Summer is the perfect time to indulge in cool, homemade ice cream and frozen treats. With the Ninja® CREAMi® XL, you can craft personalized flavors for the whole family, whether you prefer classic ice cream, sorbet, or dairy-free options.
This step-by-step guide will show you how to make a delicious, creamy ice cream using your Ninja® CREAMi® XL, so you can enjoy fresh, customized desserts all summer long.
Our top pick at a glance

Ninja® CREAMi® XL 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker
- ✔ Weight: Approx. 14 lbs
- ✔ Power: 115V/60Hz
- ✔ Included Accessories: 2 XL tubs, lids, Creamerizer Paddle

Ninja Creami XL 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker with XL Capacity, NC601
- Versatile Ice Cream Maker: Creates ice cream, sorbet, gelato, and more
- Dairy-Free & Smoothie Options: Includes dairy-free, smoothie bowl, and CreamiFit programs
- Large Family Capacity: Two 24-oz tubs for bigger batches
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Preparing Your Base
Start by choosing your favorite ingredients for the base. You can use traditional milk and sugar, or opt for dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk or almond milk. For added flavor, include fruit puree, cocoa, or vanilla extract.
Pour your prepared base into one of the Ninja® CREAMi® XL tubs, filling it up to the indicated level. If you want two different flavors, process them separately in each tub.
Freezing the Mixture
Place the filled tubs into the freezer and let them freeze for at least 24 hours. Ensure the mixture is completely solid to achieve the best creamy texture during processing.
Remember, the Ninja® CREAMi® XL’s family-sized capacity allows you to make up to 2 quarts of ice cream, so feel free to experiment with larger batches or different flavors in each tub.
Processing into Ice Cream
Once frozen, remove the tubs from the freezer. Insert the frozen tub into the Ninja® CREAMi® XL base, then select the appropriate program—Ice Cream, Dairy-Free, or Smoothie Bowl—based on your recipe.
Press start and wait a few minutes as the machine transforms your frozen base into a smooth, creamy treat. For an even creamier texture, hit Re-Spin after processing.
Adding Mix-ins and Customizing
After the initial processing, you can add mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, fresh fruit, or candy. Use the included Creamerizer Paddle to fold in your favorite toppings without overmixing.
For a personalized touch, try processing a second flavor in the same tub with different mix-ins, creating a multi-flavor treat in one container.
Serving and Tips
Serve your homemade ice cream immediately for soft-serve consistency or transfer it to the freezer for a firmer texture. Use the XL lids to store leftovers in the freezer for later.
Tip: Slightly warming the tubs in warm water for a few seconds can make scooping easier. Also, experiment with different bases and mix-ins to create your signature summer flavors!
More Details on Our Top Picks
Ninja® CREAMi® XL 11-in-1 Ice Cream Maker

The Ninja® CREAMi® XL makes it easy to whip up personalized ice creams and frozen desserts at home. Its large capacity and versatile program options are perfect for family-sized batches and creative flavor combos.
Pros:
- Large family-sized capacity (2 quarts)
- Multiple programs including dairy-free and smoothie bowl
- Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts
- Customizable flavors and mix-ins
Cons:
- Takes time to freeze Base (at least 24 hours)
- Limited to 2 tubs at a time
- Processing can be noisy
Best for: Families and home cooks wanting customized summer frozen treats
Not ideal for: Those seeking quick, single-serving desserts or small batches
Bottom line: Create delicious, personalized frozen treats effortlessly with the Ninja® CREAMi® XL—perfect for summer family fun.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publishing.