Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this creamy honey lavender ice cream! It’s like a little scoop of heaven on a hot summer day. The way the floral notes of lavender dance with the sweetness of honey is just magical. I remember the first time I made it; the entire kitchen smelled like a dreamy garden, and as soon as I took my first bite, I was hooked! It has this incredibly smooth texture that just melts in your mouth, making it the perfect treat for warm evenings or special gatherings. Trust me, once you try this creamy delight, you’ll want to make it a regular part of your dessert rotation. It’s a personal favorite of mine, and I can’t wait for you to experience it too!
Ingredients List
Alright, here’s what you’ll need to whip up this dreamy creamy honey lavender ice cream! Gather these ingredients and let’s get started:
- 2 cups heavy cream (make sure it’s nice and fresh for that extra creaminess)
- 1 cup whole milk (this adds to the rich texture)
- 3/4 cup honey (go for a good quality honey for the best flavor)
- 2 tablespoons dried lavender (this is where the magic happens—trust me, it’s worth it!)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for that lovely depth)
- 4 egg yolks (they’ll help create that luscious, velvety base)
Make sure to measure everything accurately, and you’ll be on your way to a floral ice cream dream!
How to Prepare Creamy Honey Lavender Ice Cream
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making this luscious creamy honey lavender ice cream! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll love every step of the way. Just follow my lead, and you’ll be enjoying this delightful treat in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by pouring the heavy cream, whole milk, and honey into a medium saucepan. Heat it over medium heat, stirring gently until it’s warm but not boiling—about 5 minutes should do it.
- Once warm, add the dried lavender and let it steep for 15 minutes. This is where the magic happens, so don’t rush it! Trust me, your kitchen will smell divine.
- After steeping, strain the mixture to remove the lavender buds. You want that smooth, floral essence without any bits—no one wants a crunchy ice cream!
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they’re nice and smooth. Then, slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent scrambling. This step is crucial, so take your time!
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly (about 5-7 minutes). You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon. Remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Let the mixture cool, then chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. Once it’s cold, churn it in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Finally, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze until firm. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutrition of this creamy honey lavender ice cream! Each serving (which is about 1/2 cup) packs a delightful balance of flavors and nutrients. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Sugar: 28g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 50mg
So, while it’s a treat, it’s nice to know what you’re enjoying. Indulge wisely and savor every creamy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor: The combination of floral lavender and sweet honey creates a taste that’s truly one-of-a-kind.
- Creamy Texture: The heavy cream and egg yolks work together to give this ice cream a rich, velvety mouthfeel.
- Simple Preparation: With just a few easy steps, you can make this gourmet ice cream right at home!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer BBQ or a cozy night in, this ice cream is sure to impress.
- Impressive Aroma: The delightful scent of lavender will fill your kitchen, making it feel like a special treat.
Tips for Success
To get your creamy honey lavender ice cream just right, here are some of my top tips! First off, always use high-quality honey—this really elevates the flavor and sweetness. When steeping the lavender, don’t rush it; letting it infuse for a full 15 minutes ensures those lovely floral notes come through beautifully. Also, be patient while cooking the mixture; it should thicken gently without boiling. And when it comes to chilling the base, the longer, the better—aim for at least 4 hours for the best texture! Finally, remember to churn the mixture until it’s just starting to hold its shape, and then freeze it until firm for the perfect scoop! Enjoy the process!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of delicious ways to switch up this creamy honey lavender ice cream! Here are a few ideas to get those creative juices flowing:
- Herbal Infusions: Try adding a hint of fresh mint or basil instead of lavender for a refreshing twist.
- Fruit Add-ins: Fold in some chopped strawberries or blueberries after churning for a fruity burst of flavor.
- Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the base for a warm, cozy vibe.
- Chocolate Delight: Swirl in some melted chocolate or chocolate chips for a rich contrast to the floral notes.
- Citrus Zest: Incorporate some lemon or orange zest for a bright and zesty flavor that pairs beautifully with honey.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas—let your taste buds guide you to your perfect scoop!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your creamy honey lavender ice cream properly is key to keeping it fresh and delicious! Once your ice cream is churned and firm, scoop it into an airtight container. This helps prevent ice crystals from forming and maintains that smooth texture we all love. You can keep it in the freezer for up to 2 weeks, but trust me, it’s so good it might not last that long!
When you’re ready to enjoy another scoop, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before scooping. This makes it easier to serve without breaking your scoop! Enjoy every creamy bite!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your creamy honey lavender ice cream ready to go, let’s talk about how to make it even more delightful! One of my favorite ways to serve it is by pairing it with a slice of warm, buttery pound cake. The richness of the cake complements the floral notes perfectly! You could also drizzle a little extra honey on top for that added sweetness. Another fantastic option is to serve it alongside fresh berries—think strawberries or raspberries—for a refreshing contrast. And if you’re feeling extra fancy, sprinkle some crushed shortbread cookies on top for a delightful crunch. Trust me, these pairings will elevate your ice cream experience to a whole new level!
For more delicious dessert ideas, check out Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta or Creamy Chicken Pasta.
Print
Creamy Honey Lavender Ice Cream: 5 Steps to Delight
- Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 1 quart 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy honey lavender ice cream with a smooth texture and floral notes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons dried lavender
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 egg yolks
Instructions
- In a saucepan, heat the milk, cream, and honey over medium heat until warm.
- Add the dried lavender and let steep for 15 minutes.
- Strain the mixture to remove lavender.
- In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks.
- Slowly pour the warm mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat until it thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
- Churn the mixture in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer instructions.
- Transfer to a container and freeze until firm.
Notes
- Ensure the mixture is chilled before churning.
- Store ice cream in an airtight container.
- Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: creamy honey lavender ice cream, homemade ice cream, floral ice cream
