Summer is the perfect time to indulge in cool, refreshing treats right at home. The Ninja CREAMi XL makes it easy to craft your own ice cream, sorbet, gelato, and even dairy-free options, all in one versatile machine.
Whether you’re relaxing by the pool or hosting a backyard barbecue, homemade frozen desserts add a special touch to any summer gathering. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to creating your favorite summer flavors with the Ninja CREAMi XL.
Our top pick at a glance
Ninja CREAMi XL 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker
- ✔ Includes: Two 24oz tubs
- ✔ Programs: Dairy-free and smoothie bowl
- ✔ Cleaning: Dishwasher safe parts
Ninja® CREAMi® XL 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker for Ice Cream, Sorbet, Gelato & More, Now Featuring Dariy Free, Smoothie Bowl, and CreamiFit™, Includes (2) Family-Sized 24.oz Tubs, Navy, NC601
- Versatile Ice Cream Maker: Makes ice cream, sorbet, gelato, and more
- Dairy-Free & Smoothie Options: Includes dairy-free, smoothie bowl, and CreamiFit programs
- Large Capacity: Two 24-oz tubs for family-sized servings
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Preparing Your Frozen Base
Start by choosing your ingredients—fresh fruit, dairy or dairy-free milk, sweeteners, and flavorings. For best results, fill each of the two 24-ounce tubs with your prepared mixture and place them in the freezer for at least 24 hours before making your treat.
Pre-freezing the tubs ensures a smooth, creamy texture. Remember to label the tubs with your recipe to keep track of your favorites!
Creating Your Summer Frozen Treat
- Remove the pre-frozen tub from the freezer and insert it into the Ninja CREAMi XL.
- Select the desired program—ice cream, sorbet, gelato, dairy-free, or smoothie bowl—on the control panel.
- Press start and wait for the machine to process your ingredients, which typically takes a few minutes.
- Once done, you can customize the texture using the CreamiFit feature for a softer or firmer consistency.
For a classic summer flavor, blend fresh strawberries with a splash of lemon juice and sweetener, then follow the steps above for a refreshing strawberry sorbet.
Serving and Tips for Perfect Results
Serve your frozen treat directly from the tubs for a family-style presentation or scoop into bowls and garnish with fresh fruit or mint. To keep your treats at the ideal temperature, store leftovers in the freezer with the lids tightly sealed.
For best texture, avoid overloading the machine, and clean the dishwasher-safe parts after each use to maintain performance and hygiene.
Cleaning and Maintenance
The Ninja CREAMi XL’s tubs, lids, and paddle are dishwasher safe, making cleanup quick and effortless. After use, simply rinse and load the parts into your dishwasher.
Ensure the tubs are fully dry before storing them in the freezer for your next summer treat session. Regular cleaning helps preserve the machine’s longevity and keeps your frozen desserts tasting fresh.
More Details on Our Top Picks
Ninja CREAMi XL 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker
The Ninja CREAMi XL is perfect for creating a wide variety of frozen desserts, from classic ice cream to dairy-free sorbet, with customizable textures and easy cleanup. Its large capacity makes it ideal for summer gatherings.
Pros:
- Large family-sized capacity
- Includes dairy-free and smoothie programs
- Easy to clean dishwasher-safe parts
- Customizable textures and flavors
Cons:
- Bulky for small kitchens
- Requires pre-freezing of tubs
- Limited to specific recipes and mix-ins
Best for: Families looking to make personalized frozen treats at home during summer
Not ideal for: Small kitchens with limited freezer space or those seeking a wider variety of recipes
Bottom line: A versatile summer essential for homemade frozen treats that the whole family will love.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publishing.
