When I have some ripe peaches or just craving a taste of summer, I reach for my Ninja Creami and whip up this Peach Date Caramel Ice Cream. This recipe captures that sweet-tart magic of fresh peaches and pairs it with the rich, caramel-like goodness of dates.
Let’s dive into how you can create this delicious homemade ice cream with your Ninja Creami, along with some tips and frequently asked questions to make your ice cream-making process a breeze.
What You Need
- Peaches (2 large or 3 small, peeled): Ripe peaches bring that sweet and slightly tart flavor that forms the base of our ice cream. They’re full of natural sugars, fiber, and vitamins, and we’re actually using them as our natural thickener.
- Medjool Dates (5 dates): These dates are the secret to the caramel flavor in your homemade ice cream. Medjool dates are naturally sweet and have a rich, caramel-like taste that adds depth and complexity without needing any refined sugar. They also help in thickening the ice cream mixture naturally.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): This is what makes the dates really taste like caramel. You can use vanilla powder instead of extract if you want.
- Non-Dairy Milk (1 cup, choose your favorite): The choice of milk here can slightly alter the flavor and texture of the ice cream. Soy milk has a creamier consistency, almond milk is lighter and has a subtle nutty flavor, while cashew milk is rich and buttery. Pick the one that suits your taste preference or dietary needs.
How to Make Ninja Creami Peach Date Caramel Ice Cream
Prep the Peaches
Start by peeling your fresh peaches. If they’re ripe peaches, the skins should come off easily, but if you’re having trouble, try blanching them. Just dip the peaches in boiling water for about a minute, then transfer them to ice water—the skins should slip off effortlessly. Slice the peaches and get ready to blend.
Blend the Ingredients
Now, here’s where the magic happens. Combine your sliced fresh peaches, medjool dates, vanilla extract, and non-dairy milk in a blender. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth. This helps make a more consistent ice cream and is easier on your Ninja Creami.
Be sure to taste your mixture and adjust, if needed. If yourpeaches aren’t as sweet as you’d like, feel free to add an extra date or two. Remember, the sweetness will be slightly muted once the ice cream is frozen, so adjust accordingly.
Freeze the Ninja Creami Pint
Once your mixture is blended to perfection, pour into your Ninja Creami pint. Pop the containers into the freezer and let them freeze solid—this usually takes around 24 hours.
Spin the Ice Cream
Scrape the top flat, then spin on light ice cream. Respin as needed, and/or add a little extra nondairy milk and respin if very powdery.
What Makes the Ninja Creami Different from Other Ice Cream Makers?
The Ninja Creami stands out because it allows you to create a wide variety of frozen treats—from classic ice creams to gelatos, sorbets, and even smoothie bowls.
Unlike a traditional ice cream maker, which requires you to churn the mixture as it freezes, the Ninja Creami processes already-frozen mixtures into a smooth, creamy texture using a unique spinning process. This makes it incredibly versatile and user-friendly.
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh Ones?
Yes, you can! If fresh peaches aren’t in season or you just want a more convenient option, frozen peaches work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them before blending to ensure a smooth mixture.
You can use canned or jarred peaches as well.
Can I Add Mix-Ins Like Chocolate Chips or Nuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with mix-ins. Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or something else you’d like.
Just spin one time, unless it’s super powdery, because when you use the mix in setting, your ice cream will soften a little more.
Click to get more Whole Food Plant Based Ninja Cremi Recipes.
Ninja Creami Date Caramel Peach Ice Cream
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 large peaches , about 1 1/4 cup
- 5 medjool dates , or 10 deglets
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup non-dairy milk
Instructions
Prepare the Peaches:
- Peel the peaches and cut them into slices. If the peaches are very ripe, the skins will come off easily. But you can leave the skins on if you want.
Blend the Ingredients:
- In a blender, combine the peach slices, medjool dates, vanilla extract, and non-dairy milk. Blend until smooth. You may need to scrape down the sides of the blender a few times to ensure everything is well blended.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Taste the blended mixture. If the peaches are not sweet enough, you may add more dates or a small amount of another sweetener of your choice.
Pour into Containers:
- Pour the mixture into freezer-safe containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top as the mixture will expand when it freezes.
Freeze:
- Place the containers in the freezer and let them freeze completely, which will take about 24 hours.
Process in the Ninja Creami:
- Once frozen, remove from the freezer. Spin on the light ice cream setting.
- If it’s still powdery, use the respin and add a few tablespoons of non-dairy milk if needed.
Suzanne says
In the narrative you say it takes 24 hours to freeze. In the recipe you say 4 – 6 hours. I’m assuming its 24 hours like most other creami instructions, right?
Kathy Hester says
Yes, 24 hours – lemme go fix that now!