Summer is the perfect time to enjoy cool, homemade treats that beat the heat. The Ninja® CREAMi® XL makes it easy to craft a variety of ice creams, sorbets, and smoothies right in your own kitchen, with options for dairy-free and protein-packed flavors.
Whether you’re hosting a poolside gathering or just relaxing on your patio, this versatile ice cream maker helps you create personalized frozen delights for everyone to enjoy.
Our top pick at a glance
Ninja® CREAMi® XL 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker
- ✔ Dishwasher Safe: Yes
- ✔ Color Options: Navy
- ✔ Includes: Two 24 oz XL tubs
Ninja Creami XL 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker with XL Capacity, NC601
- Versatile Ice Cream Maker: Creates 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
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Getting Started: Preparing Your Base
Begin by choosing your preferred base for the ice cream or sorbet. For dairy-free options, use frozen fruit, coconut milk, or plant-based yogurt. For classic flavors, use milk, cream, or a combination of both. Fill the two 24-oz XL tubs, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
Mix your ingredients thoroughly and freeze the tubs for at least 24 hours before processing. This ensures a smooth, creamy texture once processed in the Ninja CREAMi XL.
Step-by-Step: Making Your Summer Frozen Treats
- Remove the frozen base from the freezer and attach the lid securely.
- Place the tub into the Ninja CREAMi XL and select your desired program—Ice Cream, Sorbet, or Smoothie Bowl.
- Press start and wait as the machine transforms your frozen ingredients into creamy goodness in minutes.
- For extra creaminess, use the Re-Spin feature to refine the texture further.
- Add mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or fresh fruit during the process or after for a personalized touch.
Enjoy your homemade treat immediately or store in the freezer for later. The XL tubs make enough for the whole family, so everyone can indulge.
Tips for Perfect Summer Frozen Desserts
- Use ripe, frozen fruit for best flavor and texture in sorbets and smoothies.
- If your mixture is too thick, add a splash of milk or plant-based milk before processing.
- For dairy-free options, coconut milk or almond milk work well as bases.
- Experiment with mix-ins like candy, brownie chunks, or fresh herbs for unique flavors.
- Clean the XL tubs and accessories easily with top-rack dishwasher safe parts.
Creative Summer Recipe Idea: Double Flavor Frozen Yogurt
Fill one tub with a berry sorbet base and the other with a chocolate banana mixture. Process both in your Ninja CREAMi XL, then add complementary mix-ins—like fresh berries to the berry sorbet and chocolate chips to the chocolate banana. Serve in bowls topped with extra fruit or nuts for a delightful summer dessert.
More Details on Our Top Picks
Ninja® CREAMi® XL 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker
The Ninja® CREAMi® XL is a versatile and easy-to-use ice cream maker that lets you craft a variety of frozen treats, including dairy-free options, perfect for summer family fun. Its family-sized capacity and customizable features make it a kitchen essential for hot weather indulgence.
Pros:
- Large 2-quart capacity for family servings
- Supports dairy-free and protein-packed recipes
- Quick transformation into smooth, creamy textures
Cons:
- Requires pre-freezing of tubs for at least 24 hours
- Some learning curve with new functions like Re-Spin
- Limited to using frozen bases for best results
Best for: Families wanting customizable, dairy-free summer treats
Not ideal for: Those seeking a traditional ice cream maker with no pre-freezing step
Bottom line: A versatile, family-sized ice cream maker perfect for creating personalized summer frozen treats.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publishing.
