This Blueberry Lavender Ice Cream is a delightful blend of sweet, fruity blueberries and aromatic lavender, making it an elevated yet approachable summer treat.
Beyond its unique flavor pairing, this recipe is naturally nutrient-rich: blueberries offer fiber and antioxidants, while whole milk and cream provide high-quality protein and healthy fats that help keep you satisfied.
The recipe is surprisingly accessible, requiring minimal prep and straightforward steps, making it a perfect choice for busy home cooks or for weekend indulgences.
Its make-ahead nature also lends itself well to meal prep, allowing you to enjoy fresh ice cream anytime.
With balanced sweetness, wholesome ingredients, and the calming floral note of lavender, this ice cream is not only indulgent but thoughtfully nourishing, appealing to both flavor enthusiasts and those mindful of nutrition.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Immersion Blender
Perfect for pureeing blueberries into a smooth, vibrant base. Beyond this recipe, it effortlessly blends soups, sauces, and smoothies, making it a versatile kitchen companion.
4-Quart Saucepan
Ideal for gently heating and combining milk, cream, and fruit without scorching. This cookware doubles for making custards, soups, and homemade sauces.
Fine Mesh Strainer
Essential for removing lavender buds and creating a silky-smooth ice cream base. It’s invaluable for straining sauces, stocks, and homemade nut milks.
Ice Cream Maker
Ensures creamy, soft-serve perfection every time. Beyond ice cream, it can churn gelato, frozen yogurt, or sorbet, elevating homemade frozen desserts effortlessly.
Mixing Bowls
Crucial for whisking together cornstarch and milk to create a smooth slurry. A set of durable mixing bowls is indispensable for prep, marinating, and baking tasks.
Refreshing Blueberry Lavender Ice Cream
Equipment
- 1 Immersion or Countertop Blender
- 1 4-Quart Saucepan
- 1 fine mesh strainer
- 1 Ice Cream Maker
- 2 Mixing Bowls
Ingredients
- 2 cups + 2 tbsp whole milk separated
- 1 ¼ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup blueberries
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp light corn syrup
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 ½ tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup dried edible lavender
Instructions
- Prepare the Blueberry Purée: Start by making the blueberry purée. Place the fresh blueberries into a blender or use an immersion blender directly in a large bowl. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth, with no chunks remaining. This purée will provide a vibrant natural color, deep blueberry flavor, and fiber-rich base for your ice cream. Set it aside while you prepare the cream mixture.
- Combine Dairy and Sweeteners: In a 4-quart saucepan, pour in 2 cups of whole milk and the heavy cream. Add the freshly prepared blueberry purée, granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and kosher salt. Using a whisk, stir the mixture thoroughly until the sugar begins to dissolve and all ingredients are fully incorporated. The corn syrup will help maintain a smooth texture and prevent ice crystals from forming during freezing.
- Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry: In a separate small mixing bowl, combine the reserved 2 tablespoons of milk with the cornstarch. Whisk the mixture until it is completely smooth and free of lumps. This slurry acts as a thickening agent, ensuring your ice cream base has a creamy, custard-like consistency. Set it aside until the milk mixture reaches the proper temperature.
- Heat the Ice Cream Base: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir constantly to prevent scorching and to evenly distribute the heat. Once the mixture reaches a rolling boil, allow it to boil for 1 full minute. This ensures the mixture is hot enough to fully activate the thickening power of the cornstarch in the next step.
- Thicken the Mixture: Slowly whisk the prepared cornstarch slurry into the hot milk and blueberry mixture. Return the saucepan to the heat and bring it back to a rolling boil, stirring constantly. It is essential that the mixture returns to a boil to properly activate the thickener, resulting in a smooth, luscious ice cream base.Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Add Vanilla and Lavender: Stir in the vanilla extract for warmth and depth of flavor. Then, add the dried edible lavender, gently folding it into the hot mixture. The heat will help release the subtle floral aroma of the lavender, infusing the base with a delicate, fragrant note. Allow the mixture to steep for 20 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld beautifully.
- Strain and Chill the Base: After steeping, use a fine mesh strainer to carefully remove the lavender buds, leaving a smooth, silky ice cream base. Pour the strained mixture into an airtight container and cover it. Refrigerate for 6–8 hours, or until fully chilled. This resting period improves flavor depth and texture before churning. The base can also be stored in the fridge for up to 48 hours if needed.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Once the base is thoroughly chilled, follow the instructions for your ice cream maker. Pour the mixture into the machine and churn for approximately 25 minutes, or until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. The churning process incorporates air, giving the ice cream its creamy, smooth texture.
- Freeze for Firm Texture: Enjoy immediately as a soft-serve treat, or transfer the ice cream to an airtight container for a firmer, scoopable texture.Freeze for an additional 4–6 hours to achieve the classic ice cream consistency. When ready to serve, scoop generously and enjoy the perfect combination of sweet blueberry and floral lavender in every bite.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen blueberries; both work well, but fresh berries give a brighter flavor.
- Adjust sugar to taste depending on berry sweetness.
- Steeping lavender for longer than 20 minutes may result in a stronger, slightly bitter floral note.
- Ensure the ice cream base is fully chilled before churning for optimal texture.
- Cornstarch slurry must be smooth and lump-free to avoid grainy ice cream.
- For a softer texture, serve immediately after churning as soft-serve.
Chef’s Secrets For Creamy Texture
Achieving the perfect creamy texture in this ice cream relies on a few key techniques.
First, ensure that the cornstarch slurry is whisked completely smooth before adding it to the hot mixture; any lumps can affect the silkiness.
Constant whisking while heating prevents scorching and uneven thickening, giving a consistent base. Steeping the lavender off-heat helps release subtle floral notes without bitterness.
Finally, chilling the mixture thoroughly before churning is essential—it helps the ice cream set properly and incorporates air smoothly, resulting in a light, creamy texture every time.
Using quality heavy cream and whole milk also enhances richness without overwhelming sweetness.
Serving Suggestions For Elegant Presentation
This Blueberry Lavender Ice Cream shines when paired with complementary flavors.
Serve it with shortbread cookies, buttery waffles, or a drizzle of honey for a sophisticated touch.
Fresh blueberries on top enhance both flavor and appearance, while a sprinkle of crushed pistachios adds crunch and color.
For a summer dessert platter, pair it with a lemon tart or berry compote to highlight its fruity and floral notes.
It’s also delightful in small scoops served alongside a light sparkling wine or herbal tea, making it versatile for casual or elegant occasions.
Storage Tips For Long-Term Enjoyment
Proper storage preserves both flavor and texture.
Always keep the ice cream in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and absorb odors from other foods.
Store in the coldest part of the freezer, not the door, to maintain a consistent texture.
If the ice cream becomes too hard after long storage, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping.
For best flavor, consume within 2 weeks of preparation.
Leftover ice cream bases can also be refrigerated for up to 48 hours before churning, giving flexibility for meal prep and entertaining.
Common Questions About Recipe Ingredients
1. Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen blueberries work well. Thaw them slightly before blending to avoid adding excess water to the base, which can affect consistency.
2. Is edible lavender safe to eat?
Absolutely. Ensure you use culinary-grade dried lavender. It’s specifically grown for consumption and is free from pesticides or harsh chemicals.
3. Can I make this ice cream dairy-free?
Yes, substitute full-fat coconut milk or another creamy plant-based milk. Keep in mind that flavor and texture may differ slightly, but the result will still be delicious.
4. How can I make the ice cream softer?
Serve immediately after churning as soft-serve. You can also reduce freezing time slightly or stir the ice cream every 30 minutes during initial freezing for a creamier consistency.
5. Can I add extra mix-ins like chocolate or nuts?
Definitely! Fold in chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or swirls of fruit puree during the last 5 minutes of churning to create a personalized twist without compromising texture.
This recipe has been adapted and simplified from the original version by wyseguide. We’ve refined the steps for a smoother cooking experience and added helpful notes, nutrition insights, and essential kitchen tools to make it even easier for home cooks.
