If you're a cherry fan, you are going to love this Vegan Ninja Creami Cherry Ice Cream made with juicy cherries. Real cherries are blended into a coconut milk base, sweetened with maple syrup, and spun into the most vibrant, scoopable cherry ice cream you've ever made at home! Plus, this recipe is completely dairy free, vegan, refined sugar free, and allergy friendly.
My dad loved fresh cherries in the summer, he practically lived on them. Since he passed away last fall, I've been on a cherry kick this summer, making desserts in his memory. I wish he was here to try them, but I hope you all will make and enjoy them in his honor.
This Ninja Creami vegan cherry ice cream is made with simple ingredients, but has rich cherry flavor and is a great base for all sorts of add-ins. It's made in the Ninja Creami machine for the easiest homemade ice cream ever that's perfect for a hot summer day!
Want more cherry recipes? Try my Gluten Free Cherry Crumble Muffins or Gluten Free Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
Why You'll Love This Ninja Creami Cherry Ice Cream
- Allergy friendly: this homemade ice cream is completely dairy free, vegan, gluten free, paleo, and nut free. Adios Cherry Garcia, this is an ice cream everyone can enjoy!
- Refined sugar free: we rely mainly on the natural sweetness of cherries which reduces the need for added sugar. A splash of maple syrup ties everything together.
- Real cherry flavor: made with actual cherries, not maraschino or artificial flavoring.
- Nutrient boost: cherries are loaded with anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds along with vitamin C and fiber. This can help fight inflammation, support heart health, and improve digestion.
- Sleep aid: cherries are a natural source of melatonin, a hormone that aids in sleep. Evening dessert that helps you sleep? Yes please!
- High protein option: turn this into a protein ice cream by adding a scoop of protein powder to amp up the nutritional value of this pint.
Which Cherries Work Best for Ninja Creami Cherry Ice Cream?
- Fresh dark cherries (bing, black) provide the best sweet cherry flavor during peak season and the best color!
- Frozen cherries work year-round since frozen fruit and veggies are frozen during peak freshness.
- Avoid sour cherry varieties for this homemade cherry ice cream, which usually work better for cherry pie filling.
- Avoid maraschino cherries as they are too sweet and made with artificial flavor and coloring.
Vegan Ninja Creami Cherry Ice Cream Ingredients
- Dairy free milk: any non-dairy milk will work here whether that is oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk (my personal favorite).
- Dairy free yogurt: adds creaminess and fat for best texture. I stick to a high fat coconut yogurt, but any dairy free yogurt will work.
- Maple syrup: the refined sugar free sweetener that compliments the cherry flavor perfectly. Be sure to use pure maple syrup and not pancake syrup.
- Cherries: fresh or frozen cherries will work. I love using fresh during peak cherry season in the summer. Darker varieties are best for flavor and color (see notes above).
- Vanilla extract, salt
- Protein powder: you can add an optional protein boost with a scoop of protein powder. I love using pea protein as it is flavorless, doesn't irritate the gut, and makes the end result even creamier. My favorite brand is Sprout Living and you can use code LEMONSNLYME20 for 20% off. Any protein powder will work though, just use a vanilla or plain variety.
How to Make Ninja Creami Vegan Cherry Ice Cream
- De-stem and pit cherries if using fresh ones. No need to thaw if using frozen.
- Blend all of the ingredients together in until smooth.
- Pour base mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container to the max fill line, place storage lid on top, and freeze for 12-24 hours. Be sure the pint is sitting on a level surface in the freezer.
- Before spinning, microwave the ice cream base for 30 seconds or run the outside under hot water for a minute.
- Add the pint to the Ninja Creami container and add the outer bowl lid. Place bowl assembly in the Ninja Creami.
- Spin on the lite ice cream setting. If the ice cream is chalky after the first spin, add a splash of milk and hit the re-spin function until you have a creamy ice cream.
- If adding mix-ins like chocolate chips or chopped cherries, skip the re-spin step and just add your add-ins then hit the mix-in button.
Substitutions and Variations
- Milk and yogurt: you can combine this into one ingredient by using full fat canned coconut milk. You can also feel free to use any variety of milk or yogurt you like, including dairy products. If you can tolerate dairy, try Greek yogurt or even cottage cheese for an added protein boost!
- Maple syrup: you can sub this for coconut sugar if desired.
- Vanilla: opt for vanilla bean powder if you want those vanilla bean specks. You could even try using vanilla bean paste for a stronger vanilla flavor.
- Protein: I have also tested the plain Equip beef protein which results in a fluffier texture, but is still delicious!
- Mix-ins: now for the fun part, make a cherry chocolate chip ice cream by adding chocolate chips as a mix-in or extra cherries for a super strong cherry flavor. Other frozen berries would also taste delicious as a mix in! Mix-in or top with fresh almond or cashews, if tolerated, and some flaky salt for the ultimate cherry sundae.
- Variations: try using a chocolate protein powder or a couple tablespoons of cacao powder in the base for a chocolate cherry ice cream! Switch out the vanilla extract for almond for a cherry almond ice cream variation.
Ninja Creami Tips for the Creamiest Cherry Ice Cream
- Heat the base before spinning. I always suggest microwaving the frozen ice cream base for 30 seconds or running the outside under hot water for a minute or two to soften the ice cream base some for best results. This helps with ice crystals and the number of times you have to re-spin for a creamy texture.
- Don't overspin! It can be tempting to keep re-spinning your ice cream for an even smoother texture, but eventually it will be more like a milkshake. If you are new to the Ninja Creami ice cream machine, it might take a few tries before you learn just how many times to spin your ice cream mixture for the perfect creamy texture that still holds its scoop. If adding mix-ins, no need to re-spin as the ice cream will get mixed again with the mix-in function.
- Protein powder improves texture. The official Ninja Creami book recommends adding a tablespoon of cream cheese (or vegan cream cheese in this case) for the best outcome and many people online opt for pudding mix as a low calorie option. I don't find that you need either, but a scoop of protein works great if you decide to add it for making the texture extra creamy.
How to Store Leftover Ninja Creami Cherry Ice Cream
The base can be made and frozen up to 2 weeks in advance. Just note that longer freezing can lead to more ice crystals, so the pre-spin microwave step becomes even more important.
If you don't finish your vegan cherry ice cream, smooth over the top of the pint and re-freeze any leftovers. You can re-spin the ice cream when ready to eat the rest, following the same directions as above. If you added mix-ins, these will get blended into the ice cream, so you may need to add more for the texture contrast!
FAQ
Yes, it is vegan as written. You can use dairy full ingredients if desired.
Use the lite ice cream setting if using dairy free products. This results in the best texture.
Yes, you can! Frozen cherries work just as well. No need to thaw, just blend with the other ingredients for the Ninja Creami base per the directions.
Sweet, dark cherries are best for this cherry ice cream, like bing cherries or black cherries.
You sure can! Just add a scoop of your favorite plain or vanilla protein powder to the base when blending everything together.
Yes! Double the recipe then follow your ice cream makers instructions. Generally with a traditional ice cream maker, I prefer to heat the ice cream base over low heat and whisk in ¼ cup of tapioca starch. Heat the base until it coats the back of a spoon then cool completely before running through the ice cream maker. This can help keep the ice cream creamier, but it's not mandatory to do this if you don't want to.
Some great mix-ins include extra cherries, chocolate shavings or chocolate chips, almonds or cashews. Top your ice cream with some hot fudge or chocolate syrup for the ultimate sweet treat!
More Delicious Summer Dairy Free Ninja Creami Recipes
Dairy Free Salted Honey Ice Cream
2-Ingredient Watermelon Sorbet
If you try this recipe, let me know how you liked it and what mix-ins or toppings you added!
Vegan Ninja Creami Cherry Ice Cream (Refined Sugar Free)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup cherries, pitted
- ½ cup dairy free yogurt I like using coconut yogurt
- 1 cup dairy free milk
- 2-4 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
- 1 scoop protein powder optional
Instructions
- If using fresh cherries, de-stem and pit them. If using frozen, no need to thaw.
- Blend all the ingredients together in a high speed blender or food processor until smooth.
- Pour ice cream mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container to the max fill line, place storage lid on top, and freeze for 12-24 hours. Be sure the pint is sitting on a level surface in the freezer.
- Before spinning, microwave the ice cream base for 30 seconds or run the outside under hot water for a minute.
- Add the pint to the Ninja Creami container and add the outer bowl lid.
- Spin on the lite ice cream setting. If the ice cream is chalky after the first spin, add a splash of milk and re-spin until you have a creamy ice cream.
- Serve as is or skip the re-spin and add chocolate chips or other desired add-ins and use the mix-in setting.
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