Total Prep + Freeze Time: ~10 minutes prep + 12–24 hours freezing + 3 minutes spinning
Difficulty Level: Easy
There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about cake batter—the sweet vanilla aroma, the creamy texture, and that unmistakable “lick-the-spoon” flavor that instantly brings back childhood memories. This Vanilla Cake Batter Ninja Creami recipe captures all of that joy in a smooth, scoopable frozen dessert that tastes like cake batter straight from the bowl, but even better because it’s ice cold, rich, and unbelievably creamy.
What makes this dessert truly special is how effortlessly it comes together. With just a few pantry staples and your Ninja Creami, you can create a dessert that feels bakery-worthy without turning on an oven or breaking out a mixer. The texture is dense yet velvety, the flavor is pure vanilla bliss, and the overall experience is comforting, fun, and indulgent without being overly heavy.
This recipe is perfect for weeknight treats, birthday-inspired desserts, late-night cravings, or anytime you want something sweet that feels familiar and celebratory. Kids absolutely love it, adults adore the nostalgic flavor, and it’s endlessly customizable with sprinkles, chocolate chips, or cookie mix-ins. One serving averages 250–300 calories, depending on milk choice and add-ins, making it an approachable indulgence you’ll want to make again and again.
Key Ingredients
Each ingredient plays an important role in creating that classic cake batter flavor and ultra-creamy texture.
- Whole Milk – Creates a smooth, creamy base with balanced richness.
- Heavy Cream – Adds indulgent body and that scoop-shop creaminess.
- Vanilla Cake Mix (Heat-Treated) – The star ingredient that delivers authentic cake batter flavor.
- Granulated Sugar – Enhances sweetness and keeps the texture soft.
- Vanilla Extract – Deepens the cake batter flavor and adds warmth.
- Cream Cheese – Adds subtle tang and improves overall creaminess.
- Salt – Balances sweetness and sharpens vanilla notes.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix – Helps thicken and stabilize the mixture for a creamy spin.
- White Chocolate Chips – Add sweet bursts and dessert-like texture.
- Rainbow Sprinkles – Classic cake batter look and playful crunch.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – Boosts richness and smooth mouthfeel.
- Almond Extract (Optional) – Adds bakery-style depth to the flavor.
How to Make It (Step-by-Step Method)
1. Heat-Treat the Cake Mix
Before using cake mix, it’s important to heat-treat it for safety. Spread the cake mix evenly on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes. Let it cool completely before using. This step preserves flavor while making it safe to eat raw.
2. Blend the Base
In a bowl or blender, combine whole milk, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, sugar, cream cheese, vanilla extract, salt, and pudding mix. Blend until completely smooth, with no lumps remaining. The mixture should look thick but pourable.
3. Add the Cake Batter Flavor
Whisk in the cooled cake mix until fully incorporated. Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness or vanilla if needed. At this stage, it should taste exactly like rich vanilla cake batter.
4. Freeze
Pour the mixture into your Ninja Creami pint container, making sure not to exceed the max fill line. Secure the lid and freeze on a level surface for 12–24 hours, until completely solid.
5. Spin in the Ninja Creami
Place the frozen pint into the Ninja Creami and select Lite Ice Cream or Ice Cream mode. After the first spin, check the texture. If crumbly, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk and select Re-Spin until smooth and creamy.
6. Add Mix-Ins
Create a well in the center, add sprinkles and white chocolate chips, then use the Mix-In function. This keeps the texture thick while evenly distributing the add-ins.
Serving Suggestions
Vanilla Cake Batter Ninja Creami is one of those desserts that feels festive no matter how you serve it. For a simple, classic presentation, scoop it into chilled bowls and top with extra rainbow sprinkles and a drizzle of white chocolate. The contrast between the creamy base and crunchy sprinkles makes every bite feel playful and indulgent.
For parties or celebrations, serve this dessert sundae-style. Set out toppings like crushed cookies, chocolate syrup, caramel drizzle, whipped cream, and extra cake crumbs so everyone can build their own bowl. This works beautifully for birthdays, sleepovers, or casual family gatherings where dessert is the main event.
You can also transform this into a bakery-style treat by sandwiching scoops between sugar cookies or serving alongside warm brownies. Even a small scoop feels special thanks to the rich flavor and creamy texture. No matter how it’s plated, this dessert always brings smiles and that unmistakable cake-batter joy.
Storage + Meal Prep
Once spun, this ice cream can be stored in the Ninja Creami pint with the lid tightly sealed for up to 5 days in the freezer. For best texture, smooth the top flat before refreezing to prevent ice crystals from forming. If it firms up too much, simply run the Re-Spin function to restore creaminess.
This recipe is excellent for meal prep if you enjoy having a sweet treat ready at all times. You can prepare multiple pints with different mix-ins—one with sprinkles, one with chocolate chips, and one with cookie dough—to keep variety throughout the week. Just label the lids so you know what’s inside.
Avoid microwaving to soften, as it can melt unevenly. Instead, let the pint sit at room temperature for 5 minutes or add a splash of milk before re-spinning. Always add fresh toppings after spinning to maintain texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Vanilla Cake Batter Ninja Creami is the kind of dessert that feels instantly comforting and joy-filled. It’s creamy, nostalgic, and packed with that unmistakable cake batter flavor everyone loves. With minimal prep and maximum payoff, it proves that homemade frozen desserts can be both easy and incredibly satisfying.
Once you make it, you’ll find yourself experimenting with flavors, add-ins, and creative ways to serve it. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a celebratory dessert, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite in your Ninja Creami rotation. Give it a spin, make it your own, and don’t forget to share the fun—because desserts this good are meant to be enjoyed together.
