Go Back
Judy John

Lavender Ice Cream Recipe

Creamy homemade lavender ice cream infused with culinary lavender, vanilla, and a touch of honey. Freeze until scoopable and serve with fresh berries or lemon zest.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill and churn 4 hours
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 335
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Lavender Custard Base
  • 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (12 g) culinary lavender buds — food-grade only
  • 5 large egg yolks (90 g)
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons (42 g) honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 g) salt
Optional Flavor Finish
  • 1 teaspoon (2 g) finely grated lemon zest — optional
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) fresh berries — for serving, optional

Equipment

  • Medium Saucepan
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Fine Mesh Strainer
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Ice Cream Maker
  • Freezer
  • Food-Safe Storage Container
  • Ice Cream Scoop

Method
 

  1. Combine heavy cream, milk, sugar, culinary lavender, honey, and salt in a medium saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat until steaming, but do not boil.
  2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture steep for 10 minutes. Taste after steeping and shorten the time if the floral flavor feels too strong.
  3. Whisk the egg yolks in a mixing bowl until smooth. Slowly pour in about 1 cup of the warm cream mixture while whisking constantly.
  4. Return the yolk mixture to the saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Do not let the custard boil. Remove it from the heat immediately when it reaches a smooth, lightly thickened consistency.
  6. Pour the custard through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean bowl. Press gently to remove lavender pieces, then discard the solids.
  7. Stir in vanilla and lemon zest if using. Cover the surface directly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until completely cold, preferably 4 hours or overnight.
  8. Pour the chilled custard into an ice cream maker. Churn according to the manufacturer's instructions until thick, creamy, and softly scoopable.
  9. Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Smooth the top gently and press parchment or plastic wrap directly against the surface to limit ice crystals.
  10. Freeze for 2 to 4 hours for a firmer texture. Let it stand at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before scooping.
  11. Scoop into chilled bowls and garnish with fresh berries, extra lemon zest, or a small drizzle of honey before serving.

Notes

Use only food-grade culinary lavender because ornamental lavender may be unsuitable for cooking. Steep gently to control the floral intensity; longer steeping creates a stronger, more perfumed flavor. For extra-smooth ice cream, strain the custard carefully and chill it completely before churning. For softer scooping, serve after a short room-temperature rest. For firmer texture, freeze overnight. Avoid repeatedly thawing and refreezing because that creates ice crystals and reduces creaminess. Add lemon zest for brightness, berries for freshness, honey for deeper sweetness, or finely chopped dark chocolate for contrast. Assemble toppings immediately before serving so berries and citrus stay fresh. Store tightly covered in the coldest part of the freezer for up to 2 weeks for best texture, although it remains safe longer when continuously frozen.