Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream is a perfect balance of creamy and earthy flavors. The matcha gives the ice cream a beautiful green hue while also providing a rich, slightly bitter taste that complements the sweetness of the dessert. It’s a refreshing and indulgent treat that’s easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re a matcha enthusiast or new to the flavor, this ice cream will leave you craving more.

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp matcha powder (high-quality)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 5 large egg yolks

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar. Heat over medium heat until the mixture is warm and the sugar dissolves, but do not bring it to a boil.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they become pale and slightly thickened.
3. Slowly pour about half of the warm milk mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
4. Gradually pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining warm milk mixture. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 8-10 minutes). Do not let it boil.
5. Sift the matcha powder into the custard mixture and whisk until fully dissolved and smooth.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
7. Pour the custard into a bowl and allow it to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
8. Once chilled, pour the custard into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
9. Transfer the ice cream to a container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 6-8 servings
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 15 minutes
• Chilling time: 4 hours minimum
• Freezing time: 2 hours minimum

Variations

• Vegan Matcha Ice Cream: Substitute the heavy cream and whole milk with coconut milk or any other non-dairy milk and use an egg replacement like flax eggs or cornstarch to thicken the custard.
• Matcha Swirl: For added texture and flavor, try swirling in a little sweetened condensed milk or a fruit puree into the ice cream before freezing it.
• Matcha Chocolate Chip: Add a handful of chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate to the ice cream just before freezing to enhance the flavor contrast between the creamy matcha and the rich chocolate.

Storage/Reheating

Store your matcha green tea ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month. Let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping to make it easier to serve. If the ice cream becomes too hard, you can allow it to thaw slightly before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make matcha ice cream without an ice cream maker?

Yes, you can make this ice cream without an ice cream maker. Simply pour the chilled custard into a shallow dish, place it in the freezer, and stir every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours to break up the ice crystals until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.

2. How do I know when the custard is ready?

The custard is ready when it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. You can test this by dipping a spoon into the custard and running your finger across the back. If the line stays clear, it’s ready.

3. Can I use matcha powder from any brand?

It’s best to use high-quality ceremonial grade matcha powder for the best flavor and color. Culinary grade matcha may have a slightly different taste and can affect the texture of the ice cream.

4. How do I store leftover matcha green tea ice cream?

Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It will stay fresh for up to 1 month.

5. Can I make this ice cream without eggs?

Yes, you can make this ice cream egg-free by using a vegan substitute for the egg yolks. Options include cornstarch or a commercially available egg replacer.

6. How can I adjust the sweetness of the ice cream?

You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar depending on your preference. Start with the recipe’s suggested amount and adjust to taste.

7. Can I add other flavors to this ice cream?

Yes! You can blend other flavors like vanilla or matcha-flavored syrups into the mixture to create new variations. Chocolate or red bean would pair nicely with matcha as well.

8. What is the best type of matcha for making ice cream?

Ceremonial grade matcha, which has a vibrant green color and a smoother taste, is recommended for making ice cream. It’s more expensive, but it will give the best flavor.

9. Can I make matcha ice cream without using milk or cream?

Yes! You can use non-dairy alternatives like coconut milk, almond milk, or soy milk to create a dairy-free version of matcha ice cream.

10. How long should I chill the custard before churning?

It’s essential to chill the custard for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to ensure it has the right texture and flavor before churning in the ice cream maker.

Conclusion

Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream is a wonderfully creamy, slightly bitter dessert that highlights the unique flavor of matcha. This recipe is simple to make at home and offers a refreshing twist on traditional ice cream. Whether you’re a matcha aficionado or just looking for a new treat to try, this ice cream is sure to be a hit.