Ninja Creami Italian Vanilla Gelato Recipe
Vanilla gelato is a timeless classic that transports you to the cozy streets of Italy with every scoop! Rich, creamy, and infused with aromatic vanilla, this recipe will give you that perfect balance of sweetness and depth. Using the Ninja Creami makes the process smooth and fun, bringing artisanal gelato into your home. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or simply treating yourself, this gelato is the answer. Let’s dive into the gelato-making journey!
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Ninja Creami Italian Vanilla Gelato Recipe
Course: DessertCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes10
minutes300
kcal24
HoursSeason: Vanilla Gelato best enjoyed year-round, especially in the summer!
Ingredients
1 cup whole milk 🥛
1 cup heavy cream 🍶
1/2 cup granulated sugar 🍚
4 large egg yolks 🥚
1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped (or 2 tsp pure vanilla extract) 🌿
Pinch of sea salt 🧂
Directions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the milk and heavy cream over medium heat. Heat until it’s just about to simmer (but don’t let it boil!). Stir occasionally to prevent it from scorching. 🥛🍶
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until the mixture becomes pale and thick. This helps to incorporate air and gives the gelato its velvety texture. 🥄🍚
- Slowly pour a small amount of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly. This process, called tempering, prevents the eggs from scrambling. Once combined, slowly add the rest of the milk mixture. 🌡️
- Pour the entire mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of the spoon (about 5-7 minutes). Be sure not to let it boil. 🍳
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla bean seeds or vanilla extract. The fragrance of the vanilla will bloom beautifully in the warm mixture! 🌼
- Add a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors of the gelato. 🧂
- Pour the gelato base into a bowl and allow it to cool down to room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap, making sure the plastic is in direct contact with the surface of the gelato base to prevent a skin from forming. 🍽️
- Place the cooled gelato base into the Ninja Creami pint container. Freeze for at least 24 hours. This freezing step is key to achieving the smooth and creamy texture that gelato is known for. ❄️
- After 24 hours, place the frozen pint into the Ninja Creami and use the “Gelato” function to churn the base into smooth, creamy gelato. This process only takes a few minutes but transforms the frozen base into indulgent Italian-style gelato. 🍨
- Serve immediately or transfer to an airtight container and freeze for later. If frozen, allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to achieve that perfect scoop. Top with fresh berries, shaved chocolate, or a drizzle of honey if you’re feeling fancy! 🍓🍫🍯
Nutritional Information (per serving) 📊
- Calories: 290
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 20g
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 45mg
Serving Suggestions 🌿
Pair this gelato with a strong shot of espresso for an affogato treat, or serve it in a waffle cone with a sprinkle of toasted almonds. It’s the perfect base for fruit or dessert pairings!
Why This Recipe? 🤔
Italian vanilla gelato has a denser texture than regular ice cream, with less air incorporated during churning. This recipe mimics that artisan experience at home, with the Ninja Creami delivering that authentic Italian smoothness. The natural vanilla adds layers of warmth, making it ideal for cozy nights or hot summer afternoons alike.
Pro Tips 💡
- For an extra-special touch, use Maldon sea salt or another flaky finishing salt. It really makes the vanilla flavor pop!
- Don’t rush the freezing time—24 hours ensures the base will churn into the silkiest gelato possible.
- For a Softer Texture: If you prefer a softer gelato right out of the freezer, leave the pint out for a few minutes before serving, or use the “Re-spin” function to soften the gelato even more.
- Flavor Enhancements: You can add chocolate chips, caramel swirls, or even fruit puree during the “Mix-ins” stage for a unique twist.
