Roasted Fig and Honey Gelato

Directions

1. 1Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Halve the figs, place them cut side up on a baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the honey, and roast for 18 to 20 minutes until caramelized and jammy. Let cool completely.
2. 2Combine the cooled roasted figs, whole milk, heavy cream, remaining honey, granulated sugar, softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, and lemon juice in a bowl. Whisk vigorously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth, then press the figs against the bowl to break them down into a thick, rustic puree throughout the base.
3. 3Pour the base into your Ninja Creami pint container, filling no higher than the max fill line. Place the lid on and freeze on a flat, level surface for a full 24 hours.
4. 4Remove the pint from the freezer, let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes, then install it in the Ninja Creami outer bowl and run the GELATO preset.
5. 5Check the texture after the cycle. If the gelato appears crumbly or powdery, add a small splash of whole milk, then select Re-spin until the texture is dense, smooth, and creamy.
6. 6Serve immediately topped with a pinch of cinnamon and crushed pistachios if desired.

Tips

• Freeze the pint completely solid for the full 16-24 hours so the Creami can shave it properly; a partially frozen base will come out crumbly.
• If your spun gelato looks too icy or powdery after processing, add a small splash of whole milk and re-spin for a creamier result.
• Let the frozen pint sit at room temperature for 2-3 minutes before inserting into the Creami so it's not rock hard, which makes spinning easier.

Variations

• Swap the figs for fresh raspberries or blackberries and reduce the honey to 1/3 cup for a brighter berry gelato.
• Use Greek yogurt for half the heavy cream to make a tangier, slightly lighter version that still spins smoothly in the Creami.
• Add 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar to the base before freezing for a deeper, more complex fig flavor.

FAQ

Can I use frozen figs instead of fresh?

Yes, thawed frozen figs work fine, though fresh figs tend to give better flavor and texture. If using frozen, thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before adding to the base.

What if my pint didn't freeze solid enough?

Put it back in the freezer for at least 4-6 more hours and check that your freezer is at 0°F or below. The Creami needs a completely solid base to spin properly.

Can I make this without the cream cheese?

Yes, but the cream cheese adds richness and helps prevent large ice crystals during freezing. If you skip it, you may need to add a splash of liquid and re-spin after processing for better texture.

How long does the spun gelato stay creamy in a bowl?

Eat it right away after spinning for the best creamy texture, since it will start to melt within 5-10 minutes. You can freeze the spun portion in an airtight container for later, but it will refreeze solid and need to re-spin.

Nutrition

Per serving · makes about 2 servings · estimated