Description
A creamy and refreshing Blueberry Ice Cream made with fresh blueberries, cream cheese, and vanilla bean paste, crafted using the Ninja Creami for a smooth, homemade frozen treat ready in just over 24 hours.
Ingredients
Blueberry Sauce
- 1 Cup Blueberries (Fresh)
- ¼ Cup Sugar
- ½ Teaspoon Lemon Juice
Ice Cream Base
- 1 Cup Milk
- ½ Cup Half and Half
- 1 Teaspoon Cream Cheese (Room Temperature; optionally ¼ teaspoon guar gum instead)
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste
Instructions
- Prepare the Blueberry Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the fresh blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the blueberries burst, creating a saucy consistency. This should take about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
- Make the Ice Cream Mixture: In a small blender, combine the milk, half and half, room temperature cream cheese (or guar gum), and vanilla bean paste. Blend until smooth and fully combined.
- Combine Blueberry Sauce and Ice Cream Base: Pour the cooled blueberry sauce into the blender with the ice cream base and blend briefly to mix everything together evenly.
- Freeze the Mixture: Pour the combined mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container. Place the container on a level surface in the freezer and freeze for 24 hours at a temperature between 9°F and -7°F. Freeze the container without the lid to avoid bumps on the surface.
- Process the Ice Cream: After freezing, remove the pint container from the freezer and insert it into the outer bowl of the Ninja Creami. Process the mixture using the “ICE CREAM” function according to the machine instructions.
- Adjust Texture if Needed: If the ice cream appears dry or crumbly after processing, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to the container and re-spin using the same function. Repeat as necessary until a smooth creamy texture is achieved.
- Enjoy: Remove the pint container from the Ninja Creami and serve your homemade blueberry ice cream immediately. Enjoy your refreshing treat!
Notes
- Using room temperature cream cheese helps it blend smoothly into the ice cream base.
- Guar gum can be used as a cream cheese substitute for a slightly different texture and to avoid dairy.
- Freezing on a level surface ensures even freezing and texture without bumps.
- The Ninja Creami is essential for processing and achieving the perfect ice cream texture; without it, texture may vary.
- Adjust sweetness by tasting the blueberry sauce before blending.
- For a dairy-free version, consider substituting milk and half-and-half with plant-based alternatives and omit cream cheese or use a vegan thickener.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American