Lavender Ice Cream : Elegant Homemade Recipe

If you’re searching for a unique dessert that’s both elegant and refreshing, this Lavender Ice Cream recipe is for you. Delicately floral, ultra-creamy, and visually stunning, it’s a dreamy frozen treat that’s as perfect for spring garden parties as it is for cozy nights in. Whether you’re familiar with culinary lavender or trying it for the first time, this ice cream brings a sophisticated twist to traditional frozen desserts.

Not only does lavender create a lovely aroma and color, but it also blends beautifully with other flavors like lemon and blueberry. From lavender mousse recipes to lavender pudding, this versatile herb has earned its place in the world of lavender recipes food. But here, it takes center stage in one of the most enchanting ice creams you’ll ever taste.

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Why You’ll Love This Lavender Ice Cream Treat

Lavender isn’t just for your garden or essential oil diffuser—it’s a fabulous ingredient in the kitchen, too. Here’s why this lavender ice cream treat is a must-try:

• Sophisticated flavor: The floral notes are mild yet distinct, offering a grown-up dessert with gourmet flair.
• Versatile pairings: Pairs perfectly with lemon lavender ice cream, shortbread cookies, honey, and fruit.
• Customizable: Add blueberries, rose water, or a touch of vanilla to create your own signature scoop.
• No artificial coloring needed: Infused lavender gives the ice cream a soft pastel hue naturally.
• Perfect for any season: Light and refreshing in summer, cozy and fragrant in cooler months.

Whether you’re hosting a brunch, looking for good baking recipes to serve with ice cream, or simply exploring culinary lavender recipes, this one is a keeper.

Ingredients for Lavender Ice Cream

Here’s what you need to make this deliciously creamy lavender ice cream. This recipe yields about 1 quart (4 servings):

Base Ice Cream Mixture

• 1½ cups (360ml) whole milk
• 1½ cups (360ml) heavy cream
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender buds
• 4 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• 1–2 drops purple food coloring (optional, for a pastel look)

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 tablespoon rose water (for floral twist)
• ½ cup fresh blueberries (for a blueberry lavender ice cream version)
• Zest of 1 lemon (for a lemon lavender ice cream variation)

Essential Kitchen Equipment

Making homemade ice cream is easier when you have the right tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Medium saucepan
• Whisk and wooden spoon
• Fine mesh strainer
• Mixing bowls
• Ice cream maker or Ninja Creami
• Airtight container for freezing
• Thermometer (optional but helpful)

If you don’t have an ice cream machine, you can still make this recipe with a no-churn method by whipping the base and freezing it in stages.

How to Make Lavender Ice Cream Step-by-Step

Step 1: Infuse the Milk
In a medium saucepan, combine milk, half of the cream, and sugar. Stir in the dried lavender and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once it starts to steam (not boil), remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 15–20 minutes.

Step 2: Temper the Egg Yolks
In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth. Slowly pour a ladle of the warm lavender milk into the yolks while whisking to prevent curdling. Continue adding until the yolks are tempered.

Step 3: Cook the Custard
Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until the mixture thickens and coats the back of the spoon (around 170°F or 77°C).

Step 4: Strain and Chill
Remove from heat and strain the mixture into a clean bowl to remove lavender buds. Stir in the remaining cream and vanilla extract (or rose water, if using). Add food coloring if desired. Let cool at room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 5: Churn the Ice Cream
Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 20–25 minutes. Once it reaches soft-serve consistency, transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 2–4 hours until firm.

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Tips for Working with Culinary Lavender

Lavender is powerful—use it wisely for the best results. Here are a few key tips:

• Only use culinary lavender: This variety is food-safe and less bitter than ornamental types.
• Don’t overdo it: A little goes a long way. Too much lavender can make your dessert taste soapy.
• Strain the buds: Infuse the milk, then strain out the lavender to keep the texture smooth.
• Balance with sweetness: Lavender pairs beautifully with honey, vanilla, lemon, or berries to mellow its bold flavor.

These tips will help you turn this fragrant herb into a showstopping dessert ingredient.

Fun Variations: Lemon Lavender, Blueberry Lavender & More

Once you’ve nailed the classic version, try these creative variations to expand your lavender ice cream recipe collection:

Lemon Lavender Ice Cream: Add lemon zest during the steeping process or swirl in lemon curd before freezing. The citrus brightens the floral flavor beautifully.

Blueberry Lavender Ice Cream: Stir in mashed or whole blueberries during the last minutes of churning. The sweet-tart berries contrast the creamy lavender base perfectly.

Lavender Mousse Recipe: Take the same flavor notes and whip them into a light, airy mousse using whipped cream, gelatin, and infused milk.

Lavender Pudding: Infuse lavender into the milk for a comforting, floral pudding topped with fresh fruit.

These options prove just how versatile lavender recipes food can be—each one an adventure in flavor and texture.

Pairing Ideas for Lavender Recipes Food

Lavender ice cream makes a beautiful dessert on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with:

• Shortbread cookies or butter biscuits
• Lemon pound cake or angel food cake
• Fresh berries, especially blueberries and raspberries
• Honey drizzle or a spoonful of berry jam
• A glass of iced herbal tea or lavender lemonade

Use it as a scoop over cake slices or in an ice cream sandwich for a creative treat. The flavor plays well with delicate, subtly sweet companions.

How to Store Homemade Lavender Ice Cream

To keep your ice cream at peak texture and taste, follow these tips:

• Use an airtight container: Store in a freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid.
• Press parchment paper onto the surface before sealing to reduce freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 2 weeks: Homemade ice cream is best within this window for flavor and texture.
• Let soften before scooping: Allow the container to sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving for the perfect scoop.

Avoid frequent thawing and refreezing, which can create icy texture.

Lavender Ice Cream in the Ninja Creami

Want to try this in the Ninja Creami? It’s easy! Simply:

1. Follow steps 1 through 4 to create and chill the lavender custard base.
2. Pour into the Ninja Creami pint container and freeze for 24 hours.
3. Process on the “Ice Cream” or “Gelato” setting. If it appears crumbly, re-spin once or twice until smooth.
4. For flavor mix-ins like blueberries or lemon curd, add them after the first spin and use the “Mix-In” setting.

This method delivers luscious, scoopable ice cream with the press of a button—perfect for tech-savvy home chefs.

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FAQs About Lavender Ice Cream Recipe

Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?
Yes, but dried culinary lavender is more potent and easier to measure. If using fresh, double the quantity and ensure it’s pesticide-free.

Does lavender taste soapy?
Not if used correctly. Stick to recommended amounts and balance it with sweet or citrus flavors for best results.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute full-fat coconut milk for the milk and cream, and use a plant-based sweetener like maple syrup. Omit eggs and try a no-churn method or churn with a stabilizer.

How do I know when the custard is thick enough?
It should coat the back of a spoon and leave a trail when you run your finger through it.

What color will the ice cream be naturally?
The steeped lavender gives a pale tan or cream color. Add a touch of purple food coloring for a more dramatic visual effect.

Final Thoughts + Call to Action

This Lavender Ice Cream is more than just dessert—it’s a sensory experience. From the calming aroma to the silky texture and floral finish, every scoop feels like a special occasion. Whether you serve it with shortbread, pair it with tea, or enjoy it straight from the tub, it’s sure to impress.

Looking for ways to expand your culinary creativity? Explore more lavender recipes food, experiment with lavender mousse, or try fruity twists like blueberry lavender ice cream.

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