Moon Mist ice cream isn’t just a dessert it’s a memory for many Canadians, especially those from Nova Scotia. With its dreamy blend of banana, bubble gum, and grape flavors, this colorful treat is both playful and comforting. If you’ve ever wondered what Moon Mist tastes like or how to make it at home, you’re in the right place. This recipe brings the beloved East Coast classic straight to your kitchen, with simple steps and rich flavor in every scoop.
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Homemade Moon Mist ice cream Recipe
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Moon Mist Ice Cream: A Swirl of Canadian Nostalgia
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
A colorful Canadian classic from Nova Scotia, blending banana, bubble gum, and grape flavors into a dreamy, nostalgic swirl.
Ingredients
- 6 large egg yolks
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream
- 3 cups whole milk
- Banana cream flavor oil
- Bubble gum flavor oil
- Grape flavor oil
- Yellow gel food coloring
- Blue gel food coloring
- Purple gel food coloring
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and salt until smooth.
- Slowly add milk and cream while whisking constantly.
- Heat over medium, stirring until slightly thickened (do not boil).
- Divide mixture into three bowls.
- Add banana flavor and yellow coloring to one bowl.
- Add bubble gum flavor and blue coloring to second bowl.
- Add grape flavor and purple coloring to third bowl.
- Cover and chill all three bowls for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Churn yellow banana custard first, freeze it.
- Repeat churning with blue and then purple flavors, freezing each.
- In a freezer-safe container, layer and swirl the three colors to create the marbled effect.
- Smooth the top, cover tightly, and freeze until firm (4-6 hours).
Notes
Use flavor oils for authentic taste. Chill base and refreeze bowl between batches for clean swirl separation. Store with parchment pressed on top to prevent ice crystals. Best enjoyed within two weeks.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churned
- Cuisine: Canadian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scoop
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Why You’ll Love This Moon Mist ice cream Recipe
• Easy to make at home with simple ingredients you can find online or in stores
• Brings a true taste of Nova Scotia to your kitchen
• Perfect for birthdays, summer parties, or nostalgic cravings
• Kids and adults both love the colorful, fun swirl of flavors
• Unique blend of banana, bubble gum, and grape creates a one-of-a-kind taste
What makes this version special is the use of flavor oils for an authentic taste, just like the original. The distinct swirls of color and flavor in each scoop feel like a celebration. Whether you’re missing home or just curious, this recipe delivers comfort, color, and that unmistakable Moon Mist magic.
-Looking for more pastel ice cream inspiration? Check out our popular feature on Moonbeam Ice Cream Flavor, a cosmic dessert trend gaining traction across social platforms.
-For a plant‑based twist, our article What is Moonbeam Ice Cream? shows how to create a dreamy dairy‑free version with natural ingredients.
-Explore the Desserts archive for more colorful and creative recipes like unicorn cake and churro cheesecake cookies.
Ingredients Needed
For the Custard Base
• 6 large egg yolks
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 3 cups heavy whipping cream
• 3 cups whole milk
For the Signature Flavors and Colors
• Banana cream flavor oil
• Bubble gum flavor oil
• Grape flavor oil
• Yellow gel food coloring
• Blue gel food coloring
• Purple gel food coloring
Equipment
• Ice cream maker (a must for the best texture and swirl separation)
Note: Flavor oils are preferred over extracts for their concentrated taste and ability to hold up during churning. Gel food colorings provide vibrant colors without thinning the custard.
How to Make Moon Mist Ice Cream
- Prepare the custard base
In a large saucepan, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, and salt until smooth. Slowly pour in the milk and cream while whisking constantly. Place the pan over medium heat and continue to stir until the mixture thickens slightly. Do not let it boil fully. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. - Divide and flavor the mixture
Remove the custard from the heat and pour it evenly into three separate bowls. Add banana cream flavor oil to one bowl, bubble gum flavor oil to the second, and grape flavor oil to the third. Stir each one gently until well blended. - Add the colors and chill
Add yellow food coloring to the banana-flavored custard, blue to the bubble gum, and purple to the grape. Mix well. Cover each bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least eight hours or overnight to let the flavors develop and the mixture cool fully. - Churn the yellow flavor first
Pour the yellow banana custard into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once done, transfer it to a container and freeze to firm up. - Repeat with the blue and purple flavors
Re-freeze the ice cream maker bowl for several hours before churning the next batch. After churning the blue bubble gum mixture, store it in a separate container and freeze. Then churn the purple grape mixture last.

- Create the Moon Mist swirl
In a large freezer-safe container, randomly scoop the yellow and blue ice creams. While they are still slightly soft, spoon the purple ice cream in between and around them to fill the gaps. This creates the iconic marbled effect.

- Final freeze
Smooth the top, cover tightly, and freeze the whole container until firm. This may take four to six hours depending on your freezer.
Pro Tips and Tricks
Easier option: If you’re short on time, you can layer each color as you finish churning instead of freezing them separately.
Best texture: To get the cleanest color separation, refreeze your ice cream maker bowl overnight before churning the next flavor. This helps maintain distinct swirls.

Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
• Scoop into clear dessert bowls to show off the vibrant swirl of colors
• Top with whipped cream or rainbow sprinkles for a fun touch
• Serve in waffle cones for an old-fashioned ice cream parlor feel
Storage Tips
• Store in an airtight, freezer-safe container to keep the texture smooth
• Press a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing to prevent ice crystals
• Best enjoyed within two weeks for peak flavor and texture
• Let it sit at room temperature for five to ten minutes before scooping if it’s too firm straight from the freezer
Helpful Notes
• If you don’t have flavor oils, you can experiment with extracts, but the taste may be less accurate and more artificial
• Use a kitchen scale to divide the custard evenly for balanced flavor distribution
• For more vibrant color, add food coloring a little at a time until the shade looks right
• If using natural food dyes, expect a more muted color result• Want a shortcut? You can use store-bought vanilla ice cream, melt it slightly, divide, flavor, and color each part, then refreeze in layers or swirls
• Kids will love helping with the coloring step, but make sure an adult handles the custard heating and churning for safety
• This recipe works best when the base is fully chilled and the equipment is completely cold before use
Easy Moon Mist ice cream
This ice cream is more than just a dessert. It’s a taste of Canadian tradition, full of nostalgia and fun. With its bright colors and playful mix of banana, bubble gum, and grape, this homemade version delivers the real flavor experience you can’t find in most stores.

This recipe is easy to follow, uses simple tools, and gives you a creamy, swirl-filled result that looks as good as it tastes. Whether you’re from the East Coast or just curious about this iconic treat, it’s sure to become a favorite.
Tried this recipe? Leave a comment below and give it a star rating. Share your creation on Pinterest or Facebook and tag us. We’d love to see how your Moon Mist turned out. Did you stick to the classic or try your own twist? Let us know.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What flavors are in Moon Mist ice cream?
Moon Mist is made from a blend of banana cream, bubble gum, and grape flavors. Each flavor stands on its own but also blends smoothly with the others, creating a unique and colorful scoop.
Where did Moon Mist ice cream originate?
Moon Mist is a regional favorite from the East Coast of Canada. It is especially popular in Nova Scotia, where local dairies have made it a household name.
Can I use flavor extracts instead of oils?
This recipe uses flavor oils because they offer the exact taste needed and are more concentrated than extracts. While you can try extracts, they may not match the signature Moon Mist flavor as closely. Flavor oils like those from Lorann are considered the best choice for this type of recipe.
Disclaimer
This recipe is a homemade version inspired by the original Moon Mist ice cream popular in Eastern Canada. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by any specific brand or dairy. All flavor suggestions are based on personal testing and experience. Results may vary depending on equipment, ingredient brands, and preparation methods. Always check labels for allergens and consult with a professional if you have dietary concerns.