If you’ve been searching for a healthier homemade ice cream recipe that still tastes rich, creamy, and indulgent, this Ninja CREAMi Chocolate Soft Serve Ice Cream is the answer. It’s made with real ingredients, no refined sugar, and works perfectly in both the Ninja CREAMi and the Ninja Swirl CREAMi machines.
This soft serve is silky smooth, chocolatey, and 100% family-approved. Whether you’re craving a lighter treat or simply want to skip the processed ice cream at the store, this recipe checks all the boxes. Plus you only need 5 ingredients (well, 6 if you count the salt).
BE SURE TO SAVE THIS RECIPE TO YOUR FAVORITE PINTEREST BOARD FOR LATER!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Refined sugar free – naturally sweetened with maple syrup.
- Customizable – easy to make dairy-free, lighter, or extra rich.
- Versatile – works in both the Ninja Creami and Ninja Swirl Creami.
- Kid-friendly – chocolate soft serve that tastes like the real deal!
What You Will Need:
Here’s everything you’ll need for this healthy chocolate soft serve:
- Blender or Ninja Creami – For best results, I highly recommend using a Ninja CREAMi Ice Cream Maker. It’s a total game-changer when it comes to texture. Unlike a regular blender, the Ninja CREAMi uses its Creamerizer System to finely shave and churn the ice particles, which results in the creamiest, smoothest ice cream—no icy chunks or gritty texture.
- You can use any Ninja CREAMi model—I actually own all of them (LOL). For this recipe, I used the newest model: the Ninja CREAMi Deluxe 11-in-1 Soft Serve Maker, which gives that fun, swirled soft-serve look. But don’t worry, this recipe works perfectly with any version of the CREAMi! This is the older one.
- If you don’t have a CREAMi, you can try using a high-speed blender, but just know the texture may not be quite as smooth or scoopable.
- 1 cup milk (organic grass-fed 2%)
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream (organic)
- 4 tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened, organic – make sure it is unsweetened!!!)
- ¼ cup maple syrup (organic)
- Pinch of sea salt
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (organic)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the mixture
In a Ninja Creami pint container, whisk together all ingredients until fully combined.
Step 2: Freeze the base
Secure the lid and freeze the pint for at least 24 hours on a flat surface. The mixture must be completely frozen solid before processing.
Step 3: Process in your machine
- Ninja CREAMi (original model): Place the frozen pint in the outer bowl, lock the lid, and run the Ice Cream function.
- Ninja CREAMi Deluxe 11-in-1 Soft Serve Maker (new model): Insert the pint and run the Soft Serve Ice Cream function. Then you can dispense your ice cream on the soft serve side.
Step 4: Adjust texture if needed
If your ice cream looks crumbly after the first spin, select the Re-Spin function. This usually happens if your ice cream is super cold but a simple re-spin should do the trick and make it extra creamy.
Step 5: Serve & enjoy
Scoop (or swirl!) your homemade chocolate soft serve into bowls or cones.
Substitutions & Variations
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap the milk for almond, cashew, oat, or coconut milk. Replace the cream with full-fat coconut cream.
- Lighter Option: Use all 2% or skim milk instead of heavy cream for a lower-fat version.
- Extra Rich & Creamy: Use whole milk if you want a decadent, custard-like texture.
- Flavored Soft Serve: Stir in mini chocolate chips, crushed cookies, a brownie, or a swirl of peanut butter and use the mix in feature on the Ninja CREAMi after you spin your ice cream.
FAQ’s
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes! Honey works well, though it will slightly change the flavor.
Do I have to freeze it for 24 hours?
Yes, at least 24 hours is best. If it’s not frozen solid, the Ninja Creami won’t process it correctly.
What if my soft serve is too crumbly?
Just hit the Re-Spin button until you reach your desired texture. You can even add a splash of milk and spin again.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Swap the maple syrup for a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit or allulose to make it low-carb and keto-friendly.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in the pint container with the lid on. To re-serve, re-spin before scooping.
How To Store Leftovers
If you’re not serving it all right away, smooth the top, secure the lid, and return the pint to the freezer. When ready to enjoy again, re-spin it twice to restore that creamy texture.
Why the Ninja CREAMi is a Game-Changer
The Ninja CREAMi is truly a game-changer when it comes to making homemade ice cream. Unlike traditional ice cream makers that require constant attention and churning, the Ninja CREAMi takes your frozen base and transforms it into a perfectly creamy texture in just a few minutes. Whether you’re making a healthy version like this one or a more indulgent treat, the CREAMi ensures that every scoop is smooth and velvety.
Check Me Out On Social Media!
I post all of my recipes on social media as well and you can stay up-to-date on what I am up to! Also, I love seeing people try my recipes! When make these, snap a picture and share it to your socials. Tag @cookingkatielady and #cookingkatielady so I can admire your masterpiece and share with others!
This refined sugar free chocolate soft serve ice cream is a creamy, refreshing treat that feels indulgent but is actually full of clean, wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re using the original Ninja CREAMi or the new Ninja CREAMi Deluxe Soft Serve Machine, you’re going to love how easy and satisfying this one is!
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Healthy Soft Serve Chocolate Ice Cream (Ninja CREAMi)
Description
If you’ve been searching for a healthier homemade ice cream recipe that still tastes rich, creamy, and indulgent, this Ninja CREAMi Chocolate Soft Serve Ice Cream is the answer. It’s made with real ingredients, no refined sugar, and works perfectly in both the Ninja Creami and the Ninja Swirl Creami machines.
Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the mixture
-
In a Ninja Creami pint container, whisk together all ingredients until fully combined.
Step 2: Freeze the base
-
Secure the lid and freeze the pint for at least 24 hours on a flat surface. The mixture must be completely frozen solid before processing.
Step 3: Process in your machine
-
Ninja CREAMi (original model): Place the frozen pint in the outer bowl, lock the lid, and run the Ice Cream function.
-
Ninja CREAMi Deluxe 11-in-1 Soft Serve Maker (new model): Insert the pint and run the Soft Serve Ice Cream function. Then you can dispense your ice cream on the soft serve side.
Step 4: Adjust texture if needed
-
If your ice cream looks crumbly after the first spin, select the Re-Spin function. This usually happens if your ice cream is super cold but a simple re-spin should do the trick and make it extra creamy.
Step 5: Serve & enjoy
-
Scoop (or swirl!) your homemade chocolate soft serve into bowls or cones.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Serving Size 1/4 pint
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 152kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 7.3g12%
- Saturated Fat 4.2g22%
- Cholesterol 25.5mg9%
- Sodium 37.5mg2%
- Total Carbohydrate 19.8g7%
- Sugars 14.7g
- Protein 3.3g7%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Did you make this recipe?
The next time you make it, snap a picture, and share it to your socials. Tag @cookingkatielady and #cookingkatielady so I can admire your masterpiece and share with others!:)
Please note that my nutrition label is approximate and can have slight rounding. Macros can very depending on brands you use.
User Reviews
Amazing! So smooth and creamy with full fat milk, no icy bits unlike other recipes from elsewhere.
Hey Barb! So happy to hear that. Thanks so much for your review!