Lavender Earl Grey Ice Cream: Creamy & Easy No-Churn Recipe

Name: Lavender Earl Grey Ice Cream
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Whole Milk; 1 tsp Dried Lavender; Purple Food Coloring; 1 Earl Grey Tea Bag; 1 tsp Vanilla Bean Paste or Vanilla Extract; 2 cups Heavy Cream, cold; 12 oz Sweetened Condensed Milk

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Lavender Earl Grey Ice Cream is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves creamy, floral, and citrusy flavors. This no-churn recipe combines the calming essence of lavender with the aromatic zing of Earl Grey tea, creating a creamy, vibrant ice cream with a stunning marble effect. No fancy ice cream maker or special equipment is needed — just a few simple ingredients and some time in the freezer. If you’re looking for a unique and delicious homemade treat, this Lavender Earl Grey Ice Cream is sure to impress.

Why Lavender Earl Grey Ice Cream is the Perfect Dessert

Lavender Earl Grey Ice Cream is not only a showstopper but also a quick and easy dessert option. This no-churn recipe is simple to make and doesn’t require any special skills. The blend of floral lavender and the citrusy, slightly bitter notes from the Earl Grey tea creates a balanced ice cream that’s both refreshing and indulgent. It’s the ideal dessert for a hot summer day, a dinner party, or a special occasion. The best part? You don’t need an ice cream maker to bring this dreamy treat to life.

Ingredients

This Lavender Earl Grey Ice Cream uses a few basic ingredients that work beautifully together to create a creamy, flavor-packed dessert.

• Whole Milk: Adds creaminess and is used to infuse the lavender and Earl Grey flavors.

• Dried Lavender: Brings a calming floral note to the ice cream, adding a luxurious touch.

• Purple Food Coloring: Gives the lavender ice cream a vibrant purple hue for an eye-catching swirl effect.

• Earl Grey Tea Bag: Infuses the ice cream with its aromatic, citrusy flavor, complementing the floral lavender.

• Vanilla Bean Paste: Enhances the flavor profile with rich, warm vanilla undertones.

• Heavy Cream: Whipped to stiff peaks, this ingredient provides the base for the ice cream, making it light and fluffy.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and richness to the ice cream, ensuring a smooth texture once frozen.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking to make some substitutions or have dietary preferences, consider these alternatives:

Non-dairy milk (e.g., almond or coconut milk) can replace whole milk for a dairy-free version.
Lavender extract can replace dried lavender if you prefer a more concentrated flavor.

Decaffeinated Earl Grey tea works well if you want a caffeine-free ice cream.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this Lavender Earl Grey Ice Cream is straightforward and doesn’t require any special equipment. Here’s how to do it:

Infuse the Milk: Pour the whole milk into a saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, remove from heat. Divide the milk equally into two bowls. Add dried lavender and purple food coloring to one bowl and an Earl Grey tea bag and vanilla bean paste to the other. Cover the bowls with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming, then place them in the fridge for 2-3 hours, or until the milk is completely cool.

Prepare the Whipped Cream: Once the milk has cooled, beat the heavy cream in a stand mixer until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the sweetened condensed milk until well combined.
Infuse the Cream: Divide the whipped cream mixture into two separate bowls. In one bowl, fold in the lavender-infused milk. In the other, fold in the Earl Grey-infused milk. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
Swirl the Mixtures: Pour alternating spoonfuls of the lavender and Earl Grey mixtures into a loaf pan. Using a knife, swirl the two mixtures together to create a marbled effect. Cover the pan with plastic wrap.

Freeze the Ice Cream: Place the loaf pan in the freezer and let it firm up for at least 6 hours or overnight. Once frozen, scoop and enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

Avoid Over-mixing: When folding the milk into the whipped cream, be gentle to maintain the light and airy texture.
Achieving the Marble Effect: For a perfect swirl, don’t mix the lavender and Earl Grey mixtures too much. Just a few turns with a knife will give you a beautiful marbled look.

Storage: Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a week. Let it sit out for a few minutes before serving for easier scooping.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

Lavender Earl Grey Ice Cream is a versatile dessert that pairs well with a variety of side dishes or toppings. Here are some ideas:

Serve it with a drizzle of honey or caramel sauce for an added touch of sweetness.

Pair with a crisp shortbread cookie for a delightful contrast in texture.
For a more decadent treat, top with crushed nuts or fresh berries.

Make-Ahead Tips

This ice cream is perfect for making ahead, as it needs several hours to freeze. You can prepare it a day or two in advance for a stress-free dessert at your next gathering.

The Perfect Dessert for Every Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, treating yourself to a special dessert, or looking for a sophisticated finish to a dinner party, Lavender Earl Grey Ice Cream is a unique and delightful choice. Its sweet, floral, and citrus notes make it a perfect way to wrap up any meal. With its no-churn convenience and stunning marbled effect, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.

Conclusion

Lavender Earl Grey Ice Cream is a stunning and flavorful dessert that brings a touch of elegance and uniqueness to any occasion. The combination of floral lavender and aromatic Earl Grey tea creates a delightful balance of sweetness and citrusy brightness, making each bite an indulgent experience. With its no-churn method, it’s an easy treat to prepare without the need for special equipment. Whether served after a formal dinner or enjoyed on a sunny afternoon, this ice cream will undoubtedly impress. Make it ahead of time for a hassle-free, unforgettable dessert that everyone will love.

FAQs About Lavender Earl Grey Ice Cream

Can I make this Lavender Earl Grey Ice Cream dairy-free?

Yes! You can easily substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with non-dairy alternatives like coconut milk or almond milk. Make sure to use a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk for the best results.

How long will this ice cream last in the freezer?

When stored properly in an airtight container, Lavender Earl Grey Ice Cream will stay fresh in the freezer for up to a week. However, it’s best to enjoy it within the first few days for the best texture and flavor.

Can I make just one flavor without the swirl?

Yes, if you prefer a simpler ice cream, you can skip the marbling and make either the lavender or Earl Grey flavor on its own. Just steep the lavender or tea in the same bowl of milk and fold it into the whipped cream mixture.

Can I use other types of tea for this recipe?

Certainly! If Earl Grey isn’t your favorite, you can experiment with other flavored teas, like chai or jasmine, to create your own unique ice cream flavor. Be sure to adjust the steeping time according to the strength of the tea.

More Relevant Recipes

Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies
These indulgent cookies combine the richness of chocolate with the light fluffiness of marshmallows, creating a sweet and comforting treat. Like the floral notes in Lavender Earl Grey Ice Cream, these cookies are sure to satisfy your craving for something sweet and unique.
No-Bake Peppermint Cheesecake
For a festive twist, this no-bake peppermint cheesecake provides a smooth, creamy texture that pairs well with the light, floral essence of Lavender Earl Grey Ice Cream. It’s a perfect seasonal dessert for when you’re craving something cool and refreshing.

Lemon Crinkle Cookies
These zesty and sweet lemon crinkle cookies offer a citrusy zing that beautifully complements the citrus notes from Earl Grey tea. Their bright, tangy flavor makes them an ideal pairing with the floral sweetness of lavender, offering a refreshing contrast to your ice cream.

These dessert recipes bring out a similar balance of floral, sweet, and citrusy flavors, creating a well-rounded selection to enjoy alongside your Lavender Earl Grey Ice Cream.