Blackberry Lavender Ice Cream Sandwiches are a delightful summer treat featuring vanilla ice cream swirled with homemade blackberry lavender jam, sandwiched between crisp, buttery graham cracker cookies. The combination of sweet blackberries, floral lavender, and creamy ice cream makes this recipe perfect for any warm-weather occasion.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Blackberry Lavender Jam:
- 1½ cups fresh blackberries
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried lavender
For the Cookies:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup white chocolate, chopped
- 1 tablespoon water (if needed)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon dried lavender
For the Ice Cream Sandwiches:
- 2 containers vanilla ice cream (recommended: Tillamook)
Directions
- Make the Jam:
- In a medium pot, combine blackberries, honey, lemon juice, and lavender.
- Bring to a boil, then mash the berries using a potato masher or fork.
- Continue cooking for 5–8 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Prepare the Ice Cream Layer:
- Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper.
- Mix the jam with the ice cream, creating a swirled effect.
- Spread evenly into the pan, cover, and freeze until firm (at least 2 hours).
- Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cream together butter, honey, and vanilla for 3–5 minutes.
- Add flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mix to combine, then fold in white chocolate. Add water if needed to bring the dough together.
- Divide dough into two portions and roll out to ¼-inch thickness between floured wax paper. Cut into 24 squares (2×2 inch).
- Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Combine sugar and lavender, then sprinkle over cookies.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes. Let cool completely.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Remove the ice cream slab from the freezer and cut into 12 squares.
- Sandwich the ice cream squares between two cookies.
- Freeze until ready to serve.
Nutrients
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 570 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 75 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Fat: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 51 g
These elegant and refreshing ice cream sandwiches are a must-try for ice cream lovers, especially during the summer months!
The Inspiration Behind the Recipe
This recipe draws inspiration from the timeless appeal of ice cream sandwiches, adding a gourmet twist with unique flavors. Blackberries bring a bold, tart sweetness, while lavender infuses the jam and cookies with an aromatic depth that is both soothing and unexpected. Together, these ingredients create a balance of flavors that feels indulgent yet light, making it an ideal dessert for warm days.
The Role of Blackberries
Blackberries are the star of this recipe, lending their vibrant color and sweet-tart flavor to the ice cream and jam. Rich in vitamins C and K, as well as antioxidants, blackberries not only enhance the taste but also add a touch of nutritional value. Their natural acidity complements the creaminess of the ice cream, ensuring that each bite is balanced and refreshing.
Lavender: The Secret Ingredient
Lavender may seem unconventional in a dessert, but its subtle floral flavor pairs beautifully with sweet ingredients. Used sparingly, lavender adds a sophisticated touch without overpowering the dish. It complements the blackberries, enhancing their fruity notes and adding complexity to the overall flavor profile. Lavender is also known for its calming properties, making this dessert as relaxing to eat as it is delicious.
The Cookie Base: Crisp and Buttery
The cookies in this recipe are reminiscent of graham crackers but with a richer, buttery texture. Made with honey, cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla, these cookies are slightly crisp yet tender enough to bite through without breaking the ice cream. The addition of chopped white chocolate creates pockets of sweetness, while the lavender-sugar sprinkle adds a subtle crunch and flavor boost.
The Magic of Homemade Blackberry Lavender Jam
Making blackberry lavender jam from scratch not only ensures a fresh, flavorful result but also allows you to control the sweetness and intensity of the flavors. The jam is made by simmering blackberries with honey, lemon juice, and dried lavender until thickened. This creates a luscious, spreadable jam that swirls beautifully into the vanilla ice cream, adding bursts of fruity flavor in every bite.
Swirling the Ice Cream
Swirling the homemade jam into store-bought vanilla ice cream is a simple yet transformative step. It ensures that the blackberries and lavender are evenly distributed throughout, creating a marbled effect that is as visually stunning as it is delicious. By freezing the mixture in a large pan, you create an easy-to-handle ice cream layer that simplifies assembly.
Assembling the Perfect Ice Cream Sandwich
The assembly process is where all the components come together. Once the ice cream is frozen and the cookies are cooled, the ice cream is cut into squares and sandwiched between two cookies. The result is a perfectly portioned dessert that’s easy to eat and even easier to love. Freezing the assembled sandwiches ensures they hold their shape, making them convenient to serve at any gathering.
Why These Sandwiches Stand Out
- Flavor Profile: The combination of sweet, tangy blackberries, floral lavender, and creamy vanilla ice cream sets these sandwiches apart from standard ice cream treats.
- Texture Contrast: The crisp cookies provide a delightful contrast to the smooth, creamy ice cream.
- Visual Appeal: The marbled ice cream and golden cookies make these sandwiches a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.
- Customizable: While blackberry and lavender are the stars, the recipe can be easily adapted with other fruits and flavors to suit your preferences.
Tips for Success
- Choose Fresh Ingredients
Fresh blackberries and high-quality dried lavender ensure the best flavor. If fresh berries aren’t available, frozen ones can be used as a substitute. - Don’t Overuse Lavender
Lavender is potent, so use it sparingly to avoid an overpowering flavor. A light touch will enhance the dish without making it taste soapy. - Work Quickly During Assembly
Ice cream melts quickly, so assemble the sandwiches in a cool environment and work efficiently. - Store Properly
Once assembled, wrap each sandwich in parchment paper or plastic wrap before freezing. This prevents them from sticking together and preserves their freshness.
Pairing Suggestions
These ice cream sandwiches are delightful on their own but can be paired with complementary beverages for a complete dessert experience. Serve them with iced lavender tea for a cohesive flavor profile, or pair them with a glass of sparkling lemonade to balance the sweetness with refreshing citrus notes.
Occasions to Serve Blackberry Lavender Ice Cream Sandwiches
These sandwiches are perfect for a variety of occasions:
- Summer Picnics: Pack them in a cooler for a refreshing outdoor treat.
- Dinner Parties: Impress your guests with a unique and elegant dessert.
- Kids’ Birthday Parties: Substitute the lavender with vanilla for a kid-friendly version.
- Festive Celebrations: Their vibrant colors and gourmet flavors make them suitable for special events.
Customizing the Recipe
While the combination of blackberries and lavender is divine, this recipe can be easily customized:
- Replace blackberries with raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries for a different fruit flavor.
- Swap lavender for other floral notes like rose or orange blossom.
- Use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate for a richer cookie flavor.
Sustainability in Cooking
This recipe supports sustainability by encouraging the use of seasonal fruits like blackberries, which are abundant in the summer months. Opt for local and organic ingredients whenever possible to minimize your environmental footprint and enhance the dish’s freshness and flavor.
Conclusion: A Summer Dessert Worth Savoring
Blackberry Lavender Ice Cream Sandwiches are more than just a dessert—they’re an experience. Combining unique flavors, stunning visuals, and delightful textures, these sandwiches are a testament to the art of summer cooking. They are perfect for those looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a refreshing treat on a warm day. With their balance of sweet, tangy, and floral notes, these ice cream sandwiches are destined to become a seasonal favorite. Whether you’re serving them at a backyard barbecue or indulging in one on a quiet afternoon, they promise to deliver a moment of pure joy.