Honey Lavender Ice Cream Recipe

Imagine the gentle floral aroma of lavender swirling through sun-warmed honey, churned into a scoop of creamy, dreamy perfection—this is Honey Lavender Ice Cream. Each bite carries that clean sweetness of honey, balanced by the subtle perfume of lavender, all wrapped up in a decadent custard base. Whether you’re looking to impress friends or treat yourself to a touch of summer elegance, this unique ice cream is a taste adventure you won’t soon forget.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Putting together Honey Lavender Ice Cream is surprisingly straightforward, relying on a handful of beautiful ingredients that each play a starring role. From rich dairy to golden honey and, of course, that lovely lavender, everything comes together for a truly memorable homemade ice cream.

• Heavy Cream (2 cups): Brings body and luxurious richness to your ice cream—don’t skimp for a velvety result!
• Whole Milk (1 cup): Balances out the heft of the cream, ensuring a scoop-able, silky texture.
• Honey (1/2 cup): Lends gentle sweetness and floral undertones, playing beautifully off the lavender.
• Dried Culinary Lavender (2 tablespoons): Choose food-grade lavender—too much can be overpowering, so stick to the recommended amount for a fragrant but not soapy taste.
• Large Egg Yolks (5): Essential for a classic custard base, making your Honey Lavender Ice Cream rich and scoopable.
• Vanilla Extract (1/4 teaspoon): Just a touch rounds out the flavors and highlights the honey and lavender notes.

How to Make Honey Lavender Ice Cream

Step 1: Make a Lavender Infusion

Start by adding the heavy cream and whole milk to a medium saucepan, then sprinkle the dried culinary lavender right in. Heat this gently until the edges just begin to simmer—catch that wonderful floral scent! Remove the pan from the heat and let everything steep for 20 minutes, giving the cream time to soak up every bit of the lavender’s aroma.

Step 2: Strain and Reheat the Mixture

Once your infusion time is up, strain the lavender out using a fine mesh sieve. This keeps the final ice cream silky smooth. Return the now aromatic cream mixture to the saucepan and place it over low heat, warming it up just enough to later mix comfortably with eggs—not too hot, or you risk scrambling.

Step 3: Whisk the Egg Yolks and Honey

In a mixing bowl, grab those egg yolks and whisk until they lighten in color and become ever so slightly fluffy. Slowly stream in your honey and keep whisking—it will dissolve and blend, making the base glossy and fragrant.

Step 4: Temper the Egg Mixture

Go slowly here: ladle the warm lavender cream into the yolks in a thin stream, whisking constantly. This gentle approach keeps the yolks from curdling, ensuring everything comes together into a luxurious custard.

Step 5: Cook the Custard

Pour the combined mixture back into the saucepan and set it on medium heat. Keep stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon—watch carefully so it never boils. You’re looking for a temperature around 170°F to 175°F.

Step 6: Chill the Custard

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the custard into a clean bowl, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface, and refrigerate for at least four hours or preferably overnight. Chilling ensures your Honey Lavender Ice Cream churns up ultra-creamy and smooth.

Step 7: Churn the Ice Cream

Pour the chilled custard into your ice cream maker. Let it churn according to your machine’s directions—usually about 20–25 minutes—until it reaches a soft-serve consistency that hints at the luscious final texture.

Step 8: Freeze Until Firm

Transfer your freshly churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container. Smooth out the top and press plastic wrap directly on the surface to ward off ice crystals. Seal up the container and freeze for at least two hours, or until you’re ready to scoop and serve.

How to Serve Honey Lavender Ice Cream

Garnishes

Dress up each scoop with a sprinkle of fresh lavender buds, a drizzle of honey, or a scattering of edible flowers for an extra pop of color. Even a few candied violets or a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt will set off the flavors perfectly and make each serving feel extra special.

Side Dishes

Pair Honey Lavender Ice Cream with crisp shortbread cookies, homemade madeleines, or almond biscotti. For an elegant dessert plate, serve it alongside a lemon tart or fresh berry compote—the floral ice cream harmonizes beautifully with bright, tart flavors!

Creative Ways to Present

Scoop into dainty dishes for a tea party vibe, sandwich between lavender- or honey-infused cookies for amazing ice cream sandwiches, or swirl into meringue nests for a sophisticated twist. Mini waffle bowls or chocolate-dipped cones also turn every serving into an occasion!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Honey Lavender Ice Cream, keep it in an airtight container in the coldest part of your freezer. Pressing plastic wrap against the surface helps prevent freezer burn and ice crystals from dulling that dreamy texture.

Freezing

Homemade ice cream holds up beautifully for up to two weeks in the freezer. Use a container with a tight-fitting lid, and try to fill it to the top to minimize exposure to air—that’s your secret to keeping the flavor fresh!

Reheating

While ice cream and “reheating” rarely go hand in hand, if your Honey Lavender Ice Cream is too firm straight from the freezer, just leave it out at room temperature for about 5–10 minutes. It will soften enough to scoop easily while staying lusciously creamy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried culinary lavender?

Yes, you can substitute fresh lavender, but double the amount since dried is more concentrated. Always ensure it’s culinary grade and use a gentle hand to avoid overpowering the ice cream.

Do I need an ice cream maker for this recipe?

An ice cream maker produces the smoothest results, but if you don’t have one, you can still make Honey Lavender Ice Cream by freezing the chilled custard and stirring every 30 minutes until set. The texture will be more rustic but still delicious!

Is Honey Lavender Ice Cream safe for kids?

Definitely! The lavender flavor is subtle and not soapy, and the floral notes make it fun and interesting for both kids and adults. Just be sure to use only culinary lavender for safety and the best flavor.

What type of honey is best?

Opt for a mild honey, such as clover or wildflower, to enhance the ice cream without overpowering the lavender notes. Strong, robust honeys might mask the subtle floral aroma you want to highlight.

Can I add mix-ins or swirl in other flavors?

Absolutely! Try mixing in white chocolate chunks, swirling in lemon curd, or adding candied ginger for a fun twist on Honey Lavender Ice Cream. Just be sure any additions are added at the very end of churning so the base stays smooth.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly something magical about homemade Honey Lavender Ice Cream—one taste and it will transport your senses to a blooming summer field. Don’t hesitate to treat yourself and your loved ones to this floral, creamy delight. Once you try it, you might just start a new dessert tradition!

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