
Ninja Creami The Old Goat Ice Cream captures everything I love about tangy desserts and creamy indulgence. This recipe features the rich, mellow flavor of goat cheese that melts beautifully into a honey-sweetened custard. Swirled with bright jam and zingy lemon curd, it is lifted by toasted almonds and an herbal hint of rosemary. I reach for this whenever I want a frozen treat that feels special yet playful.
My friends were skeptical the first time I made goat cheese ice cream but now they ask for it every summer. It is always a conversation starter and a true delight on a hot day.
Ingredients
- Heavy cream: Brings silkiness and ensures a lush texture. Look for fresh cream with no additives for the purest result
- Whole milk: Keeps the base creamy but not too heavy. Local dairy makes a difference in flavor
- Honey: Sweetens naturally and adds an herbal floral note. A mild wildflower honey works best
- Goat cheese: The star with a gentle tang and creamy finish. Choose a fresh chevre log without strong flavors
- Raspberry or blackberry jam: Adds berry brightness. Choose a jam with fruit as the first ingredient for bold taste
- Lemon curd: Provides zesty contrast. Homemade or store-bought both shine here
- Almonds: Bring a toasty crunch. Toasting them yourself enhances aroma and nutty flavor
- Rosemary: Gives unexpected depth with herbal notes. Always chop and toast sprigs fresh for intensity
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Ice Cream Base:
- Gently heat heavy cream milk and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat until you see steady wisps of steam but do not let it boil. This infuses the milk with the honey while dissolving it fully
- Melt in the Goat Cheese:
- Add the goat cheese and whisk until fully melted and the mixture is seamless and creamy. You should see no lumps and it will smell faintly tangy and sweet
- Freeze the Base:
- Transfer the smooth mixture into a Ninja Creami pint container. Make sure the liquid is level at the top so it churns evenly. Freeze the container flat in your freezer for a full day to lock in a creamy texture
- Process into Ice Cream:
- Let the frozen base sit on your counter for five to ten minutes. Set the pint in your Ninja Creami machine and select the Ice Cream setting. This churns the dense frozen base until velvety and scoopable
- Add the Mix Ins:
- Create a divot in the center of the churned ice cream and add raspberry or blackberry jam lemon curd toasted almonds and chopped rosemary. Place the pint back in the Ninja Creami and use the Re-spin button to swirl everything together until the jam is streaky and nuts are evenly dispersed

Toasted almonds are my personal highlight. I remember making this with my sister during a late night ice cream craving and we both agreed you can never have too many crunchy bites. I also love the slight herbal note rosemary brings especially with tart fruits.
Storage Tips
Once spun store the ice cream in its pint with a tight fitting lid to keep it from absorbing freezer flavors. Best eaten within two weeks for peak texture but will stay safe for up to a month. If it becomes too hard let it rest on the counter for ten minutes before scooping
Ingredient Substitutions
If you have lactose sensitivity try a lactose free cream and milk or substitute coconut cream though the flavor will shift slightly. Feel free to swap in blueberry or strawberry jam for the raspberry or even orange curd instead of lemon for a new twist. Pecans or walnuts work beautifully instead of almonds
Serving Suggestions
Serve in small bowls with a sprinkle of extra almonds and a drizzle of honey for added richness. Sometimes I layer scoops with fresh berries or crushed meringue for a sundae effect. This is also wonderful atop a warm fruit cobbler or sandwiched between cookies
Cultural and Historical Context
Goat cheese has roots in Mediterranean and French cuisines while fruit and nut ice creams are classic in European dessert traditions. This recipe merges those ideas with modern American ice cream innovation especially using the Ninja Creami to replicate slow churned gelato at home

Making this ice cream always brings me back to summer gatherings and creative kitchen sessions with family. Trying new flavors or adding a hint of your favorite herb keeps it fresh and exciting each time. Once you try this sophisticated twist you may never go back to ordinary vanilla.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different cheese instead of goat cheese?
Yes, you can substitute goat cheese with cream cheese for a milder flavor, though the tanginess will be less pronounced.
- → What fruits work best for the jam mix-in?
Raspberry and blackberry jams provide a bright, tart contrast, but strawberry or cherry can also add delicious fruitiness.
- → Is it necessary to toast the almonds and rosemary?
Toasting enhances the flavor and texture of both almonds and rosemary, contributing depth and crunch to the final dish.
- → Can this base be made without a Ninja Creami?
The base works best with the Ninja Creami, but it can be churned in traditional ice cream makers, though the texture may vary.
- → Is there a way to make it less sweet?
Reduce the honey slightly or use a lower-sugar jam to adjust the sweetness while keeping the creamy texture intact.