How to Make Coffee Ice Cream in the Ninja Creami (Easy & Delicious)

Posted on April 20, 2025

Step-by-step process of making coffee ice cream with the Ninja Creami, from grinding coffee beans to churning the mixture into ice cream.

INTRODUCTION:

There’s nothing better than indulging in a creamy, dreamy bowl of coffee ice cream, especially when it’s made with your very own hands. If you’re a fan of iced coffee and enjoy a good ice cream treat, the Ninja Creami is the perfect appliance to bring these two worlds together. In this blog post, we’re going to show you just how easy it is to make coffee ice cream at home using the Ninja Creami. With a rich coffee flavor and creamy texture, this treat will be your new favorite summer delight. Let’s dive into how to make coffee ice cream that’s sure to impress!


Scoop of homemade coffee ice cream in a bowl with coffee beans, Ninja Creami machine on a clean countertop, and fresh brewed coffee nearby.

1. Why Make Coffee Ice Cream at Home?

1.1 The Benefits of Homemade Ice Cream

Making your own ice cream at home offers a wide range of benefits, from control over ingredients to the satisfaction of crafting a delicious treat yourself. Homemade ice cream lets you avoid the artificial additives and preservatives that are often found in store-bought varieties. You can adjust the sweetness and flavor to your personal taste, ensuring a truly customized dessert.

1.2 Why Use the Ninja Creami?

The Ninja Creami is an excellent tool for anyone looking to make ice cream at home with minimal effort. With its powerful motor and innovative technology, it can transform almost any frozen base into creamy, scoopable ice cream. Whether you’re a seasoned ice cream maker or a beginner, the Ninja Creami ensures a smooth and delicious result every time.

1.3 Perfect for Coffee Lovers

Coffee ice cream is a classic treat that combines the rich, bold flavors of coffee with the smooth, creamy texture of ice cream. If you’re a coffee lover, this dessert is a match made in heaven. The Ninja Creami makes it easy to recreate the complex flavors of your favorite coffee drinks in frozen form.

1.4 The Appeal of Coffee Ice Cream

Coffee ice cream is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the taste of coffee but wants to enjoy it in a different way. Whether you enjoy it on its own, as a topping for brownies, or as an accompaniment to a cup of iced coffee, coffee ice cream offers a satisfying and refreshing twist on the classic flavor.


Flat lay of coffee ice cream ingredients including freshly brewed coffee, heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and vanilla extract, with coffee beans and ground coffee in the corner.

2. Essential Ingredients for Coffee Ice Cream

2.1 Coffee Base: The Key Ingredient

The key to making great coffee ice cream is a rich and flavorful coffee base. You can use brewed coffee, cold brew, or even espresso for a more intense flavor. Be sure to choose a coffee that you love, as it will significantly impact the taste of your ice cream.

  • Brewed Coffee: Use strong coffee for a more pronounced flavor.
  • Cold Brew: If you prefer a smoother, less acidic flavor, cold brew is a great option.
  • Espresso: For a deep, bold coffee flavor, espresso shots are ideal.

2.2 Dairy or Dairy-Free Options

For the creamy texture that coffee ice cream is known for, you’ll need a dairy or dairy-free base. Heavy cream is the most common choice, but you can use alternatives like coconut cream or almond milk if you prefer a non-dairy version.

  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and a smooth texture.
  • Whole Milk: If you want a lighter option, whole milk is a great choice.
  • Coconut Milk/Cream: Ideal for a dairy-free option with a slight coconut flavor.

2.3 Sweeteners: Balancing the Flavor

To sweeten your coffee ice cream, you’ll need a sweetener that complements the bitterness of the coffee. Granulated sugar is a classic option, but you can also use brown sugar for a richer, caramelized flavor, or even maple syrup for a more natural touch.

  • Granulated Sugar: For a classic, balanced sweetness.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds depth and richness.
  • Maple Syrup: Perfect for a natural sweetness with a hint of maple flavor.

2.4 Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add various mix-ins to elevate your coffee ice cream. Some popular add-ins include chocolate chips, toffee bits, or crushed nuts for a bit of crunch and extra flavor.

  • Chocolate Chips: For a mocha-like twist.
  • Toffee Bits: Adds a buttery sweetness.
  • Nuts (Almonds, Walnuts, etc.): For a crunchy contrast.

Step-by-step guide to making coffee ice cream in the Ninja Creami, including grinding coffee beans, pouring brewed coffee, adding cream and sugar, churning, and scooping the finished ice cream.

3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Coffee Ice Cream in the Ninja Creami

3.1 Prepare the Coffee Base

  1. Brew your coffee or espresso. Use 1–2 cups of strong coffee, depending on how coffee-forward you want your ice cream.
  2. Allow the coffee to cool completely. For quicker cooling, place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
  3. Once cooled, measure out 1 cup of coffee for your ice cream base.

3.2 Mix the Ingredients

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of cooled coffee, 1 cup of heavy cream (or dairy-free cream), and 1/2 cup of whole milk (or dairy-free alternative).
  2. Add 3/4 cup of granulated sugar (or your preferred sweetener) and mix until fully dissolved.
  3. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavor.

3.3 Freeze the Mixture

  1. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and place it in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until it is completely frozen. You need the base to be solid for the Ninja Creami to turn it into ice cream.

3.4 Use the Ninja Creami to Make Ice Cream

  1. Once the base is frozen, remove it from the freezer and place the frozen block into the Ninja Creami bowl.
  2. Attach the bowl to the Ninja Creami and set it to the “Ice Cream” setting.
  3. After the process is complete, check the texture. If it’s too soft, run the Ninja Creami on the “Re-spin” setting to get a creamier consistency.

3.5 Serve and Enjoy

  1. Once the ice cream reaches your desired consistency, scoop it into bowls or cones.
  2. Garnish with chocolate chips, nuts, or a drizzle of caramel sauce if desired.
  3. Enjoy immediately, or store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer.

A collection of creative coffee ice cream variations made using the Ninja Creami, including caramel swirl, chocolate chip mocha, and cinnamon-espresso flavors, each garnished with unique toppings.

4. Creative Variations to Try

4.1 Mocha Coffee Ice Cream

For a mocha twist, add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder or melted chocolate to your coffee base before freezing. This will give your coffee ice cream a chocolatey richness that pairs perfectly with the coffee flavor.

4.2 Coffee Caramel Swirl Ice Cream

Add a swirl of caramel sauce to your coffee ice cream after it’s finished churning in the Ninja Creami. The creamy caramel will mix with the coffee ice cream, creating a sweet and decadent dessert.

4.3 Coffee Nut Ice Cream

For a crunchy texture, add crushed nuts such as almonds or walnuts to your coffee ice cream base. These nuts add a satisfying contrast to the creamy texture, as well as a bit of extra flavor.

4.4 Dairy-Free Coffee Ice Cream

To make a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream and milk with coconut cream and coconut milk. The coconut will lend a slight tropical flavor to the coffee ice cream, making it a fun and unique variation.


A bowl of homemade coffee ice cream topped with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and coffee beans, with the Ninja Creami machine nearby on a cozy kitchen counter.

5. Why You’ll Love Making Coffee Ice Cream at Home

5.1 Convenience and Customization

Making coffee ice cream at home with the Ninja Creami is not only convenient but also highly customizable. You can adjust the sweetness, coffee strength, and texture to suit your tastes. Plus, you don’t need any fancy equipment or ingredients, just a few simple supplies and the Ninja Creami.

5.2 Perfect for Coffee Lovers and Dessert Fans

If you love coffee, ice cream, or both, this recipe is a game-changer. It’s the perfect treat to enjoy on a hot summer day, after dinner, or anytime you’re craving a creamy dessert with a caffeine kick.

5.3 Healthier than Store-Bought Options

Homemade coffee ice cream gives you control over the ingredients, so you can make a version that’s healthier and free from artificial additives. Whether you’re using less sugar, swapping dairy for a plant-based option, or adding your own mix-ins, homemade ice cream is a treat you can feel good about.


CONCLUSION:

Making coffee ice cream in the Ninja Creami is a simple, fun, and rewarding process that brings together the best of coffee and dessert. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or just someone who enjoys a sweet, creamy treat, this recipe is a must-try. With minimal effort and just a few ingredients, you can enjoy a rich, delicious homemade dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

👉 Check out more iced coffee-inspired recipes here to keep the coffee love going!

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