Ice cream is the ultimate comfort food, but when you elevate it with unique, fragrant, and sophisticated ingredients like honey and lavender, it transforms into something truly magical. This Salted Honey Lavender Ice Cream is a dream come true for those who love floral, sweet, and salty flavors all in one bite. Creamy, rich, and delicate, this ice cream is perfect for special occasions, summer afternoons, or when you’re simply in the mood to treat yourself.
In this recipe, you’ll learn not only how to make this indulgent dessert from scratch, but also how to balance the flavors of honey, lavender, and salt in a way that makes each spoonful a heavenly experience. Plus, we’ll share some variations and helpful tips to make this recipe your own. Let’s dive into the world of Salted Honey Lavender Ice Cream!
What Is Salted Honey Lavender Ice Cream?
Salted Honey Lavender Ice Cream is a rich, creamy dessert that combines the floral notes of lavender with the sweetness of honey and a hint of salt. The base of the ice cream is made with a custard-style mixture, which gives it a velvety texture, and it’s churned to perfection in an ice cream maker. The result is a luxurious treat that’s both fragrant and smooth, with just the right balance of floral, sweet, and salty flavors.
This ice cream is not only a feast for your taste buds, but it also adds an elegant touch to any dessert spread. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or pairing it with other desserts like shortbread cookies or lemon cake, this recipe is sure to impress.
The Origin of Salted Honey Lavender Ice Cream
Lavender has long been associated with French cuisine and is often used in culinary dishes ranging from savory to sweet. The use of lavender in desserts, such as ice cream, became popular in modern culinary circles due to its ability to add a delicate, floral aroma and flavor that complements the richness of cream-based treats.
Honey, on the other hand, has been a key ingredient in desserts for centuries, appreciated for its natural sweetness and versatility. The combination of honey and lavender is inspired by the French tradition of using local, artisanal ingredients to create deeply flavorful and aromatic desserts. The addition of a pinch of salt rounds out the sweetness and enhances the overall taste profile of the ice cream, adding an unexpected but delightful twist.
Ingredients for Salted Honey Lavender Ice Cream
Before diving into the preparation, it’s important to gather all the ingredients you’ll need for this delightful ice cream recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Custard Base:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup honey (wildflower or clover honey works best)
- 1½ tbsp dried culinary lavender (ensure it’s food-safe, not decorative lavender)
- 4 large egg yolks
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt (plus more for finishing)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Garnish:
- A drizzle of honey
- A sprinkle of flaky sea salt
- A few lavender buds or petals for decoration
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to start making your Salted Honey Lavender Ice Cream. Follow these steps closely for the best results!
1. Infuse the Milk
- In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, honey, and lavender.
- Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it starts to steam. Do not allow it to boil, as boiling will ruin the delicate flavor of the lavender.
- Once steaming, remove the saucepan from the heat, cover it, and allow the lavender to steep for about 20 to 30 minutes. This will give the ice cream a pronounced lavender flavor.
- After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the lavender buds, leaving behind the infused cream and honey mixture.
2. Make the Custard
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and fine sea salt until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened.
- Slowly add about ½ cup of the warm milk mixture into the yolks while whisking continuously. This helps to temper the eggs, preventing them from curdling.
- Gradually add the tempered egg yolks back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture.
- Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula. Continue to cook until the custard thickens slightly and coats the back of the spoon. This should take about 10–12 minutes and should reach a temperature of about 170–175°F (77–80°C). Be careful not to let the mixture boil, as this can cause the custard to curdle.
3. Chill the Custard
- Once the custard has thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the custard through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any bits of cooked egg.
- Let the custard cool slightly at room temperature before covering and refrigerating it for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. The custard needs to be fully chilled before it can be churned.
4. Churn the Ice Cream
- Once your custard is chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This typically takes about 20 to 25 minutes, depending on your machine.
- After churning, transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Sprinkle a light layer of flaky sea salt over the top and drizzle a little extra honey if desired.
- Freeze the ice cream for at least 2–3 hours to allow it to firm up and become scoopable.
Serving Tips
To truly elevate your Salted Honey Lavender Ice Cream, consider pairing it with complementary desserts or garnishes. Here are some ideas to enhance your experience:
- Shortbread cookies or a slice of lemon cake make the perfect side dish for a rich, creamy dessert like this.
- Add a small scoop of ice cream to iced coffee or affogato for an unexpected floral twist.
- A sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary can add a savory balance to the sweetness and complement the lavender beautifully.
Flavor Variation Ideas
While this Salted Honey Lavender Ice Cream is delicious on its own, there are several ways to switch up the flavor profile. Here are a few ideas:
- Lavender Vanilla Bean: Add the seeds of ½ vanilla bean during the steeping process for a richer, more complex flavor.
- Salted Honey Earl Grey: Replace the lavender with 2 Earl Grey tea bags for a fragrant, tea-infused ice cream.
- Lavender Honeycomb Crunch: For a bit of crunch, fold in crushed honeycomb candy or white chocolate chunks just before freezing the ice cream.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Salted Honey Lavender Ice Cream
Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried lavender?
Yes, you can use fresh lavender. However, dried lavender has a more concentrated flavor, so you’ll need to use slightly more fresh lavender. Start with about 2 tablespoons of fresh lavender and adjust according to your taste.
Can I make Salted Lavender Ice Cream without an ice cream maker?
Yes! If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can make this ice cream using a freezer method. After chilling the custard, pour it into a freezer-safe container and stir every 30 minutes for the first 2–3 hours until it reaches the desired consistency.
How long will the ice cream last in the freezer?
This ice cream will stay fresh in the freezer for about 2–3 weeks if stored properly in an airtight container.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe by using coconut cream instead of heavy cream, almond milk instead of whole milk, and replacing the eggs with a plant-based egg substitute. You can also use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan version.
Conclusion: Salted Honey Lavender Ice Cream
This Salted Honey Lavender Ice Cream is a perfect balance of sweet, floral, and salty flavors, and it’s an absolute treat for anyone looking to try something new and exciting in the world of homemade ice cream. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this luxurious dessert is surprisingly easy to make, and it’s guaranteed to wow your friends and family.
So next time you’re craving something refreshing and indulgent, reach for this unique and delightful recipe. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying it on a warm summer evening, this ice cream will transport you to a place of pure bliss. Try it today and discover why it’s quickly becoming a favorite in kitchens everywhere!
Salted Honey Lavender Ice Cream Recipe: A Luxurious, Floral-Salty-Sweet Treat
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling & freezing time)
- Yield: 1 pint (about 4 servings) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Salted Honey Lavender Ice Cream is a rich, creamy dessert that combines the floral notes of lavender with the sweetness of honey and a hint of salt. The base of the ice cream is made with a custard-style mixture, which gives it a velvety texture, and it’s churned to perfection in an ice cream maker. The result is a luxurious treat that’s both fragrant and smooth, with just the right balance of floral, sweet, and salty flavors.
Ingredients
🥛 Custard Base
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
½ cup honey (preferably wildflower or clover)
1½ tbsp dried culinary lavender (not decorative lavender — it must be food-safe)
4 large egg yolks
¼ tsp fine sea salt (plus more for finishing)
1 tsp vanilla extract
🌿 Optional Garnish
A drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt
A few lavender buds or petals
Instructions
1. Infuse the milk
In a medium saucepan, combine milk, cream, honey, and lavender.
Heat gently over medium-low until steaming (do not boil), stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat, cover, and steep for 20–30 minutes for a pronounced lavender flavor.
Strain out lavender buds with a fine mesh sieve.
2. Make the custard
In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and salt until pale and slightly thickened.
Slowly pour about ½ cup of the warm milk mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly (this tempers the eggs).
Gradually add the tempered yolks back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture.
Cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula, until the custard thickens slightly and coats the back of the spoon (about 170–175°F / 77–80°C).
Do not let it boil or it may curdle.
3. Chill
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Pour the custard through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl.
Let it cool slightly, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) until fully chilled.
4. Churn
Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer instructions (usually 20–25 minutes).
Transfer to a freezer-safe container, sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt, and drizzle a touch more honey on top if desired.
Freeze for at least 2–3 hours to firm up.
Serving Tips
Serve with shortbread cookies or lemon cake.
Add a small scoop to iced coffee or affogato for a floral twist.
A sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary can complement the lavender beautifully.
Notes
For an elegant touch, drizzle a little extra honey over the scoops before serving and sprinkle with edible lavender petals. This ice cream pairs beautifully with shortbread cookies or fresh berries for a light, floral dessert experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churned
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup
- Calories: 290
Keywords: Lavender Honey Ice Cream, Salted Lavender Ice Cream, Honey Lavender Gelato
