Summer is the perfect time to indulge in cool, homemade ice cream and frozen treats. With the Ninja® CREAMi® XL, you can create a variety of delicious frozen desserts tailored to everyone’s tastes, right in your own kitchen.
This versatile ice cream maker makes it easy to turn almost anything into a creamy treat—whether you prefer classic ice cream, dairy-free sorbet, or smoothie bowls. Let’s walk through a simple, step-by-step recipe to keep your summer refreshment game on point.
Our top pick at a glance

Ninja® CREAMi® XL 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker
- ✔ Dimensions: Varies by model
- ✔ Weight: Not specified
- ✔ Power: Not specified
Preparing Your Base
Start by choosing your preferred base — it could be traditional ice cream, a dairy-free alternative, or even a protein-packed mix. For a classic vanilla ice cream, blend your ingredients and pour into one of the XL tubs provided with the Ninja® CREAMi® XL. Remember, you can also process one tub with two different flavors or mix-ins for variety.
Freeze the base for at least 24 hours to ensure it’s properly frozen and ready for processing.
Processing with the Ninja® CREAMi® XL
Once your base is frozen solid, place the tub into the Ninja® CREAMi® XL and select your desired program. For a creamy, scoopable texture, opt for the CreamiFit™ or traditional ice cream setting. The device’s advanced Creamify technology transforms your frozen mixture into smooth, velvety ice cream in just minutes.
If you want an even creamier result, hit the Re-Spin button after processing to refine the texture to your liking.
Adding Mix-Ins and Flavors
Before processing, consider adding mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped fruit, or nuts. You can process one flavor with mix-ins in one tub and keep another pure for a different preference. Use the processing cycle, then mix in your additions manually before the final spin.
For a layered effect, process two different flavors in the same tub, then combine or serve separately to wow your family and guests.
Tips for Perfect Summer Treats
- Use the XL tubs for larger batches, perfect for family gatherings or summer parties.
- Make dairy-free options by using your favorite plant-based milk or yogurt in the base.
- Experiment with textures by processing twice or adding mix-ins after the initial cycle.
- Clean the XL tubs and lids easily—they’re top-rack dishwasher safe.
- Get creative with flavors—try adding fresh fruit, candy, or brownie chunks for a personalized touch.
More Details on Our Top Picks
Ninja® CREAMi® XL 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker

The Ninja® CREAMi® XL makes it simple and fun to craft personalized, creamy frozen desserts for the entire family. Its versatile functions and large capacity are perfect for summer gatherings.
Pros:
- Large family-sized capacity
- Versatile with dairy-free and smoothie bowl options
- Easy to clean and operate
- Creates smooth, creamy textures
Cons:
- Requires at least 24 hours freeze time
- May be bulky for small kitchens
- Dependent on pre-frozen bases
Best for: Families wanting customizable frozen treats at home
Not ideal for: Those looking for quick, no-prep desserts or small batch options
Bottom line: A versatile, family-friendly ice cream maker that elevates summer dessert-making.
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