Blue Moon Ice Cream: 5 Steps to a Sweet, Colorful Treat

Blue moon ice cream brings a magical touch to homemade frozen treats with its distinctive color and mysterious flavor profile.

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In a medium saucepan, whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and salt. Heat over medium-low, stirring constantly, until sugar completely dissolves (5-8 minutes). Do not boil. Remove from heat.
Stir in vanilla extract, almond extract, and optional lemon zest or orange extract. Add gel food coloring, starting with 1/2 teaspoon, until desired vibrant blue hue is achieved, stirring thoroughly after each addition.
Transfer the base to an airtight container. Chill thoroughly using an ice bath (20-30 minutes, stirring frequently) or by refrigerating for 4-12 hours (overnight for best results) until very cold.
Ensure your ice cream maker’s bowl is frozen (12-24 hours). With the machine running, slowly pour the chilled base into the frozen bowl. Churn for 20-30 minutes, or until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
Transfer churned ice cream to a shallow, freezer-safe container. Press parchment paper or plastic wrap directly onto the surface. Freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight, until firm. Remove from freezer 5-10 minutes before serving for easier scooping. Enjoy!