Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Blue Moon Ice Cream is a one-of-a-kind dessert. The combination of creamy milk and heavy cream creates a rich base, while the vanilla extract adds a classic, sweet flavor. The blue food coloring gives it a playful, eye-catching appearance, and the optional black raspberry extract adds an extra layer of complexity to the flavor. It’s easy to make, and the result is a creamy, vibrant ice cream that will impress anyone who tries it. Plus, it’s homemade, so you can customize the flavors to your liking!
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon blue food coloring (adjust for desired hue)
- 1/2 teaspoon black raspberry extract (optional for flavor enhancement)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and salt until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add Flavors: Stir in the vanilla extract, blue food coloring, and black raspberry extract (if using). Mix well until the color is uniform and the ingredients are fully combined.
- Chill Mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until the mixture is thoroughly chilled.
- Churn: Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for churning the ice cream until it reaches a soft-serve consistency (usually around 20-30 minutes).
- Freeze: Transfer the churned ice cream to a lidded container and freeze for at least 1 hour to firm it up.
- Serve: Scoop your delicious Blue Moon Ice Cream into bowls or cones and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6 servings
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes (plus chilling time)
Variations
- Flavor Boost: If you’re not a fan of black raspberry extract, you can replace it with almond extract or a touch of lemon zest for a different flavor twist.
- Add-Ins: Mix in your favorite toppings, like chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or fruit, during the last few minutes of churning.
- Vegan Version: For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk or almond milk in place of whole milk and heavy cream, and swap in a plant-based sweetener.
- Swirl: Create a fun pattern by adding a swirl of fruit syrup or fudge into the ice cream after churning, then freeze for a few more hours.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover Blue Moon Ice Cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2-3 weeks.
- Reheating: This ice cream is best served straight from the freezer, but you can leave it out for a few minutes to soften if needed.
FAQs
1. Can I make Blue Moon Ice Cream without an ice cream maker?
Yes, you can make this ice cream without an ice cream maker. After chilling the mixture, pour it into a shallow dish and freeze it, stirring every 30 minutes until it reaches a smooth consistency. It will take a bit longer, but it’s still doable!
2. Can I use a different food coloring?
Yes, you can experiment with other colors, but blue gives it that signature “Blue Moon” look. Feel free to try other vibrant colors like pink or purple!
3. How can I make the ice cream extra creamy?
To make the ice cream even creamier, you can add a bit of cream cheese or use a higher-fat milk. Alternatively, try adding a tablespoon of corn syrup to improve the texture.
4. Is this recipe suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
This recipe contains dairy, so it’s not suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. However, there are great dairy-free alternatives that you can use to make a vegan version.
5. How do I prevent the ice cream from getting too icy?
By chilling the base before churning and following the ice cream maker’s instructions, you’ll ensure the mixture is properly aerated, preventing it from becoming too icy.
6. Can I add other flavors to the ice cream?
Absolutely! Feel free to add mix-ins like crushed cookies, chocolate chips, or fresh fruit during the last few minutes of churning for added texture and flavor.
7. How long do I need to freeze the ice cream after churning?
After churning, the ice cream should be frozen for at least 1 hour to firm up. If you like a firmer texture, you can leave it in the freezer for longer.
8. Can I make this ice cream without the black raspberry extract?
Yes, the black raspberry extract is optional. You can make the ice cream with just vanilla and the blue food coloring if you prefer a more basic flavor.
9. How can I make the ice cream more flavorful?
Experiment with adding extracts like almond, coconut, or a splash of citrus juice. These can add a new layer of flavor while keeping the original taste of Blue Moon Ice Cream.
10. How do I know when my ice cream is done churning?
When the ice cream has reached a soft-serve consistency, it’s done! If you like firmer ice cream, transfer it to the freezer for a few more hours to harden.
Conclusion
Blue Moon Ice Cream is a fun, colorful, and delicious treat that combines the creaminess of traditional ice cream with the unique flavor of black raspberry and vanilla. This recipe is easy to make, and the result is a refreshing and decadent frozen dessert. Whether you’re making it for a party or just to enjoy at home, this homemade Blue Moon Ice Cream will undoubtedly become a favorite. Try it today and treat yourself to this amazing, creamy sensation!
Blue Moon Ice Cream: An Amazing Ultimate Treat That Will Delight You
- Total Time: 45 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Blue Moon Ice Cream is a creamy, vibrant dessert combining vanilla and black raspberry flavors with a fun blue hue. It’s easy to make and perfect for summer gatherings or a refreshing treat any time.
Ingredients
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon blue food coloring (adjust for desired hue)
½ teaspoon black raspberry extract (optional for flavor enhancement)
¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, and salt until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, blue food coloring, and black raspberry extract (if using). Mix well until the color is uniform and ingredients are fully combined.
- Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 3 hours, or until thoroughly chilled.
- Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually around 20-30 minutes, until it reaches a soft-serve consistency).
- Transfer the churned ice cream to a lidded container and freeze for at least 1 hour to firm it up.
- Scoop the Blue Moon Ice Cream into bowls or cones and enjoy!
Notes
You can experiment with other soda flavors for a fun twist, like root beer, or even add fruit puree for extra flavor.
If you prefer a vegan option, substitute coconut milk for the heavy cream and almond milk for the whole milk, using plant-based sweeteners.
For added texture, mix in crushed cookies or chocolate chips during the last few minutes of churning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chill & Churn
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scoop
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
