Lavender Infused Whipped Cream is a delightful twist on a classic topping, perfect for adding a floral touch to your desserts. This recipe captures the essence of lavender without overpowering your senses, creating a unique and aromatic experience.
Heavy cream: The rich base needed for whipping into a fluffy, creamy topping. It's the canvas for all the other flavors to shine.
Dried lavender: Adds a subtle floral note that elevates the cream, making it fragrant and slightly sweet.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream just enough to enhance the lavender without overwhelming its delicate flavor.
Vanilla extract: Complements the lavender by providing warmth and depth, rounding out the flavor profile.
This whipped cream is a perfect match for fresh berries, lemon tarts, or even atop a rich chocolate cake. You can also spoon it over a bowl of fruit salad to add a gourmet touch. For a comforting treat, try it on a bowl of warm, homemade apple crisp.
Start by combining heavy cream and dried lavender in a small saucepan. Heat this mixture over a low flame, keeping a close eye on it. You want the cream to become warm and fragrant, but avoid bringing it to a boil. Once you can smell that lovely lavender aroma, remove the saucepan from the heat.
Let the lavender steep in the cream for about 30 minutes. This steeping process is where the magic happens, as the cream absorbs the floral notes of the lavender. After steeping, strain the cream through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the lavender pieces. You want your whipped cream to be smooth, not gritty.
Chill the infused cream in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This step is crucial because cold cream whips much better than warm. Once your cream is chilled, pour it into a mixing bowl and add the sugar and vanilla extract.
Use a hand mixer to whip the mixture until soft peaks form. This means the cream should hold its shape but still have a slight curl at the peaks. Be careful not to over-whip, as it can quickly turn to butter.
Serve your Lavender Infused Whipped Cream immediately on your favorite desserts or store it in the fridge for later use.