Description
This Lavender Ice Cream recipe is a delicate and floral frozen treat made with creamy heavy cream, whole milk, and infused with culinary-grade dried lavender. Perfect for a refreshing summer dessert, this ice cream balances fragrant lavender notes with rich vanilla and a smooth custard base, creating a unique and delightful flavor experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Ice Cream Base
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Infuse the Milk: In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, sugar, and dried lavender. Heat over medium heat until the mixture is hot but not boiling, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, cover, and let the lavender steep for 20 to 30 minutes to infuse its delicate floral flavor.
- Strain the Infusion: Strain the lavender-infused milk through a fine mesh sieve to remove the lavender buds. Return the smooth, infused milk to the saucepan for the next steps.
- Temper the Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth. Slowly pour a small amount of the warm milk mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly to temper and prevent curdling.
- Cook the Custard: Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Be careful not to let it boil.
- Add Final Flavors: Remove the custard from heat, then stir in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor and richness of the ice cream base.
- Chill the Mixture: Cool the custard completely by chilling it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to ensure it is thoroughly cold before churning.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Freeze Until Firm: Transfer the churned ice cream to a container and freeze for at least 2 hours to firm up before serving for the best texture.
Notes
- Use only culinary-grade dried lavender to ensure a safe and pleasant flavor; other types may be too strong or unsafe for consumption.
- For a more vibrant purple color, optionally add a drop of natural purple food coloring before churning.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning
- Cuisine: French-American
