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Blue Moon Ice Cream is a colorful Midwest favorite with its signature bright blue hue and unique fruity vanilla flavor. Learn how to make this creamy, nostalgic homemade ice cream recipe at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you grew up in Wisconsin like I did, Blue Moon Ice Cream is pure nostalgia in a bowl. This iconic bright blue ice cream is a beloved Midwest treat that is surprisingly hard to find outside of Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest, making this homemade version extra special.
One of the things that makes Blue Moon Ice Cream so fun is the mystery surrounding it. No one seems to know exactly where it originated or what gives it its unique flavor. Its vibrant blue color has earned it nicknames like Smurf Ice Cream and Superman Ice Cream, and it always brings a smile to both kids and adults.
The flavor is just as intriguing as the story behind it. Many people describe Blue Moon Ice Cream as tasting like the sweet milk left at the bottom of a bowl of Fruit Loops or Fruity Pebbles. Others detect hints of cotton candy, bubble gum, vanilla, or something completely mysterious. Whatever it is, the combination is absolutely delicious and unlike any other ice cream you’ve tried.
You’ll also love that this homemade version lets you enjoy a classic Midwest favorite. It’s creamy, colorful, fun, and guaranteed to be a conversation starter at summer gatherings, birthday parties, and family celebrations. One scoop and you’ll understand why generations of Midwesterners have loved this quirky blue ice cream for decades!
Ingredients Needed
- Heavy Whipping Cream
- Whole Milk
- Sugar
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
- Vanilla Extract
- Lemon Extract
- Raspberry Extract
- Blue Gel Food Coloring
How to Make Blue Moon Ice Cream
- Scald milk in a pan by heating milk until it begins to boil.
- Add in sugar and salt and stir.
- Pour in whipping cream, pudding, and extracts.
- Add blue gel food coloring to desired color.
- Chill mixture in fridge until cold.
- Churn in ice cream maker following manufacturer’s directions.
Tips from leigh Anne
- Use quality flavorings. The signature flavor of Blue Moon Ice Cream comes from a unique combination of extracts and flavorings. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will give you the best flavor.
- Don’t skip the chilling time. For the creamiest ice cream, chill the ice cream base thoroughly before churning. A cold base freezes faster and creates a smoother texture.
- Add food coloring gradually. Blue Moon Ice Cream is known for its bright blue color, but a little food coloring goes a long way. Add it a few drops at a time until you reach your desired shade.
- Freeze after churning. The ice cream will have a soft-serve consistency when it comes out of the ice cream maker. Transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for 2-4 hours for a firmer, scoopable texture.
- Let it soften before serving. Homemade ice cream tends to freeze harder than store-bought versions. Let it sit on the counter for 5-10 minutes before scooping for the perfect texture.
- Make it ahead. Blue Moon Ice Cream can be made several days in advance and stored in the freezer until you’re ready to serve it.
- Have fun with toppings. While this ice cream is delicious on its own, it pairs well with whipped cream, sprinkles, waffle cones, or even crushed Fruity Pebbles for an extra playful touch.
- Store properly. Keep the ice cream in an airtight freezer-safe container and enjoy it within 2-3 weeks for the best flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Blue Moon ice cream taste like?
That’s the question everyone asks! Blue Moon Ice Cream has a sweet, fruity flavor that is difficult to describe. Many people say it tastes like the milk left over after eating Fruity Pebbles or Fruit Loops cereal. Others detect hints of cotton candy, bubble gum, vanilla, almond, or citrus. Its unique flavor is part of what makes it so popular.
Why is it called Blue Moon ice cream?
The exact origin of the name is a bit of a mystery, much like the flavor itself. What we do know is that Blue Moon Ice Cream has been a beloved treat in Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest for decades and is known for its distinctive bright blue color.
What is your favorite ice cream maker?
Table Top Ice Cream Maker. I use a table top electric ice cream maker. This one from Cuisinart is a great one to start with.
Ice Cream Compressor. Because we take our ice cream making pretty seriously around here I recently upgraded to this ice cream compressor from William Sonoma. It’s amazing and the texture of the ice cream is incredible.
What is the best way to store ice cream in the freezer?
You will also want an insulated ice cream container to put your ice cream in after it has processed. This helps keep your ice cream at a great scooping consistency and prevents freezer burn.
How long will ice cream last in the freezer?
Homemade ice cream will last 1-2 weeks. If you are not using an insulated ice cream container, ice crystals may form sooner.
Can I make Blue Moon ice cream without an ice cream maker?
Yes. While an ice cream maker creates the smoothest, creamiest texture, you can use a no-churn method. The texture may be slightly different, but you’ll still enjoy the signature Blue Moon flavor.
Is Blue Moon ice cream only available in Wisconsin?
While it is most commonly found in Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, and other Upper Midwest states, its popularity has spread over the years. Making it at home is a great way to enjoy this regional favorite no matter where you live
Blue Moon Ice Cream is more than just a colorful dessert—it’s a beloved Midwest tradition wrapped in mystery and nostalgia. Whether you grew up enjoying it in Wisconsin or are discovering it for the first time, this homemade version lets you experience its unique fruity flavor and iconic bright blue color no matter where you live. One scoop is enough to see why this regional favorite has captured hearts for generations. So grab your ice cream maker, embrace the mystery, and enjoy a taste of the Midwest right at home!
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Blue Moon Ice Cream Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 tsp blue food coloring or amount needed to get desired color
- 3 tsp vanilla pudding mix the powder
- 1 tsp raspberry extract or 1 C raspberries pureed
- 1 tsp lemon extract
Instructions
- Scald 1 cup milk in a pan (heat it just until it begins to boil)
- Add in sugar and salt and stir
- Add in whipping cream, vanilla, pudding, raspberry and lemon extract
- Add blue food coloring to desired color
- Chill in fridge until cold
- Process in ice cream maker
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Renee says
This recipe is PERFECTION! I always double it and it’s wonderful, even better tasting than the local ice cream joints that serve it. My secret is using pistachio instant pudding instead of plain vanilla. It gives it that rich unique flavor.
And this is easy to scoop and doesn’t get rock hard in the freezer.
Thanks!
Lorrie says
Where is the directions for the ice cream recipe?
Leigh Anne says
The recipe is at the bottom of the post, just scroll down
Becky says
I want to make this for my daughter’s birthday. Should the pudding be “cook and serve” or instant?
Leigh Anne says
Becky, I used instant pudding
Diana says
What fun (and super delicious looking) ice cream cones! Yummy!! XOXO
Jennie says
I grew up in NW Indiana, and I’ve definitely had Blue Moon ice cream before(and Superman too, from a previous poster). My husband grew up in FL, and has never heard of it. I have it chilling in the fridge, and can’t wait to eat some later.
Just a heads up, when to add he pudding mix is not written in your directions. I added it at the same time as the food coloring,… I’m sure it doesn’t really matter too much though! 🙂
Leigh Anne says
Thanks for the heads up on the omission Jennie – got it fixed! How did you like the ice cream???