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Whether you’re a lifelong Ben & Jerry’s devotee or just looking to try something new, Moonbeam is sure to delight your taste buds and transport you to a dreamier, more celestial state of mind. Keep reading to learn how to recreate this intergalactic Ben & Jerry’s Moonbeam Ice Cream in your kitchen.
Table of Contents
What Is Ben & Jerry’s Moonbeam Ice Cream?
Moonbeam ice cream is a lyric from Benson Boone’s song Mystical Magical that went viral. Boone’s teased, turning it into a real product.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 oz white chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup holographic sprinkles or edible glitter.
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium, stirring frequently, until the mixture begins to steam and bubble around the edges, about 5-7 minutes. Do not let it come to a full boil.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chopped white chocolate until it’s completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Allow to cool for 30 minutes, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until completely chilled.
- Once chilled, pour the ice cream base into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, about 20-25 minutes.
- During the last 5 minutes of churning, slowly add in the holographic sprinkles or edible glitter. This will create a swirled, shimmery effect throughout the ice cream.
- Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
Tips For A Perfect Ben & Jerry’s Moonbeam Ice Cream:
- For the best texture, use high-quality white chocolate that contains at least 30% cocoa butter. Avoid “white candy melts,” which can result in a waxy mouthfeel.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of shimmery toppings, like silver dragees, luster dust, or even crushed freeze-dried fruit.
- Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping to allow it to soften slightly for easier serving.
- Scoop into cones, waffle bowls, or sundae dishes and top with additional sprinkles, whipped cream, or a drizzle of white chocolate sauce for an extra special treat.
What To Serve Ben & Jerry’s Moonbeam Ice Cream With
Toppings And Sauces:
- Whipped cream: The light, airy texture of freshly whipped cream pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy Ben & Jerry’s Moonbeam ice cream.
- Caramel sauce: The sweet, buttery notes of caramel make a nice contrast to the white chocolate flavor.
- Chocolate sauce: For a classic pairing, drizzle on some warm, fudgy chocolate sauce.
- Crushed cookies or wafers: Sprinkle on some crushed Oreos, graham crackers, or vanilla wafers for a delightful crunch.
- Shredded coconut: The tropical flavor and texture of coconut complements the creaminess of the ice cream.
- Toasted nuts: Chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts add a welcome crunch.
Accompaniments:
- Fresh berries: Raspberries, blackberries, or sliced strawberries make a refreshing counterpoint.
- Citrus zest: A light dusting of orange or lemon zest can brighten up the richness of the ice cream.
- Crumbled meringue cookies: The airy, crisp texture of meringue is a perfect match.
- Crushed graham crackers: For a twist on a moonlit s’more, serve the ice cream with crumbled graham crackers.
- Chocolate shavings: Finely shaved dark or white chocolate makes for an elegant garnish.
Beverages:
- Sparkling water or soda: The effervescence of a fizzy drink can help cut through the creaminess.
- Hot chocolate: A mug of steaming hot cocoa is a cozy companion to the icy treat.
- Coffee or espresso: The bitterness of coffee highlights the sweetness of the white chocolate.
Ingredient Substitutes:
White Chocolate:
- Vanilla or white baking chips: These are a close approximation to white chocolate, though they may not have the same cocoa butter content.
- Chopped up white chocolate bars: Look for bars with at least 30% cocoa butter for the best texture and flavor.
- Sweetened condensed milk: This can provide a similar creamy, sweet taste, though the texture will be a bit different.
- Coconut butter or manna: This tropical ingredient offers a white chocolate-like flavor and creaminess.
Holographic Sprinkles:
- Edible glitter or luster dust: Look for food-grade versions in a variety of shimmery hues.
- Crushed freeze-dried fruit: Powdered strawberries, raspberries, or even blueberries can create a natural sparkle.
- Silver dragees or pearl dust: These metallic cake decorations will add a similar iridescent effect.
- Crushed candied nuts: Toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts coated in sugar can provide a subtle crunch.
Other Substitutions:
- Milk: If you don’t have whole milk, a combination of 2% milk and heavy cream can work.
- Sweetener: In place of granulated sugar, you can use honey, maple syrup, or even a sugar substitute like Stevia.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract can enhance the flavor profile.
Health Benefits
- Calcium and Bone Health: The heavy cream and whole milk used in Moonbeam ice cream are excellent sources of calcium. Just one serving provides around 10% of the recommended daily intake of this essential mineral. Calcium is crucial for building and maintaining strong, healthy bones, which can help prevent conditions like osteoporosis.
- Vitamin D Boost: In addition to calcium, dairy products like ice cream also contain vitamin D. This fat-soluble vitamin works in tandem with calcium to promote bone health. Vitamin D also has anti-inflammatory properties and may support immune function. The vitamin D in Moonbeam ice cream can help your body better absorb the calcium for optimal bone density.
- Antioxidant Protection: The shimmering holographic sprinkles or edible glitters used in Moonbeam ice cream may provide a source of antioxidants. Many of these decorative toppings are made from natural, plant-based ingredients that contain beneficial compounds like carotenoids, flavonoids, and polyphenols. These antioxidants can help neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce inflammation in the body.
- Improved Mood: While ice cream is often seen as an indulgent “comfort food,” the combination of creamy white chocolate and sparkling toppings in Moonbeam may actually provide a mood-boosting effect. The sweet, satisfying flavors can trigger the release of feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin in the brain, potentially enhancing feelings of happiness and well-being.
- Gut Health Support: Believe it or not, the probiotics found in some ice cream can benefit gut health. While not all ice creams contain live, active cultures, higher-quality options like Moonbeam may feature probiotic-rich ingredients like cultured milk or yogurt. These beneficial bacteria can help maintain a healthy microbiome and support digestive function.
Final Thoughts
As we’ve explored, Ben & Jerry’s Moonbeam ice cream is truly a one-of-a-kind frozen treat that’s out of this world. From its creamy white chocolate base to its shimmering holographic swirls, this celestial dessert is a delightful delight for the senses.
More Dessert Recipes:
- Copycat Blue Bell Chocolate Peanut Butter Overload Recipe
- Copycat Blue Bell Red Velvet Cake Ice Cream Recipe
- Copycat Baskin Robbins Bubblegum Ice Cream Recipe
- Copycat Dairy Queen Pecan Mudslide Recipe
- Crumbl Moonbeam Ice Cream Cookie Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 oz white chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup holographic sprinkles or edible glitter.
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium, stirring frequently, until the mixture begins to steam and bubble around the edges, about 5-7 minutes. Do not let it come to a full boil.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chopped white chocolate until it's completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Allow to cool for 30 minutes, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until completely chilled.
- Once chilled, pour the ice cream base into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions, about 20-25 minutes.
- During the last 5 minutes of churning, slowly add in the holographic sprinkles or edible glitter. This will create a swirled, shimmery effect throughout the ice cream.
- Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
