Your search for dairy-free ice cream is over! This Ninja Creami dairy-free vanilla ice cream is the creamist texture I’ve ever had, my entire family LOVED it! The recipe is super simple to make in your Ninja Creami machine.
NINJA CREAMI DAIRY FREE VANILLA ICE CREAM
Are you dairy free and tired of ice cream that isn’t creamy? You’re going to LOVE the creamy texture of this Ninja Creami dairy free vanilla ice cream.
It’s super easy to make in your Ninja Creami ice cream maker, and is 100% THE creamiest dairy-free ice cream I’ve ever had. In fact, it’s creamier than many regular ice creams I’ve eaten!
Keep on reading for the recipe and pro tips, and be sure to check out my Ninja Creami orange julius protein ice cream (dairy free subs are listed). This recipe quickly moved to the #1 spot on my blog a few weeks ago and is a huge hit amongst the Ninja Creami community!
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Table of contents
Looking for more Ninja Creami recipes? Try my Ninja Creami Orange Julius Protein Ice Cream or Ninja Creami Chunky Monkey Ice Cream (Ben and Jerry’s copycat!)
INGREDIENTS IN NINJA CREAMI DAIRY FREE VANILLA ICE CREAM
You only need three basic ingredients plus water to make the creamiest dairy-free ice cream you’ve ever put in your mouth.
Essentially, you’ll be making a homemade cashew cream, then adding sugar and vanilla. You won’t need any instant pudding mix, protein powder, vegan cream cheese, or other crazy ingredients.
Here’s what you’ll need for this super easy recipe:
***There is a printable recipe at the bottom of this post.
1 cup (130 grams) unsalted, raw cashews
Raw cashews blend creamier than roasted cashews. You’ll want to look for unsalted, raw cashews.
Sometimes Costco or Sam’s Club will have a big container on the cheap, but you can also buy online or find in other stores.
I have not tried using other nuts, so I would recommend sticking with cashews.
1 1/2 cups water
Water + cashews = cashew cream! I’ve had great success using cashew cream as a substitute for heavy cream in lots of recipes so I was excited to create a creamy vanilla ice cream with it.
I’ve upped the water a bit to make more of a half and half consistency, which behaves just the same as its dairy counterpart.
You’ll also need some piping hot, boiling water to soak the cashews. You can also use room temperature water and soak overnight.
⅓ cup granulated sugar
Just plain white sugar to sweeten things up a bit.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For that classic vanilla flavor!
HOW TO MAKE DAIRY FREE ICE CREAM IN THE NINJA CREAMI
This homemade ice cream recipe does require a Ninja Creami ice cream machine, I haven’t tried it using a regular ice cream maker or any other method.
While the dairy free vanilla ice cream mixes in mere minutes (2-3), you’ll need to allow time for the cashews to soak, and also for the ice cream base to freeze overnight or for at least 8-10 hours.
There is a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1: soak cashews
Measure raw cashews into a large glass measuring cup or medium bowl. Heat about 3 cups of water to boiling, then pour over the cashews.
Let cashews soak for 1 hour, then drain and rinse.
FYI soaking the cashews softens them to make a creamier milk!
Step 2: make dairy free vanilla ice cream base
Add drained, rinse cashews to jar of a blender. Add 1 1/2 cups water, sugar, and vanilla and blend on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: freeze overnight
Pour ice cream base into a Ninja Creami container, but be sure it doesn’t go past the max fill line. There might be a bit left over.
Top with a lid, label, and freeze overnight or for at least 8 hours.
CREAMI PREP TIP: Removing the jar from the freezer 5-10 minutes before processing can help you avoid the need for a re-spin.
Step 4: serve
When you’re ready to enjoy some vegan ice cream, remove the lid from the Ninja Creami pint container, place bowl assembly into the machine and twist until it clicks.
Use the lite ice cream function to process.
If the ice cream is a bit crumbly on top, just add a splash of dairy-free milk and use the re-spin function.
Feel free to add any of your favorite mix-ins such as chocolate chips or gluten-free Oreos, or top with fresh fruit and dairy-free whipped cream.
We drizzled a little olive oil over the top and sprinkled with flaky salt…it was incredible and I highly recommend it!
HOW TO STORE LEFTOVERS
On the off-chance that you don’t eat every last spoonful of Ninja Creami dairy free vanilla ice cream, you can smooth it into an even layer and place back in the freezer. Process the same way as you normally would.
MORE DAIRY FREE RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE
Panera Bread 10 Vegetable Soup Recipe
Gluten Free Dinner Rolls (dairy free option)
Viral 4-Ingredient Gluten Free Biscuits Recipe (dairy free option)
Chocolate Brownie Protein Balls
No Fail Gluten Free Gravy Recipe
Soft and Easy Gluten Free Breadsticks (dairy free option)
Super Soft and Fluffy Gluten Free Bread Recipe
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use something besides cashews?
I have had great success with cashew cream so I haven’t tried this recipe with any other ingredient.
Some dairy-free Ninja Creami recipes call for unsweetened coconut cream and you could definitely try that if you want, just know I haven’t tested it and have had great success using cashews.
While I recommend full-fat, unsweetened oat milk as a substitute for whole milk in my other Creami recipes, it won’t work well in this one.
Can I make a single serving of Ninja Creami dairy free vanilla ice cream?
You can! Just use 1/2 cup (65 grams) cashews, 3/4 cup water, 3 tablespoons sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.
Can you store leftover Ninja Creami?
Yes, you can store leftover Ninja Creami ice creams. smooth out the top so it is even, then top with the lid and pop back in the freezer. Process as normal. I find that leftovers that are banana based don’t re-spin quite as well.
My ice cream isn’t smooth after the first spin, how do I fix that?
Next time, try removing the pint container from the freezer 5-10 minutes before processing. You can also add a splash of dairy-free milk and use the re-spin option.
I don’t have a Ninja Creami, can I use a traditional ice cream maker?
The Ninja Creami really does make the texture super creamy. I haven’t tried using a traditional ice cream machine or any other method with this recipe, but if you do please let me know!
Can I add vanilla protein powder to this recipe?
I love adding protein powder to my Ninja Creami recipes, it makes the texture SO good! Feel free to add 1 scoop of your favorite dairy-free vanilla protein powder to this recipe if you would like to up the protein content. Keep in mind that the flavor will come through, so make sure it’s one you like.
Making this recipe? Please leave a star rating! I love hearing from my readers and your reviews help more people find gluten-free recipes that actually taste good.
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NINJA CREAMI DAIRY FREE VANILLA ICE CREAM RECIPE
This is the mother of all dairy-free ice creams, I am so excited for you to try it! With just a few simple ingredients, this is a delicious ice cream you’ll want to make again and again.
Ninja Creami Dairy Free Vanilla Ice Cream
Your search for dairy-free ice cream is over! This Ninja Creami dairy-free vanilla ice cream is the creamist texture I've ever had, my entire family LOVED it! The recipe is super simple to make in your Ninja Creami machine.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (130 grams) unsalted, raw cashews
- 1 ½ cups water + additional for soaking
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Measure raw cashews into a medium, heat-safe bowl or measuring cup.
- Boil 3 cups water and pour over cashews. Let the cashews soak for 1 hour.
- After an hour, drain cashews in a colander and rinse them briefly.
- Add soaked, drained cashews to the jar of a high-powered blender and add 1 1/2 cups water, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about a minute.
- Pour ice cream base into a Ninja Creami pint container, keeping it below the max fill line (there might be a little left over).
- Top the pint container with its accompanying lid, and freeze the ice cream mixture overnight or for at least 8 hours.
- When you're ready for ice cream, fit the pint container into the NInja Creami base and twist the lid until it clicks.
- Process on the "ice cream" setting.
- If the mixture is crumbly, add a splash of non-dairy milk and use the re-spin function.
- This NInja Creami dairy free vanilla ice cream is SO creamy and delightful on its own, but you can also add your favorite mix-ins such as vegan chocolate chips, gluten-free cookies, or fresh fruit. If you haven't tried topping your vanilla ice cream with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkling of flaky salt, you're missing out! It's surprisingly delicious!
Notes
TIPS
- Use unsalted, raw cashews for the best flavor and texture. You can find these online, or in some grocery stores.
- If you don't have a blender, an immersion blender should work.
- I purchased additional Ninja Creami pints so I have plenty of ice cream on hand in my freezer 🙂
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Ninja NC301 CREAMi Ice Cream Maker -
Ninja Creami Pints 4 Pack BPA-Free & Dishwasher Safe -
Raw Whole Unsalted Cashews 48oz (3 lb) 100% Natural | No Chemicals | Batch Tested Gluten & Peanut Free | Non-GMO | Keto and Paleo Diet Friendly -
Spring Chef Ice Cream Scoop with Comfortable Handle, Black -
Greenco Set of 12 Vibrant Colors Ice Cream Bowls and Spoons
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 3 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 142Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 6mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 0gSugar: 23gProtein: 2g