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Sometimes, there’s just nothing better than a classic, simple ice cream flavor (or in this case, gelato). If you want to take it back to the basics and enjoy a delicious, creamy treat, give this vanilla bean gelato a try!
When I was growing up and would go out to dinner with my family, sometimes they would let me order dessert (I asked at most restaurants and usually just got lucky with the grandparents). I was never one for fancy cakes or tarts; I always went for a bowl of vanilla ice cream.
There was always something so refreshing and delicious about a few bites of vanilla bean that always put a smile on my face. I didn’t even order it with chocolate syrup because I loved the simplicity of the flavor so much!
In order to get the vanilla bean taste, you can either use an actual vanilla bean, or vanilla bean paste. You can find vanilla bean paste at most local grocery stores, and it’s something you can reuse to make this flavor over and over again later!
However, Alex and I decided to use an actual vanilla bean, since we had never used one before! Pro tip: We found it in the spices aisle at Walmart.
To use a vanilla bean, you have to carefully slice it down the middle and scrape out the insides. The insides are what we put in the gelato to give it the great vanilla bean flavor. The gelato even looks like vanilla bean since the actual bean gives it that great speckled look.
It may be a bit more expensive, but the novelty and flavor are completely worth it! This has been one of my favorite Ninja Creami gelato recipes we’ve made!
So if you love all things classic and delicious, grab a vanilla bean, a Ninja Creami pint, and get spinning!
To Make Dairy-Free Vanilla Bean Gelato:
- 1 cup oat milk for 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup cream of coconut for 3/4 cup heavy cream
First Time Using the Ninja Creami or Looking for Tips?
While the Ninja Creami is a machine with only 7 (or 11) buttons, it can still be intimidating! Here are a few tips and tricks Alex and I have picked up since beginning our ice cream journey with the Ninja Creami!
- What ratio should I use if substituting vanilla bean paste? For 1 vanilla bean, substitute 1 tsp vanilla bean paste!
- How do I use an actual vanilla bean? It may sound intimidating, but it’s surprisingly quick and easy! Simply slice the vanilla bean lengthwise to open it up, and scrape out the insides. When making the gelato, simply drop the insides into the mixture and stir!
- If I put the pint back into the freezer, do I need to mix the ice cream up again before enjoying? Surprisingly, no! When using the typical base ingredients (whole milk, heavy cream), re-spinning is probably best to get the ice cream back to its original creamy consistency after freezing. However, we have found when using oat milk and cream of coconut, our first spin leaves the ice cream very creamy (almost like a soft-serve texture). After putting it in the freezer for 24 hours after this original spin, the ice cream is the perfect texture to enjoy without re-spinning! My suggestion is see how the texture is without a re-spin, and re-spin only as necessary!
- What button should I use to spin my ice cream? This all depends on the consistency you’re going for! Each button operates the machine at varying speeds. For thicker concoctions (like ice cream), the ice cream button is best. However, if using eggs in the recipe (like a gelato), use the gelato button! The sorbet button is best used with fruit mixtures. For example, if mixing a can of pineapples in heavy syrup, use the sorbet button to make a delicious fruity creation! Overall, it’s something you can experiment with to find your personal preference for your ice cream consistency!
Looking for More Ninja Creami Recipes?
If you’re on the hunt for more Ninja Creami recipes, be sure to grab one of our recipe e-books, Top 25 Ninja Creami Recipes ($2.99), or the great value of over 50 recipes in Ninja Creami Cookbook: Ice Cream & Gelato Edition! Each includes favorites such as cake batter gelato, red velvet ice cream, Shirley Temple ice cream, and many more!
If you’re like us and are running out of ice cream storage containers, grab a two-pack of Ninja Creami pints to keep your freezer full with all of your ice cream creations!
Or if you don’t have a Ninja Creami and are on the fence about getting one, check out my honest review!
Do You Want to Make Your Own Ninja Creami Cookbook?
If you want to make your own version of a Ninja Creami cookbook, check out our Ninja Creami Recipe Page Template! Besides the fun design, it has space to write the spin setting, number of servings, ingredients, directions, and notes (everything a Creami recipe needs)!
Ninja Creami Vanilla Bean Gelato
Description
Vanilla bean gelato uses a vanilla bean to make the most flavorful and delicious gelato. There's even bean specks in the gelato!
To make this recipe in the Ninja Creami Deluxe, multiply all ingredients by 1.5
Note: 1 serving = 1 pint
Ingredients
Instructions
Using a small knife, cut the vanilla bean open lengthwise. Scrape the insides out into a small bowl.
Combine 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup whole milk, 3/4 cup heavy cream, 2 egg yolks, and the vanilla bean insides into a pot and cook on the stove at medium heat for 5 minutes, whisking constantly. This will ensure the eggs will not be scrambled.
Pour the mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container, ensuring it does not go over the max fill line.
Wait for the pint to cool, then place it into the freezer (ensuring it is on a flat surface). Freeze for 24 hours.
After 24 hours, remove the pint from the freezer, and plug in your Ninja Creami machine! Time for the magic.
Remove the lid from the pint and grab the Ninja Creami outer bowl. Place the pint securely into the outer bowl and cover with the lid. Once the lid is on, place the outer bowl into the machine, twisting to the right until it locks into place. Press the "Gelato" button and (try to) wait patiently for the creamy treat coming your way.
Once the process is finished, press and hold the button on the left side of the Creami to twist the bowl to the left and remove it from the machine. Twist the lid off of the outer bowl and remove the pint.
Now your vanilla bean gelato is ready to enjoy!
Note
If you don't like following recipes, don't worry - you can customize it however you want! We personally use oat milk and coconut cream to avoid most of the dairy, and it's some of the best ice cream we've ever had.
If you liked this recipe, check out our recipe for cake batter gelato here.
Mm with coconut milk sounds decadent. Thanks!!
What an easy recipe. Who knew! Love gelato and can’t wait to make this!
Hands down best recipe I’ve made so far in the ninja creami. Made this to serve with dessert on Thanksgiving and it was a hit! Will be making over and over