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
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2 cups heavy cream
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1 cup whole milk
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½ cup honey (preferably wildflower or clover)
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1½ tbsp dried culinary lavender (not decorative lavender — it must be food-safe)
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4 large egg yolks
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¼ tsp fine sea salt (plus more for finishing)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
🌿 Optional Garnish
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A drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt
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A few lavender buds or petals
Instructions
1. Infuse the milk
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In a medium saucepan, combine milk, cream, honey, and lavender.
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Heat gently over medium-low until steaming (do not boil), stirring occasionally.
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Remove from heat, cover, and steep for 20–30 minutes for a pronounced lavender flavor.
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Strain out lavender buds with a fine mesh sieve.
2. Make the custard
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In a bowl, whisk egg yolks and salt until pale and slightly thickened.
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Slowly pour about ½ cup of the warm milk mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly (this tempers the eggs).
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Gradually add the tempered yolks back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture.
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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).
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Do not let it boil or it may curdle.
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3. Chill
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Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
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Pour the custard through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl.
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Let it cool slightly, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) until fully chilled.
4. Churn
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Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer instructions (usually 20–25 minutes).
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Transfer to a freezer-safe container, sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt, and drizzle a touch more honey on top if desired.
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Freeze for at least 2–3 hours to firm up.
Serving Tips
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Serve with shortbread cookies or lemon cake.
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Add a small scoop to iced coffee or affogato for a floral twist.
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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