This Ninja Creami frozen fruit recipe is an easy way to turn a bag of fruit into a creamy, refreshing dessert. It’s simple to customize, naturally fruity, and works well with everything from berries to tropical blends.
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen fruit, such as strawberries, mango, peaches, cherries, or mixed berries
- 1/2 to 1 cup milk, dairy or dairy-free, as needed
- 2 to 3 tablespoons yogurt, optional for creaminess
- 1 to 2 tablespoons honey, maple syrup, or sugar, optional
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
- Pinch of salt
Optional mix-ins:
- Chopped fresh fruit
- Coconut flakes
- Mini chocolate chips
- Granola
- Crushed cookies
- Nuts
- Fruit preserves
- Lemon zest
Instructions
- Prepare the fruit.
Add the frozen fruit to a blender or food processor. If the fruit is in large chunks, break it up slightly so it blends more evenly. You want the fruit to be frozen but easy to measure and mix. - Blend the base.
Add the milk, yogurt if using, honey or maple syrup if using, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If the fruit is very firm, add the milk a little at a time so the mixture stays thick but pourable. - Taste and adjust.
Taste the mixture before freezing. Add more sweetener if the fruit is tart or a little more milk if the base is too thick. For a richer texture, add a bit more yogurt, but keep the mixture within the pint limits. - Transfer to the pint.
Pour the blended mixture into the Ninja Creami pint container. Make sure the mixture does not go past the MAX FILL line. If you want to add mix-ins later, leave a little space near the top. - Freeze completely.
Place the lid on the pint and freeze it upright for at least 24 hours. For the best result, freeze it on a level surface so the mixture sets evenly. - Spin in the Ninja Creami.
Remove the pint from the freezer, place it into the outer bowl assembly, attach the lid, and process it using the Lite Ice Cream, Sorbet, or Ice Cream setting depending on your machine and the texture you want. - Check the first spin.
After the first cycle, the mixture may look crumbly, icy, or dry. This is common with frozen fruit bases. Use a spoon to check the texture before deciding whether it needs more liquid. - Re-spin if needed.
If the mixture is not creamy enough, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk and run the Re-spin cycle. Repeat once more if needed until smooth and scoopable. - Add mix-ins.
If you want extra texture, make a small well in the center of the ice cream, add your mix-ins, and run the Mix-ins cycle to distribute them evenly. - Serve.
Serve immediately for a soft texture or freeze for 30 to 60 minutes if you want a firmer scoop. This is best enjoyed fresh, when the fruit flavor is brightest.
Recipe Tips
- Strawberries and mango make a very creamy base.
- Berries may taste tangier, so a little extra sweetener can help.
- Coconut milk works well if you want a richer, dairy-free version.
- A spoonful of yogurt helps reduce iciness and improves texture.
- For a sorbet-style version, skip the yogurt and use fruit plus a small amount of liquid.