Italian Ice. It’s one of those desserts that hits just right—smooth, icy, and bursting with fruity flavor. Think of it as the perfect middle ground between sorbet and shaved ice. Originally from Italy, this frozen treat has earned fans all over the world thanks to its simplicity. No dairy, no fuss—just fruit juice, water, and a touch of sugar.
But here’s the twist: using the Ninja Creami, we’re taking this classic to the next level. It’s faster, easier, and still gives you that incredible texture you love. Craving something refreshing for a hot summer day—or just a light, fruity dessert? This recipe’s got you covered.
What to Expect
Here’s a quick look at what you’re getting into:
- Prep time: 5 minutes (easy, right?).
- Freezing time: 24 hours (yep, patience is part of the recipe).
- Processing time: Just 2–3 minutes in the Ninja Creami.
- Total: About 24 hours and 8 minutes, but most of that’s hands-off.
- Servings: Makes one pint (16 ounces). Want more? If you’ve got the Ninja Creami Deluxe (24-ounce version), just multiply the ingredients by 1.5.
- Difficulty: Beginner-friendly. No special skills required.
Gear You’ll Need:
- A Ninja Creami (any model works—original or Deluxe).
- A Ninja Creami pint container (it comes with the machine).
- And maybe a whisk or spoon if you want to mix things up.
No Ninja Creami? No worries! You can freeze your mixture in ice cube trays and blend it in a high-speed blender. The texture won’t be as creamy, but it’ll still taste amazing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s your simple shopping list:
- 16 ounces of lemonade (store-bought or homemade—the key is that it contains sugar).
Optional extras:
- Add sweetener if you like it sweeter.
- Want a richer texture? Toss in a splash of cream or milk.
Pro Tips and Swaps:
- No lemonade? Use any fruit juice—orange, watermelon, you name it. Just make sure it has sugar, or it won’t freeze properly.
- Going sugar-free? Use lemonade with natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit.
- Homemade lemonade fan? Make sure it’s smooth—no pulp, no seeds.
Let’s Get Cooking
Ready? Let’s break it down step by step.
1. Prep Your Base
Pour 16 ounces of lemonade into your Ninja Creami pint container. Want it sweeter? Stir in extra sugar or a sweetener until it’s dissolved. If you’re in the mood for something creamier, add a splash of milk or cream.
Quick tip: No grainy sugar bits! Make sure everything’s smooth before moving on.
2. Freeze It
Pop the lid on your pint container and freeze it flat for at least 24 hours. This part’s important—don’t rush it!
Pro Tip: Keep the container level in the freezer to avoid weird textures.
3. Time to Creami-fy
Take your frozen pint out of the freezer. Remove the lid, place the container in your Ninja Creami bowl, and lock it into the machine. Select the “SORBET” setting (or “ITALIAN ICE” on the Deluxe model). Hit start. In about 2 minutes, your Italian Ice will go from rock-solid to smooth and dreamy.
What to Look For: It should be smooth and scoopable. If it’s still a little icy…
4. Re-spin If Needed
No big deal—just put the pint back into the machine and press “RE-SPIN.” Keep going until it’s just right. Pro tip? Re-spinning is a must for recipes without cream or fat.
5. Scoop and Enjoy
That’s it! Grab a spoon and dig in straight from the container or scoop it into a bowl. Either way, it’s refreshingly good.
Want to Switch It Up?
Here are some fun ways to make this recipe your own:
- Try different juices. Orange juice, pineapple juice, watermelon juice—the options are endless.
- Boost the flavor. Add lemon zest, fresh mint, or even a handful of fruit chunks before freezing.
- Seasonal vibes. Use berries in summer, pomegranate in winter—whatever’s in season.
Serving & Storing
- Serving Ideas: Serve your Italian Ice in chilled bowls for an extra-refreshing touch. Garnish with mint leaves, lemon slices, or even edible flowers if you’re feeling fancy.
- Storage Tips: Got leftovers? Cover the pint tightly and freeze for up to a week. When you’re ready to eat, re-spin it in the Ninja Creami to bring back that soft texture.
- Quick Tip: If it’s rock-hard from the freezer, let it sit on the counter for 5–10 minutes before re-spinning.
And there you have it—homemade Italian Ice that’s ridiculously easy and seriously refreshing! Whether you’re enjoying it poolside, serving it at a BBQ, or just treating yourself after a long day, it’s guaranteed to hit the spot.
Ready to give it a try? Let the Ninja Creami work its magic, and enjoy every scoop!
PrintNinja Creami Italian Ice
Italian Ice is a light, fruity treat that’s perfect for hot days! With just lemonade, water, and sugar, this dairy-free dessert is smooth, icy, and easy to make at home using the Ninja Creami.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes (active)
- Cook Time: N/A
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 2 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 16 oz lemonade (store-bought or homemade, must contain sugar)
Optional:
- Sweetener (if lemonade is too tart)
- Milk or cream (for a creamier texture)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Base:
- Pour lemonade into the Ninja Creami pint container.
- Adjust sweetness if needed by stirring in sugar or sweetener.
- For added richness, mix in a splash of milk or cream.
2. Freeze:
- Seal the container with its lid.
- Place it flat in the freezer for at least 24 hours.
3. Process:
- Remove the frozen pint from the freezer and take off the lid.
- Insert it into the Ninja Creami outer bowl, lock it into the machine, and select “SORBET” (or “ITALIAN ICE” if using the Deluxe model).
- Let the machine do its magic—processing takes about 2 minutes.
4. Adjust Texture:
- If the mixture is icy or grainy, re-spin it. Just put the pint container back in the machine and press “RE-SPIN.” Repeat until smooth.
5. Serve & Enjoy:
- Scoop into bowls or enjoy straight from the container. Serve immediately for the best texture!
Notes
Serving Suggestions:
- Garnish with fresh mint, lemon slices, or a sprinkle of lemon zest.
- Serve in chilled bowls or glasses to keep it extra refreshing.
Tips & Tricks:
- Keep the pint container level while freezing for even texture.
- Make sure all sugar is dissolved in the base to avoid grainy bits.
Storage & Reheating:
- Store leftovers in the freezer for up to 1 week.
- Before serving again, re-spin in the Ninja Creami to bring back the smooth texture. If it’s too firm, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before reprocessing.
This homemade Italian Ice is a quick and easy dessert for summer days or anytime you’re craving something light and refreshing. Give it a try—it’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
