Scoops of matcha green tea ice cream in a white bowl.

Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream Recipe

This matcha ice cream recipe is simple and has a deliciously smooth and earthy flavour. It fuses the traditional taste of Japan with the cool comfort of a classic frozen dessert.

What you need

  • Egg yolks: save the egg whites to make an omelette or pavlova.
  • Sugar: caster or granulated white sugar are the best options.
  • Matcha powder: add the powder and taste test, then add more if needed. 
  • Cream: use thickened cream, which is often used for whipping.
  • Milk: choose full cream milk for a rich, creamy ice cream.

Instructions

  1. Whisk egg yolks and sugar in a medium bowl until pale, then whisk in matcha powder until well combined. Set aside.
  2. Heat the milk and cream in a large saucepan until simmering, then remove from heat.
  3. Slowly pour a cup of the milk into the yolks while whisking as quickly as possible. Stir the yolks back into the saucepan of milk.
  4. Continue heating the custard base on medium heat for around five minutes. Once it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, remove from the heat and allow to cool.
  5. Strain the ice cream base into an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
  6. Churn in an ice cream machine following the manufacturer’s instructions, then add to a freezer-proof container and freeze for two hours or until hardened.
A top-down photo of matcha powder in a small bowl with a wooden spoon.
Find matcha powder at specialty food stores and Asian supermarkets.

How to make this recipe without an ice cream maker

Making matcha green tea ice cream without any fancy equipment is easy. Instead of adding the chilled custard base to an ice cream maker, pour it into a freezer-proof container. A wide, shallow option gives the best results.

After 20 minutes, remove the dessert and beat until smooth.

Repeat this step every 20 minutes until it’s too firm to mix. Continue freezing until hard.

Where do I get matcha tea?

Finely ground matcha powder is sold in Asian grocers and specialty food stores. Matcha tea bags sold in supermarkets won’t work in this recipe.

What can I serve with matcha ice cream?

  • Red bean paste: A traditional Japanese sweet, red bean paste is an excellent pairing.
  • Mochi: soft and chewy mochi bits on top of the ice cream that’s a nod to Japanese confections.
  • Fresh fruit: such as strawberries or raspberries, helps balance the rich flavour of matcha.
  • Dark chocolate: Shavings or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate can add a bitter contrast that enhances the ice cream.
  • Honey: A drizzle of honey over the ice cream can add a natural sweetness.
  • Black sesame seeds: Sprinkling toasted black sesame seeds on top adds a crunchy texture.
Scoops of matcha green tea ice cream in a white bowl.

Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream Recipe

A creamy matcha flavored ice cream that looks delicious.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Japanese
Keyword: ice cream, matcha
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 5 egg yolks
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 20 gm matcha powder
  • 1½ cups thickened cream
  • 2 cups full cream milk

Instructions

  • Whisk egg yolks and sugar in a medium bowl until pale, then whisk in matcha powder until well combined. Set aside.
  • Heat the milk and cream in a large saucepan until simmering, then remove from heat.
  • Slowly pour a cup of the milk into the yolks while whisking as quickly as possible. Stir the yolks back into the saucepan of milk.
  • Continue heating the custard base on medium heat for around five minutes. Once it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, remove from the heat and allow to cool.
  • Strain the ice cream base into an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 3 hours,preferably overnight.
  • Churn in an ice cream machine following the manufacturer's instructions, then add to a freezer-proof container and freeze for two hours or until hardened.

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