Cold Stone Founder's Favorite Ninja Creami (Copycat Recipe)
Description
A copycat of Cold Stone's Founder's Favorite, made at home in the Ninja Creami — rich sweet cream ice cream loaded with brownie, pecans, fudge, and caramel. Dense, scoopable, and just like the shop for a fraction of the price.
Ingredients
For the sweet cream base
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon of salt
For the mix-ins
- 1/2 cup brownie, cut into small chunks
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped (toasted, optional)
- 2 tablespoons fudge sauce, plus more for drizzling
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling
Instructions
- Whisk the softened cream cheese until smooth, then whisk in the sugar and pudding mix. Add the milk, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt, and whisk until completely smooth with no lumps.
- Pour the base into a Ninja Creami pint, staying below the max-fill line. Cover and freeze on a level surface for 24 hours.
- Remove the lid, lock the pint into the outer bowl, and run the Ice Cream function. If it comes out crumbly, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk and run Re-Spin until smooth and creamy.
- Make a well in the center of the ice cream. Add the brownie, pecans, fudge, and caramel, then run the Mix-In function.
- Scoop into a bowl and finish with an extra drizzle of fudge and caramel.
Equipment
- Ninja Creami Ice Cream Machine
- Ninja Creami Pint Container
- Ninja Creami Pint Container Lid
Notes
- Freeze the base flat and fully for 24 hours — it's the biggest factor in a smooth spin.
- A powdery first spin is normal; Re-Spin brings it together.
- Cut brownie into small (pea-to-dime-sized) chunks so they fold in evenly.
- Toast the pecans for deeper flavor and crunch that survives freezing.
- Leave out the cream cheese for a lighter result; texture will be slightly less dense.
Nutrition
Serving: 1ServingCalories: 604kcalCarbohydrates: 61gProtein: 7gFat: 37gSaturated Fat: 19gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 89mgSodium: 334mgPotassium: 232mgFiber: 1gSugar: 49gVitamin A: 1176IUVitamin C: 0.5mgCalcium: 143mgIron: 1mg