Ninja Creami lemon meringue ice cream is a bright, tangy dessert inspired by lemon tarts and classic lemon meringue pie. This version uses lemon curd folded into a smooth, creamy lemon base and is studded with crisp meringue cookies and buttery shortbread crumbs for contrast in texture. It’s easy to make in the Ninja Creami and delivers the same flavors you love from lemon meringue desserts, but in scoopable form.
This recipe captures the tart brightness of lemon curd balanced with a lightly sweetened dairy base. The meringue cookies are added as mix-ins and break into delicate shards that give the ice cream a delightful crunch. Crushed shortbread or graham crackers finish the dessert with a buttery, cookie-like crumble that echoes a tart crust.
The technique is straightforward: blend the base ingredients, freeze the pint according to Ninja Creami instructions, then process and add mix-ins. The final scoops are creamy, lemon-forward, and studded with little pockets of curd and crisp meringue for interest.
If you prefer a richer texture, swap the cottage cheese for ricotta or use a higher-fat dairy. For a lighter option, use low-fat milk and low-sugar lemon curd. The recipe is flexible and easy to adjust to your taste.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese (or ricotta)
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 Tablespoons lemon curd, plus extra for swirl
- Meringue cookies (for mix-ins and topping)
- Shortbread cookies or graham crackers, crushed (for topping)
How to make Ninja Creami lemon meringue ice cream
1. In your Ninja Creami pint container, combine the cottage cheese, milk, and sugar. Add 2 tablespoons of lemon curd and stir until the mixture is uniform. The cottage cheese blends into the dairy base and helps create a smooth, scoopable texture after processing.
2. Seal the container and freeze it on a level surface for at least 18 hours. Proper freezing time is important to achieve the correct consistency in the Ninja Creami.
3. Remove the pint from the freezer and process it on the ice cream setting according to your Ninja Creami model’s instructions. If the texture comes out crumbly or too firm after the first spin, use the Respin function until it becomes creamy.
4. After processing, press a small well into the center of the pint. Add about 2 small meringue cookies (or an amount to your preference) and an additional 2 tablespoons of lemon curd into the well. Use the Mix-in setting to gently fold them into the ice cream so you get streaks of curd and scattered meringue pieces throughout.
5. Spoon the ice cream into serving bowls or cones and top with extra meringue cookies and crushed shortbread or graham crackers for a tart-like finish. The contrast of crunchy meringue and buttery crumbs makes each bite interesting and satisfying.
Recipe tips
- If the ice cream becomes too soft after adding mix-ins, return the pint to the freezer for 10–20 minutes to firm up before serving.
- To store leftovers, smooth the surface with a spatula, press a piece of parchment or plastic wrap onto the surface, and return to the freezer to prevent ice crystals.
- Substitute ricotta for a slightly richer flavor and a creamier mouthfeel.
- Use extra lemon curd sparingly when mixing in so you keep pockets of bright lemon without making the base too soft.
- For a more intense lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest to the base before freezing.
Equipment
- Ninja Creami or similar single-serve ice cream maker with mix-in function
Serving and variations
Serve this ice cream as a refreshing dessert after a heavy meal, or offer it as a bright palate cleanser between courses. For a parfait-style presentation, layer scoops with extra lemon curd and crushed cookies. Swap shortbread for graham crackers if you prefer a slightly tangier, less sweet crumb. For a dairy-free version, experiment with unsweetened almond or oat milk and a dairy-free creamy base, keeping in mind texture differences when processed in the Ninja Creami.
Nutrition (approximate per serving)
- Calories: 211 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Fat: 6 g
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 248 mg
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary based on the specific brands and quantities you use. Adjust ingredients to meet dietary needs or preferences.