Craving a dessert that captures all the cozy, festive vibes of the holiday season but also cools you down in the heat? Eggnog ice cream is your answer. It’s rich, spiced, smooth, and when made in the Ninja Creami—it becomes dreamy.
Most people love eggnog but rarely think of turning it into ice cream. Why not blend those classic holiday flavors with the creamy magic of frozen dessert? That’s where this recipe truly shines. Whether you’re an eggnog devotee or just looking for something bold and comforting, this one’s for you.
And no—you don’t need to wait until December rolls around. With this Ninja Creami eggnog ice cream recipe, you can enjoy the taste of the holidays all year long.
1. Why Eggnog and Ice Cream Make the Perfect Duo
Have you ever wondered why eggnog works so well as a frozen dessert? Let’s break it down.
- Eggnog is already creamy.
- It’s made with milk, cream, and eggs—just like a custard-based ice cream.
- It contains warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon.
- It’s naturally sweetened.
All these qualities make it an ideal base for a homemade frozen treat. With Ninja Creami, you’re not just making ice cream—you’re making gourmet ice cream with minimal effort.
2. Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavor
You don’t need a long grocery list to make this. Simplicity is part of what makes this recipe so irresistible.
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup store-bought or homemade eggnog (full-fat recommended)
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg (plus extra for garnish)
- Optional: 1 tbsp bourbon or rum (if making an adult version)
Why these ingredients?
Each one plays a specific role:
- Eggnog brings the holiday flavor and texture.
- Cream ensures a rich, smooth mouthfeel.
- Vanilla enhances the custardy notes.
- Sugar balances the spice and adds sweetness.
- Nutmeg gives that signature eggnog punch.
- Alcohol (optional) adds depth and improves texture.
3. Prep Time: Setting the Stage for Creaminess
You might be wondering—do I just toss everything in and churn?
Not exactly. With the Ninja Creami, your mixture needs to freeze first. But the actual prep takes less than 10 minutes.
Steps to Prepare Your Base:
- In a bowl, whisk together eggnog, cream, vanilla, sugar, and nutmeg.
- Pour the mixture into the Ninja Creami pint container. Make sure not to overfill.
- Secure the lid tightly and freeze for at least 24 hours. This is crucial.
Want to add the bourbon or rum? Stir it in after freezing and before spinning for the best texture.
4. Let’s Talk Ninja Creami Settings
Why does the Ninja Creami make such a difference? Because it doesn’t just churn; it “reprocesses” frozen ingredients into silky ice cream.
Which Setting Should You Use?
- Use the “Ice Cream” mode for best results.
- If your texture isn’t perfect after the first spin, use the “Re-Spin” button once or twice.
The Ninja Creami’s blade will shave and smooth your frozen base until it’s as luxurious as store-bought (or better).
5. Customizing Your Eggnog Ice Cream
Want to make it uniquely yours? Let’s explore some fun variations.
Add-Ins:
- Crushed gingersnap cookies
- Caramel swirls
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Chocolate shavings
- Cinnamon dusted marshmallows
How to add them? After your first spin, create a hole in the center of the ice cream and add the mix-ins. Then use the “Mix-In” function.
This method keeps your add-ins intact and evenly distributed.
6. Dairy-Free or Healthier Versions—Is It Possible?
Yes, you can absolutely adapt this for different dietary needs.
Dairy-Free Version:
- Use oat milk or almond-based eggnog alternatives.
- Replace heavy cream with coconut cream for richness.
Lower Sugar Option:
- Swap sugar with monk fruit or stevia blends.
- Use unsweetened almond milk + sugar-free eggnog (if available).
Note: Dairy-free versions might need more than one spin for perfect creaminess, but they still work beautifully.
7. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
You’ve got your ingredients and tools, but what should you not do?
Avoid These Errors:
- Under-freezing: Your base must freeze solid. Anything under 24 hours may give slushy results.
- Overfilling: Leave some headroom in the pint container to avoid overflow.
- Skipping the re-spin: If the texture seems crumbly, don’t panic. A re-spin usually fixes it.
- Adding mix-ins too early: Always wait until after the first spin.
When you follow the process right, the Ninja Creami does the heavy lifting.
8. Make It a Holiday Experience (Any Time of Year)
What turns this ice cream into a memory?
Pair it with cozy vibes:
- Serve with warm gingerbread cookies
- Add a splash of hot espresso for an eggnog affogato
- Top with cinnamon dust and a mini candy cane for a festive touch
This isn’t just dessert. It’s a holiday in a bowl.
9. Storage Tips for Leftovers (If You Have Any!)
What if you don’t finish your batch in one sitting?
Simply level off the surface and re-freeze the pint. Next time you want to enjoy it, just re-spin the contents. It’ll come out smooth and creamy again—no ice crystals, no hassle.
Don’t re-freeze once you’ve added mix-ins, though. The texture may suffer.
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10. Why This Ice Cream Works in Every Season
You might ask, “Isn’t eggnog seasonal?” Technically, yes. But there’s no reason it can’t become a year-round indulgence.
The warmth of spices contrasts beautifully with the cold texture. That duality is what makes it so enjoyable—even in the summer. And with the Ninja Creami, you’re not relying on weather. You’re relying on flavor.
11. Nutritional Breakdown (Estimated)
Want to know what you’re indulging in? Here’s a general idea based on one serving (½ pint):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~280 |
| Fat | ~20g |
| Sugar | ~16g |
| Protein | ~4g |
| Carbs | ~18g |
These values can vary depending on what brand of eggnog or sweetener you use.
12. Reader Q&A: Answering Your Top Questions
Let’s tackle some of the common questions people have.
Q: Can I make this with homemade eggnog?
Absolutely. In fact, it makes it even more personal. Just ensure it’s well-chilled before mixing.
Q: Can kids eat this if I add alcohol?
No. For a family-friendly version, skip the alcohol and rely on the natural nutmeg and vanilla for flavor.
Q: Is this recipe safe for people with egg allergies?
Not if you’re using traditional eggnog. But you can use egg-free alternatives on the market.
13. Bonus: Quick Homemade Eggnog Recipe
Want to make your own eggnog to use in the ice cream?
Simple Homemade Eggnog:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 egg yolks
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp nutmeg
Steps:
- Whisk yolks and sugar in a bowl until pale.
- Heat milk and cream until warm (not boiling).
- Slowly add milk mixture into yolks, whisking constantly.
- Return mixture to pan and cook on low until it thickens.
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and nutmeg.
- Chill thoroughly before using in the recipe.
Homemade eggnog gives your ice cream an ultra-luxurious texture.
14. Final Thoughts: A Treat Worth Making Again
So, what makes Ninja Creami Eggnog Ice Cream a standout?
It’s festive, familiar, yet completely refreshing. You get the warmth of holiday spices paired with the chill of summer. It’s versatile enough to customize, forgiving for beginners, and satisfying enough to impress anyone who tastes it.
With just a handful of ingredients, a freezer, and the Ninja Creami, you’re transforming a seasonal drink into a year-round obsession.
