Growing up in New Zealand, I didn’t have much exposure to Japanese cuisine. It wasn’t until I moved to San Francisco for my job at Food And Meal that I developed a deep appreciation for the flavors and techniques of this exquisite culinary tradition. During my time in the Bay Area, I fell completely in love with matcha – the vibrant green, finely powdered tea that is ubiquitous in so many Japanese sweets and desserts.
One hot summer day, feeling nostalgic, I decided to try my hand at making matcha ice cream from scratch. I wanted to recreate the smooth, rich creaminess and intense matcha flavor that I remembered from my travels in Japan. After much experimentation, I finally developed a recipe that transports me back to those happy memories with each cool, sweet bite. I can’t wait to share it with you all!
Green Tea Ice Cream Recipe
GREEN TEA ICE CREAM
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 tablespoons green tea powder
- 2/3 cups sugar
- Pinch of sea salt
- 2 cups half-and-half, warmed for 15 seconds in the microwave, divided
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, whisk together the green tea powder, sugar, salt, and 1 cup of the half-and-half.
- Heat the mixture slowly over low heat, and slowly stir in the remaining cup of half-and-half.
- When the mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon and starts to foam, remove it from heat. Let the mixture cool completely.
- Pour the mixture into a medium bowl, cover, and let chill in refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Churn the mixture for about 20 minutes in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for at least 3 hours before serving.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Serving Suggestions
Green Tea Ice Cream is a versatile and delectable treat that can be enjoyed in various delightful ways. One option is to indulge in a Matcha Affogato, where a scoop of green tea ice cream is immersed in a shot of hot espresso or robust coffee. For a refreshing twist, try a Matcha Ice Cream Float by adding a scoop to a glass of cold green tea or sparkling water. Elevate your dessert game with Matcha Ice Cream Sandwiches, where the creamy goodness is nestled between two homemade Japanese pancakes. The Matcha Parfait offers a visually appealing treat, layering green tea ice cream with fresh fruits, sweet red beans, and a drizzle of matcha syrup. For a traditional touch, enjoy a Matcha Sundae with Kinako, featuring kinako, sweet red bean paste, and toasted sesame seeds as toppings. Blend up a creamy Matcha Ice Cream Milkshake or savor the unique texture of Matcha Ice Cream Mochi by wrapping it in soft mochi rice cakes. Experiment with a Matcha Ice Cream Tiramisu for a Japanese-Italian fusion, or pair it with sweetened adzuki beans for a classic Japanese combination. For a playful twist, try Matcha Ice Cream Sushi Rolls, where small scoops are rolled in sweet sushi rice and wrapped in soy paper. These serving suggestions offer a range of delightful experiences to savor the rich and distinct flavors of green tea ice cream.
Cooking Tips
When it comes to making matcha green tea ice cream, I’ve learned a few helpful tips over the years that really take the recipe to the next level. As someone passionate about Japanese cuisine, I love experimenting to achieve the perfect balance of creamy texture and intense green tea flavor.
Most importantly, use high quality matcha powder and take the time to properly whisk it to avoid any bitter notes. Adding just a touch of honey enhances the natural sweetness. And for best results, let the ice cream base chill overnight before churning – this allows the flavors to develop fully.
I prefer an old-fashioned hand churn for that nostalgic, homemade texture. As the pale green custard transforms into soft, scoopable ice cream, I can’t help but smile remembering my early days discovering sweets in Japan. Each cold, sweet spoonful fills me with joy.
FAQs of Green Tea Ice Cream
- What does green tea ice cream taste like? Green tea ice cream has a unique and distinct flavor characterized by the earthiness and slightly bitter notes of matcha, the powdered green tea used in its preparation. It offers a balance of sweetness and a subtle, refreshing aftertaste.
- What is Japanese green tea ice cream made of? Japanese green tea ice cream is typically made with a base of cream, milk, sugar, and matcha powder. The matcha powder gives the ice cream its vibrant green color and distinctive flavor. Some recipes may also include egg yolks for added richness.
- Does green tea ice cream exist? Yes, green tea ice cream is a popular and widely enjoyed dessert, especially in Japan. It has gained popularity internationally and can often be found in specialty ice cream shops or Japanese restaurants.
- Does green tea ice cream have a lot of caffeine? While green tea itself contains caffeine, the amount in green tea ice cream is generally lower compared to drinking a cup of brewed green tea. The caffeine content depends on the specific recipe and the amount of matcha powder used, but it is generally considered to be a moderate amount.
- Can I store leftover Green Tea Ice Cream? Absolutely! Store it in an airtight container in the freezer. Place plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent ice crystals.
- How long does homemade ice cream stay fresh? Homemade ice cream is best enjoyed within 2-3 weeks. The longer it’s stored, the icier it may become.
- Can I use green tea leaves instead of matcha powder? While it’s possible, matcha powder provides a more concentrated flavor and even green color. We recommend using matcha for the best results.
- Is Green Tea Ice Cream gluten-free? Yes, if you use gluten-free ingredients, Green Tea Ice Cream can be a gluten-free dessert.
- Can I make Green Tea Ice Cream without an ice cream maker? You can still make Green Tea Ice Cream without a machine by manually stirring the mixture as it freezes. However, an ice cream maker ensures a smoother texture.
Conclusion
I hope you’ll give this matcha green tea ice cream recipe a try soon. As someone passionate about Japanese desserts, I find this lightly sweet, creamy green tea-infused ice cream transports me back to my fond memories of eating sweets in Japan.
At Food And Meal, our goal is to provide you with authentic global recipes to bring new flavors from around the world into your kitchen. This easy homemade ice cream is a small taste of Japanese culture that I’m delighted to share.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Feel free to leave a comment below describing your matcha ice cream experience or post a picture on social media and tag @foodandmeal. And don’t forget to subscribe to our email newsletter for new recipes straight to your inbox each week.
