Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is the ultimate combination of creamy texture and indulgent flavor. The Ninja Creami allows you to achieve store-quality ice cream at home with minimal effort. The blend of silky vanilla, sweet caramel ribbons, and chewy fudge makes every spoonful irresistible. Plus, it’s fully customizable, letting you tweak sweetness, mix-ins, or even go dairy-free if desired.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
vanilla instant pudding mix
whole milk
heavy cream
vanilla extract
caramel sauce or topping
fudge pieces or fudge swirl
Directions
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix, milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container and seal with the lid.
- Freeze the container upright for at least 24 hours until the base is completely solid.
- Once frozen, remove the lid and place the pint into the outer bowl of the Ninja Creami. Attach the paddle lid and lock it into place.
- Process on the “Ice Cream” setting until smooth and creamy.
- After processing, create a well in the center of the ice cream and add in the caramel and fudge pieces or swirl.
- Use the “Mix-In” function to incorporate the additions.
- Serve immediately for a soft-serve texture or return to the freezer for a firmer consistency.
Servings and timing
Makes about 1 pint, which yields 2 to 4 servings depending on portion size.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Freeze time: 24 hours
Spin time: 5 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Base: Swap vanilla pudding for chocolate pudding to create a chocolate caramel fudge version.
- Salted Caramel: Use salted caramel sauce for a sweet and salty twist.
- Add Crunch: Mix in chopped nuts, crushed pretzels, or toffee bits for added texture.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk, cream, and dairy-free pudding mix to make it suitable for vegan or dairy-sensitive diets.
- Extra Fudge: Add mini brownie chunks or swirl in hot fudge for even more indulgence.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftovers in the original Ninja Creami pint or a freezer-safe airtight container. Keep it frozen at all times. If the ice cream becomes too firm, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping, or run it through the Ninja Creami again on the “Re-Spin” or “Mix-In” setting for a freshly churned texture.
FAQs
What type of pudding mix should I use?
Use instant vanilla pudding mix, not the cook-and-serve type, for the best texture and convenience.
Can I skip the pudding mix?
Yes, but the pudding mix adds thickness and creaminess. If skipped, replace with a thicker base such as condensed milk or add more heavy cream.
How do I get swirls instead of blending everything in?
Add the caramel and fudge after the initial spin and use a spoon to swirl them gently into the ice cream.
Can I use sugar-free ingredients?
Yes, sugar-free pudding, milk, and caramel can be used to reduce sugar content.
Why is my ice cream crumbly?
This can happen if the base doesn’t have enough fat or wasn’t fully frozen. Use full-fat milk and cream, and try the “Re-Spin” setting.
Can I double the recipe?
You can prepare multiple pints, but each should be frozen and processed separately in the Ninja Creami.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare and freeze the base up to several days in advance, then spin it when ready to serve.
What’s the best way to serve this ice cream?
Serve in bowls, cones, or even sandwich between cookies for an ice cream sandwich. Drizzle with extra caramel for a finishing touch.
Can I add more mix-ins?
Yes, the Ninja Creami handles mix-ins well. Add crushed cookies, candies, or nuts during the Mix-In cycle.
Is it okay to refreeze the ice cream after spinning?
Yes. You can refreeze it and re-spin before serving again to restore creaminess.
Conclusion
This Ninja Creami Ben and Jerry’s Vanilla Caramel Fudge recipe brings your favorite store-bought flavor to your kitchen with ease and customization. The balance of creamy vanilla, rich caramel, and fudge makes it a decadent treat you’ll want to make again and again. Whether enjoyed freshly spun or stored for later, it’s a dessert that never disappoints.
PrintNinja Creami Ben and Jerry’s Vanilla Caramel Fudge
This Ninja Creami take on Ben & Jerry’s Vanilla Caramel Fudge recreates the iconic flavor with a creamy vanilla base, luscious caramel swirls, and rich fudge chunks for a decadent homemade treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 24 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 pint (2–4 servings)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Ninja Creami
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp vanilla instant pudding mix
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp caramel sauce or topping
- 2 tbsp fudge pieces or fudge swirl
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix, whole milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container and seal with the lid.
- Freeze upright for at least 24 hours until completely solid.
- Remove the lid, place the pint into the Ninja Creami outer bowl, and attach the paddle lid.
- Process using the “Ice Cream” setting.
- After spinning, make a well in the center and add the caramel sauce and fudge pieces or swirl.
- Use the “Mix-In” setting to incorporate the mix-ins.
- Serve immediately for soft-serve consistency or refreeze for a firmer texture.
Notes
- Use full-fat dairy for the creamiest results.
- For swirl effects, gently stir in caramel and fudge with a spoon after spinning.
- You can re-spin the ice cream if it’s too crumbly after the first cycle.
- Freeze additional pints in advance for future batches.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
