Honey Lavender Ice Cream Recipe
This delicate Honey Lavender Ice Cream blends fragrant dried lavender with smooth honey-infused cream for a rich and floral frozen treat. Cream, milk, honey, and egg yolks combine to create a creamy base, infused with lavender to add a unique and aromatic flavor. Perfect for a refreshing homemade dessert that captures the essence of both floral and sweet notes.
- Author: Joe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: About 1 quart (4 cups) of ice cream 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning
- Cuisine: American
Ice Cream Base
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup raw honey
- 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 4 egg yolks
- Infuse the Cream: Heat 1 cup of heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until tiny bubbles form around the edges. Add 2 tablespoons of dried culinary lavender to the cream and allow it to steep for 15 minutes, infusing the cream with lavender flavor.
- Whisk Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 egg yolks and 2/3 cup granulated sugar vigorously until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, creating a smooth custard base.
- Combine Cream and Eggs: Slowly and gradually pour the warm lavender-infused cream into the egg-sugar mixture while whisking constantly to prevent the yolks from scrambling and ensure a creamy texture.
- Cook the Custard: Return the combined mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously until the custard thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Remove the custard from heat and stir in 1 cup whole milk, 1/4 cup raw honey, and a pinch of salt. Mix until fully combined, then let the mixture cool completely to room temperature.
- Chill the Mixture: Transfer the cooled custard to the refrigerator and chill for at least two hours to enhance flavor and allow proper setting for churning.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency, usually about 20-25 minutes.
Notes
- Use culinary lavender specifically to avoid any bitterness from non-edible lavender varieties.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can freeze the mixture and stir every 30 minutes until firm to mimic the churning process.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey to suit taste preferences.
- For a richer flavor, consider using full-fat dairy ingredients.
- Ensure slow, steady heating during custard cooking to prevent curdling.
Keywords: Honey Lavender Ice Cream, homemade ice cream, floral ice cream, honey dessert, lavender recipe, frozen dessert