The Honey Lavender Ice Cream is a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of local honey with the floral notes of lavender, creating a refreshing dessert perfect for warm days. This refined sugar-free ice cream is rich and creamy, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings, picnics, or simply indulging yourself at home. Its unique flavor profile sets it apart from typical ice creams, ensuring every scoop is a memorable experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor Combination: The blend of honey and lavender offers a sophisticated taste that stands out.
• Refined Sugar-Free: Sweetened naturally with honey, this ice cream is a healthier dessert option.
• Simple Preparation: With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this treat in no time.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect on its own or as a topping for cakes and pies, it suits various occasions.
• Impressive Presentation: Serve this beautiful ice cream at your next gathering to wow your guests.

Tools and Preparation

Making Honey Lavender Ice Cream requires some essential tools to ensure a smooth process. Equip yourself with these items to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Ice cream maker
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Fine mesh sieve
• Heat-proof mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Ice cream maker: Essential for achieving that creamy texture by churning the mixture as it freezes.
• Medium saucepan: Perfect for heating the milk and honey mixture without burning.
• Fine mesh sieve: Useful for straining the lavender buds to ensure a smooth final product.

Ingredients

This refined sugar-free ice cream is super creamy and full of summer flavors. Local honey as a sweetener and lavender make a unique, yet delicious dessert.

For the Base

• 2 cups whole milk, divided
• 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
• 2/3 cup good quality honey
• 2 Tablespoons dried culinary lavender

this recipe

How to Make Honey Lavender Ice Cream

Step 1: Create the Slurry

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of the milk to create a slurry. This will help thicken your ice cream base.

Step 2: Mix Cream Cheese and Salt

In a medium heat-proof bowl, mix the cream cheese and salt together until smooth. This provides a rich texture in your ice cream.

Step 3: Prepare the Milk Mixture

In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining milk, heavy cream, and honey. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Let boil for about 4 minutes while stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in the lavender buds. Allow it to steep for 10 minutes before straining through a fine mesh sieve to remove the buds. Pour the strained mixture back into the saucepan and discard the lavender buds. Turn heat back to medium-high and whisk in the cornstarch slurry until thickened—about 1 minute.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Whisk the hot milk mixture into the cream cheese mixture until smooth. Cover your bowl and place it in the refrigerator to chill completely—this may take several hours or overnight.

Step 5: Freeze Your Ice Cream

When your mixture has chilled sufficiently, freeze it in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once done, store it in the freezer until you’re ready to enjoy!

This homemade Honey Lavender Ice Cream is sure to be a hit!

How to Serve Honey Lavender Ice Cream

Serving Honey Lavender Ice Cream can elevate your dessert experience. This unique flavor pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments, enhancing its delightful taste.

Pair with Fresh Berries

• Raspberries: Their tartness complements the sweetness of the ice cream beautifully.
• Blueberries: A burst of juiciness that adds a nice contrast to the creamy texture.
• Strawberries: Sliced and lightly sugared, they create a refreshing combination.

Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce

• Dark Chocolate Sauce: The rich bitterness of dark chocolate balances the floral notes of lavender.
• White Chocolate Drizzle: For a sweeter touch, white chocolate adds a lovely creaminess to each bite.

Top with Whipped Cream

• Homemade Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, it adds an airy texture that enhances the ice cream’s creaminess.
• Lavender Infused Whipped Cream: A subtle hint of lavender in your whipped cream will amplify the flavor profile.

Serve in a Waffle Cone

• Classic Waffle Cone: Adds a crunchy texture that contrasts perfectly with the soft ice cream.
• Sugar Cone: For those who enjoy extra sweetness, sugar cones offer a delightful option.

How to Perfect Honey Lavender Ice Cream

To achieve the best results with your Honey Lavender Ice Cream, follow these essential tips.

• Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality honey and fresh lavender buds will enhance the overall flavor significantly.
• Chill Thoroughly: Ensure your mixture is completely chilled before freezing for smoother ice cream.
• Don’t Overheat: Avoid boiling your milk mixture for too long to prevent curdling and maintain a creamy texture.
• Stir Constantly: When adding the cornstarch slurry, constant stirring helps prevent lumps and ensures even thickness.

Best Side Dishes for Honey Lavender Ice Cream

Pairing side dishes with Honey Lavender Ice Cream can make your dessert spread even more delightful. Here are some suggestions to consider.

1. Shortbread Cookies: Their buttery flavor complements the floral notes of the ice cream nicely.
2. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and brightness to your dessert table.
3. Cheese Plate: Soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese create an elegant contrast to the sweet ice cream.
4. Pistachio Cake: The nutty flavors pair well with honey and lavender, creating a harmonious dessert experience.
5. Almond Biscotti: Crunchy and slightly sweet, these cookies are perfect for dipping into ice cream.
6. Chocolate Tart: Rich chocolate brings out the sweetness of honey while balancing floral tones.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Honey Lavender Ice Cream is a delightful experience, but some common mistakes can hinder its creamy perfection.

• Not using culinary lavender: Regular lavender can be toxic. Always choose culinary-grade lavender for safe and flavorful ice cream.
• Skipping the steeping step: Failing to steep the lavender can result in a bland taste. Allow the mixture to infuse for the full 10 minutes for maximum flavor.
• Not chilling the mixture: Skipping refrigeration before churning leads to a less creamy texture. Ensure the mixture is thoroughly chilled for optimal results.
• Ignoring measurements: Being imprecise with ingredients, especially honey and cream, affects consistency. Use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
• Over-churning the ice cream: Churning too long can lead to ice crystals forming. Follow your ice cream maker’s instructions closely to avoid this issue.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Honey Lavender Ice Cream can last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Honey Lavender Ice Cream

• Keep it in a sealed container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
• This ice cream stays good in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating Honey Lavender Ice Cream

• Oven: Preheat to low heat (around 200°F) and place the ice cream in an oven-safe dish until slightly softened.
• Microwave: Use short intervals of 10-15 seconds on low power, checking frequently to avoid melting completely.
• Stovetop: Gently heat in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until softened but not melted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Honey Lavender Ice Cream?

Honey Lavender Ice Cream is a creamy dessert made with whole milk, heavy cream, honey, and dried culinary lavender. It’s a unique treat that captures summer flavors.

Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?

It’s recommended to stick with dried culinary lavender for this recipe. Fresh lavender can have a stronger taste and may not yield the same results.

How do I customize my Honey Lavender Ice Cream?

You can experiment by adding mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, or even try different sweeteners like maple syrup for varied flavors.

How long does it take to make Honey Lavender Ice Cream?

The total time is about 10 minutes of prep and cook time, but chilling takes several hours or overnight before you churn it.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Substitute whole milk with coconut milk or almond milk and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. You can also replace honey with agave syrup for a vegan option.

Final Thoughts

Honey Lavender Ice Cream offers a unique blend of sweetness and floral notes that makes it perfect for warm days or special occasions. This refined sugar-free treat is not only delicious but also versatile; feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients! Give it a try and enjoy this refreshing dessert that brings summer right into your bowl.