If you’ve never heard of Moon Mist Ice Cream, don’t worry — you’re not alone. But for kids from Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and across Canada’s Atlantic provinces, this vibrant swirl of banana, grape, and bubblegum isn’t just a dessert — it’s a childhood time capsule. And now, for the first time, you can recreate it at home.
Moon Mist is weird. Let’s just say it. Three flavours that don’t seem like they should go together — purple grape, yellow banana, and neon-blue bubblegum — somehow fuse into something nostalgic, oddly addictive, and totally Maritime. It’s like someone challenged a dairy to bottle up a summer fair, and they actually pulled it off.
This guide isn’t just for Canadians longing for a taste of home. It’s for the ice cream rebels, the flavor explorers, the DIY dessert geeks who want something a little wild. With a few hard-to-find flavor oils (don’t worry, I’ll show you where to get them), some food coloring, and an ice cream maker — or a workaround if you’re equipment-free — you’ll be able to scoop the galaxy right into a bowl.
And yes, it’s 100% real ice cream. No corn syrup solids, no stabilizers — just cream, eggs, sugar, and the kind of chaos only Moon Mist can bring.
Table of Contents
Ingredients Moon Mist Ice Cream
Ice Cream Base:
- 6 large egg yolks
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ tsp salt
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream
- 3 cups milk
Flavor Oils (LorAnn recommended):
- ¼ tsp banana cream
- ¼ tsp bubblegum
- ¾ tsp grape
Food Coloring:
- Yellow (banana layer)
- Blue (bubblegum layer)
- Purple (grape layer)
Equipment:
- Ice cream maker or loaf pan (for no-churn method)
- 3 mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Freezer-safe container (2L+)
- Spoon or spatula
How to Make Moon Mist Ice Cream (Step-by-Step)
🥣 1. Make the Custard Base
- In a saucepan, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and salt until fluffy.
- Slowly whisk in the milk to avoid clumping, then add the cream.
- Heat gently, stirring constantly until just boiling. Remove from heat.
🧊 2. Divide, Color & Flavor
- Divide hot custard into 3 bowls.
- Cool to room temperature.
- Color: Yellow, blue, purple (mix purple with pink if needed).
- Add flavor oils accordingly and stir well.
❄️ 3. Chill Overnight
Refrigerate each bowl overnight to enhance flavor and texture.
🍦 4. Churn Each Flavor
- Churn each bowl in an ice cream maker.
- Freeze each one again after churning for 2+ hours.
🌌 5. Swirl & Assemble
- Layer flavors randomly in a container.
- Pour soft purple over to create streaks.
- Press gently to remove air gaps.
- Freeze until solid.
What Does Moon Mist Ice Cream Taste Like? (Flavor Deep Dive)
Banana Cream: Creamy, soft, familiar — like banana milkshake.
Grape: Bold and punchy — like grape soda or popsicles.
Bubblegum: Sweet, powdery, nostalgic — like a blue lollipop.
Together? They shouldn’t work. But somehow… they do.
Tips for Swirling & Serving Moon Mist Ice Cream
- Don’t overmix. Swirl, don’t stir.
- Use a scoop, not a spoon.
- Scoop deep to get all colors.
- Freeze 30 mins before serving.
Creative Serving Ideas:
- Clear bowls or cones to show off swirl.
- Edible glitter.
- Add Smarties or mini marshmallows.
FAQ: Can I make it into a milkshake?
Yes! Blend 3 scoops (1 of each) with milk.
History & Origin of Moon Mist Ice Cream
Born in the Maritimes, Moon Mist likely came from dairies like Scotsburn or Farmers in Nova Scotia. It became a regional favorite thanks to its eye-catching colors and one-of-a-kind flavor.
According to Wikipedia, Moon Mist is deeply tied to Nova Scotia’s dairy history and remains a uniquely Atlantic Canadian tradition.
The name? Possibly inspired by the swirling galaxy-like look. Whatever the case, it stuck — and became legend.
Today, it’s a cult classic, mostly unknown outside Canada.
Substitutions & Variations
Vegan Version: Use coconut milk + oat cream. Thicken with cornstarch.
Natural Colors: Beet juice (purple), butterfly pea tea (blue), turmeric (yellow).
No Flavor Oils?
- Banana: extract + mashed banana
- Bubblegum: almond + cherry syrup
- Grape: grape juice concentrate or Kool-Aid
No Ice Cream Maker? Freeze and stir method.
FAQ: Can I make just one flavor?
Yes! Triple your favorite and skip the swirl.
Frequently Asked Questions (Moon Mist Ice Cream)
What does it taste like?
Banana cream, grape soda, bubblegum candy.
Is it only in Canada?
Yes — mostly in Atlantic provinces.
Where was it invented?
Likely Nova Scotia dairies (Scotsburn, Farmers).
Can I make it without food dye?
Yes, with natural alternatives.
Moon Mist vs. Moon Magic?
Moon Magic is a variant; flavors may differ.
Where can I buy it?
In Canada only — or make it yourself!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Fat: 20g (Sat. Fat: 12g)
- Cholesterol: 139mg
- Sodium: 149mg
- Carbs: 29g (Sugar: 27g)
- Protein: 3g
- Calcium: 89mg
As noted by Healthline, ice cream does offer some calcium and other nutrients, but also contains high levels of sugar and fat — so it’s best enjoyed in moderation.
FAQ: Is it healthy?
It’s a treat, not a health food — but made with real ingredients.
Final Scoop: Make It, Share It, Remember It
There’s something magical about recreating Moon Mist Ice Cream at home. Maybe it’s the wild color swirl, maybe it’s the flavor combo that shouldn’t work but totally does — or maybe it’s the way one bite sends you straight back to summers on the East Coast.
Whether you grew up grabbing scoops at a roadside stand in Halifax or just discovered Moon Mist through foodie curiosity, this recipe brings that moment home. No preservatives, no shortcuts — just cream, flavor, and a bit of Canadian culinary weirdness.
If you give this recipe a go, share your photos, your tweaks, and your stories. Moon Mist is too unique to gatekeep.
Moon Mist Ice Cream
Equipment
- Ice Cream Maker
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Freezer-safe Container
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base
- 6 large egg yolks
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 0.75 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream
- 3 cups milk
Flavoring & Coloring
- 0.25 teaspoon banana cream flavor oil yellow portion
- 0.25 teaspoon bubblegum flavor oil blue portion
- 0.75 teaspoon grape flavor oil purple portion
- yellow, blue, and purple food coloring
Instructions
- In a saucepan, whisk together egg yolks, sugar, and salt until fluffy. Slowly add milk and cream, whisking constantly.
- Heat the mixture just until it begins to boil, then remove from heat. Divide into three bowls and allow to cool.
- Add food coloring and flavor oils to each bowl: yellow with banana, blue with bubblegum, purple with grape. Stir well.
- Chill each bowl overnight in the refrigerator.
- Churn each flavor individually in your ice cream maker. Freeze each for 2+ hours or overnight.
- To assemble, layer each frozen flavor into a large container, creating a swirl pattern. Freeze until fully set before serving.