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    Home » Recipes » Ice Cream and Frozen Treats

    Lavender Ice Cream Recipe (No Ice Cream Maker)

    by Jolina | Published: July 4, 2019 | Last Updated: June 28, 2022 | 20 Comments
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    Lavender ice cream is wonderfully floral, subtly purple, absolutely refreshing. It’s a summer treat you’d want to have all year long. And you don’t even have to have an ice cream machine to make this recipe at home.

    (Love homemade ice cream as much as I do? Check out this easy tutorial on how to make no-churn ice cream to learn how to make the ice cream base and how to make different variations for the best ice cream flavour every time.)

    Overhead shot of lavender ice cream, blackberries and lavender buds.
    Jump To hide
    What does lavender ice cream taste like?
    Why you’ll love making this recipe
    How to make
    Expert tips
    Recipe FAQs
    Other homemade ice cream recipes
    Lavender Ice Cream Recipe

    I know a lot of people are wary of eating lavender-flavored food. 

    I know because I used to be one of those people. I mean, who wants to eat soap or potpourri?

    That changed when I tasted lavender ice cream from a lavender farm we visited a few summers ago. It was so unique and amazing that it’s become one of our family’s favorite ice cream flavours.

    Let’s get to it.

    What does lavender ice cream taste like?

    " "

    Lavender, as food, is surprisingly not soap-like at all. 

    It smells great and it tastes even better. I’ve mostly had it in sweets (surprise, surprise) but I know others use them in savory food as well.

    With a vanilla ice cream base, lavender ice cream has just the right amount of sweet, hints of floral flavor, delightful. You really have to taste it and see for yourself.

    The key is to use it sparingly as it can easily overpower any dish. A little goes a long way.

    Why you’ll love making this recipe

    Ice cream flavoured lavender in a bowl.
    • The flavor is so unique. Lavender is not an ice cream flavor you can easily find in your local supermarket so being able to make it yourself is awesome.
    • You can make it without an ice cream machine. What’s more, you don’t need an ice cream machine to make it. I’ve been making homemade ice cream with just my mixer and the result is always smooth, creamy and delicious.
    • Contains no eggs. And because it’s no-churn, you can make this recipe without eggs.
    • Easy to customize. Plus, you can customize it however you like. Drizzle honey, sprinkle dried coconut, add your favorite berries.

    How to make

    " "

    Ingredient notes

    Lavender ice cream is made of:

    • Culinary-grade dried lavender buds — ensure you’re getting culinary grade lavender. You don’t want to end up with lavender that’s not meant to be eaten! More info on this below.
    • Sweetened condensed milk — condensed milk is the secret to velvety and creamy no-churn ice cream. Condensed milk goes through a process where about 60% of its water content is removed. And less water means less chance of ice crystals forming in your ice cream.
    • Heavy cream — you want heavy cream, which has 36 to 40 percent milk fat, because it results to firmer, more stable whipped cream with stiff peaks that hold their shape longer. This adds to that smooth texture and creamy taste.
    • Vanilla extract
    • Fresh blackberries — I use blackberries to give a hint of color to my ice cream but this is optional. See below for more info. (Got extra blackberries? Always a great idea to make a blackberry vodka cocktail and some blackberry cobbler.)
    • Salt

    Tools

    Like I mentioned earlier, you don’t need an ice cream machine to make this recipe.

    I usually use my stand mixer when making homemade ice cream but a handheld electric mixer would work just fine.

    Other than that, all you need are some bowls, a spatula and a freezer-safe container.

    Instructions with step-by-step photos

    Prep the lavender cream. Microwave heavy cream on high for about 30 seconds or until it’s warm (not hot) to the touch.

    Add lavender buds / dried lavender and allow it to steep. The longer you steep, the stronger the lavender flavour. I usually steep mine in the fridge for about 3 hours.

    When that’s ready, strain and remove the lavender buds and add the lavender cream to the rest of your heavy cream and whip until stiff. 

    Steeped lavender buds in cream.

    To make your ice cream base, combine condensed milk, blackberry juice (optional, see below), vanilla extract and salt.

    Photo collage - condensed milk, vanilla and blackberry juice in a bowl.

    Add a dollop of whipped cream to your condensed milk mixture to lighten it.

    Photo collage - lavender ice cream recipe.

    Gently fold in the rest of the whipped cream, careful not to deflate it. Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container, smoothen the top and cover with cling wrap to prevent ice from forming. Freeze overnight.

    Photo collage - whipped cream folded into ice cream base.

    Optional color

    Unlike the very purple lavender flower, culinary lavender when cooked is actually more greyish-white than purple. So to add a little color, I add crushed blackberries (strain to get the seeds out).

    The blackberries won’t take away from the lavender flavor but lends a nice purple hue. 

    You can also use blueberries; just be careful because blueberries have a more distinct flavor that might outshine the lavender.

    Purple food color is also an option. I would recommend the gel kind.

    Expert tips

    " "

    As you can see, this lavender ice cream recipe is a breeze. To make it even easier, here are some tips for you:

    Make sure to use culinary-grade lavender

    When buying lavender, make sure to ask if they are culinary-grade. Remember, lavender is used for things other than food.

    Culinary lavender (as opposed to ornamental lavender) is 100% safe for consumption. And it has the sweetest fragrance among all kinds of lavenders making it the best for cooking and baking.

    The best way to bake with lavender 

    Speaking of which, what’s the best way to bake with lavender? I can’t speak for others but personally, I hate getting big chunks of lavender buds in my mouth.

    So I usually use a lavender infusion, like in this recipe. I also chop it as finely as I can if I’m adding it to lavender cookies or cake. Grinding works too.

    Of course, to make things pretty you can sprinkle buds on top for garnish, just remove them later.

    And remember, lavender has a pretty strong flavor so a little goes a long way.

    Go for full-fat heavy cream

    When making homemade ice cream, it’s best to use full fat heavy cream (and forget about calories for a while lol!). This means fat content is between 36 and 40%.

    It whips better and sets better.

    Taste, taste, taste

    And since no-churn ice cream has no eggs in it, it’s safe to taste as you’re making it. So go ahead and taste at every step if you like.

    You’re making your very own ice cream and you can make it as sweet and as fabulous as you want.

    Use freezer-friendly container

    Not all containers are created equal. Some would lead to ice forming at the bottom or sides of your ice cream. While others might expand in the freezer.

    I’ve amassed this collection of ice cream tubs since I learned how to make ice cream and I exclusively use them. I’ve owned them for years and they still look like new!

    Cover your ice cream with cling wrap

    To be extra sure that ice doesn’t form on any part of your ice cream, especially the top, place cling wrap on it (place it right on the surface of the ice cream) before covering and putting in the freezer.

    Then when you’re ready to eat, remove the cling wrap and reveal the creamy, ice cream underneath!

    Recipe FAQs

    Freshly made lavender ice cream with blackberries on the side.
    Can I use whipping cream or half and half instead of heavy cream?


    Half & half cannot be substituted for heavy cream in no-churn ice cream recipes because it just doesn’t have enough fat content for whipping (10 to 18 percent).

    In a pinch, you can use whipping cream (30 to 36 percent milk fat) but it will result to a lighter, softer texture.

    How can I prevent homemade ice cream from getting freezer burn?


    To prevent your ice cream from getting freezer burn or forming ice crystals:

    (1) Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the ice cream’s surface before placing the lid. This also helps prevent freezer smells from seeping into your ice cream.

    (2) Make sure you use a freezer-safe container with a proper, tight-fitting lid.

    It’s still safe to eat ice cream with a few ice crystals. It’s going to affect the texture and the taste though so you really want to protect it from air (its main enemy) and eat it within 2 weeks of making it.

    How long does homemade lavender ice cream last?


    Homemade lavender ice cream lasts about 2 weeks in the freezer. 

    Because it doesn’t have the same preservatives as store-bought ice cream, when it comes to homemade ice cream, the fresher the better. 

    Some tips to keep it fresh for longer:

    – Cover the top with plastic wrap (see above)
    – Store in a relatively shallow and flat container vs. a deep dish
    – Store towards the back of your freezer so that its temperature can remain fairly constant

    Other homemade ice cream recipes

    Making ice cream at home has really become one of our favourite summer activities. Simple, fun, delicious! Here are some of our favourite flavours.

    • Nothing beats homemade ube ice cream. Fellow Filipinos know just how expensive these can get at Filipino or Chinese groceries! So making it at home is awesome. My recipe is richer and creamier too.
    • Another summer favourite is no churn peach ice cream. We love peaches and this is a great recipe for all the fresh peaches we get every summer.
    • Pistachio chocolate chip ice cream is a classic. Nutty and rich from the pistachio with generous bits of chocolate chips throughout.
    • And coffee chocolate chip ice cream is a delicious way to get your caffeine kick this season.

    Happy ice cream making!

    Did you make this recipe? What’s your favourite ice cream flavour? I’d love to hear from you in the comments section below.

    Blackberry Lavender Ice Cream

    Lavender Ice Cream Recipe

    Author: Jolina
    Lavender ice cream is wonderfully floral, subtly purple, absolutely refreshing. It’s a summer treat you’d want to have all year long. And you don’t even have to have an ice cream machine to make it at home.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 3 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
    Freezing Time 8 hours hrs
    Total Time 11 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine North American
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 292 kcal

    Equipment

    • Stand Mixer
    • Hand Mixer
    • Mixing Bowls

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 2 tsp dried lavender leaves/buds
    • 1 ½ cup heavy cream divided
    • 5 oz sweetened condensed milk
    • 3.5 oz fresh blackberries crushed and strained (about 3-4 tsp of blackberry juice)
    • 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
    • pinch salt

    Instructions
     

    • Using a microwave-safe cup or bowl, microwave ½ cup heavy cream for 30s on high or until the cup is warm (but not hot) to the touch.
    • Add 2 tsp of dried lavender and allow to steep. Once cool, cover with cling wrap and chill in the fridge for 2-3 hours.
    • Strain the lavender from the cream. Discard the lavender then add the cream to 1 cup of chilled heavy cream. Whip until stiff.
      Steeped lavender buds in cream.
    • In a large bowl, combine 5 oz condensed milk with blackberry juice, 1 ½ tsp of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
      How to make lavender ice cream
    • Stir until fully incorporated.
      How to make lavender ice cream
    • Add a dollop of whipped cream to your condensed milk mixture to lighten it.
      How to make lavender ice cream
    • Mix until combined.
      How to make lavender ice cream
    • Gently fold in the rest of the whipped cream, careful not to deflate it.
      How to make lavender ice cream
    • Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container, smoothen the top and cover with cling wrap to prevent ice from forming. Freeze overnight.
      How to make lavender ice cream

    Video

    Notes

    See post for lots of ice cream making tips and FAQs.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 292kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 3gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 53mgPotassium: 159mgFiber: 1gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 975IUVitamin C: 4.6mgCalcium: 114mgIron: 0.2mg

    Nutritional information are estimates only.

    Tried this recipe? Leave a star rating today!Also tag @iamtheunlikelybaker I’d love to see your creations.

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    Comments

    1. Christine

      April 13, 2024 at 8:16 pm

      5 stars
      My sister gave me some of her dried lavender and I finally put it to use. This was amazing. I was afraid of the soapy taste too but it’s nowhwere here. Haven’t had anything like it before. Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Jolina

        April 18, 2024 at 9:37 am

        Glad you like it Christine! It’s certainly unique and delicious 🙂

        Reply
    2. Lois Christensen

      July 15, 2019 at 11:07 am

      I have never had lavender ice cream! It sounds delicious!

      Reply
    3. Marisa F. Stewart

      July 13, 2019 at 8:34 am

      I simply HAVE to make this recipe. It sounds amazing. I’ve been wanting to do something with lavender for years. This is the perfect time. those blackberries are gorgeous! Can’t wait to do this and to think I don’t even need an ice cream maker — YAY!!

      Reply
      • Jolina

        July 16, 2019 at 11:36 am

        Double yay! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Anne Lawton

      July 12, 2019 at 3:55 pm

      This ice cream has all of the fresh flavors of summer in it! I can’t wait to try this out!

      Reply
    5. Denise

      July 10, 2019 at 11:00 am

      Nothing beats home made ice cream! And the fact that you can make whatever flavor combo you like makes it even better! This looks absolutely delicious!

      Reply
    6. Veena Azmanov

      July 10, 2019 at 12:27 am

      Flavorful and yummy. Love the Berry option to making this delicious Ice Cream.

      Reply
    7. Elizabeth

      July 09, 2019 at 9:53 pm

      I scream for lavender ice cream. This a real treat for summer and my family will enjoy this delightful flavour.

      Reply
    8. Gloria

      July 09, 2019 at 7:42 pm

      You can’t buy ice cream like this in the store. I have lavender in the garden, now I just need to get the berries. What a delicious flavour to serve at a bbq party…which I seem to be hosting LOTS this summer.

      Reply
      • Jolina

        July 10, 2019 at 11:08 am

        You’re in for a treat 🙂 And yes, we seem to be hosting lots of BBQs this year too. Must be the gorgeous weather we’ve been having lately!

        Reply
    9. Crystal

      July 05, 2019 at 11:40 pm

      Ooooh this sounds so yummy and just so perfect for a hot summer afternoon!

      Reply
    10. Bree

      July 05, 2019 at 7:26 pm

      This is such a delightful combination! I just know my kids will love it, and I cant wait to make it with them!

      Reply
    11. Elizabeth O

      July 05, 2019 at 6:56 pm

      This looks pretty amazing. The flavor must be divine.

      Reply
    12. Crystal Carder

      July 05, 2019 at 6:00 am

      This looks delicious! I’m a little unsure how lavender would taste in ice cream, but it does sound good!

      Reply
    13. Marjie Mare

      July 05, 2019 at 12:04 am

      I would love to taste this blackberry lavender ice cream. Lavender always bring me peace and ice cream brings pure happiness. Imagine me having blackberry lavender ice cream, I would be in heaven.

      Reply
    14. Chad

      July 04, 2019 at 7:38 pm

      I super love the taste of lavender in cooking or salads. I can’t wait to try lavender ice cream, i am sure it is delicious. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    15. Stephanie

      July 04, 2019 at 4:08 pm

      Oh wow, this sounds amazing! We absolutely love blackberries at our house and will eat them in almost anything. We have so many growing in the garden so will have to try this soon.

      Reply
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