Get ready to experience the vibrant, unique flavor of authentic Blue Moon Ice Cream, a recipe that brings a touch of retro charm and dazzling color right to your kitchen. This easy-to-follow guide will help you create a creamy, dreamy frozen treat that’s perfect for any occasion, ensuring you can enjoy this beloved classic anytime the craving strikes.
Key Ingredients for Blue Moon Ice Cream
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- Blue food coloring (gel or liquid, adjust for desired shade)
- Optional: Marshmallow fluff or mini marshmallows for swirling
How to Make Blue Moon Ice Cream
This Blue Moon Ice Cream recipe offers a delightful journey into vibrant flavors and creamy textures, all achievable with minimal effort. Experience the joy of crafting this iconic dessert at home, perfect for parties or a simple treat, with a preparation time of just 20 minutes, plus chilling and churning time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, and corn syrup. Whisk these ingredients together until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
- Heat the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is warm to the touch and the sugar is completely dissolved. Do not bring to a boil.
- Cool and Infuse: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract. Allow the mixture to cool completely at room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling step is crucial for achieving the best ice cream texture and allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add Color: Once the base is thoroughly chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Add blue food coloring, a few drops at a time, stirring after each addition until you achieve your desired shade of “Blue Moon.” Be mindful that the color will lighten slightly when churned.
- Swirl in Marshmallows (Optional): If you’re adding marshmallow fluff or mini marshmallows, gently fold them into the chilled ice cream base at this stage. For a swirled effect, don’t overmix; you want distinct ribbons of marshmallow throughout the blue ice cream.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This typically takes about 20-30 minutes, until the ice cream has thickened to a soft-serve consistency.
- Freeze to Firm: Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container. For a firmer, scoopable texture, press a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming. Freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or until firm enough to scoop.
Why You’ll Love This Blue Moon Ice Cream
This Blue Moon Ice Cream is an absolute delight for the senses, boasting a color that’s as captivating as its unique, subtly fruity flavor, reminiscent of a sweet, creamy dream. Unlike store-bought versions that can sometimes be artificial, making this at home allows you complete control over the quality of ingredients and the intensity of that signature almond-vanilla fusion. The hint of almond extract, often paired with a swirl of marshmallow, elevates it beyond a simple vanilla ice cream, offering a truly distinctive and satisfying nostalgic treat that’s surprisingly simple to create.
Moreover, the cost savings of whipping up this luscious Blue Moon Ice Cream in your own kitchen can be substantial, especially for families who enjoy frozen desserts regularly. You’ll find yourself saving money compared to frequent trips to ice cream parlors while still enjoying a treat that’s every bit as delightful, if not more so. It’s a fantastic way to impress guests or simply indulge yourself with a scoop of pure joy. Ready to unlock this vibrant, flavorful experience? Dive into this recipe and taste the magic for yourself!
Storing and Reheating Tips
To keep your Blue Moon Ice Cream at its best, store it in an airtight container in the freezer. Placing a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap directly on the surface of the ice cream before sealing the lid will help prevent ice crystals from forming, ensuring a smoother texture. Properly stored, homemade Blue Moon Ice Cream can last for up to 2 weeks in the freezer, though it’s typically at its peak enjoyment within the first week.
“Reheating” isn’t really applicable to ice cream in the traditional sense, as it’s meant to be served cold. However, if your ice cream becomes too hard to scoop, you can let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly. If you wish to freeze it for future enjoyment after it’s been churned but before it’s fully hardened, ensure it’s in a well-sealed, freezer-safe container.
Final Thoughts
This Blue Moon Ice Cream recipe is a wonderfully simple yet incredibly rewarding way to bring a vibrant, nostalgic flavor into your home. We encourage you to give it a try and experience the joy of creating this unique frozen treat firsthand!
Blue Moon Ice Cream
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, and corn syrup. Whisk these ingredients together until the sugar is mostly dissolved.1.5 cups whole milk, 0.5 cup heavy cream, 0.75 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons corn syrup
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is warm to the touch and the sugar is completely dissolved. Do not bring to a boil.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract. Allow the mixture to cool completely at room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling step is crucial for achieving the best ice cream texture and allowing the flavors to meld.2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 0.5 teaspoon almond extract
- Once the base is thoroughly chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Add blue food coloring, a few drops at a time, stirring after each addition until you achieve your desired shade of “Blue Moon.” Be mindful that the color will lighten slightly when churned.1 few drops blue food coloring
- If you’re adding marshmallow fluff or mini marshmallows, gently fold them into the chilled ice cream base at this stage. For a swirled effect, don’t overmix; you want distinct ribbons of marshmallow throughout the blue ice cream.Marshmallow fluff or mini marshmallows
- Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This typically takes about 20-30 minutes, until the ice cream has thickened to a soft-serve consistency.
- Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container. For a firmer, scoopable texture, press a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming. Freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or until firm enough to scoop.