This easy, super creamy Ninja Creami coffee ice cream recipe only calls for four simple ingredients and is so yummy. This is the perfect treat if you’re a coffee ice cream lover and you’ll love this delicious lighter version of your favorite flavor.
This post may contain affiliate links.
Why you’ll love it
If you’re a fan of coffee-flavored creamy ice cream but you’re looking for a lighter alternative, look no further than this homemade coffee ice cream! This is the perfect Ninja Creami creation for coffee lovers who also love a sweet treat.
This Ninja Creami coffee ice cream has everything you love about coffee ice cream, but even better because you have total control over the flavor and exactly what’s in it.
I love my Ninja Creami so much because you can make homemade ice cream out of just about anything! I’ve made ice cream from milk, cream, yogurt and even a vanilla and chocolate protein shake and they come out perfect every single time.
Let’s get into how to make it!
Ingredients
I love the Ninja Creami ice cream maker so much because you can take the simplest ingredients and turn it into something so delicious! You only need four ingredients for this one.
- Milk: The Fairlife 2% milk is my favorite for making ice cream in the Creami because it’s ultra-filtered, higher protein and creamier. If you don’t have it or don’t have access to that brand, any milk brand will work. You can also use whole milk, half and half or heavy cream if you prefer! You can use skim milk, but it won’t be as creamy. You can also use plant-based milk like coconut milk, oat milk or soy milk but it won’t be as creamy as dairy.
- Instant coffee powder or instant espresso powder: You can definitely use brewed coffee too, but I love the bold coffee flavor of Café Bustelo Espresso style instant coffee, and it’s so easy! Use decaf if you’re making this for a nighttime treat.
- Maple syrup: You can use honey, maple syrup, regular table sugar or whatever you like! You could even use brown sugar simple syrup for a deeper flavor.
- Vanilla extract: This recipe calls for a bit of vanilla too, for flavoring. This one is my favorite. You can also use vanilla bean paste.
Step-by-step instructions
- Add milk, instant coffee, maple syrup and vanilla extract to the Ninja Creami pint container. Whisk vigorously or use a coffee frother or immersion blender to fully blend the ingredients.
- Place storage lid on and then place the ice cream container in the freezer for 24 hours.
- Remove the lid and place container into the Ninja Creami machine. Press the lite ice cream button and spin. After the first spin, the ice cream will still be crumbly, but don’t worry! You have to keep spinning to get that velvety coffee ice cream texture.
- Press the re-spin button two more times. The final produce should be smooth and creamy, not crumbly.
- Serve with your favorite ice cream toppings!
Recipe FAQ
My ice cream is still crumbly, what did I do wrong?
I find that when you use the Ninja Creami to make a lighter ice cream with milk, it usually needs three spins to get the perfect texture. One regular and then two re-spins. If after three spins it’s still crumbly, add a small splash of milk (about a tablespoon) and re-spin again.
Can I use sugar-free sweeteners instead of maple syrup?
Yes, definitely. Feel free to replace the maple syrup with whatever sugar-free alternative you typically use.
Can you save Ninja Creami ice cream after making it?
Yes. This coffee ice cream tends to re-harden after making it, so I recommend keeping it in the container so that you can re-spin it if needed afterwards!
Variations
- One ingredient protein coffee ice cream: Use a Premier Protein café latte flavored shake for a super easy protein coffee ice cream!
- If you want your ice cream a little bit creamier, add a couple of splashes of heavy cream to add some fat back.
- Instead of using instant coffee and maple syrup, you can sweeten your coffee ice cream with coffee syrup. This sweet coffee syrup is unique to the New England area and definitely worth giving a try!
- Add cocoa powder for a mocha ice cream!
- Use brewed coffee instead of instant! Add 3/4 cup of coffee or espresso and then use 1 cup of milk.
- Top with sprinkles, white chocolate chips, chocolate chunks, coconut flakes, fruit, chocolate sauce or whatever you would typically add to your ice cream!
- If you don’t want a caffeine kick, be sure to use decaf coffee.
Shop this recipe
More Ninja Creami recipes:
The Best Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream Recipe
Ninja Creami Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe (2 Ingredients!)
Cottage Cheese Ice Cream (Ninja Creami Recipe)
Cookies and Cream Ninja Creami Ice Cream (Lower Sugar)
Easy Ninja Creami Frozen Yogurt (High protein)
Ninja Creami Coffee Ice Cream
Equipment
- Ninja Creami Machine
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cup 2% milk Fairlife is my preferred
- 3 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tbsp instant coffee
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Add milk, instant coffee, maple syrup and vanilla extract to the Ninja Creami pint container. Whisk vigorously or use a coffee frother or immersion blender to fully blend the ingredients.
- Place the ice cream container in the freezer for 24 hours.
- Remove the lid and place container into the Ninja Creami machine. Press the lite ice cream button and spin. After the first spin, the ice cream will still be crumbly, but don't worry! You have to keep spinning to get that velvety coffee ice cream texture.
- Press the re-spin button two more times. The final produce should be smooth and creamy, not crumbly.
- Serve with your favorite ice cream toppings!
Notes
- If you like a more intense coffee flavor, add an additional 1 teaspoon of instant coffee.
- Instant coffee does have caffeine, so be mindful of how much you’re adding and use decaf if you’re caffeine sensitive or making this coffee for nighttime snacking.
5 Responses
The BEST coffee ice cream recipe!!! My new addiction and I don’t even have to feel guilty about it! Thank you so much for such a simple ingredient delicious recipe!
Yay! So glad you’re loving this one 🙂
So dumb question but do you put the instant coffee granules In or you make the instant coffee and add it as a liquid?
You can add the instant coffee right to the milk and it should dissolve 🙂
Add Vanilla Protein Powder for extra protein 👍🏼