Garden-Fresh & Fragrant Strawberry Basil Swirl Ice Cream

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When strawberry season hits, there’s nothing better than turning your garden harvest into a rich, creamy dessert—and this Strawberry Basil Swirl Ice Cream is pure summer in a scoop. The sweet juiciness of fresh-picked strawberries meets the bright, peppery notes of garden basil for a flavor combo that’s both refreshing and sophisticated.

Thanks to the Ninja Creami, making this ice cream at home is incredibly easy—no churning, no tempering, just freeze, spin, and enjoy. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season while using what’s growing right outside your kitchen door.

Put your Ninja Creami to work this season and try our 12 special and irresistible garden-inspired ice cream recipes this season!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Uses garden-fresh strawberries and herbs
✅ Naturally sweetened with honey
✅ Ninja Creami friendly—just blend, freeze, and spin
✅ Dairy and non-dairy options
✅ Beautiful for brunches, summer gatherings, or just a backyard treat

📝 Ingredients

Ice Cream Base

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• ¾ cup full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream
• ¼ cup whole milk or oat milk
• ¼ cup honey (or maple syrup)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt

Basil Syrup Swirl

• ¼ cup water
• ¼ cup honey
• ½ cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves

🍦 For a bolder basil flavor, add 1–2 basil leaves directly into the blended base.

📌 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Make the Basil Syrup

In a small saucepan, combine water and honey. Bring to a low simmer. Add basil leaves and stir, then turn off the heat. Let it steep for 10–15 minutes. Strain and cool completely.

2️⃣ Blend the Base

In a blender, combine strawberries, coconut milk (or cream), milk, honey, vanilla, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour the mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container. Seal and freeze for at least 24 hours.

3️⃣ Spin It

Remove the frozen base from the freezer. Place in the Ninja Creami, and select the Ice Cream function. After the first spin, scrape down the sides and respin if needed for a creamier texture.

4️⃣ Swirl in the Basil Syrup

After spinning, use a spoon to create a swirl pocket in the center of the ice cream. Pour in your basil syrup and use a butter knife or chopstick to gently swirl it through. Don’t overmix—you want pretty ribbons of flavor.

5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!

Scoop into bowls or cones and garnish with a fresh basil leaf or sliced strawberries. Serve immediately or refreeze for up to 1 week (just respin before serving again).

🌿 Tip: Make an extra batch of basil syrup and drizzle it over fresh fruit or cocktails!

🌿 Tips & Variations

✅ Use Greek yogurt for a tangy twist
✅ Add lemon zest to the base for brightness
✅ Make it dairy-free with coconut and almond milk
✅ Freeze extra basil syrup into ice cubes for future swirls
✅ Pair with shortbread cookies for a fun garden-style ice cream sandwich

🛍️ Storage

🧊 Store leftovers directly in the Ninja Creami pint container with the lid sealed.
❄️ Ice cream may harden in the freezer—use the Respin function to bring it back to life!
⏳ Best eaten within 5–7 days for optimal texture and flavor.

🌟 Tried This Recipe?

Let me know in the comments below! I’d love to hear how your garden flavors turned out—and if you added your own creative spin! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

📌 Pin this recipe for later!