Honey Lavender Ice Cream

As the warm summer breezes waft through my kitchen window, I often find myself dreaming about the perfect treat to cool down with. That’s when I think of Honey Lavender Ice Cream. This delightful concoction combines the floral notes of lavender with the sweetness of honey, creating a unique ice cream that feels like a celebration of summer in every scoop. It’s a recipe that not only refreshes but also evokes memories of lazy afternoons spent in blooming gardens, the air fragrant with lavender. With each spoonful, I’m transported to those serene moments, making this ice cream more than just a dessert; it’s a nostalgic experience. Whether I’m serving it at a backyard barbecue or enjoying it solo as a late-night treat, Honey Lavender Ice Cream is my go-to for satisfying my sweet cravings.

Shopping List for Honey Lavender Ice Cream

The ingredients for Honey Lavender Ice Cream are simple yet effective, working together to create a beautifully balanced dessert. The star ingredients, honey and lavender, complement each other perfectly, providing sweetness and floral notes that are simply irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1/2 cup quality honey
• 1/4 cup quality culinary grade dried lavender flowers
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt
• 5 large egg yolks

Making This Honey Lavender Ice Cream

Creating Honey Lavender Ice Cream is a delightful process that involves a few careful steps. Let’s get started with making this heavenly dessert!

1. Begin by heating the honey in the microwave until it’s hot, then stir in the lavender. This step is crucial as it helps to infuse the honey with the lavender flavor. Let this mixture steep at room temperature for at least one hour, allowing the floral notes to develop fully.
2. Next, pour the lavender-steeped honey into a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl. This step is vital for separating the lavender from the honey, ensuring a smooth texture in your ice cream.
3. Now, pour the heavy cream over the strained honey. This helps to wash away any remaining honey trapped in the lavender flowers. Press gently on the flowers to extract as much honey as possible, then discard the flowers.
4. In another medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, sugar, and salt. Heat this mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. This step ensures that the sweetness is evenly distributed in the ice cream base.
5. While the milk mixture warms, beat the egg yolks in a separate bowl. Once the milk is warm, whisk in about half a cup of the milk mixture into the egg yolks gradually to temper them. This prevents the yolks from scrambling when added to the hot milk.
6. Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the warming milk. Continue to whisk constantly, ensuring the mixture thickens without sticking. Look for it to coat the back of a spoon when it’s ready.
7. Once thickened, strain the hot mixture into the bowl containing the honey and cream. Stir well to combine everything, ensuring a lovely, smooth consistency.
8. Let the mixture cool completely before covering it and chilling it in the refrigerator overnight. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a richer taste.
9. The next day, pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The process is simple and fun, and soon you’ll have a creamy base ready to freeze.
10. Once the ice cream has thickened to your desired consistency, transfer it to a freezer container. Freeze for at least a couple of hours or until it’s firmly set. Then it’s ready to serve!

What to Serve With Honey Lavender Ice Cream

When it comes to enjoying Honey Lavender Ice Cream, there are countless ways to serve it that can enhance your experience!

• Fresh Fruits: Pairing your ice cream with fresh berries or sliced peaches adds a wonderful contrast of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the fruit complements the floral notes of the ice cream beautifully.
• Fruit Salads: A light fruit salad can serve as a refreshing side dish. Consider a mix of melons, strawberries, and mint for a vibrant summer dish that pairs well with the ice cream.
• Crumbles and Pies: Serving Honey Lavender Ice Cream alongside a slice of peach cobbler or a berry pie creates a delightful dessert experience that balances warm and cold elements.
• On a Cone: For a classic twist, serve it in a waffle cone. The crunchy texture of the cone adds another layer of enjoyment.
• Special Occasions: This ice cream makes a stunning addition to any summer gathering, from weddings to birthday parties. Its unique flavor is sure to impress guests.
• Relaxing Evenings: Savor it on a quiet night at home, perhaps with a good book or movie, as a delightful treat to unwind.

Pro Tips and Tweaks

When making Honey Lavender Ice Cream, a few tips and tweaks can enhance your experience:

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container to prevent ice crystals from forming. This keeps your ice cream creamy.
• Freezing: For the best texture, allow your ice cream to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.
• Variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or mint for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
• Serving Suggestions: Drizzle with additional honey or sprinkle with crushed nuts before serving for added texture and flavor.
• Pairings: This ice cream pairs wonderfully with a cup of chamomile tea for a soothing dessert experience.

Serving Suggestions for Honey Lavender Ice Cream

When it comes to serving Honey Lavender Ice Cream, here are some wonderful suggestions to elevate your meal:

• Gourmet Dessert Platter: Create a beautiful dessert platter with slices of various cakes, Honey Lavender Ice Cream, and fresh fruits.
• Elegant Dinner Parties: Serve it as a light dessert after a rich meal to cleanse the palate.
• Picnics: Bring Honey Lavender Ice Cream to a picnic and serve it with homemade pastries for a delightful treat.
• Summer Gatherings: It’s perfect for outdoor barbecues or potlucks, where everyone can enjoy a refreshing scoop.
• Brunch Events: Try serving it alongside pancakes or waffles for a sweet breakfast surprise.
• Seasonal Celebrations: Ideal for summer holidays, this ice cream can be a centerpiece dessert that everyone raves about.

FAQ

Conclusion

Honey Lavender Ice Cream is a unique and delicious treat that captures the essence of summer with its floral notes and sweet honey flavor. Making it at home allows you to customize it to your taste and enjoy a creamy dessert that stands out from the typical options. I encourage you to try this delightful recipe and experience the refreshing sensation it brings. You won’t regret adding this sweet indulgence to your repertoire!

Honey Lavender Ice Cream

The ultimate summer treat awaits! Honey Lavender Ice Cream is a creamy, floral delight that’s perfect for warm days. Indulge in this easy homemade dessert that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Make it tonight for a refreshing experience!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup culinary grade dried lavender flowers
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt
• 5 large egg yolks

Equipment

• Basic ice cream maker
• Deluxe ice cream maker

Method

 

1. Heat the honey in the microwave until hot then stir in the lavender. Let the lavender steep at room temperature for at least one hour. Pour the lavender-steeped honey into a fine mesh strainer placed over a large bowl. Then pour the heavy cream over the lavender to help the remaining honey pass through. Press on the lavender flowers to extract any remaining honey. Discard the lavender flowers and put the strainer back over the bowl.
2. Place the whole milk, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Warm the milk, stirring the sugar until it is dissolved.
3. While the milk is warming, place the egg yolks in a bowl and whisk them together.
4. Pour 1/2 cup or so of the warmed milk into the egg yolks, whisking constantly. Pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan of warmed milk, whisking constantly.
5. Use a rubber spatula or spoon to continue stirring the mixture, scraping the bottom to prevent sticking, until the mixture is thick enough to coat the spatula or the back of the spoon.
6. Pour the hot mixture through the strainer into the honey-infused cream, then stir to combine.
7. Let the mixture cool completely, then cover and chill in the refrigerator overnight.
8. The next day, pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
9. Once the ice cream has thickened, transfer it to a freezer container and freeze for at least a couple of hours, or until fully firm, before serving.

Notes

• Tip 1: Store any leftovers in an airtight container to prevent ice crystals from forming.
• Tip 2: For the best texture, allow your ice cream to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.
• Tip 3: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or mint for a unique twist.
• Tip 4: Drizzle with additional honey or sprinkle with crushed nuts before serving.
• Tip 5: This ice cream pairs wonderfully with a cup of chamomile tea.

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Meet Adele Mercer

Every meal deserves a spectacular finish, whether it is a savory main or a sweet treat. I enjoy the entire creative cycle, from kneading dough to editing the final photos. I developed this recipe to be approachable for home cooks while ensuring it delivers the high-quality results you expect.