If you have a soft spot for delicate floral flavors, you are going to fall head over heels for this Lavender Ice Cream Recipe. This treat blends the creamy richness of a classic homemade ice cream with the subtle, fragrant notes of culinary lavender, creating an enchanting dessert experience that feels both elegant and refreshing. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply spoil yourself, this is one recipe that turns simple ingredients into something truly magical.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Lavender Ice Cream Recipe comes together with straightforward ingredients you likely respect, but each one plays a starring role in crafting that luscious, dreamy scoop. From creaminess to floral nuance, here is what you’ll need:
- 2 cups heavy cream: Adds rich texture and velvety smoothness that every good ice cream needs.
- 1 cup whole milk: Balances the cream for a perfect scoop consistency and lightness.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens gently without overpowering that delicate lavender flavor.
- 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender: The heart of the recipe, best to use culinary-grade to avoid any bitterness.
- 5 large egg yolks: Creates the custard base, offering silkiness and structure to the ice cream.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the floral notes and rounds out the flavor profile beautifully.
How to Make Lavender Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Infuse the Cream
Start by gently warming the milk, heavy cream, and dried lavender in a saucepan until it just begins to steam—this releases all those fragrant floral oils. Be patient and let the mixture steep for a full 30 minutes off the heat to draw out the best lavender essence without bitterness. After steeping, strain carefully through a fine mesh sieve to remove every bit of dried lavender, leaving your base smooth and perfumed.
Step 2: Prepare the Custard Base
While the lavender-infused cream cools slightly, whisk together your egg yolks and sugar until the mixture turns pale and thick—it’s the magic moment that creates silky custard. Now, temper your yolks by slowly whisking in a little of the warm cream mixture. This step prevents scrambling and sets up a perfectly smooth texture when all combined.
Step 3: Cook to Perfection
Pour the tempered yolk mixture back into your saucepan and cook on low heat, stirring constantly. This is where patience pays—watch closely as the custard thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon. It’s important not to let it boil, keeping the texture delicate and luscious.
Step 4: Final Touches and Chill
Remove the custard from heat and stir in vanilla extract, which complements and enhances the floral profile beautifully. Let the mixture cool to room temperature before covering and refrigerating it for at least 4 hours or overnight. This chilling step is essential to get that deep, concentrated flavor and proper texture for churning.
Step 5: Churn and Freeze
Once your lavender-infused custard is well chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The transformation from creamy liquid to dreamy ice cream happens right before your eyes. After churning, transfer to a lidded container and freeze until firm – about 4 hours. Now your Lavender Ice Cream Recipe is ready to delight!
How to Serve Lavender Ice Cream Recipe
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of dried lavender buds or a few fresh edible flowers can elevate the presentation and offer an aromatic hint with every bite. A drizzle of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar adds a subtle sweetness without competing with that lovely lavender flavor.
Side Dishes
This ice cream pairs beautifully with fresh berries, shortbread cookies, or a slice of pound cake. The sweet and floral qualities complement fruity and buttery sides perfectly, turning a simple dessert into a complete indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving your lavender ice cream in delicate waffle cones or hollowed-out lemon shells for a charming aesthetic touch. You can also layer it in a parfait glass with crumbled lavender cookies and whipped cream for an elegant and visually stunning dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover lavender ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer to maintain its flavor and texture. If possible, place a piece of parchment paper directly on the surface before sealing to prevent ice crystals from forming and keep it creamy.
Freezing
This ice cream freezes very well; just allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping to soften slightly. The floral taste remains fresh and vibrant even after storage, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for special occasions.
Reheating
Ice cream is best enjoyed chilled or frozen, so reheating is generally not recommended. Instead, allow slight softening at room temperature for an easier scoop and enjoy that refreshing, creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried for this Lavender Ice Cream Recipe?
Fresh lavender can work, but dried culinary lavender is preferred because it has a more concentrated flavor and less moisture, which helps avoid bitterness. If using fresh, adjust quantities and steep time carefully to prevent overpowering the ice cream.
Is it necessary to chill the mixture overnight before churning?
Chilling overnight is best for flavor development and smooth texture but chilling for at least 4 hours is sufficient if you’re short on time. The longer chill helps the cream and flavors marry together nicely.
Can I make this ice cream without an ice cream maker?
Yes! You can use the freeze-and-stir method by freezing the mixture in a shallow container and stirring vigorously every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals until it’s firm and creamy. It takes more time but still yields great results.
How strong is the lavender flavor in this recipe?
The lavender flavor is beautifully subtle yet distinct, making it perfect for those new to floral desserts. You can easily increase the lavender quantity or steeping time for a bolder taste.
Can I add color to my Lavender Ice Cream Recipe?
Absolutely, a drop of natural purple food coloring can give your ice cream a soft lavender hue without affecting flavor—perfect for an Instagram-worthy scoop!
Final Thoughts
This Lavender Ice Cream Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a touch of floral elegance to your dessert repertoire. It’s simple enough to make at home but special enough to impress any guest or simply treat yourself to a little slice of heaven. So why wait? Dive into the creamy, fragrant world of lavender and create your own unforgettable summer delight.
Print
Lavender Ice Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (plus 8 hours chilling and freezing)
- Yield: 1 quart (about 8 servings)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delicate Lavender Ice Cream combines floral notes of dried culinary lavender with creamy custard for a refreshingly unique homemade dessert. Perfectly balanced with a smooth texture and subtle vanilla essence, this French-inspired ice cream offers a sophisticated treat ideal for summer or any occasion craving a fragrant, elegant dessert.
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
Instructions
- Infuse the Cream and Milk: In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, and dried lavender. Heat over medium heat until it just begins to steam. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 30 minutes to infuse the floral flavor.
- Strain the Mixture: After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the lavender. Return the infused milk mixture to the saucepan and gently reheat until warm.
- Temper the Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until pale and thick. Slowly pour a small amount of the warm milk mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly to temper and prevent curdling.
- Combine and Cook the Custard: Gradually add the rest of the warm milk mixture to the yolks while whisking continuously. Return the combined custard to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Do not allow the mixture to boil.
- Add Vanilla and Cool: Remove the custard from heat, stir in the vanilla extract, then allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Chill the Mixture: Cover the custard and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to develop flavors and ensure proper chilling.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Once chilled, pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Freeze Until Firm: Transfer the churned ice cream to a lidded container and freeze for about 4 hours until firm enough to scoop.
Notes
- Use only culinary-grade dried lavender to avoid bitterness.
- For a stronger lavender flavor, steep the lavender longer or slightly increase the amount.
- You may add a drop of natural purple food coloring if you desire a soft lavender hue.
