This dairy-free Ninja Creami vanilla ice cream is the perfect base for all of your dairy-free ice cream creations. I have been dairy-free for 8 years, which means I have tried A LOT of dairy-free ice cream, store bought and homemade. When I got my Ninja Creami, I made it my mission to make creations that everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary restrictions or allergies.
This vanilla base became my go-to after a few rounds of testing to get the texture just right. The key is using full-fat coconut cream, not coconut milk. The extra fat is what keeps it creamy and scoopable instead of icy or grainy once you spin it in the Creami.
What I love most about making Creami recipes at home is the control it gives me over the ingredients. I can modify for allergens, swap in better-for-you ingredients and add protein so it doesn't spike my blood sugar.
Why You'll Love This Ninja Creami Vanilla Ice Cream
This vanilla base is creamy, classic and the perfect base for any of your ice cream creations. There are no complicated steps, so you can make it even if you are brand new to making Ninja Creamis. It only takes about 5 minutes to prep!
Enjoy this delicious base plain or you can add mix-ins like chocolate chips, cookies or fruit! The options are endless and I love that I can make dairy-free options that are typically not accessible at stores. This recipe is super simple, uses minimal ingredients and does not contain pudding mix, eggs or any other weird ingredients or fillers.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Dairy-free milk: I used coconut milk in this recipe, but you can also use cashew milk or almond milk.
- Coconut cream: This makes the ice cream super creamy and thick.
- Honey: A natural way to sweeten this dessert.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and flavor!
- Vanilla protein powder: Adds protein, helps make the Creami smoother and contributes to the taste!
Recipe Variations
This dairy-free vanilla ice cream is the perfect base for all of your Creami recipes. From there, you can add mix-ins and change up ingredients to create insane flavor combinations.
- Mix-ins: The mix-in options are endless. Add cookies, chocolate chips, graham crackers, brownies, cookie dough, marshmallows, fruit and more. There are so many flavors you can make from s'mores to cookie dough to cookies and cream and more! Just by changing up the mix-ins!
- Extracts: The base recipe calls for vanilla extract, but swap it out for almond extract or peppermint extract to change the flavor. This tweaks the base and makes for flavor options like cake batter or peppermint!
- Sweetener: Swap the honey for another sweetener like maple syrup, coconut sugar or dates. If you use dates, the base will need to be blended.
- Protein Powder: Changing up the protein powder can also change up the flavor of this recipe. Swapping vanilla protein powder for churro, mint chocolate or strawberry creates a different flavor profile and base.
- Powders: You can also mix in other powder options during the initial base creation that will change the flavor profile of the base. Some ideas include: matcha powder, espresso powder, freeze-dried fruit powder or chai spice blend.
How To Make Vanilla Creami Base
Step 1: Add ingredients to Ninja Creami pint and use a hand mixer to combine.
Step 2: Store the Ninja Creami pint in the freezer with the cap off overnight. Make sure it is on a level surface.
Step 3: Process Ninja Creami pint on "ice cream". Add a drop of milk and "re-spin".
Step 4: If you are choosing to add mix-ins, create a hole in the center, add mix-ins and then process again on "mix-ins".
Recipe Tips
- Use full-fat coconut cream, not coconut milk, for the creamiest, least icy texture.
- Blend the base until completely smooth before freezing. Any lumps can throw off the spin.
- Fill the pint container to the fill line, not above or below it, since too little or too much liquid affects the final texture.
- Freeze the pint flat and level for at least 24 hours before spinning. Skipping this step is the most common reason for a bad spin.
- Always let the pint sit at room temp for a few minutes if it's rock solid before running a cycle.
- If it's soupy after spinning, pop it back in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before scooping.
Storage and Make Ahead Tips
If you don't finish your creami, you can put the cap on and store it in the freezer. When you are ready to eat it, simply process it on "re-spin". This dairy-free Ninja creami base typically has the best texture after the first 3-5 days.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! Simply swap the honey for maple syrup or coconut sugar.
Yes! Swap the coconut milk for almond milk or cashew milk. The higher fat milks will yield a creamier texture.
Yes! Swap the honey for coconut sugar, agave or maple syrup.
Other Dairy-Free Ice Cream Treats:
Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream
Dairy-Free Ice Cream Sandwiches
If you make this Dairy-Free Ninja Creami Vanilla Ice Cream and love it, I would really appreciate a 5 star review! I also love seeing your creations so please tag me on Instagram or TikTok.
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Dairy-Free Ninja Creami Vanilla Ice Cream
Equipment
- 1 hand frother
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups coconut milk
- 1/2 cup coconut cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp vanilla protein powder
- 2 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Add ingredients to Ninja Creami pint and use a hand mixer to combine.
- Store the Ninja Creami pint in the freezer with the cap off overnight. Make sure it is on a level surface.
- Process Ninja Creami pint on "ice cream". Add a drop of milk and "re-spin".
- If you are choosing to add mix-ins, create a hole in the center, add mix-ins and then process again on "mix-ins".
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