Learn how simple it is to make rich and creamy Ninja Creami pistachio ice cream with this easy recipe. You only need 3 ingredients to create this delicious treat!
A few years ago, I started making homemade ice cream and sorbet using an ice cream maker attachment for my KitchenAid mixer. I also made no-churn ice creams, which don’t need a machine at all!
During the summer, we always enjoyed these homemade frozen desserts. But recently, I bought a Ninja Creami ice cream maker, which works differently but still makes creamy, frozen treats.
I love making homemade pistachio ice cream, so I tried it with the Ninja Creami, and it turned out amazing! It tastes like pistachio gelato, and we ate it all up quickly. It’s great for summer, and its pretty color also makes it perfect for holidays like St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, or Christmas!
Try out this Ninja Creami Chocolate Ice Cream..!
Let’s Scoop Out…!
Making Ice Cream in the Ninja Creami
Let’s start by talking about how ice cream is traditionally made, and then I’ll explain how the Ninja Creami works.
Normally, many ice cream recipes use a custard base made with eggs, sugar, and milk, which is cooked on the stove. After it cools in the fridge, it’s churned in an ice cream maker to freeze and add air, making it smooth and creamy. Then it’s placed in the freezer to finish hardening.
There’s also no-churn ice cream. It uses sweetened condensed milk for sweetness and whipped cream for creaminess. This method is super simple because you don’t need eggs, cooking, or an ice cream machine!
The Ninja Creami works a bit differently. Instead of churning the mixture before freezing, you start by freezing your liquid base for at least 24 hours. Once it’s solid, you put it into the Ninja Creami, which “creamifies” it by finely shaving or chopping the frozen base. It’s not a blender or food processor, but it works similarly.
I wasn’t sure if this reverse process would work since there’s no mixing before freezing, but it totally surprised me! The ice cream turns out rich and creamy, and my family loves it! Plus, with the Ninja Creami, we can make different flavors so everyone gets their own favorite ice cream.
How to Make Ninja Creami Pistachio Ice Cream
Making this pistachio ice cream in Ninja Creami is super easy!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Pistachio pudding mix
- Whole milk
- Heavy whipping cream
- Optional: chopped pistachios
Instructions To Make Ninja Creami Pistachio Ice Cream Recipe:
Follow these step-by-step instructions to make Ninja Creami Pistachio Ice Cream perfectly.
First, whisk together the pudding mix, whole milk, and heavy cream. Stir for about two minutes until the pudding is fully dissolved and starts to thicken.
Box: You can choose to use either half or a full box of pudding mix:
- A full box will make the ice cream thicker, with a slight gummy texture (like frozen pudding) and a stronger pistachio flavor.
- A half box will give you a softer texture and milder flavor (you can add green food coloring for a brighter look).
I prefer using half a box, but my kids love the thicker version with the full box! Feel free to try both and see what you like best.
Freeze: Pour the liquid mixture into a Ninja Creami pint and close the lid. Place the pint in a flat spot in your freezer to freeze evenly, and let it freeze for 24 hours.
Creamify: After 24 hours, take the pint out of the freezer, remove the lid, and place it in the Ninja Creami bowl. Lock the outer bowl lid, click it into place, and select the Ice Cream function. Let the Ninja Creami work its magic!
Optional: Add chopped pistachios: Once the ice cream is done, take it out of the machine. Use a spoon to make a hole in the center of the ice cream, about 1 1/2 inches wide, all the way to the bottom. Fill this hole with chopped pistachios.
Put the bowl back in the machine and use the Mix-In function to blend in the nuts.
Scoop and serve! Enjoy your creamy pistachio ice cream!
Also, check out the Ninja Creami Nutella Ice Cream recipe!
Notes
- If your ice cream turns out crumbly after the first round, you can run it through a Re-Spin cycle. If it still isn’t creamy, add a tablespoon of milk and Re-Spin again—this usually fixes it. If you’re adding chopped pistachios, do any Re-Spin cycles before using the Mix-In function. I suggest using 1/4 cup of pistachios, but you can add more if you like extra crunch.
- You can also add a few drops of almond extract for a stronger flavor, especially if you’re using only half a box of pudding mix.
- To make this recipe dairy-free, you can substitute unsweetened canned coconut cream for the heavy cream, and use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk.
Indulge in 3-Ingredient Ninja Creami Pistachio Ice Cream Delight
Description
This easy, no-bake pistachio ice cream is made with a smooth blend of instant pudding mix, milk, and heavy cream. After freezing for 24 hours, it's processed into a delicious, creamy ice cream using the Ninja Creami, with an option to add chopped pistachios for extra crunch.
What You'll Need
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Step 1:
Prepare the Base: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the pistachio pudding mix, whole milk, and heavy whipping cream. Whisk for about 2 minutes until the pudding mix is fully dissolved, and the mixture starts to thicken.
-
Step 2:
Freeze the Mixture: Transfer the mixture into a Ninja Creami pint. Secure the lid and place it on a flat surface in the freezer. Freeze for 24 hours. -
Step 3:
Process in the Ninja Creami: After 24 hours, remove the pint from the freezer and take off the lid. Place the pint into the bowl of the Ninja Creami, secure the lid, and lock the bowl into the machine. Select the Ice Cream function, which will run for about 2 minutes. -
Step 4:
Add Mix-Ins (Optional): If you want to add chopped pistachios, create a well in the center of the ice cream, about 1½ inches wide and deep enough to reach the bottom. Add the pistachios to the well. Return the bowl to the machine and select the Mix-In function to incorporate the pistachios.
-
Step 5:
Serve: Once complete, serve immediately or store any leftovers in the freezer.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 170kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 10g16%
- Saturated Fat 6g30%
- Cholesterol 35mg12%
- Sodium 250mg11%
- Potassium 170mg5%
- Total Carbohydrate 17g6%
- Dietary Fiber 0.5g2%
- Sugars 14g
- Protein 3g6%
- Vitamin A 250 IU
- Calcium 110 mg
- Iron 0.3 mg
- Vitamin D 15 IU
- Vitamin E 0.5 IU
- Vitamin K 0.7 mcg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Pudding Mix Options:
- Full Box: Thicker ice cream with a slight frozen pudding-like texture and more intense pistachio flavor.
- Half Box: Lighter texture with less pistachio flavor. You can add green food coloring if you prefer a deeper green color.
Re-Spin Option:
If the ice cream appears crumbly after the first cycle, use the Re-Spin function. If still crumbly, add 1 tablespoon of milk and run the Re-Spin cycle again.
Sugar-Free Mix:
This recipe hasn’t been tested with a sugar-free pudding mix, so results may vary.
