Creamy Lavender Ice Cream Recipe You’ll Love

Lavender ice cream is a luxurious and refreshing treat that blends the rich creaminess of traditional ice cream with the delicate, aromatic notes of lavender.

This unique flavor is both soothing and sophisticated, making it a perfect dessert for warm summer days, elegant dinner parties, or simply indulging in a moment of relaxation.

With its subtle floral essence, lavender ice cream offers a delightful twist on classic flavors, bringing a sense of calm and elegance to every spoonful.

If you’ve never tried floral-infused ice cream before, this recipe is the perfect place to start—it’s easy to make, incredibly smooth, and irresistibly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Lavender Ice Cream

1. A Unique and Elegant Flavor

Lavender adds a light, fragrant taste that isn’t overpowering but enhances the creamy sweetness of the ice cream. It’s an ideal choice for those who love floral desserts or want to try something beyond traditional vanilla and chocolate.

2. Perfectly Creamy and Smooth

This recipe follows a custard-style base using egg yolks, which results in an ultra-smooth, velvety texture. Every bite melts in your mouth, delivering a perfect balance of flavor and richness.

3. Naturally Calming and Refreshing

Lavender is well known for its relaxing properties. Enjoying a scoop of this homemade ice cream can be a soothing experience, making it a great way to unwind after a long day.

4. Simple Ingredients, Gourmet Results

Despite its luxurious taste, this ice cream is made with simple, natural ingredients. You can easily find everything you need at the grocery store, and the process is straightforward—even if you’re new to making homemade ice cream.

5. Easily Customizable

This recipe is flexible! You can enhance the floral notes with honey, add a citrusy twist with lemon zest, or even swirl in white chocolate for extra indulgence. If you’re dairy-free, you can substitute coconut milk for a rich, plant-based alternative.

Ready to make your own lavender ice cream? Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating homemade lavender ice cream requires just a few simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a key role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor.

Essential Ingredients:

• Culinary Lavender (2 tablespoons) – The star ingredient! Use dried culinary-grade lavender for a delicate floral taste without any bitterness. Avoid ornamental lavender, as it can be too strong or soapy.
• Whole Milk (1 cup) – Provides a light, creamy base while helping balance the richness of the heavy cream.
• Heavy Cream (2 cups) – Essential for a rich and smooth ice cream texture.
• Granulated Sugar (¾ cup) – Sweetens the ice cream while also helping to achieve a soft consistency.
• Egg Yolks (4 large) – These create a custard-style base, giving the ice cream a luxurious, velvety texture.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon) – Enhances the natural sweetness and complements the lavender flavor.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon) – Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors.
• Optional Additions:
  • Honey (2 tablespoons) – Adds a floral sweetness that pairs beautifully with lavender.
  • Lemon Zest (1 teaspoon) – A touch of citrus can brighten up the flavor.
  • White Chocolate Chips (½ cup) – For a touch of indulgence and extra creaminess.

Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s get started with making your homemade lavender ice cream!

How to Make Lavender Ice Cream: Step-by-Step Guide

Making lavender ice cream is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps to achieve a creamy, aromatic dessert.

Step 1: Infuse the Milk with Lavender

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, and dried lavender.
2. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Do not let it boil—just warm it until it begins to steam.
3. Remove from heat and let the lavender steep for 20-30 minutes to fully infuse the flavor.
4. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the lavender buds, then set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Ice Cream Base

1. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened.
2. Slowly pour a small amount of the warm lavender-infused milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling. This step is called tempering.
3. Gradually add the rest of the infused milk while continuing to whisk.

Step 3: Cook the Custard Base

1. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously with a spatula.
2. Heat until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon (around 170-175°F). Be careful not to let it boil, or the eggs will curdle.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt.

Step 4: Chill the Mixture

1. Pour the custard base into a clean bowl and cover it with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
2. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) until fully chilled.

Step 5: Churn the Ice Cream

1. Once the mixture is cold, pour it into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually about 20-25 minutes).
2. If you want to add white chocolate chips or lemon zest, mix them in during the last few minutes of churning.

Step 6: Freeze and Serve

1. Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2-4 hours for a firmer consistency.
2. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.
3. Scoop and enjoy your homemade lavender ice cream with your favorite toppings!

Next, let’s explore some expert tips to make this recipe even better. 😊

Expert Tips for the Best Lavender Ice Cream

1. Use Culinary-Grade Lavender Only

Not all lavender is safe for consumption. Always choose culinary-grade dried lavender, as ornamental varieties can taste too strong or even soapy. If using fresh lavender, reduce the quantity slightly since fresh herbs have a stronger flavor.

2. Control the Lavender Strength

Lavender can be overpowering if overused. Steep the lavender for 20-30 minutes, but if you prefer a milder flavor, strain it sooner. You can always add more lavender next time, but you can’t remove an overly strong infusion!

3. Chill the Custard Base Thoroughly

For the best texture, let the custard base chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours—overnight is even better. This allows the flavors to develop and ensures a smooth churn in the ice cream maker.

4. Use an Ice Cream Maker for Creamiest Results

An ice cream maker gives the best texture, but if you don’t have one, try the freeze-and-stir method: Pour the mixture into a shallow container, freeze for 45 minutes, then stir vigorously with a fork. Repeat every 30 minutes until it reaches a creamy consistency.

5. Experiment with Add-Ins

Lavender pairs beautifully with other flavors. Try mixing in honey, lemon zest, blueberries, or white chocolate for an extra special touch. You can also drizzle honey over the ice cream before serving for a gourmet finish.

Serving Suggestions

1. Classic and Simple

Serve a scoop of lavender ice cream in a chilled bowl or cone for a refreshing treat. Let the natural floral flavors shine!

2. Pair It with Shortbread or Scones

Lavender ice cream tastes incredible with buttery shortbread cookies or freshly baked scones. The subtle sweetness of these baked goods complements the floral ice cream beautifully.

3. Lavender Ice Cream Affogato

For a sophisticated twist, pour a shot of hot espresso over a scoop of lavender ice cream. The combination of floral notes and coffee creates an indulgent, aromatic dessert.

4. Drizzle with Honey or Lemon Syrup

A light drizzle of honey enhances the natural floral notes, while a lemon syrup adds a refreshing citrusy contrast.

5. Serve with Fresh Berries

Pair your ice cream with blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries for a burst of fresh fruit flavor that balances the richness of the ice cream.

Storage Tips

1. Store in an Airtight Container

To prevent ice crystals from forming, store your ice cream in a shallow, airtight container. Press a layer of plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing the lid.

2. Keep It at the Right Temperature

Homemade ice cream tends to harden more than store-bought versions. Let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping for the best texture.

3. Consume Within Two Weeks

While homemade ice cream is best within one to two weeks, proper storage can extend its freshness. Avoid frequent thawing and refreezing, as this can lead to ice crystals and a grainy texture.

Final Thoughts

Lavender ice cream is a delightful blend of creamy richness and delicate floral flavors, making it a unique and refreshing dessert. Whether you’re enjoying it on a warm summer day, pairing it with baked treats, or experimenting with different flavor combinations, this homemade recipe is sure to impress.

With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a gourmet ice cream that’s both soothing and indulgent. Give this recipe a try, and don’t be afraid to make it your own by adding your favorite mix-ins or serving it with complementary flavors.

Have you tried making lavender ice cream? Let me know in the comments what you think or how you customized your version!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?

Yes, but fresh lavender is more potent, so you should use about half the amount compared to dried lavender. Make sure to chop it finely before infusing.

2. What if I don’t have an ice cream maker?

You can still make lavender ice cream using a no-churn method. After chilling the mixture, pour it into a shallow container, freeze for 45 minutes, then stir vigorously. Repeat every 30 minutes until creamy.

3. Does lavender ice cream taste like soap?

Not if you use the right amount! Overpowering lavender can taste soapy, so it’s important to measure carefully and use only culinary-grade lavender.

4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute coconut milk and coconut cream for the dairy ingredients. It will give the ice cream a slight coconut flavor, but it pairs well with lavender.

5. How do I adjust the sweetness of the ice cream?

You can reduce the sugar slightly or use honey as a natural sweetener. Just keep in mind that sugar also helps with texture, so reducing it too much may make the ice cream harder.