Honey Lavender Ice Cream: A Creamy Summer Delight
This honey lavender ice cream recipe creates a rich, floral dessert that’s perfect for warm summer days. The combination of sweet honey and aromatic lavender makes this homemade lavender ice cream truly special. Follow our simple steps to create this gourmet treat in your own kitchen.
Honey Lavender Ice Cream Recipe (Easy & Homemade)
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup honey
- Pinch salt
- 3/4 tbsp fresh lavender leaves and flowers
- 5 large egg yolks
Instructions
- Mix milk, cream, honey, salt, and lavender in a medium saucepan. Heat the mixture until it simmers lightly, stirring thoroughly to dissolve the honey and blend all ingredients.
- Take off the heat and let the lavender steep in the mixture for about 30 minutes, tasting periodically to adjust the flavor as desired.
- Strain the lavender from the mixture and return it to the pot. Remove the lavender to avoid chewing the leaves.
- Return the cream mixture to medium-low heat. Heat until warm. In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly pour ½ cup of the warm cream into the yolks while whisking constantly to temper them and avoid curdling.
- Whisk the egg mixture into the remaining cream mixture in the saucepan.
- Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, for about 10 minutes or until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Pour the custard into a bowl and refrigerate it for several hours to chill.
- Chill the custard, then pour it into an ice cream maker. Add lavender buds if desired. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to churn the ice cream.
- Transfer the thickened ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least four hours before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Table of Contents
Why This Honey Lavender Ice Cream Recipe Stands Out
This lavender vanilla ice cream offers a unique flavor profile that’s both refreshing and comforting. The floral notes of lavender pair perfectly with the natural sweetness of honey, creating a balanced dessert that’s not too heavy.
What makes this lavender flavored ice cream special:
- Uses fresh lavender for authentic flavor
- Naturally sweetened with honey
- Creamy texture without being overly rich
- Beautiful pale purple color
- Perfect for special occasions or everyday treats
Learn more about creating perfect frozen desserts in our comprehensive guide to homemade ice cream.
Ingredients for Perfect Lavender Ice Cream
Quality ingredients make all the difference in this homemade lavender ice cream. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Components
The base of this lavender ice cream recipe requires just a few simple ingredients:
- Dairy: Whole milk and heavy cream create the perfect creamy texture
- Sweetener: Honey adds natural sweetness and floral notes
- Flavor: Fresh lavender buds provide the signature taste
- Egg yolks: For richness and smooth texture
Selecting Your Lavender
For the best lavender vanilla ice cream, use culinary-grade lavender. You can find this at specialty stores or grow your own. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) works best for cooking.
Avoid decorative lavender from craft stores, as it may contain pesticides. If using fresh lavender from your garden, harvest it in the morning when the oils are most concentrated.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Lavender Ice Cream
Creating this honey lavender ice cream recipe involves a simple process with spectacular results. Follow these steps for perfect homemade lavender ice cream every time.
Preparing the Lavender Infusion
The key to great lavender flavored ice cream is properly infusing the cream with lavender flavor:
- Combine milk, cream, honey, and lavender in a saucepan
- Heat gently until steaming (not boiling)
- Remove from heat and let steep for 30-45 minutes
- Strain out lavender buds
Creating the Custard Base
The custard gives this lavender ice cream its luxurious texture:
- Whisk egg yolks in a separate bowl
- Temper eggs by slowly adding warm lavender cream
- Return mixture to saucepan and cook until thickened
- Strain through fine mesh sieve
- Chill completely before churning
For more ice cream making techniques, check out our complete guide to frozen desserts.
Expert Tips for Perfect Honey Lavender Ice Cream
These professional tips will help you master this lavender ice cream recipe:
Flavor Balance
Lavender can easily overpower other flavors in this homemade lavender ice cream. Start with less lavender and taste as it steeps. You can always add more flavor but can’t remove it.
Texture Secrets
For the creamiest lavender vanilla ice cream:
- Ensure your custard properly coats the back of a spoon
- Chill the base thoroughly before churning
- Freeze your ice cream maker bowl at least 24 hours
- Don’t over-churn – stop when it reaches soft-serve consistency
Serving Suggestions
This honey lavender ice cream pairs beautifully with:
- Fresh berries
- Shortbread cookies
- Dark chocolate sauce
- Lemon zest
For more serving ideas, visit our Pinterest board with creative dessert presentations.
Creative Variations on Lavender Ice Cream
Once you’ve mastered the basic lavender ice cream recipe, try these delicious twists:
Lavender Honeycomb
Add chunks of honeycomb candy during the last minute of churning for texture contrast.
Lavender White Chocolate
Melt high-quality white chocolate into the warm custard base before chilling.
Berry Lavender Swirl
Layer the churned ice cream with a quick berry compote before freezing.
Honey Lavender Ice Cream FAQ
Yes, use about half the amount of dried lavender since it’s more concentrated. Look for culinary-grade dried lavender.
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. The flavor remains best within the first week.
Yes! Pour the chilled base into a shallow pan, freeze, and stir every 30 minutes until set.
Ready to try more unique ice cream flavors? Explore our collection of gourmet frozen desserts.
Share your honey lavender ice cream creations with us on Pinterest! We’d love to see your variations and presentations.
How to Make the Perfect Honey Lavender Ice Cream at Home
If you’re looking for a unique and refreshing dessert, honey lavender ice cream is a must-try. This delicate floral flavor pairs beautifully with the sweetness of honey, creating a luxurious treat that’s perfect for warm summer days or elegant dinner parties. Best of all, making homemade lavender ice cream is easier than you might think.
Why You’ll Love This Lavender Ice Cream Recipe
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between floral and sweet, with a creamy texture that melts in your mouth. The subtle lavender aroma enhances the honey’s natural richness, making it a sophisticated yet approachable dessert. Plus, since you control the ingredients, you can adjust the sweetness and floral intensity to your liking.
Ingredients for Homemade Lavender Ice Cream
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup honey (preferably raw)
- 2 tbsp culinary lavender buds
- 4 large egg yolks
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Honey Lavender Ice Cream Instructions
Step 1: Infuse the Cream with Lavender
In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, and lavender buds. Heat over medium-low until the mixture begins to steam (do not boil). Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 30 minutes to allow the lavender flavor to develop.
Step 2: Strain the Lavender Buds
After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl, pressing gently on the lavender to extract maximum flavor. Discard the buds and return the infused cream to the saucepan.
Step 3: Prepare the Honey Base
Whisk the egg yolks in a separate bowl until smooth. Gradually add the honey while whisking continuously. Slowly pour a small amount of the warm lavender-infused cream into the egg mixture, tempering it to prevent curdling.
Step 4: Cook the Custard
Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon (about 5-7 minutes).
Step 5: Chill and Churn
Strain the custard once more into a clean bowl, then stir in the vanilla and salt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) until completely chilled. Pour into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 6: Freeze to Perfection
Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for 2-4 hours before serving. For best texture, let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping.
Tips for the Best Homemade Lavender Ice Cream
- Use culinary-grade lavender: Ensure your lavender buds are food-safe, as some varieties are treated with pesticides.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the honey by 1-2 tablespoons.
- Enhance flavor: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright contrast to the floral notes.
- No ice cream maker? Pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes for 3-4 hours.
Serving Suggestions for Honey Lavender Ice Cream
This elegant dessert pairs wonderfully with:
- Fresh berries (raspberries or blueberries work especially well)
- Shortbread or almond biscotti
- A drizzle of extra honey
- Crumbled pistachios for texture
Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic lavender ice cream recipe, experiment with these delicious twists:
Lavender Vanilla Bean
Add the seeds from one vanilla bean pod along with the lavender for a deeper flavor profile.
Lavender White Chocolate
Stir in ½ cup melted white chocolate during the last 5 minutes of churning.
Lavender Honeycomb
Fold in crushed honeycomb candy before freezing for a delightful crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried lavender instead of fresh?
Yes, dried culinary lavender works perfectly in this recipe. Fresh lavender can be too strong and may require different quantities.
How long does homemade lavender ice cream keep?
Stored properly in an airtight container, it will maintain best quality for about 2 weeks in the freezer.
Why is my ice cream too icy?
This usually happens if the custard wasn’t cooked thick enough or if the mixture wasn’t churned properly. Ensure your custard coats the spoon before chilling.
The History of Lavender in Desserts
Lavender has been used in cooking since ancient Roman times, prized for its aromatic qualities. In Provence, France, lavender honey is a traditional delicacy that inspired modern desserts like this honey lavender ice cream. The floral herb gained popularity in contemporary cuisine during the 1990s food revolution, when chefs began experimenting with unexpected savory-sweet combinations.
Health Benefits of Lavender
While we love lavender ice cream for its taste, lavender also offers potential health benefits:
- May help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation
- Contains antioxidants that fight inflammation
- Traditionally used to aid digestion
Of course, this dessert should be enjoyed in moderation, but it’s nice to know your treat has some redeeming qualities beyond being delicious!
Perfect Occasions for Serving Lavender Ice Cream
This sophisticated flavor shines at:
- Bridal or baby showers
- Garden parties
- Afternoon tea gatherings
- As a palate cleanser between courses
- Summer barbecues (pairs wonderfully with grilled peaches)
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your lavender ice cream didn’t turn out quite right, here are some fixes:
Too floral?
Next time, reduce the lavender to 1 tablespoon or steep for less time. You can balance it now by folding in plain whipped cream.
Not creamy enough?
Increase the fat content by using all heavy cream instead of the milk-cream combination.
Ice crystals formed?
This happens when freezer temperature fluctuates. Place plastic wrap directly on the surface before freezing to create a barrier.
Advanced Techniques for Ice Cream Enthusiasts
For those who want to take their honey lavender ice cream to professional levels:
Aging the Base
Let the custard rest in the refrigerator for 24 hours before churning. This allows flavors to meld and results in a smoother texture.
Using a Pacojet
If you have access to this professional equipment, you can achieve unparalleled creaminess with smaller batch sizes.
Incorporating Stabilizers
A small amount of xanthan gum (¼ tsp) can prevent ice crystal formation without affecting flavor.
Pairing Honey Lavender Ice Cream with Wine
For an ultra-elegant dessert course, serve with:
- Moscato d’Asti – the bubbles and fruitiness complement the floral notes
- Late harvest Riesling – balances sweetness with acidity
- Ice wine – intensifies the honey flavors
Storing and Freezing Tips
To maintain optimal quality:
- Use shallow containers to freeze faster and more evenly
- Leave ½ inch headspace for expansion
- Place wax paper directly on the surface before sealing
- Store in the back of the freezer where temperature is most consistent
The Science Behind Perfect Ice Cream Texture
Creating smooth homemade lavender ice cream relies on proper:
- Fat content: Cream provides richness and prevents iciness
- Sugar balance: Honey lowers the freezing point for softer texture
- Air incorporation: Churning introduces tiny air bubbles (overrun)
- Freezing speed: Faster freezing creates smaller ice crystals
Seasonal Variations
Adapt your lavender ice cream recipe throughout the year:
Spring
Add edible flowers like violets or rose petals as garnish
Summer
Make lavender ice cream sandwiches with lemon cookies
Fall
Swirl in spiced pear compote before freezing
Winter
Serve with warm gingerbread for a holiday twist
Final Thoughts
Mastering this honey lavender ice cream recipe opens up a world of sophisticated dessert possibilities. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself to something special, this floral frozen delight delivers unforgettable flavor in every spoonful. The combination of aromatic lavender and golden honey creates a harmonious balance that’s both refreshing and indulgent – perfect for any occasion that calls for something uniquely delicious.
