This Lavender Blueberry Honey Ice Cream is a sophisticated twist on classic frozen desserts, combining delicate floral notes with the natural sweetness of honey and the vibrant tartness of blueberries.
What makes this recipe truly special is its balance between elegance and simplicity—infused lavender adds a calming aroma while honey provides a wholesome, natural sweetener.
Nutritionally, the ice cream delivers moderate protein from egg yolks and dairy, healthy fats from heavy cream, and antioxidant-rich blueberries that support overall wellness.
The recipe is straightforward, quick to prepare, and requires minimal hands-on time, making it a perfect treat for everyday indulgence, summer gatherings, or dessert-focused meal prep.
Its luxurious, creamy texture and naturally sweet flavor profile make it both satisfying and versatile for family-friendly enjoyment.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Heavy-Based Saucepan
Ideal for gently heating cream and milk without scorching. Its thick base ensures even heat distribution, perfect for custards, sauces, and soups.
Large Mixing Bowl
Essential for whisking egg yolks, sugar, and honey into a smooth custard base. Multipurpose for mixing, marinating, and prepping other recipes.
Ice Cream Maker
Produces creamy, airy ice cream with consistent texture. Also useful for frozen yogurts, gelatos, and sorbets for year-round frozen treats.
Digital Thermometer
Ensures the custard reaches the precise thickening temperature (around 170°F) for perfect consistency. Great for baking, candy-making, and precision cooking.
Measuring Cups & Spoons
Guarantee accurate ingredient portions for consistent results. Useful for baking, cooking, and portion control across countless recipes.
Easy Lavender Blueberry Honey Ice Cream
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream Heating and Infusion: Pour the heavy cream and whole milk into a heavy-based saucepan and place it over medium heat. Stir frequently as the mixture warms, watching carefully until it reaches a gentle simmer, with tiny bubbles forming around the edges—avoid boiling to prevent scorching. Once heated, remove the pan from the stove and set aside to maintain the delicate temperature for tempering the eggs.
- Egg Yolk and Sweetener Preparation: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they become pale and slightly frothy, creating a light base for the custard. Gradually add the granulated sugar and honey, whisking continuously until fully incorporated into a smooth, glossy mixture. This step ensures a silky custard and prevents the eggs from curdling when combined with warm cream.
- Tempering the Custard: Slowly pour a small portion of the warm cream into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to gradually raise the temperature of the eggs, preventing scrambling. Continue adding the remaining cream in stages until the mixture is fully combined. Then, return the tempered custard to the saucepan, whisking continuously to ensure smooth, even texture.
- Cooking to Thickened Consistency: Place the saucepan over low heat and stir constantly with a heatproof spatula as the custard thickens.Cook until it lightly coats the back of a spoon, or reaches approximately 170°F on a digital thermometer, indicating a perfectly set custard. Remove immediately from heat to avoid overcooking and strain if desired for an ultra-smooth texture.
- Flavoring and Cooling: Transfer the custard into a large bowl and let it rest at room temperature for 20–25 minutes to cool slightly. Stir in the pure vanilla extract and 3–4 drops of lavender essential oil, adjusting to taste for a balanced floral aroma. Cover the custard with plastic wrap pressed onto the surface and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to chill completely.
- Churning the Ice Cream Base: Pour the chilled custard into the bowl of an ice cream maker and process according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically 25–30 minutes, until it reaches a smooth, soft-serve consistency. This step incorporates air into the custard for a light, creamy texture while evenly distributing the flavors.
- Incorporating Blueberries and Freezing: Gently fold in the frozen blueberries, ensuring they are evenly dispersed without breaking apart. Transfer the finished ice cream into an airtight container and either serve immediately as soft serve or freeze until firm for a traditional scoopable texture.
- Serving and Enjoying: Scoop the ice cream into bowls, cones, or dessert plates, appreciating the delicate floral notes combined with sweet honey and tart blueberries. Ideal for summer gatherings, family treats, or an elegant, homemade dessert that impresses with both flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use high-quality heavy cream and whole milk for a rich, creamy texture.
- Adjust the lavender essential oil carefully; a little goes a long way.
- Frozen blueberries help maintain a firm texture and prevent excess liquid.
- Chill the custard thoroughly before churning for smooth, airy ice cream.
- For extra smoothness, strain the custard before refrigerating to remove any coagulated egg bits.
- Serve shortly after scooping for best texture, as homemade ice cream softens faster than commercial varieties.
Chef’s Secrets For Perfect Texture
Creating a luxurious ice cream starts with patience and precise temperature control.
Slowly heating the cream and milk infuses flavors while preventing scorching, while tempering the egg yolks ensures the custard remains silky without curdling.
Using a digital thermometer to monitor the thickening point guarantees consistent results every time.
Fully chilling the mixture before churning allows the ice cream machine to aerate the base properly, producing a creamy and smooth consistency.
Finally, gently folding in frozen blueberries at the end preserves their shape and bursts of tart flavor without compromising texture.
Serving Suggestions For Elegant Presentation
This ice cream is delightful on its own, but also pairs beautifully with other desserts. Scoop over a slice of pound cake or warm fruit cobbler for a sophisticated treat.
Sprinkle lightly with edible flowers or crushed nuts for added texture and visual appeal.
Serve in waffle cones for casual enjoyment or in delicate bowls with fresh blueberries and a drizzle of honey for an elegant summer dessert.
Its subtle floral notes make it ideal for special occasions or a refreshing everyday indulgence.
Storage Tips For Long-Lasting Freshness
Store the ice cream in an airtight container to prevent ice crystals from forming and maintain creamy texture. Press plastic wrap or parchment directly onto the surface before sealing for optimal smoothness.
Keep the freezer at a steady -18°C (0°F) and avoid repeated thawing and refreezing.
Homemade ice cream is best enjoyed within 1–2 weeks for peak flavor and texture. When serving, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes for easier scooping without melting too quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipe
1. Can I substitute lavender extract instead?
Yes, lavender extract can be used, but it tends to be more concentrated and less aromatic than essential oil. Start with just a few drops and adjust gradually.
2. Can I use fresh blueberries instead of frozen?
Fresh blueberries can be used, but they may release more liquid, slightly altering the texture. Freeze them briefly or fold in at the very end to maintain firmness.
3. Is honey necessary, or can I use sugar?
Honey adds a natural, floral sweetness that complements the lavender and blueberries. You can replace with sugar, but the flavor will be less complex and slightly less rich.
4. Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes, full-fat coconut milk or almond milk can substitute cream and milk. The ice cream will be slightly lighter, but chilling thoroughly and using an ice cream maker ensures creamy results.
5. How long should I churn the ice cream?
Typically 25–30 minutes or until the mixture reaches soft-serve consistency. Over-churning can make it icy, so follow your machine’s guidelines and fold in blueberries gently afterward.
This recipe has been adapted and simplified from the original version by cookingandbeer. 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.
Jessica T. Brown is the founder of KitchenHush.com, a platform born out of her deep love for cooking and the quiet joy found in the kitchen. From a young age, Jessica discovered that the kitchen wasn’t just a place to prepare meals—it was a space for connection, creativity, and comfort. Inspired by those early memories, she created Kitchen Hush to share that experience with home cooks everywhere.