Craving a rich, creamy chocolate ice cream but want to skip the cream cheese? This Ninja Creami recipe delivers an ultra-indulgent treat without any cream cheese at all.
Made with simple ingredients like whole milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder, and vanilla, it’s a guilt-free indulgence that’s sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings.
What is Creamy Chocolate Ice Cream?
There’s nothing quite like a scoop of homemade chocolate ice cream—smooth, rich, and packed with deep cocoa flavor. This version skips complicated steps and extra ingredients, relying instead on a simple blend of milk, cream, sugar, and cocoa powder to create a velvety base.
Using the Ninja Creami, this recipe transforms a few pantry staples into a luscious frozen dessert in under an hour of hands-on time. The result is a creamy, indulgent treat that tastes like it came straight from an ice cream shop, but with the comfort of knowing exactly what’s inside.
Ingredients
A handful of everyday staples is all you need to create a rich, chocolatey base for this ice cream.
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Together, these ingredients balance creaminess, sweetness, and deep cocoa flavor for a smooth, indulgent scoop every time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this chocolate ice cream is straightforward, and the Ninja Creami does most of the work for you.
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, cream, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Heat over medium, stirring frequently, until sugar is dissolved and the mixture is steaming hot but not boiling.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow to cool to room temperature.
- Pour the mixture into the frozen Ninja Creami bowl and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions for about 20–30 minutes.
- Once thickened to your desired ice cream consistency, transfer to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
That’s all it takes—just a few simple steps to transform pantry staples into a rich, creamy dessert that tastes like it came straight from an ice cream shop.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Here is a nutrition facts table for the Ninja Creami Chocolate Ice Cream without Cream Cheese recipe:
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 378 |
Total Fat | 22g |
Saturated Fat | 13g |
Cholesterol | 68mg |
Sodium | 175mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 41g |
Dietary Fiber | 2g |
Sugars | 38g |
Protein | 5g |
These values are approximate and may vary slightly depending on the exact ingredients and serving size used.
Recipe Notes
Homemade ice cream is flexible, and this recipe is no exception. A few small tweaks can completely change the flavor and texture.
Think of this section as your guide to customizing the base recipe so it fits your taste and kitchen style.
- For a deeper chocolate flavor, try using Dutch‑processed cocoa powder—it gives the ice cream a darker color and smoother taste.
- If you prefer a lighter texture, reduce the heavy cream slightly and increase the milk.
- Letting the base chill overnight before churning can enhance both flavor and creaminess.
- This recipe is versatile—add chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or a swirl of peanut butter for extra indulgence.
- Store in an airtight container to prevent ice crystals and enjoy within a week for the best texture.
These little adjustments make the recipe more personal and fun, giving you a dessert that feels truly your own.

Homemade Ninja Creami Chocolate Ice Cream Without Cream Cheese
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Ninja Creami (with frozen bowl)
- Airtight freezer‑safe container
- Rubber spatula or spoon
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, cream, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Heat over medium, stirring frequently, until sugar is dissolved and the mixture is steaming hot but not boiling.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow to cool to room temperature.
- Pour the mixture into the frozen Ninja Creami bowl and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions for about 20–30 minutes.
- Once thickened to your desired ice cream consistency, transfer to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.