Black raspberry ice cream is a beloved classic, known for its vibrant purple hue and unique, tangy-sweet flavor. Making it at home is easier than ever with the Ninja Creami, which transforms a simple base into creamy, scoopable ice cream with restaurant-quality texture. This recipe captures the essence of black raspberries, balancing their tartness with just enough sweetness and creaminess for a refreshing treat.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (about 200g) fresh or frozen black raspberries
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- 3/4 cup (180ml) heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons (30g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
Instructions
- Prepare the black raspberry puree: In a small saucepan, combine the black raspberries and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries have released their juices and the sugar is dissolved (about 5-7 minutes). Use a fork or potato masher to gently crush the berries as they cook. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Strain the mixture (optional): For a smoother ice cream, pour the berry mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing to extract as much juice and pulp as possible. Discard the seeds. If you prefer a more rustic texture, you can skip this step.
- Blend the base: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cream cheese and a splash of milk until smooth. Gradually add the remaining milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, salt, and lemon juice. Whisk until fully combined and no lumps remain.
- Combine with black raspberry puree: Stir the cooled black raspberry puree into the dairy mixture until well incorporated. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed (black raspberries can vary in tartness).
- Chill the base: Pour the mixture into the Ninja Creami pint container. Seal with the lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to ensure the base is thoroughly chilled.
- Freeze: After chilling, transfer the pint container to the freezer. Freeze upright for at least 24 hours. The base must be fully solid before processing in the Ninja Creami.
- Spin in the Ninja Creami: Remove the pint from the freezer. Place it into the Ninja Creami outer bowl and secure the lid. Insert into the machine and select the “Ice Cream” function. Let the machine run its cycle (about 2-3 minutes).
- Check consistency: After spinning, check the texture. If it appears crumbly or powdery (which can happen with high fruit content), add 1-2 tablespoons of milk. Reinsert and use the “Re-spin” function until creamy and smooth.
- Serve or store: Scoop and enjoy immediately, or transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 weeks for firmer ice cream.
Tips
- Substitutions: If you can’t find black raspberries, use blackberries or a mix of raspberries and blackberries. Adjust sugar to taste, as other berries may be sweeter or more tart.
- Texture: For a chunkier ice cream, reserve some whole black raspberries and fold them in after the first spin, using the “Mix-in” function.
- Creaminess: If your ice cream turns out icy, ensure your base is fully chilled before freezing, and don’t skip the cream cheese—it helps prevent iciness.
- Storage: Store leftover ice cream in a covered container in the coldest part of your freezer. For best texture, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve in a crisp waffle cone or sugar cone for a classic touch.
- Top with fresh black raspberries, a drizzle of dark chocolate sauce, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture.
- Pair with lemon shortbread cookies or vanilla pound cake as a summery dessert plate.
- Layer with whipped cream and crumbled graham crackers for a quick parfait.
Variations
- Low-Sugar Version: Replace half the sugar with a granular sugar substitute suitable for freezing, such as allulose or erythritol. Taste your base before freezing and adjust as needed.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute canned full-fat coconut milk for both the milk and cream, and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Flavor will shift slightly, but texture remains creamy.
- Swirl-In: After the first spin, use the “Mix-In” function to add white chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, or swirls of blackberry jam.
- Frozen Yogurt: Replace half of the heavy cream with plain Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter ice cream.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover ice cream in the Ninja Creami pint or a freezer-safe airtight container. For optimal flavor and texture, consume within 2 weeks. The ice cream will firm up after freezing—allow it to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping, or use the Ninja Creami’s “Re-spin” function to refresh the texture if it becomes too hard. Do not microwave to soften, as this can cause uneven melting. For food safety, avoid refreezing melted ice cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen black raspberries instead of fresh?
- Yes, frozen black raspberries work just as well as fresh. Thaw them slightly before cooking with sugar to ensure they release their juices. Frozen berries can sometimes be a little more tart, so taste and adjust the sugar if needed.
- Why does my ice cream turn out crumbly after spinning?
- This is a common occurrence with fruit-heavy bases or if the base isn’t fully chilled before freezing. Simply add a tablespoon or two of milk and use the “Re-spin” function until the texture is creamy and smooth.
- Can I double the recipe?
- The Ninja Creami is designed for a single pint at a time. To make a larger batch, prepare multiple pints separately and freeze each one. Avoid overfilling the pint container, as the machine requires space for proper blending.
- Is it necessary to strain out the seeds?
- Straining is optional and based on your texture preference. Leaving the seeds in gives a rustic, jammy ice cream, while straining results in a silky-smooth finish. Use a fine mesh sieve for the best result if you prefer seedless ice cream.
- Can I use this recipe with other berries?
- Absolutely. Substitute an equal amount of blackberries, red raspberries, or a combination. Each berry will bring its own flavor and sweetness level, so adjust the sugar to taste before freezing.
- How can I prevent ice crystals from forming?
- Make sure your base is fully chilled before freezing and don’t skip the cream cheese, which helps inhibit crystallization. The Ninja Creami’s Re-spin function can also help restore a creamy texture if needed.