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Lemon Basil Gelato

Name: Lemon Basil Gelato
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 24 h
Total time: 1450 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoon lemon juice; 8 fresh basil leaves

Creami Recipes Team · April 21, 2026

Bright lemon gelato with fragrant Italian basil.

3.5

(1 review)

Prep

Freeze

Total

24h 10m

Servings

Creami Program: Gelato

Estimated Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

Protein

Fat

Carbs

Estimates based on ingredient database. Actual values may vary.

Before You Begin

What Creami model do you have?

Allergen Warning — Contains: Dairy

Always verify individual ingredient labels for specific allergen information.

Directions

Makes: 16oz · Servings: 4

Gently warm the milk and cream with the basil leaves in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until steaming (do not boil). Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 15 minutes. Strain out the basil, stir in the sugar and lemon juice, and cool completely before pouring into the pint.

Pro Tip

Warming the dairy extracts the aromatic oils from basil that cold blending misses. Save 2–3 small basil leaves as a garnish for serving.

~25 min

Pour into Ninja Creami pint container and freeze for 24 hours.

Pro Tip

Fill to the max fill line but not above — overfilling can cause the lid to pop off during processing.

Process using the Gelato function.

Pro Tip

If the machine struggles or the pint spins freely, let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before retrying.

Re-spin if needed for a smoother, denser texture.

Pro Tip

One re-spin usually does the trick. If still crumbly after two, let it soften for 2-3 minutes and try again.

Fruity Gelato Gluten-Free

Common Questions

How long does Lemon Basil Gelato last in the freezer?

Once processed in the Ninja Creami, Lemon Basil Gelato is best enjoyed immediately for the creamiest texture. You can refreeze it for up to 2 weeks — just let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before re-processing with the Re-Spin function.

Which Ninja Creami models can make Lemon Basil Gelato?

This recipe works with all Ninja CREAMi models — the 7-in-1 (NC301), Deluxe, XL Deluxe 11-in-1 (NC501), and Scoop & Swirl (NC701). It also works with discontinued models like the Breeze (NC100) and original 5-in-1 (NC300). The ingredients are sized for a standard 16oz pint. If you have a 24oz Deluxe or XL Deluxe model, use our built-in ingredient scaler to adjust the quantities up.

Is Lemon Basil Gelato suitable for special diets?

Yes, this recipe is: Gluten-Free. Always check individual ingredient labels to confirm they meet your specific dietary requirements.

What if my gelato comes out crumbly?

This is normal after the first spin. Select the Re-Spin function for a smoother, creamier result. If it's still crumbly after two re-spins, let the pint sit at room temperature for 3-5 minutes, then try again.

What kind of milk should I use? Is whole milk the same as homo milk?

Yes — whole milk, homogenized milk (homo milk), vitamin D milk, and full-fat milk are all the same thing: 3.25% milk fat (MF). Do NOT substitute with 2%, 1%, or skim/0%. The fat is critical for creamy texture. International equivalents: UK "full-fat milk" (3.5%), Australia "full cream milk" (3.4%), France "lait entier" (3.5%). All work perfectly.

What's the difference between heavy cream, heavy whipping cream, and whipping cream?

Heavy cream and heavy whipping cream are the same thing: 36% milk fat (MF). Use either interchangeably. Whipping cream (30-35% MF) works well too, slightly lighter. Half-and-half (10-12% MF) — do NOT use as a substitute. International equivalents: UK "double cream" (48% MF — use 3/4 the amount), Australia "thickened cream" (35% MF), France "crème entière" (30-40% MF).

Can I substitute a different sweetener for granulated sugar?

Sugar does more than sweeten — it lowers the freezing point and prevents icy texture. You can substitute with: allulose (best for keto — doesn't crystallize when frozen), coconut sugar (1:1 swap but darker color), or monk fruit blend (1:1 swap). Avoid liquid sweeteners like honey or maple syrup as a full replacement — they change the liquid ratio.

How would you rate this recipe?

3.5 average from 1 rating

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