This tangy and refreshing Ninja CREAMi Lemon Ice Cream tastes far more indulgent than it actually is. We have lightened it up and made it higher in protein by using Greek yogurt and NO pudding mix needed. It's sweet and tart, super creamy, and so easy to whip up. You are going to want to have a few pints of this stashed in your freezer.
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Instead of heavy cream, we're using thick, protein-packed Greek yogurt along with tangy lemon curd and milk for the perfect balance of tart and sweet in this Ninja Creami lemon ice cream recipe.
Whilst chocolate ice cream is always my go-to, there is just something about lemon. It's cooling and refreshing and the lemon curd adds richness while the yogurt keeps it light.
Looking for more Ninja Creami Recipes? Why not try our refreshing Berry Sorbet, smooth Peach Ice Cream, easy Ninja Creami Cookies and Cream, better than Starbucks Ninja Creami Creamiccino or our protein-packed Ninja Creami Protein Frozen Yogurt?
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Ingredients and Substitutions
A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Greek yogurt - We used 0% fat to keep it lighter and lower in calories, but you could use a higher fat percentage if you prefer.
- Milk - Any milk will work.
- Lemon curd - Whilst this isn't the most nutrient dense ingredient, as little goes a long way and it is what gives the intense lemon flavour. We really didn't want to use an artificial tasting lemon pudding mix, so use a good quality lemon curd.
- Lemon - We topped the ice cream with some lemon zest. If the Creami is a little crumbly, lemon juice can be added to loosen it up.
Variations
- Lemon Blueberry Swirl: After the first spin, add ¼ cup blueberry jam or fresh blueberries to the centre and use the Mix-In function.
- Lemon Poppy Seed: Stir in 1 teaspoon poppy seeds after spinning for a fun texture.
- Lemon Cheesecake: Mix in crushed digestive biscuits (graham crackers in the US) after spinning for a cheesecake vibe.
- Protein Boost: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder when mixing your base for even more protein.
- Meringue - This is a classic with anything lemon and it's delicious crumbled on top of the lemon ice cream in the Ninja Creami.
How To Make Ninja Creami Lemon Ice Cream
- Step 1: In the Ninja Creami pint container pour in the yogurt, milk and lemon curd. Mix well.
- Step 2: Put the lid onto the pint container and freeze for 24 hours.
- Step 3: Remove the lid and put the frozen pint tub into the outer bowl and put on the outer bowl lid. Put into the Ninja Creami machine and set to the Frozen Yogurt setting and spin. After the first spin it may result in a crumbly consistency.
- Step 4: Add a little lemon juice to the crumbly mixture. Replace the tub in the machine and press Re-spin. You should only need one more respin to achieve the perfect creamy texture.
Storage and Make Ahead
Freezer storage: After spinning, you can smooth the top, cover, and return the pint to the freezer. It will firm up, so let it sit at room temp for 5-10 minutes before scooping.
Make ahead: Prep multiple pints at once! Mix up the base, divide into pint containers, and freeze. That way you always have a refreshing pint ready to spin.
Refreshing leftovers: If your ice cream firms up too much after storage, just pop it back in the Ninja Creami and hit Re-Spin.
Dannii's Top Tips
- If you want this to be super creamy, then use a full fat Greek yogurt and whole milk or even coconut milk. This will, of course, change the nutritional info.
- Don't skip the re-spin! Yogurt bases often need at leat one re-spin for the best texture.
- Adjust sweetness to taste. Lemon curd adds natural sweetness, but if you like it sweeter, add honey, sugar, or monk fruit.
- For extra lemon punch, stir in a teaspoon of lemon extract or lemon juice or zest.
More Lemon Recipes
If you've tried this Lemon Ninja Creami recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.
Recipe
Ninja CREAMi Lemon Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 300 g (1.5 cups) 0% Fat Free Greek yogurt
- 50 g (0.25 cups) Lemon curd
- 120 ml (0.5 cups) Skimmed milk
- 1 Lemon - (zest only, and juice if needed)
Instructions
- In the Ninja pint container add the yogurt, milk and lemon curd. Mix well.
- Put the lid onto the pint container and freeze for 24 hours.
- Remove the lid and put the frozen pint tub into the outer bowl and put on the outer bowl lid. Put into the Ninja Creami machine and set to the Frozen Yogurt setting and spin. After the first spin it may result in a crumbly consistency.
- Add a little lemon juice to the crumbly mixture. Replace the tub in the machine and press Re-spin. You should only need one more re-spin to achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
Recipe Tips
- If you want this to be super creamy, then use a full fat Greek yogurt and whole milk. This will, of course, change the nutritional info.
- Don't skip the re-spin! Yogurt bases often need at leat one re-spin for the best texture.
- Adjust sweetness to taste. Lemon curd adds natural sweetness, but if you like it sweeter, add honey, sugar, or monk fruit.
- For extra lemon punch, stir in a teaspoon of lemon extract or lemon juice or zest.
Nutritional Information
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The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.
Kay says
So glad I came across this recipe!
Was looking for a Ninja Creami lemon ice cream without pudding mix and you delivered! We ended up adding a good dash of lemon juice before the re-spin to get that extra lemon punch and found it positively wonderful. I will say it had a slight sorbet texture to it, but we were very happy with it. Pleasantly surprised by how well this ice cream held up as we typically use xanthan gum - we will be making this again!
A great healthier alternative to So Kind Ice Cream's lemon cloud flavor!