This Easy Ninja Creami Lemon Gelato is bright, creamy, and packed with fresh citrus flavor in every bite. It’s smooth, refreshing, and ridiculously simple to make with just a few basic ingredients.

Scoop of creamy homemade lemon gelato made in the Ninja Creami, served in a bowl with fresh lemon slices.
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If you love that sweet-tart lemon flavor that makes your mouth pucker just a little, this Easy Ninja Creami Lemon Gelato is about to be your new obsession.

It’s smooth, creamy, and bursting with bright citrus flavor, without needing a trip to an Italian café. The best part?

You only need a handful of simple ingredients and your Ninja Creami to turn everyday basics into a scoopable, refreshing dessert that tastes like summer in a bowl.

Creamy homemade lemon gelato made in the Ninja Creami topped with fresh lemon zest in a white bowl.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

  • Bright, Fresh Flavor: That bold lemon taste is sweet, tangy, and seriously refreshing. No dull, artificial flavor here.
  • Super Creamy Texture: The Ninja Creami gives you that smooth, scoopable gelato consistency without any fancy techniques.
  • Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of basic ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
  • Perfect for Warm Weather: When it’s hot outside and you want something cold and light, this hits the spot fast.
  • Way Cheaper Than Store-Bought: Skip the pricey pints and make a batch at home that tastes just as good—maybe even better.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients needed for Easy Ninja Creami Lemon Gelato on kitchen table.
  • Whole Milk: Creates smooth, creamy base for gelato.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and luxurious texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens while balancing tart citrus flavor.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice: Delivers bright, bold lemon taste.
  • Lemon Zest: Intensifies citrus aroma and flavor depth.
  • Vanilla Extract: Rounds out flavor with subtle sweetness.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

How To Make Easy Ninja Creami Lemon Gelato

Mixing milk, heavy cream, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla ice cream mix in a bowl until smooth.

Step One: In a mixing bowl or directly in the pint container, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, dry vanilla ice cream mix, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Keep whisking until everything is completely dissolved and smooth.

Pouring lemon gelato mixture into Ninja Creami pint and securing the lid before freezing.

Step Two: Pour the mixture into your Ninja Creami pint (if not already in it), secure the lid tightly, and freeze on a flat surface for a full 24 hours.

Placing frozen pint into Ninja Creami machine and selecting the Gelato setting to churn until creamy.

Step Three: Once fully frozen, remove the lid and place the pint into the machine. Select the “Gelato” setting and process until creamy and smooth.

Step Four: Scoop and enjoy right away for a soft, creamy texture with that gorgeous swirl. If you prefer it firmer, pop the pint back into the freezer for a bit until it reaches your perfect scoopable consistency.

Scooping smooth, creamy lemon gelato into a bowl, ready to serve or refreeze for firmer texture.

Easy Ninja Creami Lemon Gelato Recipe Tips

  • Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed juice and zest give the brightest, most vibrant flavor.
  • Dissolve Sugar Fully: Whisk thoroughly to avoid grainy gelato texture.
  • Freeze Completely: Ensure the pint is frozen a full 24 hours for smooth, scoopable gelato.
  • Don’t Overfill Pint: Leave a little space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.
  • Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Add more or less sugar depending on the tartness of your lemons.
  • Add Mix-Ins After Churning: For chocolate chips or candied lemon peel, stir them in after gelato is churned.
  • Soft vs. Firm Gelato: Serve immediately for soft-serve texture, or refreeze for a firmer consistency.
  • Store Properly: Keep leftovers in the Ninja Creami pint with the lid tightly closed to prevent ice crystals.

Storing Instructions

Let the gelato cool completely after churning, then cover the pint tightly with its lid. Store in the freezer for up to 2 weeks, keeping it flat to maintain smooth texture and prevent ice crystals.

Creamy, bright yellow lemon gelato made in the Ninja Creami, served in a bowl with lemon zest on top.

Easy Ninja Creami Lemon Gelato Recipe Faqs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh? Fresh lemon juice is best for bright flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.

How long does it take to freeze the gelato? The mixture needs a full 24 hours in the freezer for the best creamy texture.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or candied lemon peel? Yes! Add them after the gelato is churned in the Ninja Creami for even distribution.

How do I get soft-serve vs. firm gelato? Serve immediately for soft-serve texture, or return to the freezer for 1–2 hours for a firmer consistency.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free? You can substitute plant-based milk and cream, but texture may be slightly different from classic gelato.

How long will leftovers stay fresh? Stored properly in the freezer with the lid tightly closed, gelato will keep well for up to 2 weeks.

Can I double the recipe? Yes, but make sure to use two pints or a larger container compatible with the Ninja Creami.

Scoop of creamy, homemade lemon gelato in a bowl, garnished with fresh lemon zest.

More Easy Ninja Creami Gelato Recipes

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Easy Ninja Creami Nutella Gelato

Easy Ninja Creami Coffee Gelato

Easy Ninja Creami Lemon Raspberry Gelato

Easy Ninja Creami Cherry Gelato Recipe

Easy Ninja Creami Strawberry Gelato

Easy Ninja Creami Stracciatella Gelato

Easy Ninja Creami Vanilla Gelato

Ninja Creami Salted Caramel Gelato Recipe

Easy Ninja Creami Peach Gelato

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Scoop of creamy homemade lemon gelato made in the Ninja Creami, served in a bowl with fresh lemon slices.

Easy Ninja Creami Lemon Gelato

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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
1 day
Total Time: 1 day 10 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings

Description

Bright, creamy Easy Ninja Creami Lemon Gelato made at home. Refreshing, tangy, and smooth—perfect for a simple frozen dessert anytime.

Ingredients 

  • 1 ¼ cup whole milk, or 2% for a lighter option
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 3 tbsp dry vanilla ice cream mix
  • 2 tbs cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest

Instructions

  • In a mixing bowl or pint container, whisk together the 1 ¼ cup whole milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 3 tbsp dry vanilla ice cream mix, 2 tbs cup granulated sugar, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1 tsp lemon zest until everything is completely dissolved and smooth.
  • Pour the mixture into the Ninja Creami pint, secure the lid, and freeze on a flat surface for 24 hours.
  • Once fully frozen, remove the lid and place the pint into the Ninja Creami. Select the “Gelato” setting and process until smooth and creamy.
  • Enjoy immediately for a soft, creamy gelato with a lovely swirl, or return to the freezer for a firmer, scoopable texture.

Equipment

  • NInja Creami Machine
  • Ninja Creami Pint Container
  • Ninja Creami Pint Container Lid

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 128kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 30mgPotassium: 116mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 407IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 88mgIron: 0.04mg

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