There’s something quietly magical about lavender ice cream. It’s nostalgic but also unexpected - like a spoonful of sunshine with a hint of wildflower. The charm of this lavender ice cream recipe is that it’s not just sweet - it’s soft, floral, and gently hypnotic. This is the kind of thing you serve when you want to slow down time just a little. I like to make this lavender ice cream on slow mornings when I want to remind myself how to soften, and keep some in the freezer for future. The recipe of this ice cream is simple - the magic is in how it makes you feel!

Lavender ice cream as self-care ritual

Using lavender ice cream as a self-care ritual is a gentle, sensory way to slow down and reconnect with yourself - especially when you’re feeling overstimulated, anxious, or emotionally tender. This turns dessert into an intention, not just a treat. Cooking can be grounding - let the act of stirring, waiting, and tasting become an invitation to move slower and breathe deeper.

Chill in more ways than one - while the ice cream sets in the freezer you can prepare your space and set the vibe. This waiting time is part of the ritual - a reminder that good things take time to arrive. For extra measure open windows and pick a relaxing playlist.

Once the lavender ice cream has set, scoop with intention - let this be the only thing you do for a moment. Engage your senses. Notice the pale color and aroma. Let the flavor sit on your tongue and feel the chill and the soothing taste of lavender.

Let this moment mean something. Even if it’s just one quiet scoop in a busy day, let this small moment become a signal to your body that it’s safe to rest. Safe to feel. Safe to enjoy softness.

What are some interesting facts about lavender?

Lavender is one of few flowers used across food, medicine, beauty and ritual. It’s been burned in temples, steeped in teas, bottled in perfumes, made into treats - a rare example of a single plant thriving in all four sacred elements of living: nourishment, healing, beauty, and spirit.
Inhaling lavender scent has been shown to reduce cortisol levels.
Bees love lavender so much it’s considered a top pollinator plant - and lavender honey is prized for its floral flavor! Getting lavender honey is only possible in areas where bees have near-exclusive access to blooming lavender fields.
Queen Elizabeth l demanded lavender jam to be served at every royal meal. She believed it cured migraines and soothed nerves, which is why she kept it stocked the way we do Tylenol and ice cream.
This gentle looking plant is actually tough as nails. It thrives in rocky, dry ground and harsh sun light, making it a symbol of resilience dressed in soft purple. Lavender can survive droughts, frost, and poor soil - and still bloom like magic.
The Romans bathed in lavender scented water daily to ward off illness and bad spirits. Basically it was their all-natural spa detergent + aromatherapy, which is probably why lavenders name comes from the Latin word ‘lavare’, meaning “to wash”.
During the 17th century plague lavender was tucked into masks and pockets to protect from illness. Grave robbers would even wear lavender scented gloves believing it kept them safe.
Ancient Egyptians used lavender in mummification. Thousands of years later, King Tut’s burial chamber still smelled faintly floral when it was first opened and traces of lavender were found in his tomb.
Lavender farming can prevent wildfires! Some European regions now plant lavender as a fire break because it doesn’t ignite easily and can slow the spread of wildfires.
Lavender essential oil is one of the only ones you can use undiluted on skin. Most essential oils require a carrier oil to avoid irritation, but lavender essential oil is gentle enough to use directly on skin for healing properties.

What are lavender festivals?

Did you know that there are festivals across the U.S to celebrate this beloved herb? The festivals typically occur during summer months when lavender is in full bloom and provide the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the lavender experience! Going to a lavender festival is more than just admiring flowers - it’s a full body sensory reset that will inspire your creativity! At the festivals you’ll usually find everything from lavender lemonades and ice cream to essential oil workshops! Lavender is known for its calming properties and being surrounded by the scent and beauty of it all can feel like a deep exhale - like a natural reset.

Here is a list of some of the most notable Lavender Festivals in U.S!

*Lavender fields at Evening Light Lavender Festival in Deer Park, WA*

How to make lavender ice cream?

Making homemade lavender ice cream is a breeze! To begin the recipe in a medium sized pot stir together 4 cups of whole milk, 1/2 cup cream and 1 tbsp lavender and bring to simmer. Lower the heat to low and let it simmer for an hour, stirring frequently. Line a fine sieve with cheesecloth and set aside. Place the 4 egg yolks in a medium bowl and set aside. Place the sieve over a large bowl and pour the lavender milk through it. Squeeze all the liquid out of the cheesecloth and discard the solids. Take 1 cup of the hot lavender milk to temper the egg yolks with. Slowly pour it into the egg yolks while whisking. Make sure to not scramble the eggs by pouring the hot milk in too quickly. Add rest of the milk while constantly whisking. Move the milk mixture back into the pot and whisk in 3/4 cup of sugar and a pinch of salt. Bring to simmer and remove from heat. Once cool pour the ice cream base in an air tight container and refrigerate for 2-4 hours. Place the cold ice cream base into ice cream maker tub and churn for 25-35 minutes, or until the texture is like soft serve ice cream. Place the churned ice cream into a freezer safe airtight container and freeze overnight. Enjoy!

Tips

Put the tub from your ice cream maker in a freezer a day or two before starting this recipe.
Make sure your container is freezer safe - not all types of glass are fit for freezer and may break.
When tempering the egg yolks pour the hot liquid in a small stream while constantly whisking to prevent them from scrambling. If poured too fast the yolks will end up chunky and scrambled instead of smooth.
Add 1-3 drops of violet food coloring for a beautiful lavender hue!
Avoid adding extra lavender to avoid overpowering and soapy taste.
Churning is an important step in ice cream making to incorporate air into the ice cream base during the freezing process for a smooth texture and to control the size of crystals, but over churning ice cream can cause emulsion breakdown (fat and water components to separating).