Elevate your dessert game with these delightful Blackberry Lavender Ice Cream Sandwiches.
Bursting with the sweet-tart flavor of blackberries and the delicate floral notes of lavender, these ice cream sandwiches are a refreshing and elegant treat perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply craving a cool and creamy dessert, these sandwiches are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups blackberries, fresh or frozen
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon dried culinary lavender
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- 12 shortbread cookies
Equipment:
- Saucepan
- Blender
- Fine mesh strainer
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Instructions:
In a small saucepan, combine the blackberries, honey, and dried lavender. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the blackberries soften and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
Transfer the blackberry mixture to a blender and blend until smooth.
Place a fine mesh strainer over a mixing bowl and strain the blackberry mixture to remove any seeds and lavender pieces.
Allow the blackberry puree to cool completely, then fold it into the vanilla ice cream until well combined.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place 6 shortbread cookies on the baking sheet, bottom side up.
Spoon a generous scoop of the blackberry lavender ice cream onto each cookie.
Top each ice cream scoop with another shortbread cookie, bottom side down, to form sandwiches.
Press down gently to secure the sandwiches.
Place the baking sheet in the freezer and freeze the sandwiches for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
Nutritional Facts:
- Serving Size: 1 ice cream sandwich
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 110mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 31g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 3g
Health Benefits:
The “Blackberry Lavender Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe” can offer several health benefits, particularly if made with wholesome ingredients:
Blackberries:
Blackberries are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, and anthocyanins.
Anthocyanins are a type of flavonoid that gives blackberries their dark color and has been linked to various health benefits, such as reducing inflammation, improving cognitive function, and supporting heart health.
Blackberries are also low in calories and high in fiber, promoting digestive health and helping control blood sugar levels.
Lavender:
Lavender is a fragrant herb known for its calming and soothing properties.
It contains compounds like linalool and linalyl acetate, which have been shown to have anti-anxiety and stress-relieving effects.
Including lavender in the ice cream sandwiches not only adds a unique flavor but also provides potential relaxation benefits.
Whole Grain or Nut Flour:
Some recipes for ice cream sandwiches may use whole grain flour or nut flour instead of refined flour for the cookie component.
Whole grain or nut flours provide additional fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals compared to refined flour, promoting satiety, supporting digestive health, and stabilizing blood sugar levels.
Coconut Milk or Yogurt:
Coconut milk or yogurt is often used to make dairy-free ice cream fillings for the sandwiches.
Coconut milk contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are healthy fats that may boost metabolism and provide quick energy.
Coconut milk is also rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, supporting overall health and well-being.
Reduced Sugar Content:
Some recipes may use natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or dates instead of refined sugar to sweeten the ice cream or cookie components.
Using natural sweeteners reduces the overall sugar content of the ice cream sandwiches while still providing sweetness and flavor.
Portion Control:
While blackberry lavender ice cream sandwiches can be a delicious treat, it’s essential to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Practicing portion control helps prevent overconsumption of calories and ensures that you can indulge in the dessert without compromising your health goals.
Overall, blackberry lavender ice cream sandwiches can be a flavorful and refreshing dessert option with potential health benefits when made with wholesome ingredients and enjoyed as part of a balanced lifestyle.
FAQs:
Q1: Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried culinary lavender?
A1: Yes, you can use fresh lavender if available. Just make sure it’s culinary lavender and use it in the same quantity as dried lavender.
Q2: Can I use a different type of cookie for the sandwiches?
A2: Yes, feel free to use your favorite cookies for the sandwiches, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary.
Q3: Can I make these ice cream sandwiches ahead of time?
A3: Yes, you can assemble the sandwiches ahead of time and store them in the freezer until ready to serve.
Q4: Can I use homemade ice cream instead of store-bought?
A4: Absolutely! Homemade ice cream adds a personal touch to the sandwiches, but store-bought ice cream works just as well.
Q5: How long will these ice cream sandwiches keep in the freezer?
A5: Stored in an airtight container, these ice cream sandwiches will keep for up to 1 week in the freezer.