If you adore delicate floral flavors and creamy textures, this Lavender Ice Cream Recipe is a true delight that you simply must try. Combining the gentle fragrance of lavender with rich, smooth custard, this homemade ice cream offers a sophisticated twist on a classic summer treat. It’s perfect for impressing guests or simply indulging yourself in a refreshing scoop of floral bliss. The balance of fresh cream, subtle vanilla, and aromatic lavender makes every spoonful a dreamy escape into a garden of taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Lavender Ice Cream Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a starring role in creating its lush texture and fragrant flavor. From creamy dairy to fragrant lavender buds, every item enhances the final taste and mouthfeel of the ice cream.
- Heavy whipping cream: Delivers the rich, silky base that makes the ice cream luxuriously smooth.
- Whole milk: Adds lightness and helps balance the cream’s richness for a perfect consistency.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens gently without overpowering the floral notes.
- Dried culinary lavender: The star ingredient giving a beautiful, fragrant aroma and subtle floral flavor.
- Large egg yolks: Provide the custard base which creates the creamy thickness you crave.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the floral notes with a warming undertone.
- Pinch of salt: Balances and intensifies all the flavors for a well-rounded taste.
How to Make Lavender Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Infuse the Lavender
Start by combining the milk, part of the cream, sugar, dried lavender, and salt in a saucepan. Heat gently just until steaming and remove from heat to steep. This slow infusion lets the lavender release its delicate flavor without becoming bitter, which is crucial for the perfect floral undertone.
Step 2: Strain and Prepare the Custard
After steeping for about 20 minutes, strain out the lavender buds carefully to keep the ice cream silky smooth. Meanwhile, whisk the egg yolks in a separate bowl. Temper the yolks by slowly adding a ladle of the warm mixture, then whisk everything back into the saucepan. This process ensures a creamy texture without scrambling the eggs.
Step 3: Thicken the Custard
Cook the mixture over medium heat while constantly stirring until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This step is essential for that rich custard base that defines delightful homemade ice cream. Remove from heat promptly to avoid overheating.
Step 4: Add Cream and Vanilla
Stir in the remaining cream and finish with the vanilla extract. This addition enhances the smooth, rich mouthfeel and helps round out the flavor profile with a sweet warmth that complements the lavender beautifully.
Step 5: Chill and Churn
Cool the mixture thoroughly in the refrigerator; this chilling step is key for optimal texture when churned. When completely cold, churn in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
Step 6: Freeze Until Firm
Transfer the churned ice cream to a container and freeze until firm, usually a few hours. This final step solidifies the texture so you can scoop out perfectly creamy, floral Lavender Ice Cream whenever you crave it.
How to Serve Lavender Ice Cream Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of dried lavender buds or a few edible flowers on top brings an elegant touch that beautifully echoes the flavor. Fresh mint or a drizzle of honey can also add lovely complementary notes and vibrant color.
Side Dishes
Pair your lavender ice cream with warm shortbread cookies, buttery madeleines, or delicate almond biscotti for a sophisticated dessert experience. The crunchy textures contrast perfectly with the creamy floral ice cream.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve scoops in vintage teacups with a sprig of lavender, or create ice cream sandwiches using soft sugar cookies. For a celebration, try layering the ice cream with fresh berries and whipped cream in small glass parfaits to impress your guests visually and deliciously.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover lavender ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. Properly sealed, it can maintain its best quality for up to one week without losing its lovely floral essence or creamy texture.
Freezing
For the best flavor and consistency, freeze the ice cream in a shallow container to allow quick, even freezing. This helps prevent icy crystals from forming and keeps your Lavender Ice Cream Recipe tasting fresh and smooth.
Reheating
This ice cream is best enjoyed cold straight from the freezer. If it becomes too hard, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften naturally before serving, avoiding any microwave reheating which can harm the texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?
Dried culinary-grade lavender is recommended because it provides a consistent flavor without adding moisture, which can affect texture. Fresh lavender can be used but in smaller amounts and will need careful handling to avoid overpowering the ice cream.
Is it necessary to use an ice cream maker?
While an ice cream maker best achieves the smooth texture, you can use a no-churn method by freezing the custard and stirring it every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals. However, the custard base and lavender infusion steps remain the same.
How long should I steep the lavender?
Steeping for 20 minutes hits the sweet spot between subtle floral flavor and avoiding bitterness. You can steep up to 30 minutes for a stronger taste but be sure to taste frequently and strain promptly.
Can I add food coloring to this recipe?
Absolutely! A drop of purple food coloring can give your Lavender Ice Cream Recipe a pretty pastel hue without affecting flavor, making it an extra special treat for gatherings or themed events.
What is the best way to serve it in summer?
Serve scoops in chilled bowls or cones with a light drizzle of honey or a few fresh berries on top. This ice cream pairs wonderfully with chilled white wine or sparkling lemonade for a refreshing summer indulgence.
Final Thoughts
This Lavender Ice Cream Recipe is a breathtaking way to bring the beauty of floral flavors into your dessert repertoire. It’s not only a treat for the taste buds but also a charming experience that makes you feel like you’re savoring a scoop of pure elegance. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly this simple recipe transforms into such an amazing, dreamy delight for your summer days and special occasions.
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Lavender Ice Cream Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes plus chilling and freezing time
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This homemade Lavender Ice Cream features a delicate floral flavor infused from dried culinary lavender, balanced with creamy custard made from heavy cream, whole milk, and egg yolks. Perfectly sweetened and smooth, it offers a unique twist on classic ice cream that’s refreshing and elegant.
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Heat and Steep Lavender: In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, 1 cup of heavy cream, sugar, dried lavender, and salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat just until steaming, then remove it from heat. Cover and let it steep for 20 minutes to infuse the lavender flavor into the liquid.
- Strain Mixture: After steeping, strain the lavender-infused milk through a fine mesh sieve to remove lavender buds, pressing gently to extract all the liquid.
- Temper Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly add a ladle of the warm lavender milk into the yolks while whisking constantly to temper them and prevent curdling.
- Cook Custard: Pour the tempered yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining lavender milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, indicating it’s fully cooked and smooth.
- Add Cream and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the remaining 1 cup of heavy cream and the vanilla extract. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Chill Mix: Refrigerate the custard mixture until completely cold to ensure a creamy texture when churned.
- Churn Ice Cream: Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Freeze Firm: Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze it until firm, about 4 hours or overnight, before serving.
Notes
- Always use culinary-grade lavender to avoid bitterness in the ice cream.
- For a stronger lavender flavor, you can steep the lavender for up to 30 minutes, tasting periodically to prevent overpowering the custard.
- If you want to add a pastel purple hue, add a drop of purple food coloring during the mixing step after removing from heat.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Ice Cream Maker
- Cuisine: American
