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Blue Moon Ice Cream

A nostalgic, bright blue Midwestern classic ice cream with a sweet, creamy, cereal-milk flavor profile featuring hints of vanilla, almond, and lemon.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Freezing Time 4 hours
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 8 scoops
Course: Dessert, Ice Cream, Snack
Cuisine: American, Midwestern
Calories: 310
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ice Cream Base
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1.5 tsp pure almond extract
  • 0.5 tsp lemon extract or raspberry extract
  • 1 pinch fine sea salt
  • 2-3 drops blue gel food coloring Royal Blue
Garnish
  • 0.25 cup fresh blueberries optional, for serving

Equipment

  • Ice Cream Maker
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Freezer-safe container

Method
 

  1. Ensure your ice cream maker's freezer bowl has been frozen solid for at least 24 hours prior to starting.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole milk, granulated sugar, and sea salt until the sugar is completely dissolved.
  3. Stir in the heavy whipping cream, pure vanilla extract, pure almond extract, and lemon (or raspberry) extract.
  4. Add a few drops of blue gel food coloring and whisk thoroughly until the mixture reaches a vibrant, uniform bright blue color.
  5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the base for 1 to 2 hours until thoroughly chilled.
  6. Pour the chilled base into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's directions, usually 20-25 minutes, until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
  7. Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent ice crystals, cover tightly, and freeze for at least 4-6 hours until firm.
  8. Scoop into bowls, garnish with fresh blueberries, and serve.

Notes

If the ice cream freezes too hard, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before attempting to scoop. For a no-churn version, whip the heavy cream separately, fold into sweetened condensed milk flavored with the extracts and coloring, and freeze.