Rum Cake Ice Cream

4 servings Prep: 25 m Cook: PT0M Total: 24 h 25 m Intermediate
This Ninja Creami recipe transforms Louisiana’s beloved rum cake into a year-round frozen treat, capturing butter-rich pound cake, warm rum flavor, and crunchy pecans in innovative ice cream form. Made with protein shake or milk, rum extract, and real cake pieces mixed in.

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups vanilla protein shake or whole milk
  • 1/4 tsp xanthan gum
  • 1 tbsp sugar + 2 tbsp monk fruit/erythritol
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp rum extract
  • 1/2 tsp butter extract
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar substitute
  • 1/4 cup pound cake pieces, diced (for mix-in)
  • 2 tbsp chopped pecans (for mix-in)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Mix xanthan gum, sweetener blends, and brown sugar substitute in Ninja Creami pint container.
  2. Blend protein shake (or milk), vanilla extract, rum extract, and butter extract until well combined.
  3. Mix thoroughly to ensure all flavors are well incorporated.
  4. Freeze for 24 hours minimum until completely solid.
  5. Process on LITE ICE CREAM setting. If needed, add 1-2 tbsp liquid and re-spin.
  6. Mix-in cake pieces and pecans during final processing for authentic texture.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my ice cream too icy or hard?

A: Make sure the mixture is completely frozen solid (24 hours minimum) before processing. If it's still icy after processing, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk and re-spin on the LITE ICE CREAM setting.

Q: Can I use regular sugar instead of sugar substitutes?

A: Yes, you can use 3 tablespoons of regular sugar plus 2 tablespoons of brown sugar for a traditional sweetness level.

Tips and Techniques

Let that pound cake soak up some of the rum extract first - it’ll give you that authentic rum cake experience! For best results, use store-bought pound cake or leftover rum cake cut into small dice.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • protein shake: whole milk or half-and-half
  • sugar substitutes: regular granulated sugar and brown sugar
  • pound cake: vanilla cake or yellow cake

Equipment Needed

  • Ninja Creami ice cream maker
  • Ninja Creami pint container
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Historical Context

Rum cake represents Louisiana’s connection to the Caribbean through centuries of trade and cultural exchange. The rich, rum-soaked cake became a holiday favorite, embodying the region’s love of celebration and its access to fine Caribbean spirits through the Port of New Orleans. This fusion ice cream transforms the beloved holiday rum cake into a year-round treat, capturing the butter-rich cake and warm rum flavor in an innovative frozen format that honors tradition while embracing culinary creativity.