Vanilla Gelato – An Italian Classic
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Craft the Perfect Italian Gelato in Your Own Kitchen
Vanilla Gelato, a rich, custard-based masterpiece designed for the Ninja Creami. Forget complicated churns or finicky techniques. Here, classic methods meet appliance innovation to deliver authentic texture and flavor—no plane ticket required.
For generations, Italian gelato masters have guarded their secrets: slow-churned density, egg yolk-laced custards, and ingredients so simple, they’re sublime. But recreating that artistry at home? It often felt like chasing a mirage—until now. This recipe isn’t just a workaround. It’s a revelation. By marrying time-honored ratios (hello, whole milk and heavy cream) with the Ninja Creami’s precision, you’ll unlock gelato that’s silkier than satin and richer than a double scoop of nostalgia.
Classic Italian Vanilla Gelato
Course: DessertCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy6-8
servings20
minutesA silky, custard-based vanilla gelato adapted for the Ninja Creami, balancing traditional Italian methods with modern appliance convenience.
Ingredients
1 cup whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
4 large egg yolks
½ cup granulated sugar
1½ tsp pure vanilla extract (or 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped for intensified flavor)
Pinch of fine sea salt
Directions
- Prepare the Custard Base
In a saucepan, combine the milk and cream. Heat over medium-low until steaming (do not boil).
In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar until pale and thick (~3 minutes).
Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the yolks while whisking (tempering to prevent scrambling). Return the mixture to the saucepan.
Cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the custard coats the back of the spoon (~5–7 minutes). Remove from heat. - Flavor and Cool
Stir in vanilla extract (or vanilla bean seeds) and salt. Let cool to room temperature.
Cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the custard’s surface to prevent a skin. Refrigerate for 4+ hours (ideally overnight). - Freeze & Churn
Pour the chilled base into a Ninja Creami pint. Freeze for 24 hours for optimal texture.
Attach the pint to the Ninja Creami and select the Gelato function. Churn until smooth (~2–3 minutes).
Optional: Use the “Re-spin” function once for extra creaminess if needed. - Serve
Enjoy immediately for soft-serve consistency, or freeze for 1–2 hours for firmer scoops.
