Honey Lavender Ice Cream
This Honey Lavender Ice Cream combines creamy dairy, natural honey sweetness, and fragrant lavender for a refined dessert experience. With simple preparation and minimal ingredients, it’s perfect for anyone seeking a lightly floral, delicious homemade ice cream.
Equipment
- 1 Ice Cream Maker
- 1 Fine mesh strainer
- 2 Mixing Bowls
- 1 Whisk
- Measuring cups (set)
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups whole milk higher fat yields creamier texture
- 2 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 large eggs
- 2 to 3 tablespoons dried edible lavender flowers
- ⅔ cup raw honey
Instructions
- Prepare the Custard Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly until smooth. Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream while continuing to whisk. Stir in the honey, ensuring it is well incorporated. Add the dried lavender flowers, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Heat and Infuse the Lavender: Transfer the mixture to a medium saucepan and place it over medium-high heat. Stir gently and continuously to dissolve the honey completely. Once you see steam rising and tiny bubbles forming around the edges (just before boiling), remove the pan from the heat. Cover it tightly and let the lavender steep in the warm mixture for 30 minutes, allowing the floral flavors to infuse fully.
- Strain and Chill: After steeping, pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean bowl to remove all lavender bits, leaving a smooth custard base. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until the mixture is thoroughly chilled, which can take up to eight hours or overnight.
- Freeze the Ice Cream: Once chilled, pour the custard into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically about 30 minutes. For soft-serve texture, serve immediately. For firmer ice cream, transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for an additional two hours.
Notes
- Milk Fat Content: Using whole milk or higher fat dairy will enhance creaminess, but you can experiment with lower-fat options if desired, keeping in mind it may affect texture.
- Lavender Quality: Make sure to use culinary-grade dried lavender to avoid any bitterness and ensure safe consumption.
- Honey Substitutes: While honey adds a floral sweetness that complements lavender, you can substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar if preferred.
- Chilling Time: Don’t rush chilling; a fully cold base helps the ice cream churn smoothly and improves texture.
- Storage Tip: Store leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. Allow it to soften slightly at room temperature before scooping for the best experience.
