Picture this: the smoothest homemade vanilla ice cream, loaded with crunchy, colorful M&Ms. Sounds like a dream, right? If you’re a fan of Dairy Queen Blizzards or McDonald’s McFlurries, this recipe will hit the spot. The best part? It’s so easy to make, thanks to the Ninja Creami. Whether it’s for a family treat or just because you’re craving something sweet, this recipe will bring smiles all around. Let’s get started!
The Basics
Here’s what you need to know before diving in:
Time commitment:
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Freezing: 24 hours
- Processing: 5 minutes
- Total: ~1 day and 15 minutes. Yep, most of the time is just waiting for it to freeze!
- Servings: About 2 servings (1 pint). Want more? Just prep extra pint containers.
- Skill level: Beginner-friendly. If you’ve never made ice cream before, this is a great place to start.
What You’ll Need
Tools:
- The star: A Ninja Creami machine
- Other helpers: A pint container, small blender (or a whisk), measuring cups, and spoons
- No blender? No problem—just whisk everything thoroughly.
Ingredients
What Goes In
Base:
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup half-and-half
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
Mix-in:
- ¼ cup M&Ms
Optional Swaps
Want to switch it up? Here’s how:
- Milk options: Almond or oat milk for dairy-free. (Heads up: it might not be as creamy.)
- Sweetener swaps: Honey, agave, or stevia instead of sugar.
- M&Ms alternatives: Try mini M&Ms, chocolate chips, or crushed Oreos.
- Vanilla paste: Vanilla extract will work if paste isn’t handy, but paste gives a richer flavor.
The Process
Step 1: Make the Ice Cream Mixture
Start by combining your whole milk, half-and-half, sugar, pudding mix, and vanilla bean paste in a blender. Blend everything together until the mixture is smooth and no sugar granules remain. If you don’t have a blender, a whisk works just fine—just make sure to mix thoroughly so there are no lumps. Once blended, pour the mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container, filling it to the “max” line. It’s important not to overfill to ensure even freezing and processing later. Place the container flat in the freezer, and for best results, skip the lid during freezing to prevent any bumps or uneven surfaces from forming.
Step 2: Freeze and Process
After 24 hours of freezing (yes, patience is key here), remove the pint from your freezer and place it into the outer bowl of the Ninja Creami machine. Attach the lid securely, and select the “Ice Cream” function on the machine. The magic happens in just minutes as the Ninja Creami processes your frozen base into a luscious, creamy ice cream. If you notice that the texture is crumbly or dry after the first spin, don’t worry. Simply add 1–2 tablespoons of milk and give it another spin using the same setting until the texture is perfect.
Step 3: Add the M&Ms
Once your base is processed to a smooth consistency, it’s time to add the fun! Using a spoon, create a small well in the center of the ice cream. This will make it easier to incorporate the M&Ms evenly. Pour the candies into the well, then place the pint back into the machine. Select the “Mix-In” function to spread those colorful candies throughout the ice cream without breaking them apart too much. This ensures every bite is packed with a bit of crunch and chocolatey goodness.
Step 4: Serve It Up
Finally, scoop your freshly made M&M ice cream into bowls, cones, or simply eat it straight out of the pint if you’re feeling indulgent. The creamy vanilla base paired with the crunchy candies creates a delightful treat that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re sharing or keeping it all for yourself, this dessert is bound to be a hit!
Customize Your Creation
Dietary needs?
- Vegan version: Use coconut cream, almond milk, and vegan chocolate.
- Gluten-free: Double-check your pudding mix label.
Feeling fancy?
- Add whipped cream, drizzle chocolate sauce, or sprinkle crushed nuts.
- Or… keep it simple with just M&Ms.
- Seasonal swap: Use candy canes for Christmas, pastel M&Ms for Easter, or pumpkin spice mix for fall.
Storing & Serving Tips
Leftovers?
You can store any extras in the freezer, but leave out the mix-ins until you’re ready to eat. (They stay crunchier this way.) If it gets too hard, let it sit out for 10–15 minutes before scooping—or re-spin it in the Ninja Creami.
Best served with…
Warm brownies, gooey cookies, or crunchy waffle cones. You really can’t go wrong.
That’s it! This Ninja Creami M&M Ice Cream recipe is easy, tasty, and totally customizable. So grab your pint container and get ready to whip up a treat everyone will love!
