Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’ve ever enjoyed the comforting flavor of honey and lavender together, this frozen yogurt takes that classic combination to the next level. The result is a silky smooth yogurt, with just the right amount of sweetness and a subtle floral hint from the lavender. This no-bake treat is perfect for a hot summer day or as an elegant after-dinner dessert. It’s simple to make, requiring just a few key ingredients, and the process is straightforward enough for anyone to tackle. Plus, with the cooling and churning, you get the perfect frozen dessert to enjoy anytime!

Ingredients

2 cups plain Greek yogurt
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup honey
2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
Optional: Fresh lavender sprigs for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, mix the honey, heavy cream, and dried lavender.
Heat the Mixture: Heat the mixture over low heat until it’s warm but not boiling, stirring occasionally to dissolve the honey.
Steep the Lavender: Once warm, remove the pan from the heat and let the lavender steep for about 2 hours. This infuses the cream with the beautiful floral flavor.
Strain the Mixture: After steeping, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl to remove the lavender buds. You want just the infused cream for your yogurt.
Mix in Yogurt: Stir in the plain Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined.
Chill the Mixture: Place the yogurt mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to chill. This will help it churn better when you’re ready to freeze it.
Churn: Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft serve consistency. This should take about 20-30 minutes.
Transfer to Freezer: Once the yogurt reaches soft serve consistency, transfer it to a lidded container or a bowl.
Freeze: Freeze for an additional 2-3 hours for a firmer consistency.
Serve: Once fully frozen, scoop out the Honey Lavender Frozen Yogurt into bowls or cones, and enjoy the refreshing, floral goodness.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours (steeping) + 20-30 minutes (churning) + 2-3 hours (freezing)
Total Time: Approximately 4 hours 20 minutes

Variations

Fruit Infusion: Add in pureed fruits like raspberries or peaches into the yogurt mixture for a twist on the flavor.
Vegan Version: Use a dairy-free yogurt and coconut cream to make this recipe vegan-friendly while still maintaining the creamy texture.
Extra Crunch: Add crushed nuts like almonds or pistachios as a topping for added texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover frozen yogurt in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 week.
Reheating: No need to reheat – just allow the frozen yogurt to soften slightly at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of yogurt?

Yes, you can substitute plain Greek yogurt with any yogurt of your choice, but Greek yogurt provides the best creamy texture for this recipe.

2. Can I make this without an ice cream maker?

Yes! If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a shallow dish, freeze, and stir every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals until it reaches a soft serve consistency.

3. Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried lavender?

Yes, you can use fresh lavender, but you’ll need to use a bit more since fresh lavender is less concentrated than dried.

4. Can I adjust the sweetness of the frozen yogurt?

Absolutely! You can add more or less honey depending on how sweet you want the yogurt to be.

5. What can I garnish the yogurt with?

You can garnish with fresh lavender sprigs, additional honey drizzled on top, or even some fresh berries for a burst of color and flavor.

6. How long does it take to churn in an ice cream maker?

Typically, it takes 20-30 minutes for the mixture to reach soft serve consistency in an ice cream maker.

7. How can I make this recipe without honey?

If you prefer not to use honey, you can substitute with maple syrup, agave nectar, or any other sweetener of your choice.

8. Can I add extra flavorings like lemon zest or vanilla bean?

Yes! Adding a teaspoon of lemon zest or vanilla bean can enhance the flavor and add a layer of complexity to the yogurt.

9. Can I make this a dairy-free version?

Yes, use a plant-based yogurt (such as coconut or almond milk yogurt) and substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.

10. Can I use a flavored jam instead of lavender?

Yes, you can substitute the lavender-infused cream with fruit-flavored jams like strawberry or blueberry for a different fruity frozen yogurt flavor.

Conclusion

This Honey Lavender Frozen Yogurt is the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and floral flavors that will make any summer day feel extra special. It’s easy to make, elegant, and a guaranteed hit for anyone who enjoys unique desserts. With minimal effort and a few ingredients, you can enjoy this sophisticated treat anytime you want to cool down and indulge!