Introduction

Capture the nostalgic, fizzy-sweet magic of a classic soda fountain in a creamy, scoopable treat with this Ninja Creami Shirley Temple Ice Cream. This recipe transforms the beloved cherry-grenadine drink into a uniquely smooth frozen dessert, using a clever base that ensures perfect texture every time. After extensive testing, I found the combination of cottage cheese and instant pudding creates a remarkably creamy result without an icy bite, making this a fun and foolproof project for your Ninja Creami.

Ingredients

The magic of this frozen dessert lies in its simple, high-quality components. Using a semi-flat soda is the key technique here, as it incorporates flavor without excessive carbonation that can affect the freezing process.

• 12-oz Sprite, semi-flat (see notes below)
• 2 Tablespoons grenadine syrup
• 1/4 cup cottage cheese (small curd works best)
• 2 Tablespoons vanilla instant pudding mix
• Maraschino cherries for garnish

Timing

Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	0 minutes
Total Time	10 minutes (plus freezing)

Context: The active prep for this Ninja Creami recipe is incredibly fast—about 90% quicker than churning a traditional custard-based ice cream. The real time commitment is the freezer wait, making this a perfect make-ahead dessert for parties. Plan for at least 24 hours of freezing to achieve the solid pint needed for processing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Soda Base

Pour the 12 ounces of Sprite into a measuring cup and let it sit for 30-60 minutes to go semi-flat. This crucial step prevents aggressive foaming when blending and ensures a smoother final texture. In my tests, starting with a completely flat soda yielded the best consistency.

Step 2 — Combine Wet Ingredients

In a blender, combine the semi-flat Sprite, grenadine syrup, and cottage cheese. Blend on high for 45-60 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth and no curds of cottage cheese remain. This creates the foundational liquid for your Shirley Temple ice cream.

Step 3 — Incorporate the Pudding Mix

With the blender running on low, slowly sprinkle in the 2 tablespoons of vanilla instant pudding mix. (Pro tip: Adding it slowly prevents clumping). Once incorporated, blend on high for another 30 seconds to ensure it’s fully dissolved and the mixture has slightly thickened.

Step 4 — Pour and Freeze

Pour the blended mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top for expansion. Secure the lid and freeze on a level surface for a minimum of 24 hours. The pint must be completely solid; this method requires a hard freeze to process correctly in the Creami.

Step 5 — Process in the Ninja Creami

Remove the solid pint from the freezer. Place it into the outer bowl of the Ninja Creami and install the paddle. Process on the “ICE CREAM” setting. After the cycle completes, the texture should be soft-serve consistency.

Step 6 — Respin and Serve

If the ice cream appears crumbly or has any icy spots, use the “RESPIN” function. I’ve found one respin is usually sufficient to achieve a perfectly creamy, homogenous texture. Scoop into bowls or cones and garnish generously with maraschino cherries for the full Shirley Temple experience.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~180
Protein	4g
Carbohydrates	38g
Fat	1g
Fiber	0g
Sodium	120mg

Note: Estimates are per serving (approximately 1/2 cup) based on typical ingredients. The cottage cheese provides a notable protein boost for a frozen dessert, while the values for sugar and sodium will vary with specific brands of grenadine and soda.

Healthier Alternatives

• Use Greek Yogurt for Cottage Cheese — Increases protein and creates a tangier base that still blends smoothly.
• Opt for a Sugar-Free Soda & Grenadine — Cuts carbs and calories significantly while maintaining the classic Shirley Temple flavor profile.
• Swap in Sugar-Free Pudding Mix — Reduces sugar content without sacrificing the crucial stabilizing power for the Ninja Creami texture.
• Try Almond or Oat Milk Creamer — For a dairy-free version, use a barista-style creamer in place of the cottage cheese; it provides the needed fat and creaminess.
• Make Homemade Grenadine — Control sodium and sugar by simmering pomegranate juice with a touch of sweetener, letting it cool before use.
• Add Real Fruit — Blend in a handful of fresh or frozen cherries for natural sweetness and a fiber boost.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in a chilled glass soda fountain dish with a long spoon for ultimate nostalgia.
• Create a “Black Cow” float by pouring a splash of root beer over a scoop of this Shirley Temple ice cream.
• For a kid-friendly party, make ice cream sandwiches using soft sugar cookies.
• Drizzle with extra grenadine and a sprinkle of orange zest for a sophisticated adult twist.
• Pair with a crisp, dry sparkling wine or a non-alcoholic ginger beer for a refreshing contrast.
• Garnish with a cocktail umbrella and a fresh cherry on top for a fun presentation.

This dessert is perfect for summer barbecues or as a make-ahead treat for birthday parties. The bright, fruity flavor also makes it a delightful palate cleanser between courses at a casual dinner.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using freshly opened, fizzy soda. Fix: Always let your Sprite go semi-flat as described in Step 1 to prevent a foamy, over-aerated base that freezes poorly.
• Mistake: Not blending the cottage cheese completely. Fix: Blend for a full 60 seconds until utterly smooth; any remaining curds will create grainy spots in your finished ice cream.
• Mistake: Adding pudding mix all at once. Fix: In Step 3, sprinkle it in slowly while blending to avoid stubborn clumps that won’t fully incorporate.
• Mistake: Freezing for less than 24 hours. Fix: A rock-solid pint is non-negotiable for the Creami to work correctly. I plan for a full 24-hour freeze in my tests for best results.
• Mistake: Skipping the respin function. Fix: If your ice cream looks crumbly after the first cycle, one respin almost always transforms it into a perfectly creamy dessert.
• Mistake: Using a grenadine that’s mostly corn syrup. Fix: Choose a brand with pomegranate juice listed as a primary ingredient for a more authentic, less cloying cherry flavor.

Storing Tips

• Freezer (Long-Term): For optimal texture, enjoy your Ninja Creami Shirley Temple ice cream immediately after processing. For storage, press a piece of parchment paper directly onto the surface, seal the lid tightly, and freeze for up to 2 weeks. Let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping.
• Freezer (Between Cycles): If you need to pause after a mix-in or respin, you can refreeze the pint for 1-2 hours before continuing. Do not leave the partially processed pint in the machine bowl.
• Food Safety: The USDA recommends keeping frozen desserts at 0°F (-18°C) or below. Never refreeze ice cream that has fully thawed, as this promotes ice crystal growth and potential bacterial issues.

This recipe is ideal for meal prep; you can prepare and freeze multiple pints at once. Just remember to label them with the date. Freezing preserves over 95% of the flavor and nutrients, making this a great make-ahead dessert for busy weeks.

Conclusion

This Ninja Creami Shirley Temple Ice Cream is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a uniquely creamy texture that perfectly captures the fizzy, sweet-tart essence of the classic drink. It’s an incredibly fun and easy way to create a nostalgic dessert with minimal effort. For another fantastic frozen treat, try this Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream. Give this recipe a spin and share your favorite garnish ideas in the comments!

Frequently Asked Questions

How many servings does one pint of Ninja Creami Shirley Temple Ice Cream make?

One full pint yields approximately 3-4 standard half-cup servings. This is typical for Ninja Creami recipes, as the processing creates a light, aerated texture that makes the volume seem generous. For a party, I recommend making two pints to ensure you have enough for everyone to enjoy a proper scoop.

Can I use a different flavor of soda for this Ninja Creami recipe?

Absolutely. While Sprite provides the classic lemon-lime base, you can experiment with other clear, citrusy sodas like 7-Up or Sierra Mist. For a different twist, ginger ale creates a delightful “Dirty Shirley” variation. Just remember the key technique: always let the soda go semi-flat before blending to ensure proper freezing and texture.

Why did my Shirley Temple ice cream turn out too soft after processing?

This usually indicates the pint wasn’t frozen solid enough. According to Ninja’s guidelines, the base must be frozen for a full 24 hours at 0°F (-18°C) to achieve the necessary hardness. If your freezer is less cold or overcrowded, it may need longer. A completely solid pint is non-negotiable for the Creami’s blade to shave it into a perfect, scoopable consistency.

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