This ethereal dessert blends the smooth decadence of sweetened condensed milk with the bright sweetness of peaches, crowned with aromatic lavender for a calming twist. Served semi-frozen or freshly churned, it’s as much a treat for the eyes as for the palate. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—just a handful of ingredients and no need for eggs or complex custard bases. Ideal for summertime refreshment, wellness-oriented gatherings, or whenever your senses crave something both soothing and indulgent.
Optional herbal adaptations—like lemon balm, chamomile, or a hint of cardamom—add not only flavor but functional flair, perfect for your holistic kitchen.
🧺 Ingredients
Base:
- 1 can (15 oz) sliced peaches in syrup, drained
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups heavy cream (chilled)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Infusion:
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender (or 1 teaspoon lavender extract)
- Optional: ½ teaspoon lemon zest or ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder
Garnish:
- Fresh peach slices
- Lavender buds or edible flowers
- Mint leaves
- Crushed nuts or granola (optional)
🔧 Instructions (In-Depth & Wellness-Inspired)
1. Prepare Your Lavender Infusion
- Heat ½ cup of the heavy cream until just warm—not boiling.
- Stir in lavender and let steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain to remove buds and chill completely.
- Why? Lavender supports relaxation and gut balance when used mindfully.
2. Blend the Peaches
- Puree drained canned peaches until smooth.
- If you enjoy peach bits, pulse briefly instead of blending fully.
- Stir in lemon zest or cardamom here if using—these complement peaches beautifully and aid digestion.
3. Make the Ice Cream Base
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Pureed peaches
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Remaining heavy cream + lavender-infused cream
- Vanilla extract
- Whip gently with a hand mixer for 2–3 minutes until fluffy but not stiff.
4. Churn or Freeze
- With Ice Cream Maker: Pour into your machine and churn per instructions (usually 20–30 minutes).
- Without Ice Cream Maker: Pour into a freezer-safe container. Freeze for 5–6 hours, stirring every hour for the first 3 hours to avoid icy texture.
- Cover surface directly with parchment before final freeze to reduce ice crystals.
5. Scoop and Style
- Remove from freezer and let rest 5 minutes before scooping.
- Scoop into bowls or cups, shaping tall swirls.
- Garnish with sliced fresh peaches, lavender buds, mint leaves, and optional nuts.
- Serving Tip: Pair with a drizzle of herbal syrup (rose, elderflower, or saffron) for added visual and flavor impact.
🍃 Wellness Variations & Tips
Goal | Adaptation | Benefit |
---|---|---|
Digestive Aid | Add lemon balm or ginger powder | Soothes GI tract |
Sleep Support | Lavender + chamomile tea infusion | Calms nerves, eases tension |
Skin Health | Blend in rosewater or pomegranate juice | Antioxidant boost |
Metabolic Support | Substitute condensed milk with coconut cream + monk fruit | Lower glycemic load |
Family Adaptation | Use half-fat cream + blend with banana | Kid-friendly and lighter |