Last updated on July 24, 2025
Is there anything quite as refreshing as homemade ice cream on a warm afternoon? I still remember the first time I attempted to make my very own ice cream. I was armed with excitement and a recipe that seemed so straightforward. But it ended in a swirl of melted mess and melted dreams. Cue the laughter! I realized that ice cream can be enchanting, and a little intimidating for many of us beginners in the kitchen. This Ninja Creami Matcha Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe brings that homemade magic back without any of the stress.
If you’ve ever felt nervous about making ice cream—afraid of ruining the dish or getting the texture just right—you’re not alone. Ice cream can feel like a fanciful treat meant for professional chefs. However, I promise you that with a few simple steps and this cozy recipe, you’ll find that making your own ice cream is not just doable, but delightful too!
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Why I Love This Recipe of Ninja Creami Matcha Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe
This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines two of my absolute favorites: the earthy taste of Japanese matcha and the sweet, tangy burst of strawberries. It’s the perfect harmony of flavors that evokes a memory of sunny afternoons and laughter with family and friends. The Ninja Creami machine works wonders to create that irresistibly smooth texture, ensuring that every scoop is packed with vibrant flavor.
What makes this ice cream truly magical is its versatility. Whether you’re using fresh strawberries in the summer or delightful freeze-dried ones during the off-season, you’re in for a treat. This recipe is accommodating to new cooks, allowing for creativity without complicated steps. You might just find yourself mastering the art of homemade ice cream in the comfort of your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Ninja Creami Matcha Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe
To embark on this delightful journey of ice cream making, here’s what you’ll need. I’ve divided the ingredients into essentials and optional add-ons, along with some easy substitutions.
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Ninja Creami Matcha Strawberry Ice Cream
- Total Time: 24 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 pint 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Ninja Creami Matcha Strawberry Ice Cream combines the earthy, vibrant flavor of Japanese matcha with the fruity sweetness of strawberries. It’s creamy, refreshing, and perfect for summer days!
Ingredients
- 6 teaspoons Japanese matcha green tea powder: The star ingredient that gives color and a distinct earthy flavor.
- ¼ cup hot water: Helps dissolve and activate the matcha.
- ½ cup cottage cheese: Adds creaminess and protein.
- 1 ½ cups half and half: The base that creates a smooth ice cream texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract: For warmth and depth of flavor.
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk: Sweetens and adds richness.
- 1 cup strawberries (freeze-dried or chopped fresh): Adds a sweet and tangy contrast.
Optional Add-Ons
- Extra sweetener (sugar or honey) for more sweetness.
- Additional fruits like blueberries or raspberries.
- Mini chocolate chips for texture contrast.
Substitutions and Shortcuts
- Dairy-Free: Use silken tofu instead of cottage cheese, and swap half and half for almond or oat milk.
- No Matcha?: Substitute cocoa powder for a chocolate version.
- Sugar Substitutes: Use stevia or erythritol instead of sweetened condensed milk (adjust taste).
Instructions
- Blend the Base: Combine half and half, sweetened condensed milk, cottage cheese, matcha dissolved in hot water, and vanilla in a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Add Strawberries (Optional): Pulse strawberries into the mix for a blended flavor, or reserve them for a swirl later.
- Freeze the Base: Pour the mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container, level the top, and freeze flat for 24 hours.
- Spin: Place the frozen pint in the Ninja Creami and select “Ice Cream” mode.
- Respin (if needed): Add 1–2 tablespoons of milk and hit “Respin” if the texture is crumbly.
- Mix in Strawberries (if not blended): Add chopped or freeze-dried strawberries and mix using the Ninja Creami “Mix-In” function.
- Serve and Enjoy: Scoop directly or freeze again for a firmer texture before serving.
Notes
- Swirl Tip: Add strawberries after the first spin for a gorgeous swirl effect.
- Storage: Keep in the pint container and respin before serving leftovers.
- Matcha Quality: Use high-grade Japanese matcha for the best color and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Ninja Creami
- Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: undefined
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: undefined
Keywords: Ninja Creami matcha ice cream, matcha strawberry dessert, cottage cheese ice cream, homemade green tea ice cream, Japanese matcha recipe
Essentials
6 teaspoons Japanese matcha green tea powder: This is the heart of your ice cream recipe, providing that beautiful green color and distinct flavor.
¼ cup hot water: This helps dissolve the matcha, ensuring it’s well-mixed throughout your ice cream.
½ cup cottage cheese: This provides creaminess and a touch of protein without making the ice cream too heavy.
1 ½ cups half and half: A luscious combination of milk and cream that gives us that classic ice cream texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract: This adds a warm, comforting depth to our ice cream.
½ cup sweetened condensed milk: This sweetener not only gives a luxurious richness but also enhances the overall creaminess of the ice cream.
1 cup strawberries (freeze-dried or chopped fresh): This fruity option adds tanginess and beautiful color.
Optional Add-Ons
Extra Sweetener: If you prefer your ice cream sweeter, you can always add some extra sugar or honey while blending.
More Fruits: Think blueberries, raspberries, or even other freeze-dried fruits to give a mix of flavors.
Chocolate Chips: For those who love bits of chocolate, adding a few mini chips could provide a lovely contrast.
Substitutions and Shortcuts
Dairy-Free Version: Substitute cottage cheese with a dairy-free alternative like silken tofu, and use oat or almond milk instead of half and half.
No Matcha?: If matcha isn’t your thing, feel free to replace it with cocoa powder for a chocolate ice cream delight.
Sugar Substitutes: If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can use sugar substitutes like stevia or erythritol.
With these ingredients at your fingertips, you’re ready to create a delightful park of flavors that sings summer joy in every spoonful!
How to Make Ninja Creami Matcha Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe Step-by-Step
Ready to get started? Here’s your detailed guide to making this luscious ice cream. Let’s dive in!
Blend the Base
Gather your ingredients: Before you start, it helps to have everything measured out and ready to go. It makes the process smoother and quicker!
Combine the liquids: In a blender or food processor, pour in your half and half, sweetened condensed milk, and cottage cheese.
Introduce the matcha: Add your 6 teaspoons of Japanese matcha green tea powder and the ¼ cup of hot water to the mix.
Vanilla time: Don’t forget to add that teaspoon of vanilla bean paste or extract for additional flavor.
Blend until smooth: Blend all these elements together until completely smooth; there shouldn’t be any lumps remaining. This will form a creamy and vibrant green base for your ice cream.
Add Strawberries (Optional)
Here’s where you can customize your ice cream a bit. If you love the flavor of strawberry blended in:
- Pulse in strawberries: You can add a few fresh or freeze-dried strawberries to the blender. Just pulse them briefly to combine. This technique results in a blended flavor throughout.
If you prefer the strawberries as a lovely swirl:
- Set them aside: Instead of blending them in, you can reserve the strawberries until after you’ve spun the ice cream. Mixing them in at the end creates a refreshing fruit swirl effect that looks gorgeous!
Freeze the Base
Pour into container: Transfer your blended mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container. Make sure it’s leveled off at the top to ensure even freezing.
Freeze flat: Place the container flat in your freezer. It’s important to freeze it for a full 24 hours so that it sets properly.
Spin the Ice Cream
Remove from freezer: Once the waiting game is over, pull your pint from the freezer. Take the lid off.
Enter the Ninja Creami: Slot it into your Ninja Creami machine and select the Ice Cream function. It’ll work its magic to transform your mixture into a creamy delight.
Respin If Needed
Check the texture: Sometimes, depending on how your mix froze, it can end up a bit crumbly after the first spin. If that’s the case, don’t panic!
Add a splash of milk: Pour in 1-2 tablespoons of any milk (dairy or non-dairy) and set it for a Respin. This will bring it back to that silky-smooth texture we love.
Mix in the Strawberries (If Not Blended Earlier)
Add the strawberries: If you went the swirl route, crumble some freeze-dried strawberries or chop fresh ones and mix them into the ice cream.
Combine gently: Use the Mix-In function on your Ninja Creami or simply stir them in manually to achieve that beautiful blend.
Serve and Enjoy
Now comes the best part!
Scoop away: You can scoop the ice cream straight from the pint. For an elegant touch, transfer it into a lovely bowl.
Immediate pleasure: Enjoy it right away, or if you want it to be a bit firmer, freeze it flat again and respin later to get that desired texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not Waiting Long Enough to Freeze: One of the most common pitfalls is being impatient. Ensure you let your mixture freeze for a full 24 hours. This steady freeze is crucial for that smooth texture.
Over-Blending the Mixture: While you want a smooth blend, be mindful not to overdo it. You don’t want to aerate the mix too much, as this can lead to a different texture post-freeze.
Ignoring the Respin Option: If your ice cream isn’t coming together when you first spin it, make sure to add that splash of milk and respin! It’s a game changer!
Using Cold Strawberries: If you’re adding fresh strawberries later, ensure they are at room temperature rather than cold from the fridge. Cold fruit can create unwanted temperature issues in the ice cream.
Quick Wins for Beginner Cooks
Pre-measure Ingredients: Save yourself time and stress by pre-measuring ingredients. This little step can make the ice cream-making experience much more enjoyable.
Experiment with Flavors: If you’re feeling adventurous, don’t hesitate to try variations! Infusing other flavors like mint or adding a crunchy element with chopped nuts can elevate your ice cream experience.
Make it a Family Activity: Involve the kids! Let them help with pouring, blending, and mixing in the strawberries. It’s a great way to bond and creates fun memories.
Use Store-bought Ingredients: If you’re tight on time, pick up a container of half and half or use pre-chopped freeze-dried fruits. Sometimes shortcuts can save the day!
Pro-Level Tips for When You’re Ready
Experiment with Sweetness: Play around with different sweeteners like honey or agave syrup. Adjust the sweetness level to find your perfect balance.
Try Different Cream Bases: For a luxurious texture, consider trying other base creams like mascarpone or full-fat Greek yogurt. These can yield an even richer ice cream experience.
Extend the Shelf Life: Store your homemade ice cream in an airtight container with parchment paper pressed onto the top to minimize ice crystals forming.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Congratulations, my friend! You’ve navigated the delightful waters of making your own Ninja Creami Matcha Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe with ease. Remember, it’s easier than it looks, and with each scoop, you can customize it to your heart’s content. This lovely homemade treat is cozy, classic, and entirely beginner-approved!
So what’s next? Dive into your kitchen, gather your ingredients, and give this recipe a try! Don’t forget to share your results—whether that’s a success story or some hilarious kitchen mishaps. I can’t wait to hear how your ice cream escapade goes!
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FAQs About Ninja Creami Matcha Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe
Can I use other flavors besides matcha in the Ninja Creami Matcha Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap matcha for cocoa powder for a delicious chocolate version or even try flavors like lavender or mint for a unique twist.
What if I don’t have a Ninja Creami? Can I still make this recipe?
Yes! You can freeze the mixture in a traditional ice cream maker or in a freezer-safe container. Just remember to stir every 30 minutes to prevent ice crystals from forming.
How long can I store the ice cream made from this recipe?
Your homemade ice cream can last for up to 2 weeks in the freezer if stored in an airtight container.
Can I make the Ninja Creami Matcha Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can easily substitute the cottage cheese and half-and-half with dairy-free alternatives, such as coconut cream and dairy-free yogurt.
Are there any tips for achieving the perfect texture for the Ninja Creami Matcha Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe?
Make sure to freeze the base mixture for a full 24 hours and don’t skip the Respin step if the texture is crumbly. Adding a little milk during the respin will help create that desired smoothness.
Now that you’re armed with knowledge and tips, I hope you dive into this recipe and enjoy every creamy, strawberry-infused bite!