Let’s talk gelato! This Italian favorite isn’t just a fancy word for ice cream—it’s a whole different experience. Creamy, dense, and bursting with flavor, gelato has less air than traditional ice cream, making it richer and smoother. And lemon gelato? It’s the ultimate pick-me-up. Sweet, tangy, and oh-so-refreshing, it’s perfect for a sunny afternoon or a post-dinner indulgence.
The best part? You don’t need a trip to Italy to enjoy it. With your Ninja Creami, you can whip up this treat at home. It’s simple, quick to prep, and tastes like it came straight from a cozy café in Rome. Let’s dive right in!
Recipe at a Glance
Here’s what you need to know:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Freeze Time: 24 hours
- Total Time: 1 day, 5 minutes
- Serving Size: 1 pint (scale it up if you’re serving a crowd!)
- Skill Level: Beginner-friendly
- You’ll Need:
- Ninja Creami ice cream maker
- Pint container (specific to your Ninja Creami)
- Blender (or stick blender)
- Measuring tools
Pro Tip: Want to plan ahead? Prep a few extra pints of the base, freeze them, and pull one out when the craving hits. Convenience level: expert.
What You’ll Need
For the Base:
- 1 cup whole milk: Super creamy. Swap with lower-fat milk or a non-dairy option if needed.
- ½ cup half-and-half: If you don’t have it, mix milk and heavy cream in equal parts.
- ⅓ cup white sugar: For sweetness. Want to cut calories? Go for a 1:1 sugar substitute like erythritol.
- 2 tbsp lemon pudding mix: Thickens the base and doubles down on lemon flavor. No pudding mix? Use guar gum or cornstarch.
- 2 tbsp lemon curd: The secret to that rich, tangy citrus punch. Any good-quality store-bought brand works (I’m looking at you, Bonne Maman).
Some Quick Tips:
- Always use room-temperature ingredients for smoother blending.
- The better the lemon curd, the better the flavor. Don’t skimp!
How to Make It
Step 1: Mix It Up
Blend all the ingredients together. You can use a blender or an immersion blender—it doesn’t matter, as long as the mix is smooth. Taste it before you freeze! Too tart? Add a little sugar. Not tangy enough? Squeeze in some fresh lemon juice.
Pro Tip: If you want to add lemon zest, make sure it’s super fine. Nobody wants bitter chunks in their gelato.
Step 2: Freeze It
Pour the mix into your Ninja Creami pint container. Leave some space at the top; the mix will expand as it freezes. Lay the container flat in your freezer and leave it for 24 hours. Don’t rush—great things are worth the wait.
Step 3: Spin It
Once the mix is fully frozen, pop the pint into your Ninja Creami. Hit the “Gelato” button and let the magic happen. If the texture isn’t quite there—say, it’s crumbly—add a splash of milk and re-spin. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s smooth and creamy.
Want it softer? Let the pint sit out for a few minutes before spinning.
Step 4: Serve and Savor
Scoop your gelato into a chilled bowl, grab a spoon, and enjoy immediately. Feeling fancy? Garnish with lemon zest or a handful of fresh berries.
Variations to Try
Dietary Tweaks
- Dairy-Free? No problem. Use almond or oat milk and swap half-and-half for coconut cream. For the pudding mix, try guar gum.
- Sugar-Free? Toss in a powdered sweetener like monk fruit or stevia instead of sugar.
Fun Flavor Ideas
- A splash of vanilla extract will add a subtle, warm note.
- Love fruit? Fold in freeze-dried blueberries after spinning for a fruity twist.
- Feeling adventurous? Add finely chopped basil or mint leaves to the base for an herb-infused treat.
Seasonal Spins
When winter rolls around, switch it up. Sub half the lemon curd with orange marmalade for a cozy citrus vibe.
How to Serve & Store
- Serving Ideas: Chill your bowls before serving so the gelato stays cold longer. Top with candied lemon peel, crushed cookies, or fresh berries for a show-stopping presentation.
- Pairings: Serve alongside buttery shortbread cookies or crunchy biscotti for the perfect pairing.
- Leftovers? Scoop leftovers into an airtight container and freeze for up to a week. A teaspoon of food-grade vegetable glycerin can help keep the gelato creamy.
- Too hard to scoop? Let it sit at room temperature for five minutes or re-spin it in the Ninja Creami.
This lemon gelato isn’t just about dessert. It’s about bringing a little taste of Italy into your home. Whether you’re treating yourself or wowing dinner guests, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser every time. So, what are you waiting for? Get spinning, and let me know how it turns out!
PrintNinja Creami Lemon Gelato
Bright, creamy, and bursting with citrusy goodness, this Ninja Creami Lemon Gelato is a refreshing dessert perfect for any occasion. With a velvety texture and zesty lemon flavor, it’s easy to make and feels like a scoop of sunshine in every bite!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 1 day, 5 minutes (includes freezing time)
- Yield: 1 pint 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk (or substitute with lower-fat milk for a lighter option)
- ½ cup half-and-half (or equal parts heavy cream and milk if unavailable)
- ⅓ cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon-flavored instant pudding mix (for thickness and flavor)
- 2 tablespoons lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Blend the Base: Combine milk, half-and-half, sugar, pudding mix, and lemon curd in a blender. Blend until smooth and fully combined. Taste the mixture to ensure it’s balanced—adjust sweetness or tartness if needed.
- Freeze: Pour the mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container, filling only up to the max line. Freeze on a level surface for at least 24 hours at -7°F to 9°F. For best results, freeze without the lid to avoid bumps on the surface.
- Process in Ninja Creami: After freezing, secure the pint in the Ninja Creami machine and select the “Gelato” function. If the texture appears crumbly after spinning, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk and re-spin until creamy.
- Serve & Enjoy: Scoop out your perfectly creamy lemon gelato and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh lemon zest or berries for an extra touch of elegance!
Notes
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve in chilled bowls to keep it from melting too quickly. Pair with shortbread cookies or biscotti for a delightful crunch.
Tips & Tricks:
- Use high-quality lemon curd for the best flavor.
- Let the frozen pint sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before spinning if you prefer a softer texture.
- Re-spin as needed to achieve your desired creaminess.
Storage & Reheating:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one week. For easier scooping after storage, let the gelato sit at room temperature for a few minutes or re-spin using your Ninja Creami machine.