Summer is the perfect time to beat the heat with homemade frozen treats. The Ninja® CREAMi® XL 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker makes it easy to craft everything from classic ice cream to dairy-free sorbet, all in the comfort of your home.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or enjoying a lazy afternoon, this versatile machine lets you customize flavors and ingredients for everyone’s taste buds. Here’s how to make your own delicious summer frozen dessert using the Ninja CREAMi XL.
Our top pick at a glance
Ninja® CREAMi® XL 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker
- ✔ Size: Navy, compact design
- ✔ Weight: Lightweight for easy handling
- ✔ Warranty: Check manufacturer details for warranty info
Ninja Creami XL 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker with XL Capacity, NC601
- Versatile Ice Cream Maker: Makes ice cream, sorbet, gelato, and more
- Dairy-Free & Smoothie Options: Includes dairy-free, smoothie bowl, and CreamiFit programs
- Large Family Capacity: Two 24-oz tubs for bigger batches
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Preparing Your Base for the Perfect Summer Treat
Start by choosing your base — traditional dairy, dairy-free, or even a protein-packed option. For a creamy vanilla ice cream, mix your milk or dairy substitute with sugar and vanilla extract, then pour into one of the 24-oz tubs.
For fruit sorbet, blend fresh or frozen fruit with a sweetener and enough liquid (water or juice) to reach your desired consistency. Freeze the mixture in the provided tubs for at least 24 hours before processing.
Using the Ninja CREAMi XL to Make Ice Cream & Sorbet
- Remove your frozen base from the freezer and place the tub into the CREAMi® processing bowl.
- Choose the appropriate program — Ice Cream, Sorbet, or Dairy-Free — and start the cycle.
- The CREAMi®’s advanced technology transforms your frozen mixture into a smooth, creamy treat in minutes.
For added flavor, mix in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or fruit chunks during the process or after for a personalized touch. Use the Re-Spin function to achieve an even creamier texture if needed.
Tips for Customizing Your Summer Frozen Desserts
- Use the Mix-In feature to add ingredients like candy, brownie chunks, or fresh fruit during processing for a layered flavor experience.
- Prepare two different flavors in one tub using the dual-processing feature—perfect for pleasing diverse tastes at your summer gathering.
- Don’t forget to clean the XL tubs and lids in the dishwasher for easy cleanup after your treat-making session.
Experiment with dairy-free bases or low-sugar options to cater to dietary needs, and enjoy creating unique summer flavors that everyone will love.
More Details on Our Top Picks
Ninja® CREAMi® XL 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker
The Ninja® CREAMi® XL makes creating smooth, creamy ice cream and sorbet at home effortless and customizable. Its family-sized capacity and versatile functions make it perfect for summer fun.
Pros:
- Family-sized 24 oz tubs for plenty of treats
- Dairy-free and smoothie bowl options available
- Customizable flavors and mix-ins
Cons:
- Takes at least 24 hours to freeze bases before processing
- Some cleanup required after use
- Processing time may vary depending on recipe
Best for: Families and home cooks wanting fresh, personalized frozen desserts
Not ideal for: People seeking quick, no-prep frozen treats or small batch sizes
Bottom line: A versatile and fun way to make homemade summer frozen treats for the whole family.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publishing.
