Lavender Ice Cream Recipe – A Luxurious Floral Treat You’ll Love

There’s something undeniably elegant about floral desserts. And when it comes to flavor and fragrance, few ingredients capture the magic of spring and summer quite like lavender. This lavender ice cream recipe blends the soft, floral notes of dried lavender with a creamy custard base and a touch of rose for a truly decadent and refreshing treat.

Whether you’re planning a garden party, a relaxing weekend dessert, or experimenting with culinary lavender recipes, this homemade ice cream is a gorgeous and delicious way to elevate your dessert game. And the best part? It’s easier to make than it looks. With just a handful of ingredients, a bit of patience, and a little creativity, you can turn your kitchen into a small-batch artisanal creamery.

Let’s dive into how to make your very own floral-inspired ice cream, plus explore fun variations like blueberry lavender ice cream, serving ideas, and tips for using lavender in other baked treats and desserts.

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Why You’ll Love This Lavender Rose Ice Cream

This ice cream is not your average scoop—it’s fragrant, silky, and delightfully unique. Made with a base of cream, egg yolks, sugar, and infused with dried culinary lavender, this dessert is lightly perfumed without being overpowering. The addition of rose water adds a gentle floral note that rounds out the flavor, making it feel like a dessert fit for a tea room or elegant dinner party.

Here’s why this lavender ice cream recipe stands out:

• Incredibly creamy: Thanks to a custard-style base, the texture is smooth and luscious.
• Naturally calming: Lavender isn’t just beautiful—it’s known for its relaxing properties.
• Beautiful presentation: With its pale pastel hue and edible garnishes, this ice cream is a stunner.
• Flexible recipe: Can be made with or without rose, with other infusions like lemon or berries.
• Perfect for special occasions: Whether it’s brunch, a baby shower, or a summer picnic, it’s always a showstopper.

If you’re new to lavender recipes food or curious about how to use floral ingredients in desserts, this is a perfect starting point.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses fresh, high-quality ingredients to create a rich and aromatic frozen dessert. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 4 large egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender
• 1 teaspoon rose water (optional)
• Pinch of salt
• A few drops of purple or pink gel food coloring (optional)

Optional Garnishes:

• Edible flowers
• Lavender sprigs
• Crushed freeze-dried raspberries
• White chocolate shavings

Feel free to skip the rose water or coloring if you prefer a more classic lavender experience. Just be sure to use culinary lavender—not all lavender is safe for cooking.

What Is Culinary Lavender?

Not all lavender is meant for eating. Culinary lavender is a specific variety (often English lavender or Lavandula angustifolia) that’s grown for cooking and baking. It has a softer, sweeter flavor than ornamental lavender, which can be too perfumy or bitter.

You can find culinary lavender at specialty spice shops, online retailers, or natural grocery stores. It’s also used in other popular culinary lavender recipes like lavender shortbread, syrups, and lemonade.

When using lavender, a little goes a long way. Start with less and add more only if needed, as the flavor can become overwhelming quickly.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Lavender Ice Cream

Making homemade ice cream takes a bit of time and care, but the results are well worth it. Follow these steps for flawless results:

Step 1: Infuse the cream

In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, and dried lavender. Heat gently over medium heat until it just begins to steam—not boil. Remove from heat and let the lavender steep for 15–20 minutes.

Step 2: Strain and reheat

Strain the lavender out of the cream using a fine-mesh sieve. Return the infused mixture to the saucepan and warm it slightly again.

Step 3: Whisk the yolks and sugar

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and a pinch of salt until pale and slightly thickened.

Step 4: Temper the eggs

Slowly pour a ladle of the warm cream into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper. Then pour the tempered eggs into the saucepan with the rest of the cream.

Step 5: Cook the custard

Stir the mixture over medium-low heat for about 5–7 minutes, until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Do not let it boil.

Step 6: Add flavor

Remove from heat. Stir in the rose water (if using) and food coloring. Let the custard cool completely, then chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 7: Churn the ice cream

Once chilled, churn the mixture in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 8: Freeze and serve

Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving. Scoop and garnish as desired.

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Lavender Flavor Variations: Blueberry, Lemon, and More

This lavender ice cream recipe is a perfect canvas for creative twists. Here are some beautiful variations to try:

• Blueberry Lavender Ice Cream: Add ½ cup of blueberry compote or swirl in blueberry preserves just before freezing. The fruity tang pairs beautifully with lavender’s floral notes.
• Lemon Lavender Ice Cream: Add lemon zest during the infusion step or swirl in a bit of lemon curd for bright, zesty contrast.
• Lavender Honey Ice Cream: Replace part of the sugar with honey for a more earthy-sweet profile.
• White Chocolate Lavender: Stir in white chocolate chips or drizzle in a white chocolate ganache before freezing.

Each variation highlights a different facet of lavender, giving you options for every mood and menu.

No-Churn and Ninja Creami Lavender Ice Cream Options

No ice cream maker? No problem! Here’s how to make it without churning.

No-Churn Method:

1. Whip 2 cups of heavy cream to stiff peaks.
2. Fold in a chilled mixture of sweetened condensed milk and lavender-infused flavoring (plus optional rose or coloring).
3. Pour into a loaf pan, cover, and freeze overnight.

Ninja Creami Adaptation:

If you’re using a Ninja Creami, make the custard as directed, chill it fully, then freeze in a Ninja Creami container for 24 hours. Use the “Ice Cream” setting and spin until creamy.

Both options still deliver the floral flavor and luscious texture without the need for professional equipment.

How to Use Lavender in Desserts and Baking

Once you start using lavender, you’ll want to add it to everything! Beyond ice cream, it’s wonderful in:

• Lavender Mousse Recipe – Add to whipped cream and set in cups with berries
• Lavender Pudding – Infuse the milk before making your favorite pudding base
• Cookies and Shortbread – Add crushed lavender buds to classic cookie dough
• Lavender Cake – Infuse the milk or butter used in the batter for a delicate aroma
• Syrups and Glazes – Simmer lavender with sugar and water for drizzle-ready syrup

Just remember to use sparingly and pair it with complementary flavors like lemon, honey, vanilla, or berries.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

One of the joys of homemade ice cream is dressing it up. Here are a few stylish ways to serve your lavender rose ice cream:

• In waffle cones topped with dried rose petals
• Scooped onto shortbread or lavender sugar cookies
• Served with fresh raspberries or a berry compote
• Drizzled with honey and garnished with edible flowers
• Layered in a parfait glass with whipped coconut cream and fruit

Whether you go rustic or refined, this dessert will impress.

Storage and Shelf Life Tips

To keep your ice cream fresh and scoopable:

• Store it in a shallow, airtight container
• Press parchment paper or plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent ice crystals
• Label with the date—homemade ice cream is best within 2 weeks
• Let it sit at room temp for 5–10 minutes before scooping for best texture

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FAQs About Lavender Ice Cream

Can I use fresh lavender?
Yes, but use half the amount, as it can be more potent. Be sure it’s pesticide-free and safe for culinary use.

What if the lavender flavor is too strong?
Next time, reduce the steeping time or amount of lavender. A little truly goes a long way.

Is it safe for kids?
Yes, in small amounts. Lavender is generally safe but should be used moderately.

Can I color it naturally?
Yes! Try a small amount of blueberry juice or hibiscus powder for a soft purple hue.

Can I skip the eggs?
You can make an eggless version using a cornstarch-based custard, though it may have a slightly different texture.

Conclusion

This lavender ice cream recipe is more than just a dessert—it’s a sensory experience. From the calming aroma of steeped lavender to the first creamy spoonful, it’s a treat that feels indulgent yet natural, elegant yet simple. Whether served at a special event or made just because, it’s sure to turn heads and win hearts.

Now that you know how easy it is to make, give this recipe a try! Then explore more culinary lavender recipes, from mousse to cookies to drinks. And don’t forget to share this recipe with your fellow foodies and subscribe for more unique ice cream ideas, elegant floral bakes, and other good baking recipes you’ll want to make again and again.

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