This Ninja Creami Chunky Monkey Ice Cream recipe uses fresh bananas, rich chocolate, and crunchy walnuts to deliver a treat that is packed with flavor and texture. The best part? The Ninja Creami takes all the hard work out of making ice cream. This easy-to-follow recipe results in a creamy, smooth, and chunky ice cream that tastes just as good as anything you’d find in a premium ice cream shop.
1. Ninja Creami Chunky Monkey Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas (for natural sweetness and flavor)
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or your preferred milk)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or a dairy-free yogurt alternative)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (or chopped dark chocolate)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (or any other nuts of your choice)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey (for natural sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Banana Base
Start by peeling the bananas and mashing them in a bowl. The riper the bananas, the sweeter your ice cream will be, so try to choose bananas that have started to turn brown for maximum flavor.
After mashing the bananas, add the almond milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the bowl. Mix everything together until it’s fully incorporated into a smooth base.
Step 2. Freeze the Mixture
Once the banana base is well-mixed, pour the mixture into the Ninja Creami pint container. Leave some space at the top for expansion as the mixture freezes. Seal the container with its lid and place it in the freezer for at least 24 hours. Freezing the mixture for a full day ensures that the base solidifies, making it ready for churning in the Ninja Creami.
Step 3. Add the Mix-Ins
While the base freezes, prepare your chocolate and walnuts. If you’re using mini chocolate chips, there’s no need to chop them. However, if you prefer to use larger pieces of chocolate, chop it into small chunks. Similarly, chop the walnuts into bite-sized pieces. Set them aside until your ice cream is ready to churn.
Step 4. Process the Mixture in the Ninja Creami
After the mixture has frozen for at least 24 hours, remove the pint container from the freezer. Insert the pint into the Ninja Creami machine. Select the “Ice Cream” setting on your machine, and the Ninja Creami will churn the frozen banana mixture into a creamy, soft-serve consistency.
Step 5. Mix in the Chunky Add-ins
Once the ice cream reaches the desired consistency, remove the pint container from the Ninja Creami. At this point, it will be a smooth base, ready to be enhanced with the crunchy and sweet elements.
Add the chopped walnuts and chocolate chips directly into the ice cream and fold them in gently. If you want to create more of a “chunky” texture, you can pulse the ice cream on the “Re-spin” cycle, which will incorporate the mix-ins more evenly while maintaining some chunks.
Step 6. Serve and Enjoy
Once the chunks are evenly distributed throughout the ice cream, scoop the Chunky Monkey ice cream into bowls or cones and serve immediately. For an extra indulgent treat, you can drizzle some warm chocolate sauce over the top or add a few extra walnuts for garnish.
2. Tips for the Perfect Chunky Monkey Ice Cream
Use Ripe Bananas
Ripe bananas are essential for this recipe, as they contribute both flavor and natural sweetness. The darker the bananas, the more concentrated and sweet their flavor becomes. Avoid using underripe bananas, as they will result in an ice cream that is less sweet and flavorful.
Choose the Right Yogurt
Greek yogurt adds a creamy texture and a tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the bananas and chocolate. If you’re following a dairy-free diet, you can swap the Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt alternative, such as coconut or almond yogurt. Just make sure to choose one with a similar consistency for the best results.
Customize the Sweetener
Adjust the sweetness of your ice cream according to your preference. If you prefer a less sweet treat, use less maple syrup or honey. For a sugar-free version, you can replace the sweetener with a low-calorie alternative like stevia or monk fruit.
Control the Texture
To get the perfect texture, be mindful of the freezing time. Let the mixture freeze for at least 24 hours to ensure it is solid enough to churn into ice cream. If your ice cream turns out too hard, simply run the “Re-spin” cycle in the Ninja Creami to soften it up and create a smoother consistency.
Experiment with Different Nuts and Add-ins
While walnuts are traditional in Chunky Monkey ice cream, feel free to experiment with other nuts or add-ins. Pecans, almonds, or cashews work well, and you can even throw in some dried fruit like raisins or cranberries for a unique twist. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility, so don’t be afraid to get creative.
Store Leftovers Properly
If you have any leftover ice cream, store it in an airtight container in the freezer. Chunky Monkey ice cream can last for up to a week, but for the best texture and flavor, try to enjoy it within a few days. If the ice cream becomes too hard after freezing, let it soften for a few minutes at room temperature or run the “Re-spin” cycle again.
Making Ninja Creami Chunky Monkey Ice Cream at home is a fun, easy way to enjoy a creamy, indulgent dessert packed with bananas, chocolate, and walnuts. This recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy the classic flavor combination in a healthier, homemade version.
