Looking to make your Ninja Creami creations even better? These mix-ins take every pint from basic to unforgettable.
Whether you're just starting or have spun dozens of pints, adding the right mix-ins can totally change the experience. You don't need anything fancy to start. But these simple ideas can help you customize your treats fast. Trial and error taught me which mix-ins work best for texture and flavor.
Need a smoother spin or easier prep? Don't miss my Best Tools for Homemade Ice Cream guide!
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Best Mix-Ins for Creami Ice Cream Recipes
1. Crushed Cookies
Oreos, Biscoff, or chocolate chip cookies work perfectly. Crush them lightly so you get small, crunchy pieces. Mix them in after the first spin for best texture. Perfect for Cookies and Cream Ice Cream!
2. Chocolate Chips and Chunks
Mini chips or chopped chocolate bars mix in better than big chunks. Use dark, milk, or white chocolate depending on your base flavor. Great with Chocolate Ice Cream!
3. Fruit Chunks
Frozen strawberries, blueberries, mango, or bananas are great. Cut them small and stir in after spinning to keep fruit whole. Pairs well with Strawberry Sorbetto!
4. Nuts and Nut Butters
Chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts add a nice crunch. A swirl of peanut butter or almond butter makes it richer. Use roasted and unsalted nuts for best flavor. Try it with Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream!
5. Brownie or Cake Pieces
Soft baked brownies and pound cake chunks are awesome. Fold them gently into your pint after spinning. Perfect Coffee Ice Cream!
6. Candy Pieces
Chopped Reese's, M&M's, or caramel bits mix well. Smaller candies blend better and stay suspended in the base. Delicious in Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream!
7. Cereal Mix-Ins
Fruity Pebbles, Cocoa Puffs, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch work. Mix them lightly after spinning to keep their crunch.
8. Flavor Extracts
Vanilla, almond, peppermint, or coconut extract boosts flavor. Add a small amount before freezing your base. Boosts flavor in Vanilla Bean Ice Cream!
9. Cookie Dough Bites
Safe-to-eat cookie dough chunks are perfect. Add after spinning to avoid them getting lost in the mix. Best with Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream!
10. Swirls: Caramel, Fudge, Fruit Jam
Spoon in a ribbon of caramel, chocolate fudge, or jam. Swirl gently after spinning to create thick ribbons.
11. Sprinkles
Sprinkles add color, crunch, and instant fun to any pint. Mix them in lightly after spinning to keep the texture. Use classic rainbow, chocolate, or themed seasonal sprinkles. Ideal for Birthday Cake Ice Cream!
Mix-Ins for Creami Sorbet and Gelato Recipes
1. Fresh Herbs
Chop mint or basil very fine for fruit-based sorbets. Adds freshness without overpowering the fruit.
2. Citrus Zest
Lemon, lime, or orange zest wakes up fruity pints. Use a microplane to get fine zest without bitterness.
3. Coconut Flakes
Unsweetened coconut flakes are great with tropical sorbets. Toast lightly before mixing in for extra flavor. Delicious with Dole Whip!
4. Crushed Freeze-Dried Fruit
Freeze-dried raspberries, strawberries, or mango mix easily. They give flavor and crunch without watering down your pint. Perfect for Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream!
Mix-In Tips From My Kitchen
- Always add or fold mix-ins after the first spin, not before.
- Chop large mix-ins into smaller pieces for even mixing.
- After your final spin, dig a hole in the middle and add mix-ins.
- This helps your mix-ins blend all the way through.
- Pre-freeze wet mix-ins like caramel to hold their texture.
- Start with a small amount of mix-ins and add more if needed.
- If you re-spin leftovers with mix-ins, they might get crushed.
- To keep mix-ins chunky, add fresh ones and use the Mix-In function again.
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