Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Matcha Ice Cream is rich, creamy, and packed with authentic green tea flavor. It offers the perfect balance of sweetness and subtle bitterness, creating a sophisticated dessert that feels both indulgent and refreshing. Whether served on its own or paired with other desserts, it’s an easy way to enjoy the unique taste of matcha at home.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Matcha green tea powder
Whole milk
Heavy cream
Granulated sugar
Egg yolks
Vanilla extract
Salt
Directions
In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, and half of the sugar. Heat over medium heat until warm but not boiling.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and remaining sugar until pale and smooth.
Slowly pour a small amount of the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture while whisking constantly.
Gradually add the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan.
Cook over low heat, stirring continuously, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Remove from the heat and sift in the matcha powder. Whisk until completely smooth.
Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve if needed.
Cool the mixture completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Churn in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze until firm.
Serve and enjoy.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 4 hours
Churning Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 4 hours 55 minutes
Variations
Use coconut milk in place of some of the dairy for a dairy-free version.
Add white chocolate chunks for extra sweetness.
Swirl in red bean paste for a traditional Japanese-inspired dessert.
Mix in crushed cookies for added texture.
Increase the matcha slightly for a more intense green tea flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store Matcha Ice Cream in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 2 weeks.
Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing to help reduce ice crystal formation.
Allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before scooping if it becomes very firm.
This dessert should not be reheated.
FAQs
What does Matcha Ice Cream taste like?
It has a creamy texture with a slightly sweet, earthy, and mildly bitter green tea flavor.
Can I make Matcha Ice Cream without an ice cream maker?
Yes. Freeze the mixture in a shallow container and stir vigorously every 30 minutes until it reaches a creamy consistency.
What type of matcha should I use?
Culinary-grade matcha works well for ice cream, while ceremonial-grade matcha offers a smoother and more refined flavor.
Why is my ice cream grainy?
The matcha may not have been fully dissolved. Sifting and whisking thoroughly helps create a smooth texture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the milk and cream with full-fat coconut milk or other dairy-free alternatives.
How do I make the matcha flavor stronger?
Increase the amount of matcha powder slightly, but avoid adding too much, as it can become overly bitter.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, but reducing sugar may affect both the sweetness and texture of the finished ice cream.
Why is my ice cream too hard after freezing?
Homemade ice cream often freezes firmer than store-bought versions. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Can I add mix-ins?
Absolutely. White chocolate, red bean paste, mochi pieces, or crushed cookies pair well with matcha.
How long will homemade Matcha Ice Cream last?
For the best flavor and texture, enjoy it within 1 to 2 weeks of making it.
Conclusion
Matcha Ice Cream is a deliciously creamy dessert that highlights the distinctive flavor of Japanese green tea. With its vibrant color, smooth texture, and refreshing taste, it’s an elegant frozen treat that’s perfect for matcha lovers and anyone looking to try something a little different from traditional ice cream flavors.
PrintMatcha Ice Cream
Matcha Ice Cream is a creamy Japanese-inspired frozen dessert made with vibrant green tea powder. It offers a perfect balance of sweetness and earthy matcha flavor for a refreshing and sophisticated treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churn
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons matcha green tea powder
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, and half of the sugar. Heat over medium heat until warm but not boiling.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and remaining sugar until pale and smooth.
- Slowly whisk a small amount of the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture to temper it.
- Gradually pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove from the heat and sift in the matcha powder. Whisk until completely smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Strain through a fine-mesh sieve if needed for a smoother texture.
- Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Churn in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions, about 25 minutes.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze until firm.
- Scoop and serve.
Notes
- Use culinary-grade or ceremonial-grade matcha depending on your preferred flavor intensity.
- Add white chocolate chunks or crushed cookies for extra texture.
- Swirl in sweet red bean paste for a traditional Japanese-inspired variation.
- Store in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 2 weeks.
- Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing to reduce ice crystals.
- Allow the ice cream to soften at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before scooping if very firm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 170 mg
