Do you remember those summer afternoons when the sweet aroma of ice cream trucks filled the air, jingling their cheerful melodies? As a child, waiting eagerly for the brightly painted truck to roll into the neighborhood was always a highlight of my day. One of my most cherished memories involves taking my first bite of blue moon ice cream – that mysterious, bright blue delight that tasted like a blissful mix of nostalgia and adventure.
Now, as an adult, I can bring that whimsy to my kitchen with my favorite gadget: the Ninja Creami. In this blog post, I’m going to share with you how to make your very own Ninja Creami Blue Moon Ice Cream. Trust me, it’s simpler than it sounds—and perfect for anyone, whether you’re a seasoned baker or a first-time ice cream maker. So, grab your blender and let’s get started on this delicious journey!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Why I Love This Recipe of Ninja Creami Blue Moon Ice Cream
There’s something incredibly satisfying about making homemade ice cream. Not only do you know exactly what ingredients are going into it, but you also get to customize it to your personal taste. The Ninja Creami Blue Moon Ice Cream is particularly special because it captures the whimsy and nostalgia of childhood while being healthy enough to enjoy guilt-free.
What I love most about this recipe is that it’s incredibly approachable for beginner cooks. The ingredients are simple, and each step feels manageable—not overwhelming. It’s a cozy project that brings the family together, and you can play around with flavors, colors, and textures to make it uniquely yours. Plus, there’s a beautiful sense of achievement in being able to say, “I made this!” when guests come over.
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Ninja Creami Blue Moon Ice Cream
- Total Time: 1450 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful homemade ice cream that captures the nostalgia and whimsy of childhood with its unique blue color and creamy texture.
Ingredients
- 2 cups half-and-half
- ½ cup cottage cheese
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 3 teaspoons almond extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 teaspoons marshmallow extract
- Green and blue food coloring
Instructions
- Blend all the ingredients until completely smooth in a blender.
- Pour the mixture into a Ninja Creami pint and flatten it evenly.
- Freeze for a full 24 hours to ensure even freezing.
- Place the pint into the Ninja Creami and select the ‘ice cream’ mode.
- If the ice cream is crumbly, add a splash of milk and spin again.
- Scoop into bowls and serve, topping as desired.
Notes
For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half with almond or coconut milk. Optional add-ons include chocolate chips or fresh fruit.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1440 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: ice cream, homemade, dessert, Ninja Creami, blue moon
Ingredients You’ll Need for Ninja Creami Blue Moon Ice Cream
To make this delightful treat, here’s what you’ll need—along with a few tips on substitutions and shortcuts:
2 cups half-and-half: This creamy base gives the ice cream its rich texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute this with almond milk or coconut milk, but keep in mind that the texture will be less creamy.
½ cup cottage cheese: A surprising addition that adds protein and creaminess without too many calories. If cottage cheese isn’t your thing, you could try Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture.
¼ cup white sugar: This adds the necessary sweetness, but if you’re looking to cut down on sugar, feel free to use a sugar substitute like Stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
3 teaspoons almond extract: This gives the ice cream that characteristic flavor that pairs perfectly with the creaminess. If you prefer, you can use vanilla extract or even coconut flavoring for a fun twist.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer; it complements the almond extract beautifully.
3 teaspoons marshmallow extract: This ingredient is key to achieving that nostalgic flavor reminiscent of summers spent chasing ice cream trucks.
Green and blue food coloring: These vibrant colors make the ice cream visually captivating. You can adjust the quantities to make it as bright or subtle as you wish.
Optional Add-Ons
Feel free to mix things up with optional add-ons like chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or even swirl in some fresh fruit for added texture and flavor.
Substitutions and Shortcuts
If you’re short on time, you don’t have to freeze the mixture for an entire 24 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can freeze it for at least 4-5 hours before blending. It might not reach that creamy perfection, but it certainly will still taste amazing!
Would you be interested in more frozen desserts? I invite you check the list of 16 Best Iced Coffee Recipes, or the Ninja Creami recipes.
How to Make Ninja Creami Blue Moon Ice Cream Step-by-Step
Creating this delightful dish involves just a few easy steps. Let’s break it down:
Blend It All
Start by combining your half-and-half, cottage cheese, white sugar, almond extract, vanilla extract, marshmallow extract, and food coloring in a blender. The key here is to blend until everything is completely smooth. Make sure there are no lumps from the cottage cheese; you want the mixture to have a velvety consistency.
Freeze It Right
Once your mixture is smooth, pour it into a Ninja Creami pint. Flatten the mixture and make sure it’s evenly distributed inside the container. A flat surface ensures even freezing, so be careful with this step. Place it in your freezer for a full 24 hours, allowing it to freeze solid.
Spin It Up
After the mixture is fully frozen, it’s time to use your Ninja Creami. Place the pint into the machine and select the “ice cream” mode. The machine will spin and process the frozen mixture into fluffy, creamy goodness. It’s like magic watching it transform!
Respin If Needed
Sometimes, if the ice cream turns out a bit crumbly instead of creamy, don’t worry. Simply add a splash of milk to the mixture and give it a spin again. This little trick will help achieve that creamy texture we all know and love.
Scoop & Serve
Once you have a lovely, smooth ice cream, it’s time to scoop it into bowls and serve. Enjoy that dreamy, mysterious flavor, and feel free to embellish with your favorite toppings!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Like any recipe, making Ninja Creami Blue Moon Ice Cream comes with its own set of pitfalls. Here’s how to avoid common mistakes:
Using Cold Ingredients
One common mistake is forgetting to let your ingredients come to room temperature before blending. Cold ingredients can lead to an uneven mixture, so let them sit out for a bit before you start.
Skipping the Freeze Time
Make sure you allow the mixture to freeze for a full 24 hours. This step is crucial—the longer it freezes, the creamier and smoother your ice cream will be.
Not Blending Long Enough
Take your time blending. Many people rush this process and end up with a lumpy mixture. Aim for a thoroughly smooth and creamy base to yield the best results.
Overfilling the Pint
Only fill the pint to about ¾ full to allow enough room for the ice cream to expand as it freezes. Overfilling may lead to messes and uneven textures, so keep an eye on that.
Serving Suggestions for Ninja Creami Blue Moon Ice Cream
After you’ve made your delicious blue moon ice cream, it’s time to think about how to serve it! Here are some fun ideas:
Classic Ice Cream Cone
Nothing beats the nostalgia of an ice cream cone! Scoop some of your homemade blue moon ice cream into a sugar cone or waffle cone for a classic summer treat.
Sundae Style
Create a fun sundae by topping your ice cream with whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce, and a cherry on top. You can even sprinkle some colorful sprinkles to make it more festive.
Fruity Parfait
Layer your ice cream with fresh fruits like strawberries or blueberries inside a glass. The combination of creamy ice cream and juicy fruits makes for a refreshing dessert that’s not only tasty but also looks beautiful.
Ice Cream Sandwich
Scoop the ice cream onto your favorite cookies and sandwich them together for a fun treat! Use soft cookies like chocolate chip or even waffle cookies for an extra delight.
Nutritional Values of Ninja Creami Blue Moon Ice Cream
Now, let’s take a closer look at what this delicious treat has to offer nutritionally:
Basic Nutritional Breakdown
Each serving of Ninja Creami Blue Moon Ice Cream can vary based on specific ingredient brands, but here’s a rough estimate:
- Calories: Approximately 150 calories per serving.
- Protein: About 4 grams, thanks to the cottage cheese.
- Fat: Roughly 8 grams, impacted primarily by the half-and-half and cottage cheese.
- Carbohydrates: Around 16 grams, mostly from the sugar.
Health Benefits
What makes this recipe appealing is that it balances indulgence with nutrition. The use of cottage cheese boosts the protein content, making it a more filling option than standard ice creams, which typically rely solely on cream and sugar.
Making It Healthier
If you want to make your ice cream on the lighter side, consider using low-fat half-and-half or unsweetened almond milk and reducing the amount of added sugar. You can also incorporate fresh fruits instead of sugary toppings to increase its nutritional benefits.
Portion Control
Remember, portions matter, especially if you’re watching your diet. Serving size can easily be controlled when you make it yourself, making it a great option for health-conscious individuals.
Conclusion
Homemade Ninja Creami Blue Moon Ice Cream is not only a delightful treat but also easier to make than you might think! It’s a cozy recipe that lends itself to customization, from flavors to colors, all while being beginner-approved. As you whip up this dreamy dessert, remember that the joy is in the process—so invite a friend or family member to join you.
Ready to give it a try? Gather your ingredients and fire up that Ninja Creami! You’ll be savoring your very own homemade ice cream in no time.
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FAQs About Ninja Creami Blue Moon Ice Cream
1. Can I adjust the sweetness of Ninja Creami Blue Moon Ice Cream?
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar or use a sweetener of your choice to fit your taste preferences.
2. How long should I freeze the mixture before making ice cream?
It’s best to freeze the mixture for a full 24 hours to ensure it achieves that perfect creamy consistency.
3. Can I use alternative dairy products in the recipe?
Yes, you can use almond milk or coconut milk as substitutes for half-and-half. Just keep in mind that the texture may change slightly.
4. Is this ice cream gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed in the Ninja Creami Blue Moon Ice Cream recipe are gluten-free.
5. How can I store the leftovers?
Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It should keep well for about a week, though it’s best enjoyed fresh!
Now, it’s time to gather your ingredients and create some sweet memories with Ninja Creami Blue Moon Ice Cream!
