What if you could make a perfectly creamy, decadent milkshake that rivals your favorite ice cream shop’s, all in under five minutes? It sounds too good to be true, right? But with the Ninja Creami, it’s not only possible, it’s incredibly easy. This isn’t just another kitchen gadget; it’s a game-changer for homemade desserts. Forget about soupy, disappointing homemade milkshakes. We’re talking thick, spoon-stand-up-in-it perfection every single time. This Ninja Creami milkshake recipe is your ticket to a world of endless flavor combinations, from a classic chocolate milkshake to a high-protein (NIH) treat that tastes anything but healthy.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just unboxed your Creami, you’re in the right place. We’re going to walk through everything you need to know to become a milkshake master.
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Why You’ll Love This Ninja Creami Milkshake Recipe
Honestly, what’s not to love? First off, the texture is out of this world. The Ninja Creami’s technology shaves ice crystals into microscopic particles, creating a creamy milkshake that’s unbelievably smooth. There’s no grit, no iciness, just pure, velvety goodness. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra nutrition. A scoop of protein powder transforms this from a simple dessert into a satisfying protein milkshake that’s perfect after a workout or as a filling snack.
You also have total control over the ingredients. You can go for a classic with full-fat vanilla ice cream or make it a bit lighter with your favorite low-calorie option. The customization is endless.
Why Trust This Recipe?
I’ve spent years working as a recipe developer, and I’ve tested hundreds of kitchen gadgets. The Ninja Creami is one of my all-time favorites, and I’ve personally made over 50 different milkshake variations to figure out what works and what doesn’t. This recipe is the result of all that testing—it’s foolproof, delicious, and the perfect starting point for your own creations.
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Ninja Creami Chocolate Milkshake Recipe
This ultra-creamy Ninja Creami chocolate milkshake comes together in just 5 minutes! It’s smooth, thick, and full of rich chocolate flavor, just like a classic ice cream shop treat.
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Ingredients
1½ cups chocolate ice cream
½ cup whole milk ((or 2% Fairlife milk or unsweetened almond milk))
Optional: whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and chocolate shavings
Instructions
1. Add the chocolate ice cream and milk to a Ninja Creami pint jar.
2. Place the pint container into the Ninja Creami bowl assembly. Lock it in place on the motor base, and select the “Milkshake” function.
3. Divide the milkshake between two glasses. Top with whipped cream, drizzle with chocolate syrup, and, if you like, sprinkle with chocolate shavings. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Can I use different ice cream flavors? Yes! Swap the chocolate ice cream for vanilla, strawberry, or cookies and cream for fun variations.
Milk Options: Whole milk makes the thickest shake, but 2% or Fairlife milk works great. For a lighter option, use almond or oat milk.
Mix-In Ideas: Add crushed Oreos, mini chocolate chips, or peanut butter cups after blending.
Storage Tips: This milkshake is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the Ninja Creami pint with the lid secured tightly for up to 2 weeks. Process again before serving for the creamiest texture.
Protein Boost: Stir in a tablespoon or two of chocolate or vanilla protein powder before churning to make a higher-protein milkshake.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Drinks
- Method: Blended, Frozen
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 98mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 41mg
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about making a milkshake in the Ninja Creami is how simple the ingredient list is. You really only need two things to get started.
For the Base
- Ice Cream: About 1 to 1 ½ cups of your favorite store-bought or homemade ice cream. Full-fat dairy ice cream will give you the richest, creamiest result, but gelato, sorbet, and dairy-free alternatives work great too.
- Milk: ¼ to ½ cup of milk. Whole milk is fantastic for a classic, rich shake, but you can use skim, almond, oat, or soy milk. The amount you use will depend on how thick you like your milkshake.
Optional Mix-ins
This is where the fun really begins. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- For a Protein Boost: 1 scoop of your favorite protein powder. Vanilla or chocolate work well with almost any flavor.
- For Extra Flavor: A splash of vanilla extract, a tablespoon of cocoa powder, a spoonful of peanut butter, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate syrup.
- For Texture: Chocolate chips, crushed cookies (like Oreos for a cookies and cream dream), sprinkles, or chopped nuts.
How to Make a Perfect Ninja Creami Milkshake
Making a milkshake in the Ninja Creami is a bit different than using a traditional blender, but it’s just as easy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Your Pint: Start by scooping your ice cream directly into the Creami pint container. Don’t pack it down too tightly.
- Add the Milk: Pour your milk over the ice cream. If you’re adding any liquid flavorings like vanilla extract, add them now.
- Mix it Up (A Little): Gently stir the milk and ice cream together with a spoon. You don’t need to fully combine them, just give it a quick mix.
- Process It: Place the pint into the outer bowl, attach the lid, and lock it into the Ninja Creami machine. Select the “MILKSHAKE” setting and let it do its magic.
- Check the Consistency: Once the cycle is finished, take a look. If it’s the perfect consistency for you, it’s ready to drink!
- Add Mix-ins (Optional): If you’re adding any solid mix-ins like chocolate chips or cookies, now’s the time. Add them to the pint, place it back in the machine, and run the “MIX-IN” cycle.
- Serve and Enjoy: Pour your masterpiece into a tall glass, top with whipped cream and a cherry if you’re feeling fancy, and enjoy your perfect homemade milkshake.
Tips and Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can start experimenting. Here are a few ideas to get you going.
Flavor Variations (Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry)
- Classic Chocolate Milkshake: Use a rich chocolate ice cream and a splash of chocolate syrup for an extra decadent treat.
- Perfect Vanilla Milkshake: Start with a high-quality vanilla ice cream and add a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to really make the flavor pop.
- Fresh Strawberry Milkshake: Use vanilla or strawberry ice cream and add a handful of fresh or frozen strawberries. If you’re using frozen strawberries, you might need to add a little extra milk.
How to Make it Thicker or Thinner
- For a Thicker Milkshake: Use less milk. Start with just a ¼ cup and see how it turns out. You can also use a higher-fat ice cream, which will naturally create a thicker shake.
- For a Thinner Milkshake: Simply add more milk. If your milkshake comes out too thick after the first spin, add another tablespoon or two of milk and hit the “RE-SPIN” button.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with a machine as great as the Ninja Creami, things can sometimes go a little sideways. Here are a few common problems and how to fix them.
My Milkshake is Too Icy, What Do I Do?
This usually happens if your ice cream is a bit freezer-burned or if you’re using a lower-fat ice cream. The “RE-SPIN” function is your best friend here. Just run the cycle one more time, and it should smooth right out. If it’s still a little icy, add a tablespoon of milk and re-spin again.
Why is My Ninja Creami So Loud?
Let’s be honest, the Ninja Creami isn’t exactly whisper-quiet. It’s a powerful machine, and that comes with some noise. If it seems unusually loud, make sure the pint is locked in correctly and that the machine is on a stable, level surface. Some noise is normal, but a loud rattling or grinding sound could mean something isn’t quite right.
