When it comes to crafting the perfect homemade ice cream, few things are as exciting as indulging in a luscious bowl of Chunky Monkey Ice Cream made with the convenience of the Ninja Creami. This delightful treat combines the creamy texture of banana-flavored ice cream with the crunch of walnuts and the burst of chocolate chunks, making it a quintessential comfort dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply craving a scoop of something unique, this recipe is sure to satisfy!
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chunks
- 1/3 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
Equipments
- Ninja Creami
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Freezer-safe container
How to Make Crafting Delicious Chunky Monkey Ice Cream with the Ninja Creami – Step By Step
Step 1: Gather and Mash the Bananas
The foundation of this recipe is the ripe bananas. Begin by peeling the bananas and placing them in a large mixing bowl. You’ll want to mash the bananas thoroughly until they transform into a smooth puree. This step is essential as it releases the natural sweetness and provides the base flavor for your ice cream. It’s okay to leave a small amount of texture if you enjoy that little extra bite in your spoonful.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Base
In the same bowl, add the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Using a whisk, blend all the ingredients until the sugar is completely dissolved and no lumps remain. The goal here is to create a homogenous mixture with a consistent flavor profile, which will freeze evenly and churn to a perfect creamy texture in the Ninja Creami.
Step 3: Incorporate the Crunch and Chunk
Gently fold in the chocolate chunks and the chopped, toasted walnuts into the cream base. This is where your Chunky Monkey Ice Cream gets its signature flair. The chocolate and walnuts add layers of texture and bursts of flavor that make this dessert so irresistible. Ensure that the chunks are evenly distributed throughout the mixture for consistency in every bite.
Step 4: Freeze the Mixture
Pour your prepared mixture into a Ninja Creami-compatible, freezer-safe container. Make sure the mixture reaches no more than the maximum fill line. Seal the container with its lid and place it in the freezer. Let it freeze for at least 24 hours. This waiting period is crucial as it allows the ingredients to solidify properly, ensuring the Ninja Creami can churn it into a creamy texture.
Step 5: Churn in the Ninja Creami
Once your mixture is thoroughly frozen, it’s time to bring the magic to life. Remove the container from the freezer and fit it into your Ninja Creami machine. Use the ‘Gelato’ or ‘Ice Cream’ setting, depending on your model preference, and let the machine work its wonders. The result should be a beautifully churned, creamy ice cream ready to be enjoyed.
How to Serve Crafting Delicious Chunky Monkey Ice Cream with the Ninja Creami
To serve your freshly made ice cream, scoop generous portions into bowls or cones and top with extra chocolate chunks or walnuts if desired. This eye-catching presentation makes it perfect for any gathering, leaving a lasting impression of indulgence. Enjoy immediately or refreeze for a thicker consistency if preferred.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For an extra touch, consider adding a dash of cinnamon to your banana base for a unique twist. If you love more texture, you can also add some crushed Oreo cookies or a swirl of chocolate fudge after churning but before serving!
Indulge: High-Protein Chunky Monkey Ice Cream
If you’re a fitness enthusiast or just looking to sneak in some extra protein, try creating a high-protein version of this classic treat! Substitute half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a vanilla protein shake base. This simple swap not only enhances the creaminess but adds substantial nutrition to your indulgence.
Even those who prioritize their protein intake can enjoy this delicious dessert guilt-free. The altered ingredients maintain the integrity of flavor while enhancing your daily protein tally, making it a wholesome treat post-workout or as a protein-packed snack.
Guilt-Free: Low-Carb Chunky Monkey Delight
Dream of a low-carb version of this iconic dessert? Simply replace the sugar with your favorite low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. Reducing the carbohydrate content doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor, as these sweeteners adeptly balance the taste with fewer calories.
For a healthier fat content, alternatively use nuts high in monounsaturated fats like pecans or almonds instead of walnuts. This will not only lower the carb content but cater to those keeping a keen eye on their macronutrients while still enjoying a luscious dessert.
Storage Instructions
If there are any leftovers—unlikely as it may seem—store your ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. Ideally, it should be consumed within 1–2 weeks to enjoy maximum freshness and flavor. For easy scooping later, let your container sit at room temperature for a couple of minutes to soften slightly.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen bananas instead of ripe ones? Absolutely, just thaw and mash them thoroughly before combining other ingredients.
- How do I prevent the ice cream from becoming icy? Ensure your cream base is well mixed, and avoid leaving any air bubbles when filling your container.
- Can I substitute the chocolate chunks? Yes, feel free to use your favorite chocolate or even white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
- What if I don’t have a Ninja Creami? You can use any ice cream maker, though consistency and timing may vary.
- How to adjust sweetness if necessary? Taste your base mix before freezing, and adjust sweetness with more sugar or sweetener as preferred.
Bring a Scoop of Delight into Your Home
This Chunky Monkey Ice Cream recipe with the Ninja Creami invites you to explore the blend of flavors and textures that delight everyone. Perfect for every occasion, it encourages culinary curiosity. If you enjoy this recipe, share your thoughts in the comments, share with friends, and don’t hesitate to remix the flavors!
Chunky Monkey Ice Cream with Ninja Creami
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ripe bananas
- heavy cream
- whole milk
- sugar
- vanilla extract
- chocolate chunks
- walnuts
Instructions
Steps
- Mash the ripe bananas in a mixing bowl until smooth.
- Add heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and vanilla. Whisk until sugar dissolves.
- Gently fold in chocolate chunks and walnuts.
- Pour mixture into a Ninja Creami container and freeze for 24 hours.
- Churn frozen mixture in Ninja Creami on 'Gelato' setting until creamy.