Indulge in the vibrant flavour and creamy goodness of homemade Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream! This easy, no-churn recipe harnesses the unique, slightly earthy sweetness of matcha powder to create a refreshing and delicious dessert. Perfect for matcha enthusiasts and those looking for a unique ice cream experience.
Matcha Powder in Ice Cream
Matcha powder isn’t just for sipping! This finely ground green tea powder adds a host of exciting elements to frozen treats like ice cream:
- Vibrant Colour: Matcha powder infuses ice cream with a beautiful, natural green hue that’s visually stunning.
- Subtle, Earthy Sweetness: The slightly grassy, earthy notes of matcha powder offer a unique and sophisticated sweetness that balances perfectly with the richness of ice cream.
- Potential Health Benefits Matcha boasts a high concentration of antioxidants called catechins, which may offer some health benefits when consumed in moderation.
Note: The intensity of the matcha flavour will depend on the quality and amount of matcha powder you use. We’ll cover tips on how to find the perfect balance for your taste buds!
Get Creative with Matcha Ice Cream Variations
Your homemade Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream is a delicious starting point for endless flavor adventures! Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Swirls and Layers: Create a marbled effect by swirling in a small amount of red bean paste (anko) or melted chocolate just before freezing. Or, layer your matcha ice cream with vanilla ice cream for a visually striking treat.
- Matcha Affogato: Elevate this classic Italian dessert by using scoops of matcha ice cream instead of vanilla. Pour a shot of hot espresso over your ice cream and enjoy the delightful contrast!
- Matcha Ice Cream Sandwiches: Spread your matcha ice cream between two soft cookies for a fun and delicious ice cream sandwich twist.
- Matcha Milkshakes: Blend a few scoops of your ice cream with milk and a touch of vanilla extract for a thick, creamy, and utterly refreshing matcha milkshake.
Matcha Ice Cream Recipe
Without further ado, here’s the recipe using latte grade matcha powder.
What You’ll Need
- 14 oz (396g) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream (double cream)
- 1 – 2 tablespoons matcha green tea powder (adjust to taste preference)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Whisk Matcha and Condensed Milk: In a medium bowl, whisk together the matcha powder and sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Ensure there are no clumps of matcha remaining.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks.
- Combine and Taste: Gently fold the whipped cream into the matcha mixture. Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Taste the mixture and add more matcha powder if you desire a stronger flavour.
- Freeze and Enjoy: Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight. Scoop and enjoy the creamy, vibrant goodness of your homemade Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream!
7 Tips for the Perfect Matcha Ice Cream
1. Choose Your Matcha Wisely
The quality of your matcha powder will significantly impact the flavour and colour of your ice cream. Select culinary-grade or latte-grade matcha for the best results. Look for a vibrant green colour and a smooth texture.
2. Find Your Flavour Balance
Matcha powder has a unique, slightly grassy and earthy flavor profile with a hint of natural sweetness.
Begin with a smaller amount of matcha (1 tablespoon) and taste as you go, gradually adding more until you achieve your perfect flavor intensity.
3. Sweetness Control
The subtle bitterness of matcha balances beautifully with the richness of sweetened condensed milk.
However, if you have a strong aversion to bitterness or prefer a less sweet ice cream, you can slightly reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk in the recipe.
4. Creative Toppings
Take your Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream to the next level with a variety of toppings!
Consider the traditional Japanese pairing of red bean paste (anko), toasted sesame seeds for a nutty note, a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for contrast, fresh berries for a touch of tartness, or a classic swirl of whipped cream.
5. Prevent Icy Crystals
For the creamiest ice cream, add a tablespoon of vodka or another neutral-flavored alcohol to the mixture before freezing.
Alcohol lowers the freezing point of the ice cream, which helps to prevent the formation of large, unpleasant ice crystals.
6. Proper Storage
Store your homemade Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream in an airtight container placed in the back of your freezer, where the temperature remains most consistent. This will help maintain its creamy texture and prevent it from becoming overly icy.
7. Serving Suggestions
Matcha ice cream, like most homemade varieties, can be quite firm when taken directly from the freezer. For the perfect scooping experience, let it soften slightly at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving.
