If you’re searching for a dessert that feels as dreamy and enchanting as a summer’s stroll through a blooming field, Honey Lavender Ice Cream should be at the very top of your list. This sublime, homemade treat blends golden honey and fragrant dried lavender into a luxuriously creamy scoop that’s stunning both in flavor and presentation. The delicate floral notes perfectly complement the rich creaminess, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and undeniably special. Whether you’re hoping to impress dinner guests or simply indulge your own craving for something extraordinary, Honey Lavender Ice Cream truly delivers a little bit of magic in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Honey Lavender Ice Cream comes together with just a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each one adding its own essential flair to the finished dessert. The magic lies in the way these simple staples create something truly unforgettable—here’s why each one matters.
- Heavy cream: Brings that ultra-smooth, creamy texture we all crave in a decadent ice cream.
- Whole milk: Softens the richness of the cream, giving it just the right body and balance.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and a delicate floral note that beautifully echoes the lavender.
- Dried culinary lavender: Infuses the ice cream with gentle, aromatic flavor; make sure you use culinary-grade buds.
- Large egg yolks: Help create a custard base, which is the secret to that luscious, scoopable result.
- Pinch of salt: Just a touch brightens all the flavors and brings everything together.
How to Make Honey Lavender Ice Cream
Step 1: Infuse the Cream
Start by combining the heavy cream, whole milk, honey, and dried lavender in a medium saucepan. Gently heat the mixture over medium, watching for that moment when it begins to steam (but before it boils). This is when the lavender releases its aromatic magic. Once it’s steaming, remove the pan from heat, cover, and let the mixture steep for 30 minutes to draw out all the floral notes.
Step 2: Strain and Prepare the Custard
After steeping, pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the lavender buds—you want all their essence without any grit. Return the fragrant cream mixture to the saucepan. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and pinch of salt until smooth and slightly thickened, setting the stage for the rich custard base.
Step 3: Temper the Eggs
To avoid scrambled eggs in your batch, you’ll need to temper the yolks. Slowly, while whisking constantly, pour about 1 cup of your warm cream mixture into the egg yolks. Once combined, pour the yolk mixture back into your saucepan with the rest of the cream, still stirring.
Step 4: Cook the Custard
Set your saucepan over low heat, and gently stir the mixture with a wooden spoon. Watch for the moment when the custard thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon—this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Keep the heat low and patience high; don’t let it boil or you’ll lose that silky texture you’re after.
Step 5: Cool, Chill, and Churn
Once thickened, remove the custard from heat and strain again if you see any curdled bits. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the deepest flavor. When thoroughly chilled, churn the mixture in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions, marveling as it transforms into creamy, floral perfection.
Step 6: Freeze and Enjoy
Transfer your soft ice cream to a container and freeze for at least 2 hours to set it up perfectly. Scoop generously and enjoy the sweet, mellow, and lightly floral notes that make Honey Lavender Ice Cream such an unforgettable treat.
How to Serve Honey Lavender Ice Cream
Garnishes
When it comes to adding the final touch, think simple elegance. A sprinkle of fresh lavender buds, a light drizzle of honey, or a scattering of edible flowers each offers a lovely visual and flavor accent. If you want to go the extra mile, a few crushed pistachios or candied lemon peel will add both texture and color, making your Honey Lavender Ice Cream presentation truly stand out.
Side Dishes
This creamy confection pairs beautifully alongside lemon shortbread cookies, almond biscotti, or delicate tea cakes. You could even nestle a scoop next to a slice of honey cake or serve with fresh summer berries—the sweet-tart fruit offsets the ice cream’s richness in the most delightful way. Don’t be afraid to play matchmaker and discover delicious new combinations!
Creative Ways to Present
Honey Lavender Ice Cream shines just as brightly in a crisp waffle cone as it does in an elegant glass coupe. For a whimsical touch, try serving mini scoops atop lavender shortbread for bite-sized, party-ready treats. Or transform it into a float with tonic water and a sprig of mint for a sophisticated spin on dessert cocktails. However you choose to serve it, this ice cream is sure to turn heads and tempt taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Honey Lavender Ice Cream in an airtight container in the coldest part of your freezer. To help prevent iciness and preserve creaminess, place a piece of parchment or plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing. Enjoy within 2 weeks for optimal flavor and texture.
Freezing
This ice cream freezes beautifully, thanks to the rich custard base. If you make it ahead, allow the frozen mixture to “ripen” in the freezer for at least 2 hours after churning. For longer storage, keep the container tightly sealed and avoid frequent thawing and re-freezing, which can affect the texture.
Reheating
Unlike baked desserts, Honey Lavender Ice Cream doesn’t require reheating—but if it’s become too firm, simply let it rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before scooping. This little pause will return it to that perfect, luxuriously creamy state you crave.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?
Fresh lavender can be used, but it’s much stronger than dried, so use only half the amount and make absolutely sure it’s pesticide-free and intended for culinary use. Dried culinary lavender is easy to find and provides a more consistent flavor, making it the preferred way to enjoy Honey Lavender Ice Cream.
What happens if I don’t have an ice cream maker?
You can make this without an ice cream maker by pouring the chilled custard into a freezer-safe container, freezing for 1 hour, then stirring every 30 minutes until thick and creamy. While the texture will be denser, it’s still delicious and fragrant enough to qualify as genuine Honey Lavender Ice Cream.
Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?
Absolutely! While honey gives the ice cream a signature flavor and unbeatable silkiness, you can substitute part or all of it with granulated sugar, agave, or maple syrup. Keep in mind, though, that the floral touch of honey really emphasizes the lavender, embodying the essence of Honey Lavender Ice Cream.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes—just be mindful of each child’s reaction to floral flavors. Most kids love the sweet creaminess, but the lavender can be new to some. If you’re serving to little ones, you can steep for less time for a milder effect while still enjoying all the goodness Honey Lavender Ice Cream has to offer.
What if my custard curdles while cooking?
If your custard curdles, don’t panic! Immediately remove it from the heat and pour it through a fine mesh sieve. Often, you’ll salvage most of the silky texture, and once chilled and churned, your Honey Lavender Ice Cream will still be delicious.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a dessert that wows, Honey Lavender Ice Cream just might become your new obsession. Every scoop is a sweet celebration of summer’s best flavors—floral, creamy, and with just enough intrigue to keep guests coming back for seconds. Give it a try and let yourself be whisked away to a world of blossoms and sunshine, one creamy bite at a time!
Print
Honey Lavender Ice Cream Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicate floral flavors of this homemade Honey Lavender Ice Cream. Creamy and sweet with a hint of aromatic lavender, this frozen treat is perfect for a refreshing summer dessert.
Ingredients
For the Ice Cream:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender
- 5 large egg yolks
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Infuse the Cream: In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, honey, and dried lavender. Heat until steaming, then let steep for 30 minutes. Strain.
- Prepare the Custard: Whisk egg yolks with salt. Slowly mix in warm cream. Cook over low heat until thickened.
- Chill and Churn: Cool custard, then refrigerate. Churn in an ice cream maker. Freeze before serving.
Notes
- For stronger flavor, steep lavender longer.
- Use culinary-grade lavender for best results.
- Substitute honey with sugar if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
