Lavender Rose Ice Cream Recipe

There is something truly magical about the blend of floral aromas pairing with creamy indulgence, which is exactly why this Lavender Rose Ice Cream Recipe has stolen my heart. Imagine the gentle fragrance of lavender woven with the delicate sweetness of rosewater, all swirled into a luxuriously smooth ice cream that melts on your tongue. Not only does this dreamy frozen treat look stunning with its subtle pastel hues, but every bite feels like a whimsical escape to a blooming garden in spring. I promise you, this recipe is a captivating way to elevate your dessert game and impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating this beautiful Lavender Rose Ice Cream Recipe requires just a handful of ingredients, each carefully selected to build the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma. These essentials work together to form a rich, creamy base infused with floral notes that won’t overwhelm but rather enchant your palate.

• 2 cups heavy cream: Provides luscious, creamy texture and a rich mouthfeel crucial for the perfect ice cream.
• 1 cup whole milk: Balances the cream adding lightness for an ideal smoothness without heaviness.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens naturally while helping to improve the ice cream’s texture and freeze quality.
• 5 large egg yolks: Acts as a custard base thickener, giving silky consistency and body.
• 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender: The star ingredient that infuses a gentle, aromatic floral essence.
• 1 teaspoon rosewater (or to taste): Adds delicate, fragrant notes that elevate the floral profile gracefully.
• A few drops of natural pink or purple food coloring (optional): For a pretty pastel tint that visually highlights the floral theme without overpowering flavor.
• Crushed dried rose petals: Great for a charming, crunchy garnish enhancing the rose element.
• Edible flowers: Adds visual beauty and a fresh floral finish perfect for presentation.
• A sprinkle of lavender buds: A subtle topping to reinforce the lavender bouquet and provide a whimsical touch.

How to Make Lavender Rose Ice Cream Recipe

Step 1: Infuse the cream

Start by combining the heavy cream, whole milk, and dried culinary lavender in a medium saucepan. Gently heat over medium until it just reaches a simmer – no need to boil. Once warmed through, remove from the heat and cover the pan, allowing the lavender to steep and release its beautiful aroma for about 15 to 20 minutes. This infusion lends the ice cream that signature floral whisper that’s so captivating.

Step 2: Strain and reheat

After steeping, strain the cream mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the lavender buds. Return this fragrant liquid back to the saucepan and warm it gently again, preparing it for the next step where it meets the egg yolks.

Step 3: Whisk egg yolks and sugar

While your lavender cream is warming, take a mixing bowl and whisk the egg yolks with sugar until the mixture turns thick, pale, and creamy. This is the base that will create the luscious custard body, ensuring your ice cream is perfectly smooth rather than icy.

Step 4: Temper the eggs

Carefully pour a small amount of the warm cream into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly – this gradual introduction keeps the eggs from scrambling. Once combined, slowly add the rest of the cream, then transfer everything back to the saucepan for cooking. This tempering technique is essential to achieve that velvety texture.

Step 5: Cook the custard

Over low heat, stir the mixture continuously until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, which happens around 170 to 175°F (75 to 80°C). Be patient and avoid boiling at all costs; the custard should be velvety and rich without curdling.

Step 6: Add rosewater

Remove the custard from heat and stir in the rosewater. Taste at this point to adjust according to your preference. The rosewater adds the enchanting floral depth that complements the lavender’s lightness beautifully.

Step 7: Chill

Pour the custard into a clean bowl and let it cool to room temperature. Then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. The deep chill is necessary to set flavors and prepare the base for the perfect churning texture.

Step 8: Churn

Once chilled, churn the custard in your ice cream maker following the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. This step changes the mixture from a dense custard into fluffy, creamy ice cream.

Step 9: Freeze and serve

Transfer the softly churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container and freeze for about 4 hours until firm. Just before serving, garnish with crushed dried rose petals, a sprinkle of lavender buds, or a few edible flowers for a stunning presentation that says “special occasion.”

How to Serve Lavender Rose Ice Cream Recipe

Garnishes

Nothing enhances the charm of this ice cream like simple yet elegant garnishes. Crushed dried rose petals add a bit of chew and floral contrast, while fresh edible flowers introduce color and visual delight. A sprinkle of lavender buds provides a gentle crunch and a reminder of the floral theme.

Side Dishes

Pairing your Lavender Rose Ice Cream with light and complementary side dishes can elevate the entire experience. Think alongside buttery shortbread cookies or crisp biscotti for texture. Alternatively, serve it atop a warm, soft sponge cake or paired with fresh berries to brighten every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a truly memorable impression, serve this floral ice cream in delicate glass bowls or vintage teacups, echoing the garden-party vibe it evokes. Adding a drizzle of honey or a light dusting of edible glitter can turn this dessert into an enchanting centerpiece, perfect for celebrations or elegant evenings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Lavender Rose Ice Cream can be safely stored in an airtight container in your freezer for up to one week. Keeping it tightly sealed will prevent ice crystals from forming and preserve the delicate floral aromas and creamy texture.

Freezing

After churning, firming your ice cream by freezing it for several hours is key to achieving the perfect scoopable consistency. Make sure your container is airtight and placed in the coldest part of the freezer to maintain texture and flavor integrity.

Reheating

Since this is ice cream, reheating is not recommended. However, if the texture becomes too hard, let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes to soften slightly before scooping.

FAQs

Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried for this recipe?

Fresh lavender can be very potent and may impart a bitter flavor, so dried culinary lavender is usually preferred for a balanced floral taste in ice cream.

What if I don’t have an ice cream maker?

You can still make this recipe by freezing the mixture in a shallow container and stirring it every 30 minutes until firm to break up ice crystals, though the texture will be less creamy.

Is rosewater necessary or can I omit it?

Rosewater is what gives this ice cream its uniquely fragrant rose note, but if you prefer a simpler lavender flavor, you can reduce or omit it without spoiling the ice cream.

Can this recipe be made vegan or dairy-free?

This recipe relies on dairy and egg yolks for creaminess and texture, so significant substitutions would be needed; vegan ice creams with similar floral flavors usually require different base ingredients entirely.

How intense is the floral flavor?

The floral notes are delicate and balanced, not overpowering, creating an elegant taste experience that tastes like a garden breeze rather than a candy scent.

Final Thoughts

Bringing this Lavender Rose Ice Cream Recipe to your table is like offering a spoonful of floral bliss that captivates the senses and delights the soul. It’s truly a special dessert that’s both visually breathtaking and decadently delicious. Give it a try the next time you want to surprise yourself or your guests—it’s a treat that’s sure to become a favorite!

Print