Blue Moon Ice Cream Recipe

Magical Blue Moon Ice Cream Recipe: A Sweet Summer Delight

Blue moon ice cream swirls with nostalgic childhood memories, capturing the essence of Midwestern summer treats.

This vibrant azure-colored dessert sparks curiosity and delight for many.

Unique and mysterious, the flavor remains a regional favorite across Wisconsin and Michigan.

Some say it tastes like Froot Loops, while others describe a fruity, almond-like sensation.

The electric blue hue makes this ice cream stand out at every summer gathering.

Sweet and playful, the recipe transforms simple ingredients into a whimsical frozen delight.

You’ll want to savor every spoonful of this magical, color-packed treat.

Blue Moon Ice Cream Shopping List

Base Ingredients:
  • Heavy Cream: Rich dairy component that provides a smooth and creamy texture to the ice cream.
  • Whole Milk: Adds body and contributes to the smooth consistency of the frozen dessert.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the ice cream and helps create a soft, scoopable texture.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract, Almond Extract: These extracts create the unique and nostalgic Blue Moon flavor profile.
  • Blue Food Coloring: Gives the ice cream its signature vibrant blue appearance.
Optional Add-Ins:
  • Maraschino Cherries: Provides a sweet burst of color and additional flavor when mixed into the churned ice cream.

Step-by-Step: Making Blue Moon Ice Cream at Home

Step-by-Step: Making Blue Moon Ice Cream at Home

Step 1: Craft The Creamy Base

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and whisk together the luscious heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar.

Keep whisking enthusiastically until the sugar vanishes completely, creating a silky smooth foundation for your Blue Moon adventure.

Continue blending for 2-3 minutes to ensure total harmony between ingredients.

Step 2: Infuse Magical Flavor

Introduce vanilla and almond extracts into your creamy mixture.

Stir passionately, allowing these delightful essences to dance and mingle throughout the base.

These secret ingredients unlock the mysterious Blue Moon flavor that feels like a whimsical taste sensation.

Step 3: Create Vibrant Blue Magic

Carefully drip blue food coloring into the mixture, stirring gently.

Start sparingly and gradually intensify the blue hue.

Watch the transformation unfold, remembering the color will soften when frozen.

Aim for that stunning azure shade that makes Blue Moon instantly recognizable.

Step 4: Churn Into Dreamy Perfection

Transfer your azure creation into the ice cream maker.

Follow the machine’s guidance, typically churning for 20-25 minutes.

Watch as the mixture transforms into a fluffy, voluminous delight with a soft-serve consistency that promises deliciousness.

Step 5: Optional Cherry Surprise

For an extra burst of fun, tenderly fold maraschino cherries into the churned ice cream.

Distribute them evenly, creating delightful pockets of sweet surprise throughout your frozen masterpiece.

Step 6: Freeze Into Delectable Form

Carefully transfer the ice cream into an airtight container.

Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent unwanted ice crystals.

Slide into the freezer and let it firm up for at least 4 hours, allowing the flavors to fully develop.

Step 7: Scoop And Celebrate

Once perfectly frozen, scoop your Blue Moon creation into bowls or cones.

Embrace the Midwest ice cream tradition by pairing with Superman ice cream or adding playful toppings.

Enjoy the unique, nostalgic flavor that makes this treat so special!

Blue Moon Ice Cream – Insider Tricks for Creamy Results

  • Use a smooth, consistent whisking motion to dissolve sugar completely, creating a silky-smooth base that ensures creamy texture without graininess.
  • Add blue food coloring drop by drop, stirring thoroughly to achieve that signature vibrant blue without overwhelming the mixture.
  • Cover the surface with plastic wrap before sealing the container to block moisture and maintain a creamy, soft consistency during freezing.
  • Gently fold maraschino cherries at the end of churning to distribute evenly and prevent color bleeding throughout the ice cream.
  • Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 2-3 minutes before scooping to ensure easier serving and a perfect soft texture.

Mix Up Your Blue Moon Ice Cream Experience

  • Fruity Fusion: Replace almond extract with raspberry extract and add a handful of crushed fresh raspberries for a tangy, fruit-forward version of Blue Moon ice cream.
  • Nutty Crunch: Incorporate ground almonds or chopped pistachios into the base for added texture and a subtle nutty undertone that complements the blue color.
  • Dairy-Free Dream: Substitute heavy cream and whole milk with coconut milk and coconut cream, using a vegan sweetener like agave nectar to create a plant-based alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Spin: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener and replace whole milk with unsweetened almond milk for a lighter, less caloric version of the classic treat.

Blue Moon Ice Cream: Creative Ways to Serve

  • Sundae Spectacular: Create a towering Blue Moon sundae with whipped cream, rainbow sprinkles, and a maraschino cherry on top for a festive dessert experience.
  • Cone Companion: Serve in crisp waffle cones or colorful sugar cones to enhance the playful blue color and add a delightful crunch to each bite.
  • Dessert Pairing: Complement the unique flavor by serving alongside light sugar cookies or vanilla shortbread to balance the sweet and creamy Blue Moon profile.
  • Grown-Up Twist: For adult gatherings, drizzle a small amount of blue curaçao liqueur over the scoop for an extra sophisticated and spirited touch.

The Right Way to Store Blue Moon Ice Cream

  • – Refrigerate Promptly store the Blue Moon ice cream in an airtight container to maintain its creamy texture and prevent freezer burn. Choose a container with a tight-fitting lid that seals completely.
  • – Freeze Carefully place the container in the coldest part of your freezer, typically at the back, where temperature remains most consistent. Aim to keep the freezer temperature at 0°F (-18°C) or below for optimal preservation.
  • – Prevent Crystallization Cover the ice cream surface with plastic wrap before sealing the lid, creating a barrier that prevents unwanted ice crystal formation. This simple step helps preserve the smooth, creamy consistency of your homemade Blue Moon treat.
  • – Consume Quickly Enjoy the best quality within 1-2 weeks of preparation. While the ice cream can technically last up to two months, the flavor and texture are most vibrant during the first few weeks after making.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients in Blue Moon ice cream?

The key ingredients are heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, blue food coloring, and optional maraschino cherries. These components create the unique flavor and signature blue color of the ice cream.

  • Is Blue Moon ice cream difficult to make at home?

Blue Moon ice cream is relatively easy to make at home. You’ll need an ice cream maker, basic ingredients, and about 30-40 minutes of preparation time. The process involves mixing ingredients, churning in the machine, and freezing.

  • What gives Blue Moon ice cream its unique flavor?

The combination of vanilla and almond extracts creates Blue Moon’s distinctive taste. The subtle blend of these extracts produces a slightly sweet, complex flavor that’s hard to pinpoint but distinctly recognizable.

  • Can I make Blue Moon ice cream without an ice cream maker?

Blue Moon Ice Cream: What Makes This Treat Unforgettable

Blue Moon Ice Cream: What Makes This Treat Unforgettable
  • Whip Up Midwest Magic: Capture the nostalgic flavor of a classic Midwestern ice cream treat that brings back childhood memories with its unique and mysterious blue hue.
  • Customize with Ease: Personalize the recipe by adding optional mix-ins like maraschino cherries or experimenting with different toppings to make this ice cream your own signature dessert.
  • Simple No-Fuss Technique: Create a delightful homemade ice cream using basic kitchen tools and minimal ingredients, making it accessible for both novice and experienced home cooks.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for summer gatherings, kids' parties, or as a special sweet treat that sparks conversation and brings smiles with its vibrant blue color and unexpected flavor profile.
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Blue Moon Ice Cream Recipe

Blue Moon Ice Cream Recipe


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4.7 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Cool blue magic meets sweet nostalgia in this Blue Moon Ice Cream recipe, blending childhood memories with creamy midwest charm. Playful flavor swirls through each scoop, inviting you to savor a delightful dessert that whispers of summer’s carefree spirit.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk
  • 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • Blue food coloring, as needed

Optional Garnish:

  • 1/4 cup (40 grams) maraschino cherries, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the creamy foundation by whisking heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar in a spacious mixing bowl until sugar completely dissolves, creating a silky smooth base at room temperature.
  2. Enhance the mixture’s depth by incorporating vanilla and almond extracts, stirring thoroughly to distribute the aromatic flavor profiles evenly throughout the liquid.
  3. Transform the base into its signature hue by gradually introducing blue food coloring, carefully blending until achieving a vibrant azure shade that captures the essence of Blue Moon’s distinctive appearance.
  4. Transfer the azure mixture into an ice cream maker, churning for approximately 20-25 minutes at medium speed until the texture becomes light, fluffy, and resembles soft-serve consistency.
  5. For an optional burst of sweetness, gently fold maraschino cherries into the freshly churned ice cream, ensuring even distribution of the ruby-red morsels throughout the blue canvas.
  6. Carefully pack the churned ice cream into an airtight container, layering plastic wrap directly against the surface to prevent unwanted ice crystal formation, then freeze for a minimum of 4 hours until solidly scoopable.
  7. Serve the chilled delicacy in classic bowls or crisp waffle cones, presenting a nostalgic Midwestern-style frozen treat that delights both visual and taste sensations.

Notes

  • Customize Flavor Intensity by gradually adding extracts and tasting, allowing you to adjust the almond and vanilla balance to your preference.
  • Create Dietary Alternatives by substituting heavy cream with coconut cream for a vegan version or using monk fruit sweetener for a lower-sugar option.
  • Prevent Ice Crystallization by ensuring all ingredients are cold before mixing and storing the ice cream with a layer of plastic wrap directly touching the surface to minimize air exposure.
  • Enhance Visual Appeal by experimenting with natural blue colorings like butterfly pea flower powder instead of artificial food coloring, which can provide a beautiful blue hue with potential health benefits.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Churning
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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