Blue Moon Ice Cream is a whimsical, creamy treat with a mysterious flavor that combines hints of vanilla, almond, and citrus. With its bright blue color and nostalgic taste, this homemade version captures the essence of the beloved Midwestern favorite. It’s smooth, slightly fruity, and perfect for summer gatherings, birthday parties, or a fun kitchen project.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Unique Flavor Profile: A blend of vanilla, almond, and a touch of lemon creates the signature Blue Moon flavor that’s hard to describe—but instantly recognizable.
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Beautiful Color: A drop of blue food coloring gives this ice cream its classic, vibrant hue that delights kids and adults alike.
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Rich and Creamy Texture: Made with heavy cream, whole milk, and the optional addition of sweetened condensed milk for extra richness.
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Easy to Make at Home: With a few simple ingredients and an ice cream maker, you can enjoy this nostalgic dessert any time.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Heavy cream
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Whole milk
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Granulated sugar
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Vanilla extract
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Almond extract
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Lemon juice
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Blue food coloring (optional)
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Sweetened condensed milk (optional, for extra creaminess)
Directions
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Make the Ice Cream Base:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and lemon juice. Whisk constantly until the sugar is fully dissolved. -
Cool the Mixture:
Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. -
Add Color and Condensed Milk:
Stir in the sweetened condensed milk, if using, and add 1–2 drops of blue food coloring until your desired shade is achieved. -
Chill the Base:
Pour the mixture into a bowl or container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. -
Churn the Ice Cream:
Once chilled, pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually 20–25 minutes) until it reaches soft-serve consistency. -
Freeze to Firm:
Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 3 hours to allow it to firm up. -
Serve:
Scoop into bowls or cones and enjoy this creamy, nostalgic delight.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 6 servings
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Chilling Time: 2 hours
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Churning Time: 25 minutes
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Freezing Time: 3 hours
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Total Time: 5 hours 35 minutes
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Calories: 280 kcal per serving
Variations
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No Food Coloring: Skip the coloring for a naturally white version with the same classic flavor.
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Add Mix-ins: Stir in mini marshmallows, sprinkles, or white chocolate chips after churning for added texture.
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Dairy-Free Version: Substitute coconut cream and almond milk for a plant-based variation. Use a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk if desired.
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Blueberry Twist: Add a tablespoon of blueberry puree for a fruity boost and a natural tint.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent ice crystals.
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Reheating: Not applicable. Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping if too firm.
FAQs
What does Blue Moon ice cream taste like?
It’s a mix of vanilla, almond, and citrus with a touch of sweetness—often described as fruity, nostalgic, and creamy.
Can I make this without an ice cream maker?
Yes. Pour the chilled base into a freezer-safe container and stir every 30 minutes for 2–3 hours until smooth and frozen.
Is the blue food coloring necessary?
No, it’s optional. It adds visual appeal but doesn’t affect the taste.
Can I use low-fat milk?
Full-fat milk and cream give the best texture. Using low-fat alternatives will result in a less creamy consistency.
Why add sweetened condensed milk?
It enhances creaminess and helps prevent ice crystals. It’s optional but recommended for ultra-smooth ice cream.
How do I know when the ice cream is churned enough?
It should resemble soft-serve and hold its shape when scooped with a spoon.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the freezer until ready to serve.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Make sure your ice cream maker can accommodate the increased volume.
What kind of blue food coloring should I use?
Gel or liquid food coloring both work. Start with one drop and add more as needed.
What can I serve with this ice cream?
It pairs well with sugar cookies, waffle cones, fresh berries, or as part of an ice cream sundae.
Conclusion
Blue Moon Ice Cream is a fun, nostalgic dessert with a smooth, creamy texture and a flavor that’s as intriguing as it is delicious. Whether you’re recreating childhood memories or introducing this classic to new generations, it’s a standout treat that’s sure to impress. With just a few simple ingredients and a touch of color, you can bring a bit of the magic of this Midwestern favorite to your own kitchen.
Print
Blue Moon Ice Cream
- Total Time: 5 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Blue Moon Ice Cream is a nostalgic, Midwest-favorite treat known for its bright blue color and mysteriously fruity flavor. Creamy, dreamy, and a little whimsical, this homemade version blends vanilla, almond, and citrus notes for a fun frozen dessert. Keyword: Blue Moon Ice Cream.
Ingredients
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2 cups heavy cream
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1 cup whole milk
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3/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 teaspoon almond extract
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1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
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1-2 drops blue food coloring (optional)
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1 tablespoon sweetened condensed milk (optional, for extra creaminess)
Instructions
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In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, vanilla, almond extract, and lemon juice.
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Heat over medium heat, whisking until sugar dissolves completely. Do not boil.
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Remove from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
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Stir in sweetened condensed milk (if using) and add food coloring to reach desired blue shade.
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Chill mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
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Once chilled, pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions (usually 20–25 minutes).
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When it reaches soft-serve consistency, transfer to an airtight container.
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Freeze for at least 3 hours to firm up. Scoop and enjoy!
Notes
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Start with 1 drop of food coloring and add more if needed.
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For a richer flavor, replace whole milk with more cream.
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Blue Moon flavor is unique—feel free to tweak extracts to match your local version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Ice Cream Maker
