blue moon ice cream recipe
The Best blue moon ice cream recipe
I love this version because it’s made with real vanilla bean paste, which gives it that rich, aromatic depth that store-bought ice cream just can’t match. The cocoa powder adds a nice contrast—it’s not overpowering, but it’s there in a way that makes the ice cream feel more sophisticated than basic vanilla. Plus, it’s a great way to use up a little bit of cocoa powder you might have on hand, and it’s lighter than heavy cream ice cream, so it’s not too rich. My family and I eat it almost every time I make it, and it’s always a hit with guests too. It’s the kind of dessert that feels indulgent but still feels good for you—it’s not loaded with sugar or artificial ingredients, and it’s easy to make in big batches if you want to save leftovers for later.
Blue Moon Vanilla Ice Cream
A creamy, dreamy vanilla ice cream made with a simple homemade dough and a rich tomato-based sauce for a subtle, earthy twist. Perfect for a light yet indulgent dessert.
🥘Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 vanilla bean, split
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
👨🍳Directions
-
1
In a large bowl, whisk together heavy cream, milk, sugar, the scraped seeds from the vanilla bean, and vanilla extract until smooth. -
2
In a separate bowl, combine tomato sauce, heavy cream, garlic, salt, and pepper. Simmer over medium heat until slightly thickened (about 5 minutes). Cool completely before mixing with the ice cream base. -
3
Once the sauce is cool, pour it into the cream mixture and stir gently until fully combined. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until thick and creamy. -
4
Transfer the ice cream to airtight containers and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.
🔧Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Ice cream maker
- Freezer
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Blue Moon Vanilla Ice Cream Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Blue Moon Vanilla Ice Cream
What is a blue moon and how does it relate to this ice cream flavor?
A blue moon refers to the rare occurrence of a second full moon in a calendar month. In this recipe, the name is inspired by the deep, celestial blue hue of the vanilla bean extract used to create a vibrant, dreamy flavor profile. The color comes from natural blueberry-infused swirls, giving the ice cream a nostalgic, otherworldly look.
Can I make this ice cream without a deep freezer?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a standard freezer by reducing the churn time by about 30–40%. Use a slower churn speed and check the texture every 15 minutes. The ice cream will still be creamy but may develop a slightly grainier texture toward the end.
What if I don’t have fresh blueberries for the swirls?
You can substitute frozen blueberries for fresh ones. Thaw them briefly, then blend with a splash of water to create a smoother purée. For a deeper blue color, add a teaspoon of blue food coloring (food-safe) or mix in a few drops of blueberry syrup.
How long does homemade blue moon ice cream last?
Homemade ice cream typically lasts 3–4 days in an airtight container in the freezer. For longer storage, transfer it to a portioned container with parchment paper between layers to prevent ice crystal formation.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free or dairy-free?
This recipe is traditionally made with dairy and may contain gluten if using wheat flour or cornstarch. For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut milk or almond milk in place of heavy cream. For gluten-free, use a cornstarch-based thickener or gluten-free vanilla bean paste. Always check labels on swirl ingredients.
