Adding mix-ins to your Ninja Creami creations takes them up a notch, expanding the countless varieties you can make!
Learn how to add a mix-in with the Ninja Creami, bringing more flavor and texture to your classic creations.

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The Ninja Creami has revolutionized the way we make homemade ice cream. One of its more unique features is its mix-in method.
Typically, traditional ice cream machines require you to stir in your favorite add-ins during the churning process, just before the mix freezes.
This helps distribute chunks of chocolate, fruit, or cookies evenly through the creamy base.
The Ninja Creami does things a little differently, requiring you to freeze your base first.
Once the frozen base is spun into a smooth texture you can add in whatever mix-in you prefer.
This approach ensures your mix-ins don’t get chopped too finely, giving you the best texture and flavor with every bite.
If you’re new to this handy machine, you may be wondering how to add mix-ins with the Ninja Creami.
We’ll outline the process for you so you can create your own favorite concoctions!
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Mix-Ins
The general process of adding a mix-in to your Creami creation is really pretty simple.
Here are the basic steps you’ll follow:
- Spin your ice cream in the Ninja Creami until it reaches the desired consistency, using a Re-spin if the texture isn’t quite right after the first spin.
- Carve out a well in the center of your spun ice cream using a butter knife. Aim for a width of at least 1-1.5 inches and make sure it reaches the bottom of the pint for maximum mix-in space.
- Introduce your chosen mix-ins into the well you’ve created. Whether it’s chocolate chips, chopped cookies, or nuts, make sure they’re sized just right—not too small, as they’ll break down further during blending.
- Place the pint back into your Ninja Creami and press the Mix-in button. This will incorporate your added goodies throughout the ice cream.

The Perfect Mix-in: Tips and Tricks
Creating a well in your ice cream is a step you can’t skip if you want your mix-ins to be perfectly distributed.
I’ve found that using a butter knife is the most effective tool for this job.
Insert it right into the center of the ice cream or sorbet and create a well about 1 to 1.5 inches across, reaching down to the base of the pint.
When you do this, the ice cream may come up above the max fill line, but that’s okay at this point.

And remember, you don’t want your mix-in pieces to be too small, since softer pieces will break down a bit more when processing.
I’ve found that coarsely chopped mix-ins tend to work best, rather than finely chopped.

Choosing Your Mix-Ins Wisely
Considering the texture of your mix-in is important.
Hard mix-ins will generally remain more intact after processing than softer mix-ins will.
Larger pieces are a safe bet because the machine often breaks them down into smaller bits during the mix-in cycle, particularly if they’re softer, more fragile ingredients.
Chocolate chips, larger chunks of chopped cookies (such as Oreos), a handful of nuts, crunchy candy pieces, or frozen fruit are all fantastic options.
You’ll want to avoid using mix-ins that are very sticky (like caramel sauce or nut butters), as they don’t mix in well.
And Ninja recommends using frozen fruit rather than fresh fruit for mix-ins, as the fresh fruit can cause the treat to become watered down.
What Kind of Mix-Ins Can You Use in the Ninja Creami?
Some delicious mix-in ideas are:
- Chocolate chips
- Chopped cookies (such as Oreos)
- Nuts
- Candy pieces
- Frozen fruit
- Pretzels
- Dry cereal
Mix-ins to Avoid:
- Fresh fruit
- Caramel sauce
- Chocolate sauce
- Nut butters

Ninja Creami Recipes Using Mix-ins
If you need some mix-in inspiration, we have several favorite recipes that incorporate these tasty additions.
To help you get started with the Mix-in button, try one of these delicious options:
- Ninja Creami Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
- Ninja Creami Cookie Dough Ice Cream
- Ninja Creami Butterfinger Ice Cream
- Ninja Creami Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream
- Ninja Creami Lemon Ice Cream
More Ninja Creami Resources: