Blue Moon Ice Cream (Printable)
Vibrant blue custard ice cream with a sweet fruity flavor, beloved Midwestern treat.
# What You Need:
→ Ice Cream Base
01 - 2 cups whole milk
02 - 1 cup heavy cream
03 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1/8 teaspoon salt
→ Flavor & Color
05 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
06 - 1/2 teaspoon raspberry extract
07 - 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract
08 - 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
09 - 3 to 5 drops blue food coloring
→ Other
10 - 4 large egg yolks
# How-To:
01 - In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, and salt. Place over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture is steaming but not boiling.
02 - In a separate mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth. Gradually pour 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly to gently temper them.
03 - Slowly pour the tempered yolk mixture back into the saucepan, whisking constantly. Continue cooking over medium-low heat, stirring continuously, until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
04 - Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract, raspberry extract, lemon extract, and almond extract until well combined. Add blue food coloring and mix until the color is evenly distributed throughout the custard.
05 - Pour the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to strain out any cooked bits. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 3 hours until thoroughly chilled.
06 - Process the chilled custard in an ice cream maker following the manufacturer's instructions. Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container, cover, and freeze for 1 to 2 hours or until firm.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The secret combination of raspberry, lemon, and almond extracts creates that signature fruity mystery flavor nobody can ever quite name.
- Kids lose their minds over the color, and adults secretly do too.
02 -
- If your custard gets even slightly grainy during cooking, you went too far on the heat, so strain it immediately and it will still save beautifully.
- The flavor actually improves after an overnight rest in the freezer, so patience genuinely pays off here.
03 -
- For a nut free version, skip the almond extract entirely and add an extra half teaspoon of vanilla instead.
- The custard should coat the back of a spoon like a thin layer of paint, so run your finger through it and if the line holds, you are done.