Sweet, Creamy, and Incredibly Easy to Make
Some flavor combinations just work. Strawberry and banana? That’s a classic. One brings bright, juicy sweetness; the other adds a smooth, creamy texture that rounds it all out. Together, they create a fruity, dreamy dessert that feels indulgent but still refreshingly light.
Now, what if you could take that combination and turn it into ice cream — without added preservatives, artificial colors, or unnecessary sugar? The Ninja Creami lets you do exactly that. This machine is a game-changer when it comes to homemade frozen treats. It takes a simple base and spins it into a rich, scoopable ice cream that tastes as good as it looks.
Ready to take those ripe strawberries and bananas sitting on your counter and turn them into something truly special? Let’s get started.
1. Why Make Strawberry Banana Ice Cream in the Ninja Creami?
You’ve probably seen strawberry banana ice cream in stores. So why make it at home?
Because store-bought versions often contain:
- High-fructose corn syrup
- Artificial flavoring
- Thickeners and stabilizers
- Extra calories you don’t need
With the Ninja Creami, you skip all of that. You use real ingredients, get real flavor, and control the sweetness, creaminess, and texture from start to finish.
Here’s why the Ninja Creami works especially well:
- It spins frozen bases into ultra-creamy perfection
- No need to churn for hours or buy an expensive compressor unit
- Works beautifully with fruit-heavy recipes like strawberry banana
- You can customize it for dietary needs — low-carb, dairy-free, high-protein, etc.
When you make it yourself, the flavor hits different — and you know exactly what’s in every bite.
2. Ingredients for the Perfect Strawberry Banana Creami
This recipe is simple, clean, and full of fresh flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to make about 1 pint (2–3 servings).
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana (medium-sized)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
- ½ cup milk of choice (dairy or non-dairy)
- ¼ cup heavy cream (optional for creamier texture)
- 1–2 tbsp maple syrup or honey (or sweetener of choice)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Want it dairy-free? Use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk in place of regular milk and skip the cream or use coconut cream.
Want it sweeter? Add a pitted Medjool date or a bit more honey or monk fruit sweetener.
It’s your recipe — tweak it to suit your taste.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating this strawberry banana ice cream is surprisingly easy. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be scooping in no time.
Step 1: Blend the Ingredients
Start by preparing your base:
- In a blender, combine the banana, strawberries, milk, cream, sweetener, vanilla, and salt.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Taste the mixture — if you want it sweeter, now’s the time to adjust.
The texture should be pourable, not overly thick. If it feels more like a smoothie, that’s perfect.
Step 2: Freeze the Base
- Pour the blended mixture into your Ninja Creami pint container.
- Seal with the lid and place it flat in the freezer.
- Freeze for at least 20–24 hours until completely solid.
Why freeze for that long? The Ninja Creami needs a solid base to spin it properly. If the mixture is even slightly soft, the texture won’t turn out right.
Step 3: Spin in the Ninja Creami
Once the mixture is fully frozen:
- Remove the pint from the freezer and insert it into the Ninja Creami bowl assembly.
- Lock it in and select the “Ice Cream” function.
- Let the machine complete the cycle.
When it finishes, open the lid and check the texture. If it looks crumbly (which happens sometimes), simply add 1–2 tablespoons of milk and press the “Re-spin” button. You’ll get a soft, creamy consistency that’s ready to serve.
4. Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
Here’s a rough estimate based on 3 servings from the full pint:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120–150 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 18–22g |
| Sugars (natural) | 13–16g |
| Fat | 3–6g |
| Fiber | 2–3g |
| Protein | 2–4g |
Want to keep the carbs lower? Use a low-carb milk, swap maple syrup for stevia or monk fruit, and limit the banana to half.
5. Tips for Perfect Texture and Flavor
Getting the texture right on your first try? Totally doable — but these tips will help guarantee success.
- Use ripe bananas: Not overly mushy, but definitely ripe. They add natural sweetness and smooth texture.
- Don’t over-freeze the fruit: If using frozen strawberries, let them thaw slightly before blending.
- Go light on the sweetener: You can always add more later and re-spin, but you can’t take it out.
- Add a squeeze of lemon: Want to brighten the flavor even more? A teaspoon of lemon juice sharpens everything.
Still crumbly after the second spin? Let the pint sit for 5–7 minutes at room temp and then re-spin again.
6. Fun Variations You Can Try
Once you’ve got the base recipe down, you can play with the flavor endlessly. This combo is super versatile and pairs well with lots of add-ins.
Flavor Variations:
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Add a spoonful of natural peanut butter after spinning using the Mix-In function.
- Chocolate Chip: Fold in mini dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs.
- Coconut Cream Twist: Replace the cream with coconut cream for a tropical flavor.
- Chia Berry Fusion: Mix in a spoon of berry chia jam after spinning.
- Protein Boost: Add a scoop of vanilla or strawberry protein powder to the blend for a post-workout treat.
These variations work well because strawberry and banana are a neutral yet flavorful base.
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7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this recipe without cream?
Yes. Use just milk (dairy or non-dairy) for a lighter, fruitier texture. It won’t be as rich, but it’ll still taste amazing.
Q: What if I don’t have fresh strawberries?
Frozen strawberries work too. Just thaw slightly before blending to make it easier on your blender.
Q: Can I double the batch?
Only freeze one pint at a time in the Ninja Creami container. If doubling, divide the mix into two pint containers and freeze separately.
Q: My ice cream is too icy. What went wrong?
You likely used too much water-based fruit or not enough fat. Add a bit more cream next time or re-spin with a splash of milk.
Q: Can I store leftovers in the pint container?
Yes. Just keep the lid on and re-freeze. When ready to eat again, let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes and re-spin if needed.
8. When to Serve Strawberry Banana Ice Cream
This ice cream fits any occasion:
- Post-dinner dessert that doesn’t feel heavy
- After-school snack for kids (and adults)
- Healthy sweet fix for late-night cravings
- Weekend treat for friends or family gatherings
Want to impress guests? Serve it in a hollowed-out coconut shell or with fresh mint leaves and sliced fruit on top.
9. Why Strawberry and Banana Just Work
You might ask: what makes this combo so good?
Let’s break it down.
- Strawberries bring tartness, brightness, and a pop of flavor.
- Bananas mellow that out with creamy texture and natural sweetness.
Together, they create balance — not too sharp, not too rich, just right. That’s why this combo shows up in smoothies, yogurts, and now… your favorite new ice cream recipe.
10. Final Thoughts: A Homemade Scoop of Summer Anytime
With the Ninja Creami, you don’t need an ice cream shop or special ingredients to make something incredible. You just need a ripe banana, some fresh strawberries, and a little patience for freezing.
The result? A cool, fruity dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth without the heaviness of dairy-based treats. It’s sweet, it’s nostalgic, and it’s endlessly customizable.
Next time you’re in the mood for something refreshing but still creamy and comforting, you’ll know what to make. This Strawberry Banana Ice Cream is as easy to enjoy as it is to create.
