Okay, picture this: It’s a warm summer evening, the air is thick with the scent of honeysuckle, and you're sitting on your porch swing, savoring a scoop of the most decadent, dreamy ice cream you've ever tasted. That, my friends, is the experience this Vanilla Lavender Velvet Ice Cream delivers. A few years ago, I had ice cream with this exact flavor and I have been trying to re-create it since. I’m so happy I could share this recipe with you. It's an unexpected twist on a classic, where the floral notes of lavender dance harmoniously with the creamy sweetness of vanilla. Trust me, it’s an experience that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more…
This isn't your average ice cream recipe. We're talking about a velvety-smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture achieved through a carefully crafted custard base. And while the thought of making custard might seem intimidating, I promise it's easier than you think. The key is to temper the eggs gently, and stir constantly to prevent curdling. A tip I got from my grandma! I know that once you get the hang of it, you’ll be whipping up batches of this dreamy ice cream all summer long. I would sometimes think about adding a different flavor, but I knew I had to stick to my dream of re-creating this specific lavender ice cream!
So, why vanilla and lavender? Because it's a match made in culinary heaven. The vanilla provides a familiar, comforting base, while the lavender adds a touch of floral elegance. It’s like taking a stroll through a lavender field on a warm summer day – pure bliss! And a little bit of vodka? Well, that's our secret weapon for achieving that perfect, velvety texture. Don't worry, you won't taste it, but it prevents ice crystals from forming, resulting in the smoothest ice cream you've ever had. Ok, you got me, maybe you will taste it just a little, which makes it even better!
Required Equipments
- Ice Cream Maker
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Fine-Mesh Sieve
- Airtight Container
Vanilla Lavender Velvet Ice Cream: Frequently Asked Questions
Vanilla Lavender Velvet Ice Cream
Indulge in the floral elegance of homemade Vanilla Lavender Velvet Ice Cream. This creamy, dreamy dessert combines the soothing flavors of vanilla and lavender for a unique and unforgettable treat.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- **Infuse the Cream:** In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream and milk. Add the vanilla bean (split and scraped), the vanilla extract, and fresh lavender buds. Heat over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Don't boil! Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for at least 1 hour, or up to 3 hours for a stronger lavender flavor.
- **Prepare the Egg Yolks:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. It should form a ribbon when you lift the whisk. Make sure you dont over mix!
- **Temper the Egg Yolks:** Slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the warm cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling. This is a *crucial* step! Keep whisking!
- **Combine and Cook:** Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon. This usually takes about 5-8 minutes. Don't let it boil, or you'll end up with scrambled eggs!
- **Strain and Chill:** Pour the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove the lavender buds and any bits of cooked egg. Stir in the vodka (if using). Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- **Churn the Ice Cream:** Pour the chilled custard into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes, or until the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- **Harden the Ice Cream:** Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2-3 hours to allow it to harden completely before serving.
- **Serve:** Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping. Garnish with fresh lavender sprigs or a drizzle of honey, if desired. Enjoy!
📝 Notes
- For a stronger lavender flavor, steep the cream for a longer period of time.
- Make sure your ice cream maker bowl is fully frozen before churning.
- If you don't have fresh lavender, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried culinary lavender, but be careful not to overdo it.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 4 g
Fat: 24 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fiber: 0 g
Calcium: 80 mg
