There’s nothing quite like a bowl of homemade ice cream on a hot summer day. While traditional ice cream makers are great, did you know that you can also make deliciously creamy ice cream using your trusty Vitamix blender? Yes, that versatile kitchen companion can do much more than just blending smoothies and soups. So, read on to be guided through the process of making delectable ice cream right in your Vitamix blender, allowing you to indulge in frozen treats whenever the craving strikes.
From your fruity favourites like strawberry and raspberry ice cream through to your sweet staples such as banana, mint pistachio and even apple pie ice cream, there’s a flavour for the whole family to enjoy!
Step 1: Gather your ingredients:
- 2 cups of your favourite frozen fruit (such as strawberries, bananas, or mangoes)
- 1 cup of double cream or full-fat coconut milk for a vegan alternative
- 1/2 cup of sweetener (sugar, honey, maple syrup, or your preferred sweetener)
- Optional: Flavorings like vanilla extract, cocoa powder, or mint extract
Tip: Why not try this light and refreshing Pineapple Freeze, for a dairy-free, vegan alternative?
Step 2: Prepared your Vitamix blender
It may seem like a simple and fairly obvious step but before you begin, ensure that your Vitamix blender is clean and ready for action. Having a clean blender will prevent any unwanted flavours or residue from affecting the taste of your ice cream. Additionally, make sure that the container is dry, as excess moisture can lead to icy ice cream.
Step 3: Get blending!
Once you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to start blending. Add the frozen fruit, heavy cream or coconut milk, sweetener, and any flavourings of your choice into the Vitamix container. Secure the lid tightly.
Begin by blending the ingredients on a low setting, gradually increasing the speed to high. The frozen fruit will break down into a thick, creamy mixture. Blend for a few minutes until you achieve a smooth consistency, ensuring there are no lumps or chunks remaining.
Step 4: Taste and adjust
Once the ingredients are fully blended, pause for a moment to taste the mixture. This is the perfect opportunity to adjust the sweetness or flavour according to your preference. If you feel it needs more sweetness, add a little more sweetener and blend again briefly until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Chill and serve
Transfer the ice cream mixture to a freezer-safe container. Cover it securely and place it in the freezer for a minimum of 3-4 hours, or until it reaches your desired firmness. For optimal texture, stir the ice cream every 30 minutes during the freezing process to prevent ice crystals from forming.
Once fully frozen, your homemade Vitamix ice cream is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it in bowls or cones, and feel free to garnish it with fresh fruits, nuts, or chocolate shavings to elevate the presentation and taste.
Additional Tips & Tricks:
- For a creamier texture, add a tablespoon or two of cream cheese or Greek yoghurt to the blender.
- Experiment with different fruit combinations and flavours to create unique ice cream varieties.
- If you don’t have frozen fruit on hand, you can freeze fresh fruit overnight before using it in the recipe.
- Fold in chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or cookie crumbs before freezing to make your ice cream more indulgent.
- For a healthier, quicker and simpler process try making ‘nice-cream’, created from frozen bananas alongside your ingredients of choice (e.g. frozen strawberries, nut butter, cacao powder). Yum!
For a bit of inspiration, try these healthy nice cream recipes:
– Blueberry Avocado Nice Cream
– Hibiscus Banana Nice Cream
– Matcha Banana Nice Cream
Discover more delicious ice cream recipes, that can be made in your Vitamix blender, here.
With your trusty Vitamix blender, making traditional homemade ice cream has never been easier. By following these simple steps and being creative with your choice of ingredients, you can whip up delicious, creamy treats for yourself, your family, and your friends. So, beat the heat and dive into the world of homemade ice cream with your Vitamix blender!
