Pin it
This whimsical yet decadent Blue Moon Ice Cream instantly transports me back to carefree summer afternoons. With its cool raspberry undertones and dreamy blue color, it is a creamy treat that has enchanted my kids and their friends at every birthday and holiday we celebrate.
I made Blue Moon Ice Cream after my daughter begged for the turquoise scoop she remembered from an old family trip. It was such a hit that it is now a non negotiable tradition every Fourth of July.
Ingredients
- Whole milk: for a creamy base Seek local or organic for best flavor
- Heavy whipping cream: brings richness and lightness Always use full fat cream for lush results
- Sugar: for balanced sweetness Fine cane sugar dissolves best
- Vanilla pudding mix: thickens and adds delicate flavor Instant or cook and serve both work
- Vanilla extract: deepens the sweetness Use pure vanilla for the richest aroma
- Raspberry extract or fresh raspberries: create the signature berry note Taste for natural tartness if using fruit
- Lemon extract: lifts and brightens the entire mixture Make sure extract is high quality and not overly artificial
- Salt: sharpens and ties flavors together Kosher salt is easy to sprinkle evenly
- Blue food coloring: gives Blue Moon its playful look Gel food coloring offers vibrancy without watering down the base
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat the Milk:
- Pour the whole milk into a saucepan and set it over medium heat. Warm it gently, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a bare simmer. You want the milk to just start steaming, with tiny bubbles forming at the edges. This step brings out the natural sweetness and prepares it to dissolve other ingredients.
- Dissolve Sugar and Salt:
- Add your sugar and salt to the hot milk. Stir slowly but continuously, making sure both granules disappear completely before proceeding. Dissolving these now ensures your finished ice cream will be velvety and not gritty.
- Add Cream and Flavors:
- Take the saucepan off the heat. Slowly pour in your heavy whipping cream to immediately cool the mixture slightly. Now add your vanilla extract, raspberry extract or the fresh raspberries, lemon extract, and vanilla pudding mix. Whisk vigorously so that everything is blended into a silky and even liquid. As the pudding mix thickens, the base will become smoother and more luscious.
- Tint with Color:
- Time to transform everything. Drop in your blue food coloring a little at a time, whisking slowly until the color is distributed and you reach the perfect bright turquoise. The color may deepen as it chills so stop just before you think it is “enough.”
- Chill Thoroughly:
- Pour the colored liquid into a bowl or pitcher. Cover tightly and place in the coldest part of your refrigerator for two hours minimum. The base should be completely cold to the touch before churning or it will not set properly and can get icy.
- Churn into Ice Cream:
- Pour the fully chilled mixture into your ice cream maker. Churn according to manufacturer’s instructions. Depending on your machine, it generally takes about twenty to thirty minutes for the ice cream to reach a soft serve like texture. The ice cream should pull away from the sides when it is ready.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Scoop your freshly churned Blue Moon Ice Cream into bowls or cones right away for a soft creamy treat or transfer it to a freezer container for another hour if you prefer a firmer scoop. Serve with extra raspberries or a swirl of whipped cream if desired.
Pin it
Leftovers freeze perfectly for up to two months Every time I add that last drop of blue coloring and see my kids& excited faces at the first scoop I am reminded of the summer night my little one told me it tasted like a magic carnival. For me raspberry extract is the hidden hero as it gives each bite just enough fruitiness to keep every spoonful tasting bright and new.
Storage Tips
Keep your Blue Moon Ice Cream tightly sealed in an airtight container in the back of your freezer where it is coldest. Press a piece of parchment directly on the surface to prevent ice crystals from forming. For the best creamy texture allow the ice cream to soften for a few minutes at room temperature before serving again.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have raspberry extract puree a cup of very ripe raspberries and strain out the seeds before adding. In place of vanilla pudding mix use a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with two teaspoons of sugar for thickening. Cream of coconut or coconut milk makes this recipe dairy free with a subtle tropical background flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Pile Blue Moon Ice Cream into sugar cones and top with rainbow sprinkles for a playful birthday treat. Layer it in tall glasses with lemonade sorbet and whipped cream for a celebratory summer parfait. For grown ups serve alongside fresh berries or a slice of lemon pound cake.
Cultural and Historical Context
Blue Moon Ice Cream originated in the Midwest and is famous in ice cream parlors in Michigan and Wisconsin. Its exact flavor mix is a mystery but the recipe’s combination of raspberry vanilla and bright blue color captures both nostalgia and fun for generations of ice cream lovers. While the original formula remains secret homemade Blue Moon captures the essence and wonder of the scoop shop favorite.
Pin it
Serve Blue Moon Ice Cream while still soft for the best texture or let it firm up in the freezer if you like a classic scoop. Every bite is pure nostalgia and joy in a bowl.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What makes this dessert blue?
Blue food coloring gives the mixture its signature vibrant hue, creating a visually appealing treat.
- → Can I use fresh raspberries instead of extract?
Yes, fresh raspberries can be blended in for natural flavor and slight texture variation.
- → What results in the dessert's creamy texture?
Using both whole milk and heavy cream, combined with pudding mix, yields a smooth, creamy consistency.
- → Is an ice cream maker necessary?
An ice cream maker ensures the proper texture, but alternatives like no-churn methods are possible.
- → How should this dessert be served?
Serve it cold, directly from the churn, for the creamiest, most refreshing taste experience.