Imagine a spoonful of creamy, aromatic ice cream that transports you to a lavender-filled field on a warm summer day. That’s the experience you’ll savor with this quick and easy lavender ice cream recipe. Infused with the soothing essence of lavender, this frozen delight is a delightful treat that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
Whether you’re a seasoned ice cream connoisseur or a newcomer to the world of homemade frozen desserts, this lavender ice cream is sure to captivate your senses. With its vibrant purple hue and a flavor that’s both floral and subtly sweet, this recipe is a true showstopper. Prepare to be the talk of the town as you serve up this unique and irresistible creation.
Get ready to embark on a delightful sensory journey as we dive into the world of lavender ice cream. From the first scoop to the last bite, this recipe is guaranteed to leave you craving more of its enchanting allure.
🥰 Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe ?
Lavender ice cream is a unique and captivating treat that stands out from the crowd. This recipe offers a truly exceptional flavor profile that will delight your taste buds and leave a lasting impression. The subtle, floral notes of lavender perfectly complement the rich, creamy texture of the ice cream, creating a harmonious balance that is both refreshing and indulgent.
What sets this lavender ice cream recipe apart is the attention to detail and the use of high-quality ingredients. By infusing the cream with fresh lavender, we’re able to capture the essence of the plant and infuse it into every spoonful. The result is a luxurious, velvety-smooth ice cream that melts in your mouth, leaving you craving for more.
Ingredients
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons dried lavender buds, plus more for garnish
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
The key ingredient in this recipe is the fresh lavender buds. Lavender is a fragrant and versatile herb that adds a unique floral note to the ice cream. The combination of the rich, creamy base and the aromatic lavender creates a truly exceptional flavor profile. For best results, use high-quality, food-grade dried lavender buds.
Instructions
- Infuse the Cream: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, and granulated sugar. Heat the mixture over medium, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has fully dissolved and the liquid is steaming, about 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the 2 tablespoons of dried lavender buds. Cover and let the mixture steep for 30 minutes, allowing the lavender to infuse the cream.
- Strain and Chill: Strain the lavender-infused cream through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the spent lavender buds. Pour the strained cream mixture into a clean bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until completely chilled.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Once the cream mixture is thoroughly chilled, pour it into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 20-30 minutes. During the last 5 minutes of churning, add the vanilla extract and salt. The ice cream should thicken and increase in volume as it churns.
- Freeze and Serve: Transfer the freshly churned lavender ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours, or until firm. Scoop and serve the ice cream, garnishing each portion with a sprinkle of additional dried lavender buds.
Timing Overview
• Cook time: 5 minutes
• Chill time: 120 minutes
• Churn time: 25 minutes
• Freeze time: 120 minutes
• Total Time: 280 minutes
Nutritional Information
Nutritional information is an estimate per serving, based on 8 servings.
• Protein: 3 g
• Sodium: 95 mg
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fat: 22 g
• Fiber: 0 g
🔄 Creative Twists & Variations
• To Make it Vegan: To create a vegan version of this lavender ice cream, substitute the heavy cream and milk with unsweetened, full-fat coconut milk. You can also use a plant-based milk, such as almond or oat milk, but the texture may not be as rich and creamy. Adjust the sugar as needed to achieve the desired sweetness.
• To Add a Citrus Twist: For a refreshing and zesty twist, add the zest of one lemon or orange to the cream mixture before steeping the lavender. The bright, tangy notes will complement the floral lavender beautifully.
🎉 Elevate Your Meal with These Serving Tips
• Garnish Suggestions: Garnish the lavender ice cream with a sprinkle of additional dried lavender buds, a drizzle of honey, or a few fresh berries for a visually stunning and flavorful presentation.
• Beverage Pairing: This lavender ice cream pairs wonderfully with a crisp, dry white wine or a refreshing lemon-infused sparkling water for a truly delightful experience.
❗ Pro Tips for a Perfect Outcome Every Time
• Mistake 2 – Using Dried Lavender That’s Past Its Prime: Make sure to use fresh, high-quality dried lavender buds for the best flavor. Lavender can lose its potency over time, so it’s important to use a fragrant, floral variety.
• Mistake 3 – Skipping the Steeping Process: Allowing the lavender to steep in the cream mixture is crucial for infusing the ice cream with its signature floral aroma and flavor. Don’t skip this step, as it’s what gives the ice cream its unique character.
🕒 A Guide to Storing for Later
• Freezing: This recipe can be frozen for long-term storage. Transfer the ice cream to an airtight, freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to allow the ice cream to thaw slightly before scooping and serving.
• Reheating: To reheat the lavender ice cream, simply scoop out the desired amount and let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly before serving. Avoid microwaving, as this can cause the ice cream to become icy and lose its creamy texture.
❓ FAQs
Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?
Yes, you can absolutely use fresh lavender in this recipe. However, you’ll need to use a slightly larger quantity, as the dried lavender buds are more concentrated in flavor. For this recipe, use about 4 tablespoons of fresh lavender instead of the 2 tablespoons of dried. Be sure to remove the leaves from the stems before steeping the lavender in the cream.
How do I know when the lavender ice cream is fully churned?
The ice cream is ready when it has thickened and increased in volume, usually after 20-30 minutes of churning. The texture should be smooth and creamy, with a soft, scoopable consistency. If you continue churning beyond this point, the ice cream can become too dense and icy.
Can I use a different type of milk instead of whole milk?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of milk in this recipe. For a richer, creamier ice cream, you can use half-and-half or even replace the whole milk entirely with additional heavy cream. For a lighter version, you can use low-fat or skim milk, but the texture may not be as velvety.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version of this lavender ice cream, you’ll need to replace the dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives. Substitute the heavy cream and whole milk with unsweetened, full-fat coconut milk. You can also use a blend of almond milk and cashew milk for a creamier texture. Be sure to adjust the sugar to your desired sweetness level, as the coconut milk may add a subtle sweetness of its own.
Can I add other flavors to this lavender ice cream?
Absolutely! This lavender ice cream recipe serves as a delicious base for a variety of flavor combinations. Consider adding a swirl of honey, a sprinkle of crushed cookies or nuts, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate for a decadent twist. You can also experiment with other floral or citrus flavors, such as rose, orange blossom, or lemon, to complement the lavender.
🥳 Wrapping It Up
Lavender ice cream is a truly captivating and unique treat that will transport your taste buds to a serene, fragrant garden. With its velvety texture and soothing floral notes, this recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking a delightful and unexpected dessert experience.
Whether you’re serving it as a refreshing finale to a summer meal or indulging in a scoop on its own, this lavender ice cream is sure to leave a lasting impression. So gather your ingredients, fire up your ice cream maker, and get ready to embark on a delightful journey of flavors that will have you craving more with every bite.
Enjoy the enchanting allure of this lavender ice cream, and let it become a new, cherished addition to your culinary repertoire. Bon appétit!
Quick and Easy Lavender Ice Cream Recipe
⏱️ Timing Overview
🥘 Ingredients
📝 Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, and granulated sugar. Heat the mixture over medium, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has fully dissolved and the liquid is steaming, about 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the 2 tablespoons of dried lavender buds. Cover and let the mixture steep for 30 minutes, allowing the lavender to infuse the cream.
- Strain the lavender-infused cream through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the spent lavender buds. Pour the strained cream mixture into a clean bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until completely chilled.
- Once the cream mixture is thoroughly chilled, pour it into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually about 20-30 minutes. During the last 5 minutes of churning, add the vanilla extract and salt. The ice cream should thicken and increase in volume as it churns.
- Transfer the freshly churned lavender ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours, or until firm. Scoop and serve the ice cream, garnishing each portion with a sprinkle of additional dried lavender buds.
