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Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream is a refreshing and unique twist on traditional ice cream.
Infused with the earthy, slightly sweet flavor of matcha, this ice cream has a creamy texture that melts smoothly in your mouth.
With its vibrant green color and bold, yet balanced flavor, matcha green tea ice cream has become a popular dessert, combining the best of Japanese tea culture with the indulgence of frozen treats.
Perfect for those who enjoy a sophisticated dessert, this ice cream is both comforting and energizing due to the natural caffeine content in matcha.
Why You’ll Love This Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream
A Perfect Balance of Sweet and Earthy Flavors
Matcha’s distinct, slightly bitter flavor pairs beautifully with the rich creaminess of the ice cream base.
The result is a treat that’s not too sweet but still indulgent.
This ice cream offers a smooth and silky texture, making it the ideal balance between refreshing and creamy.
Packed with Antioxidants
Matcha is known for its impressive antioxidant properties, providing health benefits while you indulge in this creamy dessert.
The catechins in matcha are believed to support heart health and boost metabolism, so you can feel a little less guilty when enjoying this frozen treat.
Versatile and Unique
This ice cream isn’t just for matcha lovers—its sophisticated flavor appeals to anyone who enjoys a break from traditional chocolate or vanilla ice cream.
It’s also a great conversation starter and a delightful way to end any meal.
You can also get creative by pairing it with other desserts or toppings, like fresh fruit, mochi, or even a drizzle of honey.
Ingredients Needed
To make this luxurious ice cream, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups (480 ml) Heavy Cream
Rich and thick, heavy cream provides the perfect texture for a creamy ice cream base. - 1 cup (240 ml) Whole Milk
Whole milk balances the richness of the cream, ensuring a smooth texture without being too heavy. - 1 cup (200 g) Granulated Sugar
A little sweetness to balance the bitterness of the matcha powder and create a smooth, indulgent flavor. - 4 Large Egg Yolks
The egg yolks will help thicken the custard base, making it rich and velvety. - 2 tbsp Matcha Green Tea Powder
Choose high-quality, ceremonial matcha for the best flavor and vibrant color. - 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Enhances the overall flavor profile of the ice cream, adding a touch of warmth to complement the matcha.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Matcha Mixture
Start by dissolving the matcha powder in a small amount of warm milk. Stir it until smooth to ensure the powder doesn’t clump.
This step is crucial to getting a creamy and uniform matcha flavor throughout the ice cream.
Set the matcha mixture aside while you prepare the custard base.
2. Create the Custard Base
In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar.
Warm the mixture over medium heat until it’s steaming but not boiling.
Stir occasionally to dissolve the sugar completely. Once the cream mixture is ready, remove it from the heat.
3. Whisk the Egg Yolks
While the cream mixture is heating, whisk the egg yolks in a separate bowl.
Once the cream mixture is hot, slowly add a small amount of it to the yolks while whisking constantly.
This gradual process is called tempering, and it ensures the eggs don’t scramble.
Gradually pour in the rest of the cream mixture, whisking continuously.
4. Cook the Custard
Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the custard thickens and coats the back of the spoon.
Be careful not to overheat it, as this could cause the eggs to curdle.
5. Add Matcha and Vanilla
Once the custard is thickened, remove it from the heat and add the dissolved matcha mixture and vanilla extract.
Stir until fully incorporated, making sure the matcha is evenly distributed throughout the custard.
6. Chill the Mixture
Allow the custard to cool to room temperature.
Once it’s cooled, cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best results.
This will allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken.
7. Churn the Ice Cream
Once the custard is fully chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
The mixture should reach a soft-serve consistency within 20-25 minutes.
8. Freeze to Firm
Transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container and freeze for an additional 3-4 hours, or until it reaches the desired firmness.
Tips for the Best Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream
Use High-Quality Matcha
To achieve the best flavor and vibrant green color, always opt for high-quality, ceremonial grade matcha.
It will result in a more intense matcha flavor and a smoother texture in your ice cream.
Don’t Overheat the Custard
When making the custard, make sure to cook it over low heat.
If it gets too hot, the eggs may curdle, resulting in a grainy texture.
Stir constantly to avoid this.
Adjust Sweetness to Your Taste
If you prefer a sweeter ice cream, feel free to add a bit more sugar.
Matcha has a slightly bitter taste, so adjusting the sweetness balance can help achieve the perfect flavor.
Chill the Mixture Thoroughly
For the creamiest texture, ensure that your custard mixture is thoroughly chilled before churning.
This allows the ice cream maker to work its magic, resulting in smooth and rich ice cream.
Consider Adding Toppings
Matcha ice cream pairs wonderfully with toppings like red bean paste, fresh berries, or even a drizzle of honey.
For extra crunch, try sprinkling some toasted sesame seeds or crushed nuts.
Storage & Shelf Life
How to Store
Store your matcha ice cream in an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent freezer burn.
This will help maintain its smooth texture and flavor.
Shelf Life
For the best texture and flavor, consume your matcha ice cream within 1-2 weeks of making it.
After this time, it may start to lose its creamy consistency and flavor.
How to Prevent Ice Crystals
If you notice ice crystals forming, it means the ice cream has been stored too long or was not churned long enough.
To minimize this, make sure your mixture is well-chilled before churning and store it in a tightly sealed container.
Conclusion
Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream is a luxurious and refreshing dessert that combines the vibrant, earthy flavors of matcha with the smooth, rich texture of homemade ice cream.
Whether you’re a matcha enthusiast or just looking to try something new, this recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and bitter, making it an ideal treat for any occasion.
Homemade ice cream may take a little effort, but the result is definitely worth it, especially when you can indulge in such a sophisticated and flavorful dessert.
So, grab your ingredients, chill your custard, and get ready to enjoy a delightful bowl of matcha green tea ice cream!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of milk for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute whole milk with almond milk or coconut milk if you prefer a dairy-free option.
However, the texture may differ slightly, and you may need to add a little more sugar for sweetness.
What if I don’t have an ice cream maker?
If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still make this recipe by placing the chilled mixture in a shallow dish and freezing it.
Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture with a fork to break up any ice crystals until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
Can I add other flavors to the ice cream?
Yes! You can experiment by adding flavors such as vanilla or chocolate.
For a more complex flavor, you could also try adding a splash of rum or bourbon, though this is optional.
Is matcha ice cream suitable for kids?
Matcha ice cream has a slightly bitter taste due to the matcha powder, so younger children may not enjoy it as much.
However, if your child likes the taste of green tea, they’ll likely enjoy it!
Can I use matcha powder from tea bags?
It’s best to use high-quality matcha powder for this recipe, as matcha powder from tea bags may not dissolve as well and may lack the depth of flavor that ceremonial-grade matcha provides.
Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream
Equipment
- Ice Cream Maker – 1
- Medium Saucepan – 1
- Mixing Bowls – 2
- Whisk (1)
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula – 1
- Airtight Container – 1
Ingredients
- 2 cups 480 ml Heavy Cream
- 1 cup 240 ml Whole Milk
- 1 cup 200 g Granulated Sugar
- 4 Large Egg Yolks
- 2 tbsp Matcha Green Tea Powder
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
Dissolve the Matcha
- In a small bowl, whisk the matcha powder with a small amount of warm milk until smooth and dissolved. Set aside.
Prepare the Custard Base
- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture is steaming (but not boiling).
Temper the Eggs
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly pour a small amount of the warm milk mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly. Gradually pour the rest of the milk mixture into the yolks while whisking.
Cook the Custard
- Return the mixture to the saucepan. Stir over low heat constantly until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Add Matcha and Vanilla
- Remove the custard from the heat and stir in the dissolved matcha mixture and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Chill the Mixture
- Allow the custard to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Churn the Ice Cream
- Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (about 20-25 minutes).
Freeze to Firm
- Transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container and freeze for an additional 3-4 hours to firm up.
Notes
- Matcha Quality: To get the best results, always use high-quality matcha powder, preferably ceremonial grade, for a rich flavor and vibrant green color.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you like your ice cream sweeter, feel free to add a little extra sugar to your custard mixture.
- Alternative Milk: If you need a dairy-free option, you can replace the whole milk and heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly.
- No Ice Cream Maker?: No problem! Pour the chilled custard mixture into a shallow container and freeze it. Stir every 30 minutes for the first few hours to break up any ice crystals until it becomes firm and creamy.
- Storage: Store the ice cream in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It will last for about 1-2 weeks in the freezer.
