Short Description
A delicate and aromatic ice cream cake that layers velvety honey-infused lavender ice cream between tender vanilla sponge cake rounds. Perfect for spring gatherings or an elegant finish to any dinner party.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Aromatic Elegance: The subtle floral notes of culinary lavender harmonize with sweet honey, creating an unforgettable flavor profile.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the components ahead of time, assemble on the day of serving, and freeze until you’re ready to impress.
Customizable: Easily adapt the layers, add fruit swirls, or drizzle with chocolate for a personalized touch.
Texture Contrast: Soft cake layers sandwiched with creamy, dreamy ice cream offer a delightful mouthfeel in every bite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Lavender Honey Ice Cream

Heavy cream
Whole milk
Culinary dried lavender buds
Honey
Granulated sugar
Large egg yolks
Pure vanilla extract

For the Vanilla Sponge Cake

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Fine sea salt
Granulated sugar
Large eggs
Unsalted butter, melted
Pure vanilla extract

Directions

Infuse the Cream
- In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, lavender buds, and honey. Warm over medium heat until just below simmering. Remove from heat, cover, and steep for 15–20 minutes. Strain out the lavender buds and return the infused cream to the pan.
Prepare the Custard Base
- Whisk together egg yolks and sugar in a bowl until pale. Gradually whisk in the warm lavender-honey cream. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it coats the back of a spoon (about 170 °F/77 °C). Do not boil. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Chill and Churn
- Pour the custard through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl. Cover and chill in the refrigerator until fully cold (at least 2 hours, ideally overnight). Churn in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions. Transfer to a container and freeze until firm.
Bake the Sponge Cake
- Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until thick and pale. Fold in melted butter and vanilla, then gently incorporate the dry ingredients. Divide batter between pans and bake 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely on wire racks.
Assemble the Ice Cream Cake
- Line a springform pan with parchment. Place one cake layer in the bottom. Spread half of the lavender honey ice cream evenly over the cake. Freeze for 30 minutes to set. Top with the second cake layer and the remaining ice cream. Smooth the surface with an offset spatula. Cover and freeze overnight for best results.
Serve
- Remove the cake from the pan 10–15 minutes before slicing to allow slight softening. Use a hot knife to cut clean slices.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8–10 slices
Preparation Time: 30 minutes active (plus 2–3 hours chilling)
Bake Time: 20–25 minutes
Chill & Freeze Time: Minimum 6 hours (preferably overnight)
Total Time: Approximately 8 hours (including chilling and freezing)

Variations

Citrus Lavender: Add the zest of one lemon to the cream infusion for a bright, zesty note.
Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark chocolate and honey together; drizzle over the assembled cake before serving.
Berry Swirl: Fold a raspberry or blueberry purée into the churned ice cream just before the final freeze to create colorful swirls.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pistachios or almonds between the cake and ice cream layers for added texture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Wrap the frozen cake tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 1 week in the freezer.
Serving: Allow the cake to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before slicing to achieve optimal scoopability.
Leftover Ice Cream: Transfer any extra churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container; keep for up to 2 weeks.

FAQs

What type of lavender should I use?

Use culinary or food-grade dried lavender buds, often labeled “lavender for cooking” or “lavender flowers.” Avoid ornamental or scented lavender, which may be treated with pesticides.

Can I make this without an ice cream maker?

Yes. After preparing the custard, pour it into a shallow, freezer-safe dish. Every 30 minutes, stir vigorously with a fork to break up ice crystals until evenly frozen.

How do I prevent ice crystals in the ice cream?

Chill the custard thoroughly before churning, churn at a consistent speed, and transfer immediately to a tightly sealed container to minimize air exposure.

Can I substitute the sponge cake with cookies or brownies?

Absolutely. Crushed shortbread cookies or brownie rounds both make excellent bases; just press them firmly into the pan before layering the ice cream.

Is it possible to use fresh lavender?

Fresh lavender can be used but should be blanched briefly in boiling water and shock-cooled to preserve color and flavor. Dry buds are more consistent and convenient.

Can I prepare this entirely in advance?

The individual components can be made up to two days ahead. Assemble and freeze the cake the day before you plan to serve it.

How do I achieve clean cake slices?

Use a knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. This helps the blade glide through the frozen layers smoothly.

Can I replace honey with another sweetener?

Maple syrup or agave nectar can substitute for honey, but they will impart their own distinct flavors.

What’s the best way to store leftovers once the cake has been sliced?

Place slices in individual airtight containers or wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then return to the freezer.

Can children enjoy this cake?

Yes. The lavender flavor is gentle and pairs well with the natural sweetness of honey, making it child-friendly. However, consider omitting the lavender for very young children if you’re unsure of their palate.

Conclusion

The Honey Lavender Dream Ice Cream Cake offers a sophisticated balance of floral aromatics and sweet, creamy indulgence. With straightforward components that can be prepped in advance, this dessert is ideal for special occasions or a refined twist on a summertime favorite. Enjoy the subtle elegance of lavender and honey in every chilled, delightful slice.