Ninja Creami Cherry Almond Ice Cream: A Sweet and Nutty Delight!

Ninja Creami Cherry Almond Ice Cream is a decadent and creamy treat that perfectly blends the tartness of cherries with the crunch of roasted almonds.

The smooth texture of this ice cream, enhanced by the Ninja Creami, brings out the natural sweetness of the cherries and the delightful nutty flavor of almonds in every bite.

Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering, enjoying a quiet evening, or just craving a homemade dessert, this ice cream will surely satisfy your sweet tooth.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, and with the Ninja Creami, you can achieve that soft-serve texture at home, without the need for an ice cream machine.

Ingredients Needed for Ninja Creami Cherry Almond Ice Cream

To create this delicious cherry almond ice cream, you’ll need a few simple yet high-quality ingredients that work together to bring out the best flavors.

Fresh Cherries

Fresh, ripe cherries are the star of this ice cream.

The natural sweetness of the cherries pairs beautifully with the creamy base, adding a burst of fruity flavor in every spoonful.

If cherries are out of season, you can use frozen cherries as a substitute, but fresh ones are always the best choice for flavor and texture.

Almonds

Almonds provide a satisfying crunch and a nutty depth of flavor that complements the sweet cherries. You can use either sliced or chopped almonds, depending on how much crunch you want in your ice cream. Toasting the almonds beforehand will also bring out a deeper, more aromatic flavor.

Heavy Cream and Milk

Heavy cream and milk combine to create the luxurious, creamy texture that makes this ice cream so indulgent.

The richness of the heavy cream is balanced with the lighter milk, making it the perfect base for the cherry and almond flavors to shine.

Sweetener of Your Choice

To sweeten the ice cream, you can use your preferred sweetener.

Classic sugar, honey, maple syrup, or even a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit can all work.

Choose based on your personal preference or dietary needs.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract adds a subtle warmth to the flavor profile and enhances the overall taste of the ice cream.

It’s a perfect complement to both the cherries and almonds.

Salt

A pinch of salt may seem like a small addition, but it helps balance the sweetness and bring out the full depth of the flavors.

Equipment You’ll Need

To make this cherry almond ice cream, there are a few key pieces of equipment that will make the process smoother and ensure you get the perfect result.

Ninja Creami Machine

The Ninja Creami is the essential tool for this recipe.

This powerful machine is designed to create ultra-smooth ice cream by breaking down the frozen base into a creamy, soft-serve texture.

It’s easy to use and perfect for small batches, allowing you to enjoy fresh homemade ice cream anytime.

Mixing Bowls

You’ll need a couple of mixing bowls to combine your ingredients before freezing them.

One bowl for mixing the cream, milk, and sweeteners, and another for the cherries and almonds.

Freezer-safe Containers

Once your ice cream base is ready, it needs to be frozen for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Make sure to use freezer-safe containers that fit well in your freezer and can hold the mixture until it’s completely frozen.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients and equipment ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making Ninja Creami Cherry Almond Ice Cream.

Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Almond Base

Begin by chopping or mashing the fresh cherries.

If you prefer a smoother texture, mash them slightly, but if you enjoy bits of fruit in your ice cream, simply chop them into small pieces.

Add the chopped almonds to the cherries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout.

In a separate bowl, combine the heavy cream, milk, sweetener of choice, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until fully mixed.

Add the cherry and almond mixture to the creamy base and gently fold it in.

The mixture should be well combined, but take care not to break up the cherries too much.

Step 2: Freeze the Mixture

Once your cherry almond base is ready, pour it into a freezer-safe container. Spread it evenly to ensure that the mixture freezes uniformly.

Place the container in the freezer and allow it to freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.

The mixture needs to be completely frozen before you use the Ninja Creami to process it.

Step 3: Process in Ninja Creami

After the mixture has frozen, take it out of the freezer and allow it to thaw for a few minutes, just enough to make it easier to scoop into the Ninja Creami.

Place the frozen mixture into the Ninja Creami bowl and process according to the machine’s instructions.

The Ninja Creami will break down the frozen ice cream base into a creamy, smooth texture.

Step 4: Add Final Touches

Once the ice cream has been processed, you can stir in extra chopped almonds or even whole cherries for added texture.

If you’d like a bit of extra sweetness or a stronger cherry flavor, feel free to add more cherries at this stage.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Your Ninja Creami Cherry Almond Ice Cream is ready to be served!

You can enjoy it as a soft-serve immediately after processing or return it to the freezer for a firmer consistency.

Garnish with extra almonds or cherries if desired, and indulge in this creamy, refreshing dessert.

Tips for the Perfect Ninja Creami Cherry Almond Ice Cream

To ensure you create the best possible Ninja Creami Cherry Almond Ice Cream, here are some helpful tips to elevate the flavor and texture:

Use Fresh Cherries for Maximum Flavor

Fresh, in-season cherries are ideal for this recipe.

Their vibrant flavor and natural sweetness will make the ice cream taste even more delicious.

However, if fresh cherries aren’t available, frozen cherries are a good alternative, though they may slightly alter the texture.

Toast the Almonds for Extra Flavor

To add depth to the almond flavor, consider lightly toasting the almonds before adding them to the ice cream mixture.

Toasting brings out a richer, nuttier taste and adds an extra layer of complexity to your ice cream.

Adjust the Sweetness

Depending on the variety of cherries you use, you may want to adjust the amount of sweetener.

If your cherries are on the tart side, feel free to add a bit more honey, maple syrup, or sugar to balance the flavors.

Always taste the base before freezing to ensure it’s the right level of sweetness.

Freeze the Mixture Properly

For the best results, make sure the ice cream base is frozen solid before processing in the Ninja Creami.

If the base is too soft, it may not process into that smooth, creamy texture you’re looking for.

Add Texture After Processing

If you prefer a bit of extra crunch or fruit chunks in your ice cream, add more chopped almonds or cherries after the processing stage.

This will ensure they stay intact and provide added texture in every bite.

How to Store Ninja Creami Cherry Almond Ice Cream

Proper storage is key to maintaining the perfect texture and flavor of your homemade ice cream.

Here’s how you can store it:

In the Freezer

After enjoying your fresh batch of Ninja Creami Cherry Almond Ice Cream, store any leftovers in an airtight container.

Make sure the container is freezer-safe to prevent freezer burn and maintain the ice cream’s creamy texture.

It’s best consumed within 1-2 weeks for optimal freshness, though it can last up to a month if stored properly.

Prevent Ice Crystals

To keep the ice cream smooth, place a piece of parchment paper directly on the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container.

This helps prevent ice crystals from forming, ensuring a creamy texture when you’re ready to serve again.

Re-processing in the Ninja Creami

If your ice cream becomes a bit too hard after freezing, you can reprocess it in the Ninja Creami.

This will bring it back to that soft, creamy consistency without having to let it thaw completely.

Conclusion

Ninja Creami Cherry Almond Ice Cream is a delightful homemade dessert that combines the best of both worlds: the sweetness of cherries and the crunch of toasted almonds.

The Ninja Creami makes it easier than ever to create rich, creamy ice cream with minimal effort.

Whether you’re enjoying it as a refreshing summer treat or serving it for special occasions, this ice cream will surely be a hit.

With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can enjoy a gourmet dessert right at home.

So, grab your Ninja Creami and indulge in the perfect combination of fruity sweetness and nutty goodness!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh cherries?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries if fresh ones aren’t available. However, frozen cherries may slightly affect the texture of the ice cream.

Be sure to thaw them before using them in the recipe for better results.

2. Can I make Ninja Creami Cherry Almond Ice Cream dairy-free?

Absolutely! To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or almond milk.

You can also try using a dairy-free cream alternative to maintain the creamy texture.

3. How can I make this ice cream sugar-free?

To make this ice cream sugar-free, you can use a sugar substitute such as stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol.

Just keep in mind that the sweetness levels may vary, so adjust according to your taste.

4. Can I add other fruits to the ice cream?

Yes, you can experiment with other fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries.

Just make sure to adjust the sweetness depending on the fruit’s tartness and process them the same way you did the cherries.

5. How do I prevent my ice cream from becoming too hard in the freezer?

To prevent the ice cream from becoming too hard in the freezer, store it in an airtight container and place a layer of parchment paper over the surface before sealing it.

This helps maintain the creamy texture and prevents ice crystals from forming.