Blue Moon Ice Cream

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Blue Moon Ice Cream is as fun to make as it is to eat. The smooth and creamy base, combined with the unique blend of vanilla and almond extracts, creates a flavor that’s truly one-of-a-kind. The blue color adds a playful element, and the optional maraschino cherries bring a pop of sweetness and extra color. This easy-to-make recipe allows you to enjoy a scoop of this delightful ice cream whenever the craving hits!

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• Blue food coloring
• 1/4 cup maraschino cherries (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Whisk the Cream and Milk:
   Start by whisking together the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Continue mixing until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
2. Add the Flavoring:
   Next, add in the vanilla and almond extracts. These extracts give the ice cream its unique flavor profile.
3. Color the Ice Cream:
   Now for the fun part! Add a few drops of blue food coloring until you achieve the desired blue hue. Adjust the coloring as needed to get the vibrant color you want.
4. Churn the Ice Cream:
   Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn it according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically for about 20-25 minutes, until the ice cream is fluffy and well-blended.
5. Optional Cherry Addition:
   If you’d like to add an extra pop of sweetness and color, fold in some maraschino cherries at this stage. The cherries add a fun contrast and a sweet surprise in every bite.
6. Freeze the Ice Cream:
   Once the ice cream has churned, transfer it to a container and place it in the freezer. Allow it to freeze for at least 4 hours, or until it’s firm and ready to scoop.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Once frozen, scoop your Blue Moon Ice Cream into your favorite bowl or cone. Sit back and enjoy every delightful bite!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Churn Time: 20-25 minutes
• Freezing Time: 4 hours minimum
• Total Time: ~5 hours

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover Blue Moon Ice Cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It will stay fresh for up to 1-2 weeks. To enjoy it at its best, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping for a smoother texture.

FAQs

1. Can I make this ice cream without an ice cream maker?

Yes, you can make Blue Moon Ice Cream without an ice cream maker. After mixing the ingredients, place the mixture in a shallow dish and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes until the ice cream reaches a smooth and fluffy consistency (this may take about 4 hours).

2. Can I use a different type of milk?

You can use any type of milk, but whole milk creates the richest and creamiest texture. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can try using low-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk.

3. Can I make this ice cream ahead of time?

Yes, this ice cream can be made ahead of time. Just freeze it for at least 4 hours to ensure it reaches the right consistency. It’s perfect for preparing in advance for parties or gatherings.

4. Can I use other types of food coloring?

While blue is traditional for Blue Moon Ice Cream, you can experiment with other food coloring to create a unique look. Just be mindful to use gel or liquid food coloring that’s safe for food.

5. Can I add other mix-ins besides maraschino cherries?

Absolutely! You can add other mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit to create your own variation of Blue Moon Ice Cream.

6. Can I use sweetened condensed milk instead of granulated sugar?

You can substitute sweetened condensed milk for the sugar, but it will change the consistency and sweetness of the ice cream. You’ll need to adjust the liquid content to avoid making it too thick.

7. What’s the best way to serve Blue Moon Ice Cream?

Blue Moon Ice Cream is perfect for serving in bowls, cones, or as part of an ice cream sundae. You can top it with whipped cream, sprinkles, or extra maraschino cherries for added fun.

8. Can I use almond extract if I have a nut allergy?

If you have a nut allergy, you can omit the almond extract and substitute it with more vanilla extract or another flavoring like coconut extract for a different twist.

9. Can I add a swirl of fruit or caramel to this ice cream?

Yes, a swirl of fruit puree, caramel, or even chocolate sauce can be added to the ice cream mixture before churning for a fun and flavorful twist.

10. How do I prevent ice crystals from forming in the ice cream?

To prevent ice crystals from forming, ensure the mixture is well-churned and properly frozen. A smooth, creamy texture is achieved by churning the ice cream at a consistent speed and freezing it promptly.

Conclusion

Blue Moon Ice Cream is a fun, colorful, and delicious homemade treat that will quickly become a favorite in your ice cream repertoire. With its smooth, creamy texture, unique vanilla-almond flavor, and eye-catching blue color, it’s perfect for summer days, parties, or whenever you want to enjoy a sweet, nostalgic dessert. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with other toppings, this ice cream is sure to bring joy in every scoop!

Blue Moon Ice Cream

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• Author: Julia
• Total Time: ~5 hours
• Yield: 6-8 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Brighten up your day with Blue Moon Ice Cream, a fun and nostalgic treat featuring a creamy base with hints of vanilla and almond flavor. This vibrant blue ice cream is perfect for summer or any occasion when you want something playful and refreshing. Add maraschino cherries for an extra pop of sweetness and color!

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Ingredients

For the Ice Cream:

2 cups heavy cream

1 cup whole milk

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon almond extract

Blue food coloring

1/4 cup maraschino cherries (optional)

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Instructions

• Whisk the Cream and Milk:

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, and granulated sugar. Continue whisking until the sugar is fully dissolved, and the mixture is smooth.

• Add the Flavoring:

  • Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract. These will create the signature flavor of Blue Moon Ice Cream.

• Color the Ice Cream:

  • Add a few drops of blue food coloring and mix well until you achieve your desired vibrant blue color. Add more food coloring if you want a deeper hue.

• Churn the Ice Cream:

  • Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically for about 20-25 minutes, or until the ice cream is smooth and fluffy.

• Optional Cherry Addition:

  • If desired, fold in the maraschino cherries for added sweetness and color.

• Freeze the Ice Cream:

  • Once the ice cream has churned, transfer it to a container and place it in the freezer. Freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.

• Serve and Enjoy:

  • Scoop your Blue Moon Ice Cream into bowls or cones, and enjoy the delightful combination of creamy texture and fun flavor!

Notes

Tip: If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes for about 4 hours until smooth and fluffy.

Storage: Store leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1-2 weeks. Allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before scooping.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert, Ice Cream
• Method: Churning, Freezing
• Cuisine: American