As summer glides into view, nothing quite hits the spot like a scoop of creamy, dreamy ice cream. I still remember those sweltering afternoons at my grandmother’s house, where the irresistible scent of buttery pie crust mingled with fresh cherries wafting through the kitchen. Each bite of cherry pie was like a hug, and who wouldn’t crave that? Now that I’m all grown up, I find myself wanting to recreate those warm memories, but with a healthy twist. If you think whipping up your own ice cream is a challenge, worry not! This Ninja Creami Cherry Pie Ice Cream Recipe is not only easy, but it’s also stress-free, allowing you to indulge in nostalgia without the fuss.
Highlights
A Quick Look at This Ninja Creami Cherry Pie Ice Cream Recipe
This delightful Ninja Creami Cherry Pie Ice Cream Recipe is a treat that’s as wholesome as it is satisfying. Made with fresh or frozen cherries and minimal refined sugar, you’ll enjoy a naturally sweet dessert that’s packed with vibrant flavors and nutrients. Cherries are high in antioxidants and vitamin C, boosting your immunity, while the heavy cream and whole milk provide richness and healthy fats for energy. This recipe fits seamlessly into a balanced lifestyle, offering a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping your health in mind.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Ninja Creami Cherry Pie Ice Cream Recipe
Essentials
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries: The star of this recipe, these cherries provide not just flavor but numerous health benefits, including antioxidants that support overall wellness.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness is essential here, but you can modify it to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: This ingredient enhances the cherry flavors, adding a hint of brightness to the overall richer profile.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional): This optional thickening agent helps create a more luscious texture, making the ice cream even more decadent.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A pantry staple that elevates flavors and rounds out the ice cream’s taste.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This ingredient brings creaminess to the ice cream and an indulgent mouthfeel that makes it truly satisfying.
- 1 cup whole milk: For that sweet balance of creaminess without being overly heavy.
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for ice cream base): Sweetens the mixture and complements the cherries.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for ice cream base): Reinforces that lovely flavor we all adore.
Optional add-ons
- Pre-made pie crust or homemade pie crust: The crunchy element that mimics the elements of cherry pie and adds texture to your ice cream.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted: Helps to bind the pie crust together when folded into your ice cream.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, for sprinkling): A little sprinkle on top gives an extra sweetness.
- ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon (optional, for sprinkling): Adds warmth and spice, perfect for that pie flavor.
Substitutions and shortcuts
If you’re looking to make healthier swaps, consider using a sugar substitute like monk fruit or stevia, especially for those monitoring their sugar intake. You can also opt for low-fat milk instead of whole milk while retaining the heavy cream for a creamy texture. If cherries aren’t your thing or are out of season, feel free to switch to other fruits like strawberries or blueberries, which pair beautifully with the same base. Store-bought pie crust can save time and effort, but if you’re feeling ambitious, a homemade crust can elevate the dish.
How to Make Ninja Creami Cherry Pie Ice Cream Recipe Step-by-Step
Start by preparing the cherry mixture. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine your pitted and chopped cherries with ½ cup sugar. Stir until it becomes syrupy; this will take about 10 minutes. If you want a thicker consistency, you can add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a splash of water. Once thickened, remove it from heat and stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract. Set aside to cool completely.
In a separate bowl, mix your ice cream base. Whisk together 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of whole milk, and ½ cup of sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved. Add in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Once your cherry mixture has cooled, gently fold it into the ice cream base. This best combines the flavors without losing that beautiful cherry swirl effect.
Pour the mixture into the Ninja Creami pint container and place it in the freezer for at least 24 hours. This is important as it ensures your ice cream has the right texture and ice cream consistency.
After freezing, process the ice cream in your Ninja Creami until it becomes creamy and smooth.
Lastly, fold in the crumbled pie crust pieces that you prepared with melted butter, along with an optional sprinkle of sugar and cinnamon if you like, for extra warmth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making ice cream can seem daunting, but with a few pointers, you can avoid common pitfalls and create a delicious treat.
Mistake 1: Not Cooling the Cherry Mixture
If you try to mix warm cherries into your ice cream base, you risk melting the cream, which affects the texture of your final product. Be sure to let the cherry mixture cool completely before combining it with the base.
Mistake 2: Skipping the Freezing Time
One of the critical steps in making ice cream is allowing it to freeze for adequate time. This not only impacts texture but also ensures that it’s creamy once processed in your Ninja Creami. Be patient and allow it to freeze for at least 24 hours for the best results.
Mistake 3: Overprocessing in the Ninja Creami
Once your ice cream mixture is ready, make sure you don’t overprocess it in the Ninja Creami. Typically, processing until creamy and smooth should only take a few minutes. Overdoing it can make the texture inconsistent and grainy.
Print
Ninja Creami Cherry Pie Ice Cream
- Total Time: 1440 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and healthy homemade ice cream recipe featuring fresh cherries, minimal sugar, and creamy texture, reminiscent of cherry pie.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for ice cream base)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for ice cream base)
- Pre-made or homemade pie crust (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
- ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine pitted and chopped cherries with ½ cup sugar and stir until syrupy (about 10 minutes). Add cornstarch if thicker consistency is desired, then stir in lemon juice and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, and ½ cup sugar until dissolved. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Once cherry mixture is cool, gently fold it into the ice cream base.
- Pour the mixture into a Ninja Creami container and freeze for at least 24 hours.
- Process in the Ninja Creami until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in crumbled pie crust pieces with melted butter and top with optional sugar and cinnamon if desired.
Notes
Be sure to let the cherry mixture cool completely before combining it with the base to prevent melting the cream. Allow the mixture to freeze for at least 24 hours for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: ice cream, cherry pie, homemade dessert, healthy dessert, summer treat
Serving Suggestions for Ninja Creami Cherry Pie Ice Cream Recipe
Now that your Ninja Creami Cherry Pie Ice Cream is ready, here are some delicious ways to serve it for a truly memorable treat.
Enjoy It Plain
Sometimes, simplicity speaks volumes. Serve a scoop or two in a bowl. The creamy cherry swirls and crunchy pie crust pieces will shine without any distractions.
Top With Fresh Cherries
Garnish each serving with a few fresh cherries. This not only adds color but also reinforces that delightful cherry flavor we all love. A sprig of mint can also add a refreshing touch.
Create a Sundae Bar
Set up a sundae bar for a fun family gathering. Provide options like crushed nuts, dark chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of honey and encourage everyone to make their own unique creation.
Conclusion
This Ninja Creami Cherry Pie Ice Cream Recipe is an excellent way to indulge your sweet tooth while staying health-conscious. It offers you the flexibility to customize flavors, adjust sweetness, and even experiment with different fruits and pie crusts. Plus, it’s genuinely nourishing and satisfying without the guilt. Whether you enjoy it plain or spruce it up with delicious toppings, this recipe is perfect for making wholesome memories. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and whip up a batch that’s sure to delight both your taste buds and your health.
FAQs About Ninja Creami Cherry Pie Ice Cream Recipe
Question 1: Can I use frozen cherries for the Ninja Creami Cherry Pie Ice Cream Recipe?
Absolutely! Both fresh and frozen cherries work beautifully in this recipe. If using frozen cherries, just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking for the best results.
Question 2: Is there a dairy-free option for the Ninja Creami Cherry Pie Ice Cream Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream and whole milk with coconut cream and almond or oat milk to create a delicious dairy-free version.
Question 3: How long does the Ninja Creami Cherry Pie Ice Cream Recipe last in the freezer?
Typically, this homemade ice cream lasts for about 2-3 weeks in the freezer. Just remember to store it in an airtight container for the best freshness.
Question 4: Can I use this recipe to make other fruit flavors?
Definitely! While this recipe highlights cherries, feel free to swap them out for other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or peaches for a delightful twist.
Question 5: How healthy is the Ninja Creami Cherry Pie Ice Cream Recipe?
This recipe is a healthier choice compared to store-bought options, as it contains wholesome ingredients like fresh cherries and allows control over the level of sweetness. It provides vitamins from the fruit and healthy fats from the dairy, fitting nicely into a balanced diet.
