Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen, stirring a vibrant blue concoction, I couldn’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia wash over me. Blue Moon Ice Cream isn’t just a treat; it’s a memory wrapped in deliciousness. Whipping up this whimsical delight takes only 30 minutes, so you can easily enjoy its creamy goodness on a hot summer day or during cozy dessert nights at home. With the delightful combination of raspberry and lemon flavors, this homemade ice cream will have both kids and adults alike smiling from ear to ear. Plus, the best part? You won’t need any special equipment or endless ingredients to create this colorful masterpiece. Curious how to bring this joyful scoop of nostalgia to life? Let’s dive into the recipe together! Why is Blue Moon Ice Cream Special? Nostalgic Flavor: Each scoop captures the essence of childhood memories, blending raspberry and lemon for a delightful taste. Quick and Easy: In just 30 minutes, you can create this vibrant treat with no need for fancy gadgets! Customizable Delight: Switch up flavors or add toppings like nuts or chocolate chips to make it your own. Eye-Catching Appearance: The bold blue color is sure to entice and impress both kids and adults alike. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether at family gatherings or cozy nights in, this homemade ice cream is always a hit. To enhance your dessert experience, consider pairing it with a side of fresh berries or serving it in a waffle cone, just like you would with a scoop of Strawberries Cream Overnight oats! Blue Moon Ice Cream Ingredients • Whatever your taste buds desire, let’s gather the ingredients for this colorful treat! For the Base Whole Milk – Provides the base creaminess essential for a smooth texture. Substitution: Low-fat milk can be used, but will affect creaminess. Heavy Whipping Cream – Adds richness and contributes to a velvety mouthfeel. No substitute recommended for best results. Sugar – Balances flavors while enhancing sweetness. Substitution: Use honey or agave for a natural sweetener. For Flavoring Vanilla Pudding Mix (powder) – Thickens the mixture, giving it a delightful creamy consistency. Substitute with cornstarch if desired. Vanilla Extract – Infuses warmth and depth with its aromatic essence. Use fresh vanilla for a more intense flavor. Raspberry Extract or Raspberries – Introduces fruity notes that brighten up every scoop. Substitution: Any berry extract or puree can be used. Lemon Extract – Offers a zesty kick that complements other flavors beautifully. Substitution: Fresh lemon juice can be used. For the Color Blue Food Coloring – Creates an eye-catching blue hue that makes this treat visually appealing. Optional to omit for a natural look. With these simple ingredients, you’re just moments away from enjoying your very own homemade Blue Moon Ice Cream! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Blue Moon Ice Cream Step 1: Warm the Milk In a medium saucepan, heat 1 cup of whole milk over medium heat until it begins to bubble gently, about 5 minutes. Stir in ½ cup sugar and ¼ teaspoon salt until fully dissolved, creating a sweet and creamy base. This step sets the foundation for your delightful Blue Moon Ice Cream, providing the rich texture you’ll love. Step 2: Combine Ingredients Remove the saucepan from heat and mix in 1½ cups of heavy whipping cream, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 3 teaspoons of vanilla pudding mix, 1 teaspoon of raspberry extract, and 1 teaspoon of lemon extract. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and fully blended, ensuring all flavors meld together perfectly. The combination of these ingredients will create a dreamy, creamy blend. Step 3: Add Color To achieve that signature vibrant hue, stir in about ½ teaspoon of blue food coloring. Adjust the amount to reach your desired shade, keeping in mind that the color will brighten up the ice cream. This step not only enhances visual appeal but will also bring a nostalgic charm to your homemade Blue Moon Ice Cream. Step 4: Chill Mixture Transfer the blue mixture to a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours or until thoroughly chilled, ensuring that the cream has the right consistency for churning. This chilling process is crucial for achieving a smooth texture in your ice cream. Step 5: Churn Ice Cream Once chilled, pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically around 20-25 minutes, until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. As it churns, you’ll notice it becoming fluffy and thick, transforming into that iconic Blue Moon Ice Cream texture that everyone adores. Step 6: Serve and Enjoy When your ice cream is ready, scoop it into bowls or cones and serve immediately for a delightful treat. Add your favorite toppings, such as fresh berries or chocolate drizzle, to enhance each scoop’s flavor. Whether it’s a summer day or a cozy evening, savor the moment with your homemade Blue Moon Ice Cream! What to Serve with Blue Moon Ice Cream Nothing pairs better with the whimsical taste of Blue Moon Ice Cream than a delightful selection of sides and toppings to enhance your dessert experience. Fresh Berries: The tartness of strawberries or raspberries brightens each spoonful, complementing the fruity notes within the ice cream. Waffle Cones: Crunchy and subtly sweet, waffle cones provide a perfect texture contrast against the creamy ice cream, making every lick an adventure. Chocolate Sauce: A rich drizzle of chocolate sauce adds a decadent touch, harmonizing beautifully with the raspberry and lemon flavors. Enjoy the lusciousness! Crushed Nuts: Chopped almonds or pecans introduce a delightful crunch and nuttiness, giving your dessert a satisfying texture and extra flavor dimension. Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and airy, coconut whipped cream adds tropical notes that mesh perfectly with the zesty lemon and raspberry profile of Blue Moon Ice Cream. Cookies or Brownies: Serve scoops nestled between chocolate chip cookies or warm brownies for a sundae experience that’s ooey-gooey and absolutely heavenly. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad on the side can refresh the palate, balancing the indulgence of ice cream with vibrant, juicy flavors. Lemonade: Pairing with a glass of refreshing lemonade offers a cool, tangy contrast that mirrors the flavors in your ice cream while staying refreshingly cool. Make Ahead Options These Blue Moon Ice Cream delights are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the base mixture up to 24 hours in advance, making it a wonderful time-saver for busy weeknights. Simply follow the first three steps in the recipe—warm the milk, combine all ingredients, and chill the mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent browning and maintain creamy texture. When you’re ready to indulge, simply churn the chilled mixture in your ice cream maker, and voilà! You’ll have delightful, homemade Blue Moon Ice Cream, just as delicious as if made fresh. Expert Tips for Blue Moon Ice Cream Chill Thoroughly: Ensure the mixture is fully chilled before churning for the smoothest texture possible. Measure Carefully: Use precise measurements for the ingredients; too much or too little can affect creaminess and flavor balance. Warm Scoop Method: For hassle-free serving, dip your scoop or spoon in warm water before taking ice cream from the freezer—this helps it come out smoothly. Plastic Wrap Trick: Lay plastic wrap directly on the surface of the ice cream before sealing. This minimizes air exposure and prevents freezer burn. Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to customize your Blue Moon Ice Cream! Try varying the extracts or toppings for a personalized touch that reflects your taste. Blue Moon Ice Cream Variations Feel free to have fun with this recipe and make it truly your own with these delightful twists! Raspberry Swirl: Drizzle in raspberry sauce before freezing for fun flavor bursts in every scoop. The vibrant colors will not only look amazing, but they’ll also sweeten each bite! Lemon Zest Infusion: Add a tablespoon of freshly grated lemon zest to enhance that citrusy zing. This refreshing touch will really brighten the flavor, making each bite feel even more indulgent. Nutty Crunch Variation: Mix in chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for a satisfying crunchy texture. This grainy contrast pairs beautifully with the creaminess, giving your ice cream depth and richness. Chocolate Chip Delight: Fold in mini chocolate chips just before churning for a fun chocolatey surprise. The sweet morsels create delightful little bursts of flavor and add extra sweetness that everyone will love. Coconut Cream Addition: Substitute half the heavy whipping cream with coconut cream for a tropical twist. The creamy coconut will infuse a dreamy, vacation-like vibe into your Blue Moon creation! Berry Medley: Use a mix of berry extracts or purees—strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries—to create a unique fruity medley. This combo will elevate not just the taste, but also that stunning blue hue. Minty Freshness: Add a few drops of mint extract for a cool, refreshing flavor. The contrasting notes of mint and tropical elements will dance on your palate and surprise your senses. Spiced Version: Sprinkle in a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor twist. These spices lend a cozy aroma to your ice cream, perfect for those cooler evenings. These variations can be easily adapted to fit your taste preferences, just like you might experiment with the delicious flavors of Smothered Chicken Rice or indulge in the delightful sweetness of Pumpkin Cream Cheese. Enjoy creating your own version of Blue Moon Ice Cream! How to Store and Freeze Blue Moon Ice Cream Fridge: Store in a well-sealed container to maintain freshness for up to 3 days. This ensures your ice cream remains luscious and creamy. Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Layer plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing to prevent freezer burn. Reheating: If the ice cream becomes too hard, let it sit at room temperature for about 5–10 minutes before serving. This will help soften it for easy scooping. Serving Suggestions: Always serve your homemade Blue Moon Ice Cream in bowls or cones, enhancing the experience with delicious toppings like fresh berries or chocolate drizzle! Blue Moon Ice Cream Recipe FAQs How do I choose ripe ingredients for Blue Moon Ice Cream? Absolutely! For the best flavor, use ripe raspberries if you’re opting for fresh fruit. They should be plump and fragrant, with no dark spots or mushiness. If you’re using extracts, check the expiration date—fresh ingredients always yield a tastier ice cream. For the milk and cream, choose full-fat options for that creamy texture that makes your Blue Moon Ice Cream irresistible! How should I store Blue Moon Ice Cream to keep it fresh? Very! After making your Blue Moon Ice Cream, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for about 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Remember to lay plastic wrap directly on the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container; this minimizes air exposure, preventing freezer burn and helping maintain that luscious texture we all love. Can I freeze leftover Blue Moon Ice Cream? Yes! For up to 2 months, you can freeze your homemade Blue Moon Ice Cream. Just remember to place it in an airtight container, and use the plastic wrap trick to cover the surface. When you’re ready for another scoop, let it sit at room temperature for about 5–10 minutes to soften, making it easier to scoop out, just like the first delicious step! What can I do if my Blue Moon Ice Cream is too hard? If your ice cream turns out too hard after freezing, don’t worry! Simply remove it from the freezer and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes. This time allows the ice cream to soften for easier scooping. If it’s still too firm, you might try using a warm knife or scoop to help. Are there any dietary considerations for Blue Moon Ice Cream? Certainly! If anyone in your family has dairy allergies, you can experiment with dairy-free options like coconut milk or almond milk. However, this will affect the texture and flavor slightly. Always check the labels on any flavor extracts to ensure they meet dietary requirements. For sweeteners, honey or agave can be substituted for sugar if you seek a healthier option. Can I modify the recipe for Blue Moon Ice Cream with different flavors? The more the merrier! Feel free to customize your Blue Moon Ice Cream with different extracts, such as strawberry or lemon zest, to create your own flavor twist. Tossing in mini chocolate chips or fresh fruit will add variety. Plus, layering in a raspberry swirl can elevate this already vibrant treat to a whole new level! Homemade Blue Moon Ice Cream: A Sweet, Colorful Treat Homemade Blue Moon Ice Cream is a delightful treat that captures childhood memories with its vibrant color and nostalgic flavors. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 5 minutes minsChilling Time 2 hours hrsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 35 minutes mins Servings: 4 cupsCourse: DessertsCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? Base Ingredients1 cup whole milk Low-fat milk can be used, but will affect creaminess.1.5 cups heavy whipping cream No substitute recommended for best results.0.5 cup sugar Use honey or agave for a natural sweetener.Flavoring Ingredients1 tablespoon vanilla pudding mix (powder) Substitute with cornstarch if desired.1 teaspoon vanilla extract Use fresh vanilla for a more intense flavor.1 teaspoon raspberry extract or raspberries Any berry extract or puree can be used.1 teaspoon lemon extract Fresh lemon juice can be used.Coloring Ingredient0.5 teaspoon blue food coloring Optional to omit for a natural look. Equipment medium saucepanMixing Bowlice cream makermeasuring cupsmeasuring spoons Method Instructions for Blue Moon Ice CreamIn a medium saucepan, heat 1 cup of whole milk over medium heat until it begins to bubble gently, about 5 minutes. Stir in ½ cup sugar and ¼ teaspoon salt until fully dissolved.Remove the saucepan from heat and mix in 1½ cups of heavy whipping cream, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 3 teaspoons of vanilla pudding mix, 1 teaspoon of raspberry extract, and 1 teaspoon of lemon extract.Stir in about ½ teaspoon of blue food coloring to achieve a vibrant hue.Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.Once chilled, pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions, typically around 20-25 minutes.Scoop into bowls or cones and serve immediately. Add toppings like fresh berries or chocolate drizzle, if desired. Nutrition Serving: 0.5cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 3gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 75mgPotassium: 150mgSugar: 20gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 150mgIron: 0.1mg NotesFor best results, ensure the mixture is thoroughly chilled before churning. Experiment with flavors and enjoy customization with various toppings. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!