Homemade Lavender & Honey Nice Cream (5 Simple Ingredients)
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Let’s talk about ice cream. Specifically, the kind that won’t leave you feeling sluggish afterward but still delivers that creamy, indulgent, I-deserve-this satisfaction. Enter nice cream—the magical, plant-based version of ice cream that’s made with frozen bananas instead of dairy.
Now, imagine blending that already genius creation with the delicate floral notes of lavender and the golden, natural sweetness of honey. Are you swooning yet? Because I am. This Lavender & Honey Nice Cream is equal parts luxurious and wholesome, making it the ultimate treat for slow, mindful moments.
Whether you need a cooling summer dessert, a cozy night-in treat, or just a way to make use of those overripe bananas sitting on your counter (no judgment—we all have them), this recipe has you covered.
What Is Nice Cream?
Nice cream is the best thing to happen to dessert lovers who want something indulgent yet nutritious. It’s made by blending frozen bananas into a creamy, soft-serve-like texture—no dairy, no added sugar, and no fancy equipment needed. It’s a naturally sweet, plant-based alternative to traditional ice cream that doesn’t compromise on texture or flavor.
What Makes This Nice Cream So Special?
Lavender
Lavender isn’t just for dreamy pillow sprays and fancy spa days—it’s also a beautiful way to bring calming, floral notes into your food. It’s been used for centuries to promote relaxation, ease anxiety, and improve sleep. The subtle floral flavor pairs beautifully with honey, creating an elegant, soothing treat that feels like something you’d be served at a countryside bed-and-breakfast.
Honey
Honey adds more than just sweetness—it brings warmth, depth, and a touch of floral earthiness that complements the lavender beautifully. Plus, raw honey is packed with antioxidants and natural antibacterial properties, making this dessert functional as well as delicious. (Because dessert that doubles as wellness? Yes, please.)
Bananas (The OG Nice Cream Base)
Bananas are the unsung heroes of plant-based desserts. When frozen and blended, they transform into a thick, creamy texture that mimics soft-serve ice cream—without any dairy or added sugar. They also bring their own natural sweetness, meaning we don’t need to overload this recipe with sweeteners.
How to Make Lavender & Honey Nice Cream
Ingredients (makes about 2 servings)
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced and frozen (the riper, the better!)
- ¼ cup full-fat coconut milk (or almond milk if you prefer a lighter texture)
- 1 tbsp dried culinary lavender (not the kind meant for soap-making—look for food-grade lavender!)
- 1 tbsp raw honey (swap for maple syrup if you want a vegan option)
- ½ tsp vanilla powder (adds that classic ice cream flavor)
- A pinch of sea salt (because a tiny bit of salt enhances everything)
Instructions
- Infuse the coconut milk.
- Heat the coconut milk in a small saucepan over low heat until warm, but not boiling.
- Stir in the dried lavender and let it steep for about 10 minutes.
- Strain out the lavender buds using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth, then chill the infused milk in the fridge. (Patience, my friend—it’s worth it!)
- Blend it up.
- In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the frozen bananas, chilled lavender-infused coconut milk, honey, vanilla, and sea salt.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk to help things along.
- Adjust texture as needed.
- If the nice cream is a little soft (because, hello, blenders warm things up), transfer it to a container and freeze for 20–30 minutes to firm up.
- If you prefer a softer, soft-serve texture, you can dive in right away.
- Scoop, serve, and enjoy!
- Drizzle with extra honey, sprinkle a few lavender buds on top, and maybe even add some chopped nuts for crunch.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the sweet, floral bliss.
Pro Tips for the Best Nice Cream Ever
- Use extra ripe bananas. The more brown spots, the sweeter and creamier your nice cream will be!
- Don’t skip the infusion step. Blending lavender straight into the nice cream can make it taste too floral (think soap). Steeping it in the coconut milk extracts just the right amount of flavor.
- Freeze your bananas in slices. Whole frozen bananas are impossible to blend, and nobody wants to wrestle with a rock-hard banana at 10 p.m.
- For a stronger lavender flavor, let the buds steep in the milk for up to 15 minutes.
- For a scoopable, traditional ice cream texture, freeze the nice cream for 1–2 hours after blending.
Make It Even More Magical
- Add crunch. Top with crushed pistachios, almonds, or toasted coconut flakes.
- Boost the floral notes. Add a teaspoon of dried rose petals for an extra botanical touch.
- Go full-on cozy mode. Serve in a teacup with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of edible flowers—or try one of these beautiful edible flower recipes for even more floral inspiration.
- Make a sundae. Pair with fresh berries, dark chocolate shavings, or even a dollop of whipped coconut cream.
How to Naturally Color Your Lavender & Honey Nice Cream (+ Health Benefits!)
If you want your Lavender & Honey Nice Cream to have that dreamy soft lavender hue without artificial food coloring, you’re in luck! There are several superfood powders and natural ingredients that can give you a gorgeous pastel purple while also adding nutritional benefits.
1. Purple Sweet Potato Powder (Best for a Pastel Lavender Hue)
How to Use:
- Add ½ to 1 teaspoon of purple sweet potato powder to the blender with your nice cream ingredients.
- If you want a stronger purple hue, start with ½ teaspoon and increase as needed.
Health Benefits:
- Rich in anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that fight oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Supports eye health, cognitive function, and heart health.
- Contains fiber and natural prebiotics to promote gut health.
- Helps maintain steady blood sugar levels compared to regular potatoes.
Best For: A smooth, creamy pastel lavender shade with zero impact on flavor.
2. Butterfly Pea Flower Powder (For a Blue-Lavender Tone)
How to Use:
- Add ½ teaspoon of butterfly pea flower powder to your blender before blending.
- If you want a deeper purple, add a squeeze of lemon juice—this shifts the blue hue into a soft violet-lavender color!
Health Benefits:
- High in antioxidants that protect against premature aging and oxidative stress.
- Known to support brain function, memory, and focus.
- Contains compounds that reduce stress and anxiety, making it a perfect complement to lavender.
- Traditionally used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for healthy skin and hair.
Best For: A unique blue-lavender color with a slight floral, earthy taste.
3. Blueberry Powder (For a Richer Purple Hue)
How to Use:
- Add ½ to 1 teaspoon of blueberry powder while blending your nice cream.
- You can also blend in ¼ cup of frozen blueberries instead of powder for a natural purple color.
Health Benefits:
- One of the highest antioxidant-rich fruits, helping protect cells from damage.
- Supports brain health, memory, and cognitive function.
- Boosts skin health by reducing inflammation and supporting collagen production.
- Helps regulate blood sugar and gut health thanks to its fiber content.
Best For: A deeper purple color with a mild fruity taste that complements honey and lavender.
4. Hibiscus Powder (For a Pink-Lavender Tone)
How to Use:
- Add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of hibiscus powder to your blender before mixing.
- A tiny squeeze of lemon juice can enhance its pink-lavender shade.
Health Benefits:
- Rich in vitamin C, supporting the immune system and healthy skin.
- Known for its blood pressure-lowering properties.
- Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that promote heart health.
- Aids in digestion and gut health, acting as a gentle digestive tonic.
Best For: A light pink-lavender color with a slightly tangy, floral taste.
Best Combination for the Perfect Soft Lavender Hue
For a true lavender color that’s soft and delicate:
- ½ teaspoon purple sweet potato powder
- ¼ teaspoon butterfly pea flower powder
- A tiny squeeze of lemon juice (if needed to brighten the hue)
This combination gives you the perfect lavender color without altering the flavor.
Bonus: Pro Tips for a More Vibrant Color!
- Adjust the hue after blending. If it’s not lavender enough, add a pinch more powder and blend again.
- Use chilled ingredients. A colder mixture holds the color better and prevents oxidation.
- Don’t overdo lemon juice! A tiny squeeze helps, but too much can overpower the delicate lavender flavor.
- Test different powders. If you want a slightly warmer purple, use hibiscus powder. For a cooler lavender, use butterfly pea flower.
Why You’ll Love This Nice Cream
- Dairy-free & naturally sweetened
- Ultra-creamy with no added sugar
- Quick & easy—no ice cream maker needed!
- Infused with calming lavender for a little extra self-care
- Tastes like summer in a bowl
Seriously, this Lavender & Honey Nice Cream is a full-on experience. It’s light, refreshing, and the perfect way to wind down at the end of the day—or to savor during a warm afternoon while checking things off your slow living summer bucket list.
So go ahead—treat yourself to a scoop (or two) and let the floral-honey goodness work its magic.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Making Nice Cream
1. Can I make this without bananas?
Yes! While bananas give nice cream its signature creamy texture, you can substitute them with frozen mango, avocado, or coconut cream for a similar consistency. However, you may need to adjust the sweetness by adding a bit more honey or maple syrup.
2. How long does homemade nice cream last in the freezer?
For the best texture and flavor, consume it within 1–2 weeks. Since this recipe doesn’t have preservatives like store-bought ice cream, it may get icy over time. Store it in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
3. Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?
Absolutely! If using fresh lavender, double the amount since fresh lavender is milder than dried. Just make sure it’s culinary-grade and not treated with pesticides.
4. My nice cream turned out too soft—how can I fix it?
If it’s too soft right after blending, transfer it to a container and freeze for 20–30 minutes for a firmer consistency. For a scoopable, traditional ice cream texture, freeze it for 1–2 hours.
5. How do I prevent my nice cream from turning rock solid in the freezer?
Since this recipe lacks artificial stabilizers, it can freeze harder than store-bought ice cream. To soften it, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping. You can also blend in a small amount of coconut milk or almond milk before freezing to keep it creamier.
6. Can I make this without an ice cream maker?
Yes! That’s the beauty of nice cream—it requires no ice cream maker. A high-speed blender or food processor does all the work.
7. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any extra nice cream in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Press a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing the lid to prevent ice crystals from forming.
8. Can I make this vegan?
Yes! Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave to keep it 100% plant-based.
9. Can I add extra flavors to this nice cream?
Definitely! Try these flavor boosters:
- A teaspoon of dried rose petals for an extra floral note
- A squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavor
- A handful of fresh berries blended in for a fruity twist
- A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth
10. What’s the best way to serve this nice cream?
For an extra indulgent treat, top with:
- A drizzle of honey or maple syrup
- Toasted coconut flakes
- Chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds
- Dark chocolate shavings
- Edible flowers for a beautiful touch