soft-serve texture, or freeze for an additional 30 minutes to an hour if you prefer a firmer consistency.

After serving, you can enjoy your Ninja Creami Mint Chocolate Ice Cream immediately for a soft, creamy texture, or freeze it for another 30 minutes if you prefer a firmer consistency. Whether shared at a gathering or savored as a personal treat, this refreshing and chocolatey dessert is sure to delight. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week, ensuring you have a delicious, minty treat ready to enjoy whenever the craving strikes!

Ninja Creami Mint Chocolate Ice Cream is a delicious homemade dessert that combines the refreshing taste of mint with rich, chocolatey goodness. Using the Ninja Creami machine, this recipe creates an incredibly smooth and creamy texture, delivering a dessert that’s both indulgent and refreshing. The ice cream is made with a simple base of milk, cream, and sugar, infused with fresh mint or mint extract for a cool, invigorating flavor. Adding semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips brings a satisfying burst of chocolate to each bite, perfectly complementing the mint.

This recipe offers a perfect balance of sweetness and richness, making it a favorite for mint chocolate lovers. Whether you’re enjoying it as a summertime treat or a year-round indulgence, the Ninja Creami Mint Chocolate Ice Cream is easy to prepare and customize to your preferences. It’s ideal for those who enjoy making their own ice cream at home, offering full control over the ingredients and flavor intensity, while delivering a professional-quality result right from your kitchen.

Ninja Creami Mint Chocolate Ice Cream Nutrition Info

Here’s a nutrition table for Ninja Creami Mint Chocolate Ice Cream, based on the ingredients and serving size outlined in the recipe. Please note that the values are approximate and can vary depending on specific brands or ingredient variations.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (1 serving)	% Daily Value
Calories	325-350	16-18%
Total Fat	26g	40%
Saturated Fat	16g	80%
Cholesterol	160mg	53%
Sodium	45mg	2%
Total Carbohydrates	26g	9%
Dietary Fiber	1g	4%
Sugars	24g	–
Protein	5g	10%
Calcium	120mg	12%
Iron	1.5mg	8%

Ingredient	Amount Used	Calories	Total Fat	Saturated Fat	Cholesterol	Carbohydrates	Sugars	Protein
Whole Milk	1 cup	150 kcal	8g	5g	24mg	12g	12g	8g
Heavy Cream	1 cup	820 kcal	88g	55g	330mg	7g	0g	5g
Granulated Sugar	3/4 cup (150g)	580 kcal	0g	0g	0mg	150g	150g	0g
Egg Yolks (optional)	3 large	165 kcal	15g	5g	555mg	1g	1g	8g
Mint Extract	1 teaspoon	0 kcal	0g	0g	0mg	0g	0g	0g
Fresh Mint Leaves (optional)	1 cup (loosely packed)	5 kcal	0g	0g	0mg	1g	0g	0g
Chocolate Chips	1/2 cup (85g)	400 kcal	24g	15g	0mg	50g	40g	4g

This table provides a detailed overview of the nutritional content for each ingredient and the total values based on including or excluding egg yolks.

Tips for Best Results

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: For the creamiest texture and richest flavor, opt for full-fat dairy products like heavy cream and whole milk. Fresh mint leaves and high-quality chocolate chips will enhance the overall taste.
• Chill the Mixture: Ensure that the mixture is well-chilled before churning. This helps achieve a smoother, creamier consistency in the Ninja Creami and speeds up the freezing process.
• Blend Thoroughly: Blend the base mixture until it’s completely smooth. This ensures an even texture and prevents any lumps or uneven bits in the final ice cream.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste the mixture before freezing and adjust the sweetness if needed. Adding a bit more sugar or a touch of honey can balance the mint flavor if it’s too strong or too mild.
• Freeze Properly: After churning, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze it for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This additional freezing time helps the ice cream firm up to the perfect consistency.
• Stir Occasionally: If storing for longer periods, stir the ice cream every few hours during the first few hours of freezing to prevent large ice crystals from forming.
• Serve at the Right Temperature: Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to make scooping easier and enhance the texture.

Delicious Topping Ideas

• Chocolate Shavings: Add an extra touch of decadence with finely shaved chocolate. Use dark, milk, or white chocolate to complement the mint flavor.
• Crushed Peppermints: For a festive and refreshing crunch, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies or candy canes on top.
• Hot Fudge Sauce: Drizzle warm hot fudge over the ice cream for a rich, chocolatey contrast to the mint.
• Whipped Cream: Top with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a light and airy addition that complements the creamy texture.
• Chopped Nuts: Add some crunch with chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts. They pair wonderfully with the creamy ice cream and chocolate.
• Mint Leaves: Garnish with a few fresh mint leaves for an elegant and aromatic touch.
• Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel sauce adds a sweet and buttery flavor that contrasts nicely with the mint and chocolate.
• Sprinkles: For a fun and colorful touch, add rainbow or chocolate sprinkles to your ice cream.
• Marshmallow Fluff: A spoonful of marshmallow fluff adds a sweet and gooey texture that enhances the indulgent experience.
• Berries: Fresh or lightly macerated berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a fruity and tangy element that balances the richness of the ice cream.

FAQ

Can I make Ninja Creami Mint Chocolate Ice Cream without an ice cream maker?

You can’t make Ninja Creami Mint Chocolate Ice Cream without the Ninja Creami appliance, as it’s specifically designed for this purpose. However, you can use a traditional ice cream maker or make a no-churn version by blending the ingredients and freezing the mixture, stirring occasionally to prevent ice crystals.

How long does it take to make this ice cream?

Making Ninja Creami Mint Chocolate Ice Cream typically involves a few steps:

1. Preparation: Mixing and blending the ingredients takes about 15 minutes.
2. Churning: Once the mixture is chilled, it’s processed in the Ninja Creami, which usually takes around 10-15 minutes.
3. Freezing: After churning, the ice cream should be frozen for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour to achieve the desired firmness.

In total, expect the process to take about 1 to 1.5 hours, including preparation and freezing time.

Can I use a different type of milk or cream?

Yes, you can use different types of milk or cream. For a lighter option, you might choose 2% milk or half-and-half instead of whole milk and heavy cream. For a dairy-free version, almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk can replace the dairy, and coconut cream can be used in place of heavy cream. Keep in mind that these substitutions might slightly alter the texture and flavor of the ice cream.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

To make Ninja Creami Mint Chocolate Ice Cream dairy-free or vegan:

1. Milk Substitute: Use almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk in place of whole milk.
2. Cream Substitute: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a creamy texture.
3. Chocolate Chips: Ensure the chocolate chips are dairy-free or use vegan chocolate chips.
4. Sweeteners: Use plant-based sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar if needed.

These substitutions will keep the recipe vegan while maintaining a rich and creamy texture.

Why is my ice cream too hard or too soft?

If your ice cream is too hard or too soft, here’s what might be happening:

• Too Hard: This can occur if the ice cream has been frozen for too long or at too low a temperature. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften it.
• Too Soft: If the ice cream is too soft, it might not have been frozen long enough or the mixture could have too much liquid. Try freezing it for a longer period or adding a bit more cream to improve the texture.

Adjusting the freezing time and checking the consistency before serving can help achieve the perfect texture.