Make Lavender Ice Cream this Summer

Some people, like my husband, crave ice cream all year. But, for others, summer is when the desire hits. This warm-weather recipe for lavender ice cream is fun and easy, making it a great activity to do with kids. And if lavender isn’t your flavour of choice, try substituting spearmint, lemon balm, blueberries, blackberries, or any other fresh local ingredient.

If you live in Canada, you might be interested in discovering the Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm. This family-run operation requires an entire team for planting, harvesting, drying, distilling, and bottling. They grow lavender, herbes de Provence (rosemary, thyme, oregano), spearmint, lemon verbena and more. From planting to the final product – the farm operations reflect the McFadden family’s dedication to environmental stewardship, supporting local business and quality production.

Order online for shipping across Canada (flat rate shipping $11.95 | free shipping over $75). Alternatively, stop by if you are in the area, as they offer curbside pickup on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Lavender Ice Cream

Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm

A fun and easy dessert that everyone can enjoy! This recipe does not require an ice cream maker, but if you have one, follow your machine's instructions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine North American

Servings 6 people

Equipment

• 1 ice cream maker this is optional, the recipe does not require one

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

• 1 tbsp sugar
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup cream (10%) or table cream (18%)
• 6 sprigs Fresh Organic Lavender OR 1 tbsp dried lavender buds OR 2 drops lavender essential oil
• 3 tbsp coarse salt or pickling salt
• lots of Ice Cubes
• Ziploc Bags sandwich size freezer bags
• 2 L size Round Drinking Cooler or one large Coffee tin

Instructions

 

• Stir together sugar, vanilla, cream and lavender sprigs in a small bowl. Transfer to Ziploc bag, sealing securely.
• Fill a cooler or large coffee tin ¾ full with ice cubes and sprinkle the salt over the ice. Place the smaller bag in the middle of the ice (you may place up to 3 sandwich-sized bags in one container). Seal your container shut.
• Roll your container around on a table or the ground for about 10 minutes. Check if the cream is frozen – you don’t need to remove the bag. If it isn’t frozen, keep rolling it around for another 5 minutes.
• Remove bag(s) from the large container. Rinse the salt off the outside of the bags.  Remove lavender sprigs. Place into a bowl or eat straight from the bag!

Keyword Ice Cream, Lavender

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

More Ice Cream to Try!

We have had good success with our Cuisinart ice cream maker, but many recipes only require a blender and a bit of hand-churning.

Apricot and Lavender Ice Cream

Don't shy away from making ice cream. This recipe takes advantage of ripe stonefruit (apricot, peach), and needs little sugar. The lavender flavouring gives it that hint of Provence.

Check out this recipe

Lemony Sweet Verbena Ice Cream

It's not hard to make ice cream, and even easier with an ice cream maker. This version made with fresh verbena is a lovely tangy summer treat.

Check out this recipe

Apple Beignet with Caramel Ice Cream

Prepare the batter and vegetable oil in advance. When you are ready to make the beignets, deep-frying the apples only takes a few minutes.

Check out this recipe

Absinthe Ice Cream

Based on the recipe by my friend Jill Colonna, the sweet combination of cream, sugar, and Absinthe will pretty much guarantee there are no leftovers.

Check out this recipe

Carolyne Kauser-Abbott

With her camera and laptop close at hand, Carolyne has traded in her business suits for the world of freelance writing and blogging. Her first airplane ride at six months of age was her introduction to the exciting world of travel.

While in Provence, Carolyne can be found hiking with friends, riding the hills around the Alpilles or tackling Mont Ventoux. Her attachment to the region resonates in Perfectly Provence this digital magazine that she launched in 2014. This website is an opportunity to explore the best of the Mediterranean lifestyle (food & wine, places to stay, expat stories, books on the region, travel tips, real estate tips and more), through our contributors' articles.

Carolyne writes a food and travel blog Ginger and Nutmeg. Carolyne’s freelance articles can be found in Global Living Magazine, Avenue Magazine and City Palate (Published Travel Articles).