Craving apple pie ice cream but don't want to deal with a complicated custard base or huge batch? This homemade apple pie ice cream made in your Ninja Creami is the solution! With a cream cheese & kefir base, warmly spiced apples, and a caramel drizzle, you'll have a small batch of delicious caramel apple pie cheesecake in ice cream form!
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I've been obsessed with my Ninja Creami this summer, and I’m still making the most of it as we ease into fall with this apple pie ice cream! Just like my strawberry matcha ice cream & blueberry lemon cheesecake ice cream, this recipe is sponsored by my friends at Lifeway Kefir 🩵
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Small batch size - Makes just one pint, so you're not overwhelmed with leftovers taking up your entire freezer!
- Ninja Creami - No traditional ice cream maker needed, and the texture comes out smooth and creamy
- Unique flavor profile - The cream cheese and kefir base creates this apple pie cheesecake taste that’s delicious topped with caramel sauce 😋
- Make-ahead friendly - You can prepare both the ice cream base and the apple pie filling in advance, and just cream & combine them when you’re ready to enjoy it!
Recipe Ingredients
You'll need the following ingredients to make this delicious apple pie ice cream:
Ingredient Notes:
- Cream cheese should be completely softened to room temperature for the smoothest base.
- Kefir adds probiotics, tang, and creaminess to this ice cream. I love using Lifeway's plain kefir (low-fat or whole milk kefir both work).
- One apple gets washed, peeled, and cut into small pieces before getting cooked with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon! I prefer using a Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apple because they hold their shape well when cooked, but you can use any apple variety you like or have on hand.
See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Substitutions & Variations
- Make it extra special by mixing caramel sauce directly into the ice cream when you add the apple filling instead of just drizzling on top!
- Add some crunch with pie crust pieces, granola, or even some of my cinnamon streusel muffin crumbles.
- Spice it up by adding a pinch of nutmeg or using apple pie spice instead of just cinnamon.
- This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
This recipe has not been tested with other substitutions or variations. If you replace or add any ingredients, please let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
Ninja Creami Ice Cream Machine
I have the Ninja Creami Swirl, but you can make this ice cream with the regular Ninja Creami machine! Here's a labeled photo of its parts to help as you go through the instructions. All parts are easy to use, assemble, and clean.
How to Make Apple Pie Ice Cream
Ice Cream Base
In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Carefully stir in the kefir and milk until everything is combined, then pour the mixture into your Ninja Creami pint. Secure the lid and freeze for at least 8 hours.
Apple Pie Filling
Add the apple pieces, butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to a small/medium skillet over low heat. Mix every minute or so to prevent burning. Remove from heat once the apples are soft and let cool completely.
Make the Ice cream
Run your frozen pint through the Ice Cream setting on your Ninja Creami. If it's still a bit crumbly, use the Re-Spin setting until it's mostly smooth, then add the apple pie filling and run it through the Mix-In setting.
Serve & Enjoy!
Scoop into bowls or cones, drizzle with caramel sauce, and enjoy! Leave a comment below & let me know what you think 😊
Expert Baking Tips
- Let your cream cheese come to room temperature - This is crucial for a smooth base without any lumps. Cold cream cheese will create chunks that won't blend properly.
- Don't skip cooling the apples completely - Adding warm apples to your ice cream will make it too melty, and then if you freeze leftovers they’ll have ice crystals.
- Use the Re-Spin function as needed - Every Ninja Creami is a bit different, so don't be afraid to re-spin if your ice cream isn't smooth enough after the first cycle. If it’s looking like snow after the re-spin, let it thaw for 5 minutes and then try again.
Common Questions
This recipe is specifically made for the Ninja Creami, but if you try it in a traditional ice cream maker, let us know how it turns out in the comments below!
Store it in your freezer for up to 1 week for the best quality.
I haven’t tried it, but it should work if you want an even quicker & easier option! If you make a batch of my homemade chunky applesauce, that might be good mixed into the ice cream, too.
This recipe is designed to make one perfect pint. If you want more, I'd recommend making two separate batches rather than trying to double it in one pint container.
Storage & Serving
Make-Ahead
If you love making homemade ice cream recipes, the Ninja Creami is a game-changer! The apple pie filling can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. The ice cream base can be made & frozen for up to 1 week before turning it into ice cream with the Creami.
Freezing Instructions
If you have any apple pie ice cream leftover, store it in an airtight container in the freezer. Let it soften at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Serving Tips
Pair this ice cream with my sourdough discard coffee cake or cinnamon streusel muffins for a tasty fall dessert! The caramel apple cheesecake flavors complement warm baked goods so well.
Did you try this recipe?
Let us know what you thought by leaving a comment below and sharing it on Instagram, Facebook, & Pinterest!
Thank you!
-Kayla
📖 Recipe
Apple Pie Ice Cream (Ninja Creami Recipe)
Equipment
- Ninja Creami ice cream maker
- Electric hand mixer recommended
- Small/medium skillet
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base
- 4 ounces (113 g) cream cheese room temperature
- ⅓ cup (66 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120 g) Lifeway Plain Kefir low fat or whole milk
- ½ cup (120 g) milk 2% or whole
Apple Pie Filling
- 1 medium apple washed, peeled, and cut into ½-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon (14 g) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons (25 g) brown sugar light or dark, packed
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional Topping
- caramel sauce
Instructions
Ice Cream Base
- In a small/medium bowl, mix the cream cheese & sugar until smooth.
- Carefully stir in the kefir and milk until combined well.
- Pour into Ninja Creami pint, secure lid, and freeze for at least 8 hours.
Apple Pie Filling
- Add apple pieces, butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small/medium skillet over low heat. Mix every minute or so, so it doesn’t burn.
- Once the apples are slightly soft, remove from heat and let cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you're ready to make the ice cream.
Make the Ice Cream
- Run frozen pint through the Ninja Creami's Ice Cream setting. Re-Spin until mostly smooth.
- Add the apple pie filling & run it through the Mix-In setting.
- Scoop (or swirl if you have the Ninja Creami Swirl) into a bowl or ice cream cone, and enjoy!
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