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Elevate your at-home ice-cream making game and get creative with Ninja CREAMiTM, the innovative kitchen appliance that deserves space on your counter. Learn more in our detailed guide and get started.
What is the Ninja CREAMiTM?
You may have seen it on TikTok or YouTube or while mindlessly surfing on Amazon. Some describe the CREAMi as an ice cream maker, but that isn’t quite right; the CREAMi will transform frozen solid bases into ice cream, sorbet, gelato, milkshakes, smoothie bowls, etc. I was so excited to get this delivery from Amazon.
The CREAMi is similar to a much higher-end appliance called the Pacojet, which would set you back $9-10,000. The CREAMi is much more affordable and obtainable for the masses if you can get your hands on one. You will likely shell out $150-250 depending on your location and the exact model. Do check out the Pacojet if you want to understand more of the science behind it or if you are interested in seeing some of their recipes – including this one for Tuna Ice Cream. If you try it, let me know how it is, as I will take a hard pass.
What is in the box of the Ninja CREAMi 7 in 1?
The Ninja CREAMi 7 in-1 (model NC301) version comes with the following:
- Motor Base with Dual-Drive Motors and Creamify™ Technology
- Creamerizer™ Paddle
- (2) 16 oz. CREAMi™ Pints with storage lids
- Outer bowl and lid
- Recipe inspiration guide with 30 recipes plus tips to make the perfect treats
- Quick Start Guide and Manual
Since this only comes with 2 Pints containers AND your base must be frozen for 24 hours, it is highly recommended that you pick up extra pint containers to prep ahead. I also like the optionality of being able to freeze a variety of different bases.
What can the Ninja CREAMi do?
Great question! There are seven programs on the Ninja CREAMi 7-in-1 model. These programs are:
- Ice Cream – use this to turn dairy and dairy-alternative recipes into an indulgent, creamy, scoopable dessert.
- Sorbet – best used for fruit-based recipes with high water and sugar content.
- Lite Ice Cream – use this when making ice cream recipes that are low sugar, low fat or sugar alternative recipes. Recommended for keto and paleo recipes. This is the perfect setting for making frozen yogurt.
- Smoothie Bowl – perfect for recipes with frozen fruit and veggies mixed with juice, dairy or dairy alternatives.
- Gelato – use this for custard-based recipes to make Italian styled ice-cream.
- Milkshake – add ice cream, milk and any desired mix-ins to create the perfect milkshake.
- Mix-In – This program folds your favourite pieces of candy, nuts, frozen fruit, etc., to customize your frozen dessert. Think of this as the stage where you can make a dessert similar to the DQ Blizzard or McFlurry.
Ninja Creami 5 vs 7: Scoop on the Best Ice Cream Maker!
Comparing Ninja Creami 5 and Ninja Creami 7
In exploring the Ninja Creami 5 and Ninja Creami 7, I’ll be highlighting their key features, design elements, and the vast array of frozen treats they can create. These models reflect Ninja’s commitment to innovation in the kitchen appliance space, so let’s see how they stack up.
Core Features and Enhancements
The Ninja Creami 5 offers a 5-in-1 functionality that includes creating ice cream, sorbet, milkshakes, lite ice cream and mix-ins. With its NC300 model, it’s a promising choice for those who are watchful of their budget but still looking for quality. On the flip side, the Ninja Creami 7, an upgrade to the original Ninja Creami line, boasts a 7-in-1 capability, not only matching the 5-in-1’s offerings but adding features like gelato and smoothie bowl.
- Ninja Creami 5 (NC300): 5-in-1 functionality, budget-friendly, NC300 model
- Ninja Creami 7 (NC301): 7-in-1 functionality, includes two more presets.
Design and Usability
We have the Ninja Creami 7-in-1 and it is surprisingly compact, fitting nicely under our upper cabinets. The size and dimensions of the 5-in-1 are nearly identical and both models weigh approx 7 kg or 15 pounds. When comparing, the only noticeable difference is the number of programs. Both of these models use the standard Ninja Creami Pint Containers. When buying extra pints, be careful not to buy the larger Ninja Creami Breeze pints.
Versatility of Treat Types
If you are primarily interested in making ice cream, then there is no real difference for you and either model (or one of the many others that have since been released, including Ninja Creami Deluxe 11-in-1 and Ninja Creami Breeze) would meet your needs. In that case, availability and price may be the biggest factor. By far the most used functions in our house are Ice Cream, Lite Ice Cream and Mix-ins.
If you are looking for the most versatility, it could be worth your while to check out the Ninja Creami 11-in-1 (NC501) which offers additional programs such as Frozen Drink, Slushi, Italian Ice and Creamiccino. In addition, it uses the larger Pints, which hold 50% more than the standard pint containers, and provides the option of adding two different mix-ins to one pint: One flavour on the top half and one flavour on the bottom half. A great option for families.
Ease of Use
Operating these appliances is quite intuitive. I just need to prep my base, freeze it, and let the machine churn it to perfection. Both come with a recipe book to get you started, and the Creamerizer paddle works efficiently to achieve that signature smooth texture. The electric motor base is robust, ensuring a consistent performance each time.
Health and Dietary Considerations
Thanks to these Ninja Creami models, I can craft everything from full-fat ice cream to lite ice cream, sugar-free desserts, or even keto-friendly treats. The ability to control the ingredients means I can accommodate any dietary restrictions without sacrificing the joy of a frozen treat. With these machines, healthy alternatives like frozen yogurt or fruit sorbets are easy and fun to make. I appreciate being able to make individual pints for each member of my family as we all have very different preferences when it comes to ice cream or other frozen treats.
Prepping to make CREAMi frozen dessert
The hardest part of making your CREAMi frozen dessert is waiting 24 hours for your base to freeze and reach a temperature between 9 and -7 degrees F.
As soon as I ordered my CREAMi via Amazon, I also added several key ingredients to my weekly shopping order so that I had many of the everyday items at my fingertips, including:
- Whole Milk
- Heavy Cream
- Fresh Strawberries
- Eggs (for Gelato)
- Agave Syrup to swap for Corn Syrup
- Mint Extract (Get Vanilla if you don’t have it on hand)
- Skor bits (for Mix ins)
- Smarties (for Mix ins)
Perfect the vanilla ice cream recipe first
In the included recipe book, there is a vanilla recipe (with chocolate chips) on page 6 that is the perfect recipe to start with and makes a great base for adding in your favourite mix-ins – exclude the chocolate chips. At first glance, it may look a little strange as it includes a Tbsp of softened cream cheese, but I promise you, the recipe is exactly what you’d expect regarding flavour and texture.
The key is to follow the instructions when mixing the cream cheese, sugar and vanilla extract. When it is adequately whisked, it will look like icing. Only then do you start to slowly add the cream and whole milk to the mixture while continuing to whisk. I highly recommend this mini-whisk. The recipe will provide you with the number of grams of sugar to use – I used my handy kitchen scale to weigh the sugar.
Once you perfect the vanilla ice cream, move on to the Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe adapted from the included Recipe Book. It is delicious and very easy.
The strawberry ice cream is smooth, and the flavour is spot on. Not to mention the beautiful colour.
Making healthier dessert recipes in your CREAMi
You can consider many recipes to be much healthier than traditional desserts just by the nature of the ingredients.
Consider freezing apple sauce to make apple sorbet or freezing your favourite canned fruit like pineapple or peaches. Better yet, try fresh oranges or pineapple. When using oranges, I try to remove all the pith and walls and cut the flesh into small pieces. Then add it to the pint container, pack it down, and freeze. This makes a surprisingly delicious sorbet that doesn’t require additional sweetener, although you could add a bit of agave or simple syrup. A little would go a long way.
Making Frozen Yogurt in the CREAMi is so easy – just pour your favourite yogurt into a pint container and freeze.
I love to use Black Cherry Raspberry Greek yogurt as it reminds me of my favourite Yogen Fruz treats. Look how good it looks!
One Ingredient CREAMi Recipes
Consider freezing apple sauce to make apple sorbet or freezing your favourite canned fruit like pineapple or peaches. These are just a few of the suggestions outlined in the recipe guide. Other ideas include:
- egg nog
- Chocolate milk
- Irish Cream (non-alcoholic)
- Oranges
- Cherry Pie filling
- Yogurt
CREAMi Mix In Ideas
Who hasn’t devoured a DQ Blizzard or McFlurry? There is just something so satisfying about your favourite candy or snack being combined with delicious ice cream. The Mix-In function is one of the best parts of the CREAMi.
Some of my favourite mix-ins:
- Skor or Toffee Bits
- Smarties or M&Ms
- Turtles
- Reeces Pieces or Peanut Butter Cups
- Oreos
- Girl Guide Mint Thin Cookies
- Fudge
- Chocolate Chips, Butterscotch Chips
- Brownies
- Pretzels
- Maltesers/Whoppers
CREAMi Recipe Resources
Ninja Test Kitchen CREAMi Recipes
CREAMi How to and Review Videos
There are so many “how-to” or Review videos available on YouTube or TikTok. Here are two of my favourites:
Ninja Creami Review: Does this Ice Cream Maker Work? by Freakin’ Reviews
I’ve waited 15 years for this appliance by Pro Home Cooks
CREAMi Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes! It is important that the mixture completely freezes to the recommended temperature. We highly recommend getting extra pint containers to make batches of ice cream so you don’t have to wait if a craving arises.
No. Simply pour it into your Ninja Creami pint container, level it, and ensure you only fill to the fill line. Then, put the lid on and place it in the freezer on a flat surface. For best results, use a full-fat yogurt.
Yes and No. Most of the Ninja Creami Recipes and Settings require that you freeze the mixture for 24 hours. The exception for the 7 in 1 is the Milkshake setting. If you are using ice cream (store-bought or pre-frozen Ninja Creami) you can make a milkshake when you have a craving.
You can re-spin or add a splash of milk/cream and respin.