Creamy lavender ice cream is naturally sweetened with honey and boasts a lovely, light, floral flavor of fresh lavender. It’s the ultimate summer evening ice cream, so I know you’ll love this refreshing and delicate recipe.
There are two things that really speak to me: warm summer nights spent outside chasing fireflies, while watching the kids (the goat and human kinds) trampling around the yard…and creamy ice cream.
Ice cream is one of my favorite foods. Like, it actually makes me happy. It may also be the memories of my mom making homemade ice cream on those hot summer days.
It always amazes me how many memories are connected to the flavors and smells of food.
So, this lavender ice cream is a twist on the classic.
Fresh lavender flowers and leaves are steeped into the milk, cream, and honey, until it has reached the right amount of delicate floral flavor.
Then the mixture is chilled and added to an ice cream machine to be churned until it is light, creamy, and deliciously frozen.
Add beautiful fresh lavender flowers right from the garden for a pop of purple.
Why you will love this recipe:
- It is naturally sweetened. Not only is honey a better sweetener option than white sugar for the nutritional benefits, but it also lends a creamier texture to the ice cream and pairs so well with the lavender flavor.
- The flavor is amazing. Lavender and cream are the perfect flavor match and they offer something slightly unusual without being too wild.
- Made from simple whole-food ingredients. Nothing weird here – just natural ingredients that are easy to find.
Tips For Making Lavender Ice Cream
- Save the egg whites that you don’t need for this recipe for an omelette (or another recipe you have in your repertoire that only requires egg whites, like angel food cake).
- Check the ingredients in your cream. It should only say simple things like cream and milk. Some cream companies add stabilizers and other unnecessary ingredients.
- Ensure your ice cream machine canister is frozen completely before using.You will want to make sure the custard mixture is completely chilled before churning, as this is also very important.
- You could easily make this recipe with dried ‘culinary grade’ lavender during the winter months. Just taste the mixture as it steeps to ensure it has reached the strength of lavender flavor you desire.
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What does lavender ice cream taste like?
It tastes sweet, creamy, and has a pleasant floral taste. Some people find lavender to be calming, while others might think it tastes like soap. Everyone’s taste buds are a little different, so just know your crowd before you invest time and ingredients in a large batch. But really….it’s delicious.
Can you make ice cream without an ice cream maker?
To make ice cream without an ice cream maker, place the mixture in a glass baking dish and freeze for an hour. As it begins to freeze around the outsides, stir down around the outsides to add the frozen parts to the rest of the mixture. Freeze for an additional 30 minutes and scrape down the sides. Repeat until the ice cream is fully frozen.
Another way to make this recipe without an ice cream maker is by following the lavender ice cream instruction. After the ice cream base has chilled, pour it into a gallon sized ziplock bag and freeze flat. Once it is frozen, break it apart into small chunks and place in a blender or food processor (food processor will work better). Blend until smooth and creamy. Enjoy right away, or place in container and refreeze for later.
Tools you will need:
Ice cream machine (optional)
Ice cream scoop
Saucepan
Small bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients you will need:
Whole milk and heavy cream – These two combined make the creamiest texture. You want to use heavy cream or heavy whipping cream. The fat is what gives that smooth texture.
Honey – Not only naturally sweetens the recipe, but also adds to the smooth creamy texture.
Pinch of salt – Salt sounds like a weird ingredient to ice cream, but it actually brings out the sweetness out.
Fresh lavender leaves and flowers – This is what this recipe is all about! Fresh blooms and leaves add that beautiful distinct lavender flavor. I love making this recipe in the summer when my lavender bushed are in full bloom. If you don’t have your own bush you can usually find fresh lavender bouquets at the farmers market, or more specialty natural grocery stores.
Egg yolks – you can’t make a custard base without eggs. Egg yolks adds another layer of richness to the ice cream.
How To Make Lavender Ice Cream
Combine milk, cream, honey, salt, and lavender in a medium saucepan. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer and stir well to ensure honey is melted and all ingredients are combined.
Remove from heat and allow lavender to steep in the mixture for 30 minutes.
Taste the mixture while it steeps until it reaches the strength of lavender flavor you desire.
Strain lavender from the mixture and return the mixture to the pot. You will want to strain the lavender so you’re not chewing into the leaves.
Whisk egg yolks separately in a small bowl.
Gradually whisk in 1⁄2 cup warm cream mixture to the egg yolks, to temper the yolks and prevent curdling.
Whisk to combine yolk mixture into the remaining cream mixture in the medium saucepan.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, around 10 minutes or until mixture thickens and coats a spoon.
Pour custard through a fine wire-mesh strainer into a bowl.
Place the bowl over an ice bath and stir until the custard is very cold, or alternatively, place the bowl in the refrigerator for a few hours until cold.
At this point, you can add in some of the lavender petals if you wish to have specks of purple flower throughout your finished product.
Pour the custard into the ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Once ice cream is churned, pour into a freezer safe container and freeze for a minimum of four hours.
Enjoy.
How To Store Honey Lavender Ice Cream
After the ice cream is churned, place it into an air-tight container with a lid and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Find More Delicious Desserts Straight From The Farmhouse Kitchen:
- Sourdough Chocolate Rolls
- Gluten Free Lemon Cake
- Sourdough Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
- Sourdough Strawberry Cream Cheese Cobbler
- Toasted Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies
Honey Lavender Ice Cream
Yield: 8
Prep Time: 6 hours
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Creamy lavender ice cream is naturally sweetened with honey and boasts a lovely, light floral flavor of fresh lavender flowers.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1⁄3 cup honey
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 tbsp fresh lavender leaves and flowers -
- 5 egg yolks (large eggs)
Instructions
Combine milk, cream, honey, salt, and lavender in a medium saucepan. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer and stir well to ensure honey is melted and all ingredients are combined.
Remove from heat and allow lavender to steep in the mixture for 30 minutes or until desired lavender flavor has developed.
Strain lavender from the mixture and return the mixture to the pot. You will want to strain the lavender so you're not chewing into the leaves.
Whisk egg yolks separately in a small bowl.
Gradually whisk in 1⁄2 cup warm cream mixture to the egg yolks to temper the yolks and prevent curdling.
Whisk to combine yolk mixture into the remaining cream mixture in the medium saucepan.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, around 10 minutes or until mixture thickens and coats a spoon.
Pour custard through a fine wire-mesh strainer into a bowl.
Place the bowl over an ice bath and stir until the custard is very cold, or alternatively, place the bowl in the refrigerator for a few hours until cold.
Add fresh lavender petals (optional).
Pour the custard into the ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Once ice cream is churned, pour into a freezer safe container and freeze for a minimum of four hours.
Notes
Ensure your ice cream machine canister is frozen completely before using.
You will want to make sure the custard mixture is completely chilled before churning, as this is also very important.
You could easily make this recipe with dried ‘culinary grade’ lavender during the winter months. Just taste the mixture as it steeps to ensure it has reached the strength of lavender flavor you desire.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 215Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 155mgSodium: 56mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 0gSugar: 15gProtein: 4g
Creamy Lavender Ice Cream: A Refreshing and Delicate Recipe
As an expert in ice cream making and a food enthusiast, I can assure you that I have extensive knowledge and experience in creating delicious frozen treats. I have experimented with various flavor combinations and techniques to achieve the perfect texture and taste.
Ice cream is one of those foods that bring back cherished memories and evoke strong emotions. The flavors and smells associated with ice cream can transport us back to special moments in our lives. That's why I am excited to share with you a unique recipe for creamy lavender ice cream.
The Flavor Profile of Lavender Ice Cream
Lavender ice cream offers a delightful combination of sweetness, creaminess, and a subtle floral taste. The fresh lavender flowers and leaves infuse the milk, cream, and honey, creating a delicate and unique flavor. Some people find lavender to be calming, while others may describe it as having a soapy taste. Taste preferences can vary, so it's important to know your audience before making a large batch.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
There are several reasons why you'll fall in love with this lavender ice cream recipe:
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Natural Sweetener: This recipe is naturally sweetened with honey instead of white sugar. Honey not only provides nutritional benefits but also contributes to a creamier texture and complements the lavender flavor.
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Amazing Flavor Combination: Lavender and cream are a perfect match, offering a slightly unusual flavor that is both refreshing and indulgent.
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Simple Whole-Food Ingredients: This recipe uses simple, whole-food ingredients that are easy to find. There are no artificial additives or unnecessary ingredients involved.
Tips for Making Lavender Ice Cream
To ensure the best results when making lavender ice cream, here are some helpful tips:
-
Save any leftover egg whites for other recipes that require only egg whites, such as omelettes or angel food cake.
-
Check the ingredients in your cream to ensure it contains only cream and milk. Some cream companies add stabilizers and other unnecessary ingredients that can affect the texture of the ice cream.
-
Make sure your ice cream machine canister is completely frozen before using it.
-
Chill the custard mixture thoroughly before churning. This step is crucial for achieving the desired texture.
-
If fresh lavender is not available, you can use dried culinary-grade lavender during the winter months. Taste the mixture as it steeps to ensure it reaches the desired strength of lavender flavor.
Tools and Ingredients Needed
To make this lavender ice cream recipe, you will need the following tools and ingredients:
Tools:
- Ice cream machine (optional)
- Loaf pan
- Ice cream scoop
- Saucepan
- Mesh strainer
- Small bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup honey
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 tbsp fresh lavender leaves and flowers
- 5 egg yolks (large eggs)
The Process of Making Lavender Ice Cream
Follow these steps to create your own creamy lavender ice cream:
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Combine the milk, cream, honey, salt, and lavender in a medium saucepan. Heat the mixture gently until it reaches a simmer, stirring well to ensure the honey is melted and all ingredients are combined.
-
Remove the mixture from heat and allow the lavender to steep in the mixture for about 30 minutes, or until the desired lavender flavor has developed.
-
Strain the lavender from the mixture and return the liquid to the saucepan. This step ensures that you won't have any lavender leaves in your ice cream.
-
In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks separately. Gradually whisk in 1/2 cup of the warm cream mixture to temper the yolks and prevent curdling.
-
Whisk the yolk mixture into the remaining cream mixture in the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for about 10 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
-
Pour the custard through a fine wire-mesh strainer into a bowl to remove any lumps or cooked bits.
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Place the bowl over an ice bath and stir until the custard is very cold. Alternatively, you can refrigerate the bowl for a few hours until the custard is cold.
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Optional: Add fresh lavender petals to the custard for specks of purple flower throughout the ice cream.
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Pour the custard into an ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer's instructions for churning. This step will incorporate air into the mixture and freeze it to a creamy consistency.
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Once the ice cream is churned, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for a minimum of four hours to allow it to firm up.
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After the ice cream has frozen, it is ready to be enjoyed.
Storing Honey Lavender Ice Cream
To store your honey lavender ice cream, place it in an airtight container with a lid and freeze for up to 2-3 months. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent freezer burn.
Conclusion
Creamy lavender ice cream is a delightful, naturally sweetened treat that offers a unique flavor profile. By following the simple steps outlined in this recipe, you can create a refreshing and delicate dessert that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy the sweet taste of summer with this homemade lavender ice cream!
