Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This homemade Frosty copycat is incredibly easy to make and uses minimal ingredients, all without sacrificing taste or texture. It’s cold, creamy, and hits the sweet spot every time. You can customize the sweetness, adjust the chocolate flavor, and make it dairy-free if needed. Best of all, it’s made in the Ninja Creami, which guarantees that perfect soft-serve consistency.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
chocolate milk (or chocolate almond/oat milk for a dairy-free version)
sweetened condensed milk
instant chocolate pudding mix (just the dry powder)
vanilla extract
pinch of salt
Directions
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together chocolate milk, sweetened condensed milk, instant pudding mix, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined and smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container, ensuring it does not go past the max fill line.
- Place the lid on the container and freeze upright for at least 24 hours.
- After freezing, remove the pint from the freezer and insert into the Ninja Creami machine.
- Select the “Lite Ice Cream” or “Creamy Ice Cream” setting.
- Once spun, check the consistency. If needed, respin once or twice for an extra-smooth texture.
- Serve immediately or store in the freezer until ready to enjoy.
Servings and timing
Makes approximately 2 servings. Prep time is 5 minutes, plus 24 hours of freeze time, and 2–3 minutes in the Ninja Creami.
Variations
- Mocha Frosty: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee or espresso powder.
- Peanut Butter Chocolate: Add a tablespoon of peanut butter before spinning.
- Vanilla Twist: Use vanilla pudding mix and white chocolate milk for a different flavor.
- Mint Chocolate: Add a few drops of peppermint extract and mini chocolate chips after spinning.
- Protein Boost: Add chocolate protein powder in place of pudding mix for a healthier twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Freezer: Store any leftovers in the Ninja Creami pint with the lid on. Re-spin before serving to restore texture.
- Reheating: Not applicable — serve cold straight from the machine.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of chocolate milk?
Yes, just add unsweetened cocoa powder or chocolate syrup to taste for a chocolatey base.
Why do I need to freeze it for 24 hours?
The Ninja Creami requires the base to be fully frozen solid to achieve the correct texture when spinning.
Do I have to use pudding mix?
Yes, the instant pudding mix helps create that signature creamy texture. It also acts as a stabilizer.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely — use dairy-free chocolate milk and sweetened condensed coconut milk.
Can I use sugar-free pudding?
Yes, sugar-free pudding mix works well if you’re looking to cut back on sugar.
What if my Frosty is too icy?
Run a second spin cycle in the Ninja Creami to smooth it out, or add a tablespoon of milk and respin.
Can I double the recipe?
You’ll need to make it in two separate Ninja Creami pints. Don’t overfill a single pint.
Can I add mix-ins like cookies or chocolate chips?
Yes, after the first spin, use the “Mix-in” function to fold in cookies, chips, or nuts.
How long does it last in the freezer?
It can be stored in the pint for up to 2 weeks. Re-spin each time before serving for best texture.
Does this taste exactly like a real Frosty?
It’s very close! Some say it’s even better, especially when made with high-quality ingredients.
Conclusion
The Ninja Creami Copycat Frosty is a deliciously nostalgic dessert made simple with modern kitchen magic. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of freeze time, you can enjoy a creamy, dreamy Frosty any time — no drive-thru required. Customize it to your taste, keep it on hand for cravings, and spin up the ultimate frozen treat whenever the mood strikes.
PrintNinja Creami Copycat Frosty
The Ninja Creami Copycat Frosty is a creamy, chocolatey frozen treat made with simple ingredients and your Ninja Creami machine. It mimics the iconic fast-food Frosty with a rich texture and customizable flavor, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings at home.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 24 hours (including freeze time)
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Ninja Creami
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate milk (or chocolate almond/oat milk for dairy-free)
- 2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk (or coconut condensed milk for dairy-free)
- 2 tbsp instant chocolate pudding mix (just the dry powder)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together chocolate milk, sweetened condensed milk, pudding mix, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Pour into a Ninja Creami pint container, not exceeding the max fill line.
- Seal with the lid and freeze upright for at least 24 hours.
- After freezing, insert the pint into the Ninja Creami machine.
- Spin using the “Lite Ice Cream” or “Creamy Ice Cream” setting.
- Check texture; if needed, respin once or twice for smoother consistency.
- Serve immediately or return to freezer. Re-spin before future servings for best texture.
Notes
- Add 1 tsp instant espresso powder for a mocha variation.
- Use peanut butter or mint extract for flavor twists.
- Sugar-free pudding mix can be used for a lower sugar option.
- Add mix-ins like crushed cookies or mini chips after the first spin using the Mix-in setting.
- If too icy, add 1 tbsp milk and respin.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 pint
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg