If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing the delicate floral notes of a lavender garden in a cool, creamy dessert, this Lavender Ice Cream Recipe is your gateway to pure bliss. It’s a smooth, custard-based treat infused with the gentle fragrance of culinary lavender that’s just perfect for warm days or whenever you want to pamper yourself with something elegant and refreshing. With every luscious bite, you’ll discover how this unique flavor elevates the classic ice cream experience into something truly unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s wonderful about this Lavender Ice Cream Recipe is that it relies on simple, high-quality ingredients, each bringing their own special magic to the final product. From the creamy richness of heavy cream to the subtle floral essence of dried lavender, every component plays a crucial role in building flavor and texture.
- Heavy cream: Provides the luxurious creaminess that makes the ice cream smooth and rich.
- Whole milk: Adds a lovely balance of lightness without sacrificing texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps to achieve the perfect consistency in the custard base.
- Dried culinary lavender: The star ingredient that infuses the ice cream with its signature floral aroma—be sure to use culinary-grade only!
- Large egg yolks: Create a silky custard base that gives the ice cream body and depth.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors and adds a gentle warmth in the background.
- Small pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and brightens the floral notes.
How to Make Lavender Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Infuse the cream and milk
Begin by combining the heavy cream, whole milk, and dried culinary lavender in a medium saucepan. Warm this mixture over medium heat until it is just steaming—take care not to let it boil. Then, cover the pot and let the lavender steep for about 15 minutes. This step is where the magic begins, as the cream absorbs the delicate floral notes that define this Lavender Ice Cream Recipe. After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove lavender buds and return the infused cream to the saucepan.
Step 2: Prepare the custard base
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the granulated sugar until the mixture turns pale and thickens slightly. Temper the eggs by slowly adding a small amount of the warm cream mixture into the yolks while whisking vigorously; this prevents curdling and ensures a silky texture. Then, pour the tempered eggs back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture, ready for gentle cooking.
Step 3: Cook the custard
Place the saucepan back over medium-low heat and stir constantly with a wooden spoon or a heatproof spatula. Your goal is to thicken the custard until it coats the back of the spoon, reaching around 170 to 175 degrees Fahrenheit. Patience is key here—avoid boiling to keep the custard perfectly smooth and luscious. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a small pinch of salt to brighten all the flavors.
Step 4: Chill and churn
Allow the custard to cool slightly, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight; this chilling time deepens the flavors and improves the texture. When cold, churn the custard in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Finally, transfer the ice cream to a container and freeze for an additional 2 hours to set it firm enough for scooping.
How to Serve Lavender Ice Cream Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your scoop of lavender ice cream, consider lovely garnishes that complement its floral, creamy profile. Fresh edible flowers such as violets or rose petals add a dreamy touch, while a drizzle of honey reinforces the natural sweetness. Slivered almonds or crushed pistachios offer a pleasant textural contrast that makes each spoonful even more enjoyable.
Side Dishes
This Lavender Ice Cream Recipe pairs beautifully with lemon-based desserts—think lemon tarts or strawberry shortcakes—for a refreshing floral-citrus interplay. For a heartier pairing, serve alongside warm fruit compotes or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a decadent buffet of flavors. The ice cream’s subtle perfume complements rather than overwhelms other desserts on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation makes the experience unforgettable! Try serving the ice cream in waffle cones or cinnamon-dusted bowls to add warmth and crunch. For an elegant option, scoop the ice cream into chilled glass dishes topped with sugared lavender sprigs or candied lemon zest. You can even create a lavender affogato by pouring warm honey syrup or lavender lemonade over a scoop for a sophisticated twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Lavender Ice Cream Recipe keeps best stored in an airtight container to protect it from freezer burn and odors. Press a piece of parchment paper directly onto the surface before sealing the lid to maintain the creamy texture and prevent ice crystals from forming. Stored properly, it stays delicious for up to two weeks.
Freezing
For optimal flavor and texture, freeze the ice cream for at least two hours after churning before serving. Keeping it at a consistent freezer temperature helps maintain its smooth, creamy body. If frozen longer, just allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping to soften it perfectly.
Reheating
Since Lavender Ice Cream Recipe is best enjoyed cold, reheating is not typical. However, if the ice cream becomes very hard in the freezer, simply let it rest on the counter for 5 to 10 minutes to soften naturally. Avoid microwaving or heating as that disrupts its texture and flavor balance.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried culinary lavender?
Fresh lavender can be used but dried culinary lavender is preferred because it has a more concentrated and consistent flavor. If using fresh, lower the amount and steep briefly to avoid overpowering the cream.
Is this ice cream suitable for vegans?
This specific Lavender Ice Cream Recipe uses eggs and dairy, so it is not vegan. However, you can experiment with coconut milk and a vegan egg substitute to create a dairy-free version, though the texture will differ.
How strong is the lavender flavor in this ice cream?
The lavender flavor is delicately floral and aromatic, never overwhelming. The steeping time and amount of dried lavender can be adjusted if you prefer a more pronounced taste.
Can I make this recipe without an ice cream maker?
While an ice cream maker gives the best texture, you can freeze the custard mixture and stir it every 30 minutes until firm to reduce ice crystals. The texture may be a bit different but still delicious!
What desserts pair well with Lavender Ice Cream Recipe?
Elegant citrus desserts, honey-glazed fruits, shortcakes, or even simple buttery cookies all pair wonderfully by complementing or contrasting the floral notes of the ice cream.
Final Thoughts
This Lavender Ice Cream Recipe is a lovely way to introduce a touch of floral magic to your dessert routine. Its creamy custard base, combined with subtle lavender aroma, makes it feel like a special treat with every spoonful. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try—once you experience its delicate, refreshing charm, it’s sure to become a cherished favorite for sunny afternoons and cozy evenings alike.
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Lavender Ice Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling and freezing time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes active time, plus at least 6 hours chilling and freezing
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This homemade Lavender Ice Cream is a delicately floral and creamy dessert crafted with a traditional custard base infused with dried culinary lavender. Perfectly balanced with the sweetness of sugar and the warmth of vanilla, this French-inspired recipe offers a refreshing treat ideal for summer. The ice cream is steeped, carefully tempered, cooked to a smooth custard, chilled, and churned to create a luscious, silky texture with a subtle aromatic twist.
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender
- 5 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- a small pinch of salt
Instructions
- Steep Lavender: In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, and dried lavender. Heat over medium heat until just steaming but not boiling. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 15 minutes to infuse the floral flavor.
- Strain Mixture: Strain the lavender-infused liquid through a fine mesh sieve to remove the buds, then return the liquid to the saucepan to prepare for custard making.
- Whisk Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks together with the sugar until the mixture is pale and thickened slightly, which will help create a creamy custard.
- Temper Eggs: Slowly pour a small amount of the warm milk mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly to temper the eggs and prevent curdling.
- Cook Custard: Gradually add the tempered eggs back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon (reaching about 170°F to 175°F). Avoid boiling to maintain a smooth texture.
- Add Flavorings: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a small pinch of salt to enhance flavor.
- Chill: Let the custard mixture cool slightly before covering it and refrigerating for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to thoroughly chill and develop flavor.
- Churn Ice Cream: Once chilled, churn the mixture in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions to aerate and freeze the ice cream.
- Freeze Before Serving: Transfer the churned ice cream to a container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving to set the texture perfectly.
Notes
- Only use culinary-grade dried lavender as some varieties are not edible and may cause bitterness.
- Taste the infused base after steeping to ensure the floral flavor is balanced and adjust the amount of lavender if necessary.
- This ice cream pairs beautifully with honey or lemon-based desserts for complementary flavors.
