Ninja Creami Rocky Road Ice Cream

Rocky Road isn’t just ice cream—it’s a little scoop of happiness. You’ve got creamy chocolate, crunchy nuts, and gooey marshmallows all coming together for the ultimate blend of flavors and textures. Fun fact: it first came to life in the 1920s to bring people a bit of joy during tough times. Fast-forward to today, and with the Ninja Creami, whipping up a batch at home is quick, easy, and totally customizable.

Quick Recipe Breakdown

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Freezing time: 24 hours
• Churning time: About 5 minutes

Yields: 1 pint—ideal for sharing with 2–3 people. Making dessert for a crowd? Double or triple the ingredients, and use extra Ninja Creami pints.

Skill level: Beginner. Seriously, the Ninja Creami does most of the work, so no stress if it’s your first time making ice cream.

What you’ll need:

• A Ninja Creami machine with a pint container
• A mixing bowl
• A whisk (or an immersion blender if you want to get fancy)

No Ninja Creami? You can swap it for a regular ice cream maker, though the texture might be a tad different.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Base Ingredients

• 1½ cups milk (whole or 2% for creaminess)
• 3 tablespoons instant sugar-free chocolate pudding mix (regular works too)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix-ins

• ¼ cup chopped almonds (or your favorite nuts)
• ¼ cup mini marshmallows

Ingredient Tips

• Milk: Whole milk gives the richest texture, but 2% or even almond milk works for a lighter version.
• Pudding mix: This keeps things creamy without dealing with eggs. Regular pudding mix? Add 4 tablespoons for extra flavor.
• Heavy cream: Can’t skip this—it’s what makes your ice cream so luscious. For a dairy-free version, try coconut cream.
• Nuts & marshmallows: Swap almonds for pecans, peanuts, or walnuts. Vegan marshmallows? Totally fine!

How to Make It

Step 1: Mix It Up

Grab a mixing bowl. Whisk together the milk and pudding mix until smooth—no lumps allowed. Then, stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract. You’re aiming for a glossy, slightly thickened mixture.

Shortcut: Use an immersion blender for a silky-smooth base.

Step 2: Freeze It

Pour the mixture into your Ninja Creami pint container, making sure not to go over the max fill line. Pop the lid on and freeze it for a full 24 hours on a level surface.

Heads up: Freezing unevenly? Make sure your freezer is nice and flat.

Step 3: Churn Time

Once frozen, take the container out of the freezer and remove the lid. Lock it into the Ninja Creami machine. Select the “Lite Ice Cream” function and let it do its thing.

What to look for: The ice cream should be smooth but firm. If it’s still a bit crumbly, hit the “Re-spin” button for a better texture.

Step 4: Add the Extras

Time for the fun part! Use the back of a spoon or a knife to make a well in the center of the ice cream (all the way to the bottom). Toss in half of your almonds and marshmallows. Stick the pint back in the machine and press “Mix-In” mode.

Pro Tip: Freeze your marshmallows before adding them to stop them from melting during the mix-in process.

Step 5: Scoop & Enjoy

Scoop your Rocky Road into bowls or cones. Sprinkle the top with the remaining almonds and marshmallows for a little extra crunch. And that’s it—dessert is served!

Customize It Your Way

Want to switch it up? Here are a few ways to make this recipe your own:

Diet-Friendly Tweaks

• Vegan: Use almond or oat milk with coconut cream, and swap regular marshmallows for vegan ones.
• Low-carb: Sub out the pudding mix for unsweetened cocoa powder and sweeten with erythritol or monk fruit.

Fancy Add-Ons

• Feeling extra? Stir in dark chocolate chunks or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
• Keeping it simple? Stick to just nuts and marshmallows.

Seasonal Spins

• Holiday vibes: Add peppermint extract instead of vanilla for a festive twist.
• Summer fun: Mix in fresh berries along with the marshmallows.

Serving & Storing

How to Serve
Rocky Road shines in chilled bowls or crunchy waffle cones. Want to take it over the top? Garnish with extra nuts or a drizzle of caramel.

What to Pair It With
Warm brownies or fresh-baked cookies are the dream combo here. Trust me—it’s dessert heaven.

Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in the Ninja Creami pint container with the lid sealed tight. It’ll stay good in the freezer for up to a week.

Pro Tip: If it gets too hard, just leave it on the counter for 5–10 minutes before serving, or use the “Re-spin” setting to soften it back up.

Rocky Road ice cream isn’t just a recipe—it’s a treat that brings people together. Whether you’re enjoying it on a quiet night at home or sharing it with friends, this classic dessert is all about making moments sweeter. Have fun experimenting, and happy churning!

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