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    Home » Recipes » Sweets

    Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream

    Published: May 26, 2018 Modified: Sep 30, 2020 by Candice

    JUMP TO RECIPE PIN RECIPE

    The best matcha green tea ice cream with step by step photo instructions and answers to all your matcha questions. This easy matcha green tea ice cream will be your new favorite way to caffeinate.

    Scoops of green ice cream with grey background.

    After enjoying scoop after scoop on our trip to Japan and some seriously delicious recipe testing, I am excited to offer you my fantastically wonderful matcha ice cream.

    Step by step green ice cream with photos

    Whisk the yolks and sugar together until pale yellow.
    Warm the milk and vanilla until it just lightly simmers.

    Mixing ingredients on a grey backdrop.

    Temper the egg/sugar mixture with the milk/vanilla mixture.

    Tempering egg mixture into purple pot with whisk.

    Return to the sauce pan and cook until thickened, stirring slowly and constantly. It should get to 170F using an instant read thermometer.

    Taking temperature of custard.

    Remove from heat. Sift (photo 1) and whisk or blend the matcha into the mixture (photos 2). Add the cream (photo 3). Chill in the refrigerator overnight.

    Step by step mixing matcha into ice cream custard base.

    The next day, add your chilled ice cream to the ice cream maker. Churn (stir setting) until it is the thickness of soft serve ice cream, 18-22 minutes.

    Green ice cream in KitchenAid ice cream attachment on grey background.

    Transfer to a container you can freeze, cover with parchment paper (optional), and freeze at least 4 hours.

    Tips & Tricks for matcha green tea ice cream

    • Want more matcha flavor? Add an extra teaspoon of matcha. Want it more vanilla-y? Leave one out.
    • Cover the ice cream with parchment paper for a longer lasting smooth, soft texture.
    • Use culinary grade matcha...no need to waste that extra money on the ceremonial grade matcha for this recipe. FYI You should only be using that top shelf matcha with water...not even lattes.
    Green ice cream in circular dish on grey dishtowel.

    Tips for storing matcha

    • Make sure you store your matcha in a well-sealed container. It needs to be air tight to keep out moisture.
    • How to keep it fresh: store your sealed matcha in the refrigerator for long lasting freshness.
    Scoops of green ice cream.

    What does matcha taste like?

    Matcha has a complex flavor that can be described as umami. With hints of sweet, grassy, creamy, and , it starts on a vegetal-like taste, and ends on a sweet note.

    Does Green Tea Ice Cream Have Caffeine?

    Yes. Matcha has antioxidants, chlorophyll, and amino acids unlike other forms of caffeine, but are about half the amount of a cup of black coffee. One quart of this matcha ice cream has 6 servings of matcha.

    Is green tea ice cream good for you?

    Green tea has many health benefits - it is packed with antioxidants and amino acids. However, green tea ice cream is still ice cream.

    What goes with green tea ice cream?

    Make this matcha treat a double by turning it into a matcha affogato. It is also delicious topped with chocolate syrup or fresh tropical fruits like pineapple and strawberry.

    Equipment & matcha used to make this matcha ice cream

    • Culinary Grade Matcha
    • Ice cream attachment for Kitchen Aid mixer – I like to use this ice cream maker attachment because it doesn’t require an additional appliance. If you do not have a Kitchen Aid mixer and prefer not to buy one, this is my favorite inexpensive option ice cream maker, and this is my favorite high-end ice cream maker. All three options work with gelato, ice cream, and sorbet.
    • Instant Read Thermometer
    • Kitchen Aid mixer
    • Ice Cream Scooper
    • Freezer container for ice cream

    Other ice cream recipes

    • London Fog Gelato Ice Cream
    • Matcha Affogato with Vanilla Date Ice Cream
    • Vanilla Date Ice Cream (No sugar added)
    • Dairy-Free Hojicha Coconut Ice Cream
    • Hojicha Gelato
    • Matcha Macaron Ice Cream Sandwiches

    ...or peruse all my dessert recipes here.

    Other matcha recipes

    • Matcha Mascarpone Cream Puffs
    • Matcha Dipped Candied Oranges
    • Dairy-Free Matcha Pudding
    • Simple & Traditional 2-Ingredient Matcha
    • Matcha Peanut Butter Cups
    • Dark Chocolate Gelt with Matcha Mousse Sandwiches
    • Matcha Chia Pudding
    • Matcha Crème Brûlée
    • Matcha Latte Bubble Tea

    ★ Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating below!★

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    Print Recipe
    4.98 from 43 votes

    Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream

    After some seriously delicious recipe testing, I am excited to offer you my fantastically wonderful matcha ice cream. This is the good stuff…full of matcha flavor, without all the extra sugar to distract you.
    Prep Time30 mins
    Cook Time30 mins
    Resting Time4 hrs
    Total Time1 hr
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: Japanese
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 273kcal
    Author: Candice

    Ingredients

    • 5 large egg yolks
    • ½ cup sugar
    • 1 ½ cups whole milk
    • 1 vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 2 tablespoon culinary grade matcha powder
    • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Put the bowl of your ice cream maker in the freezer.
    • Whisk the yolks and sugar together until pale yellow.
    • Warm the milk and vanilla until it just lightly simmers.
    • Temper the egg/sugar mixture with the milk/vanilla mixture.
    • Return to the sauce pan and cook until thickened, stirring slowly and constantly. It should get to 170F.
    • Remove from heat. Sift and whisk or blend the matcha into the mixture. Add the cream. Chill in the refrigerator overnight.
    • The next day, add your chilled ice cream to the ice cream maker. Churn (stir setting) until it is the thickness of soft serve ice cream, 18-22 minutes.
    • Transfer to a container you can freeze, cover with parchment paper (optional), and freeze at least 4 hours.

    Video

    Notes

    Want more matcha flavor? Add an extra teaspoon of matcha. Want it more vanilla-y? Leave one out.
    Cover the ice cream with parchment paper for a longer lasting smooth, soft texture.
    Make sure you store your matcha in a well-sealed container. It needs to be air tight to keep out moisture.
    How to keep it fresh: store your sealed matcha in the refrigerator for long lasting freshness.
    Use culinary grade matcha...no need to waste that extra money on the ceremonial grade matcha for this recipe. FYI You should only be using that top shelf matcha with water...not even lattes.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 273kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 163mg | Sodium: 41mg | Potassium: 103mg | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 1045IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 94mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did you try this recipe?Don't forget to leave a rating and/or comment! And tag @ProportionalPlate on TikTok or Instagram... I'd love to see what you're making.

    This post was originally published in May of 2018, but was republished with new photos, step by step instructions, and tips in August of 2019.

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    1. Yes

      March 29, 2022 at 10:36 pm

      4 stars
      The recipe is delicious and I enjoy it very much. But... it's now sitting in the back of my freezer labeled laxative so I never eat it on a day I have to work. I beg everyone to err on the side of caution and to experiment with homemade ice cream on days where you have zero commitments.

      Reply
      • Candice

        March 30, 2022 at 1:00 pm

        I'm so glad you like it! I'm actually working on a dairy-free version... stay tuned!

        Reply
    2. Maya

      March 07, 2021 at 6:15 pm

      What can I make a Taro ice cream mix Matcha ice cream? Do I use unsweetened condensed milk or heavy cream?

      Thank you

      Maya

      Reply
      • Candice

        March 10, 2021 at 12:19 pm

        I would still use heavy cream if you are following this recipe, not the condensed milk. If you give it a try, let me know how it goes!

        Reply
    3. Mark

      January 06, 2021 at 6:21 pm

      Hi there, question concerning step 6 Remove from heat. Sift and whisk or blend the matcha into the mixture. Add the cream. Chill in the refrigerator overnight.

      Do I just drop cream on top or do I have to mix it together ? Sounds like a silly question but I never done ice cream and I just received my kitchenaid... Thank you !

      Reply
      • Candice

        January 07, 2021 at 12:16 pm

        Hi Mark! Great question... yes, you can stir it so it's mixed in. Can't wait to hear what you think!

        Reply
        • Mark

          January 11, 2021 at 8:41 am

          5 stars
          It was my first try, but I wanted to do a small batch only. I used 3 egg yolks and I halved all the rest but added a tadbit more matcha powder because I love the flavour and it turned out so well ! I churned the ice cream for 19 minutes exactly. I used a thermometer to reach 170 and even when I had turned off my induction cooktop it went up to 180-185 so I was a bit worried but it turned out amazing ! I am bookmarking this page for future reference and can't wait to surprise guests with my very own homemade matcha ice cream. Worry not, I'll happily share your link ! Thank you !

          Reply
          • Candice

            January 11, 2021 at 10:23 am

            Thanks for sharing, Mark... you are so welcome! It's also nice to hear that the recipe works as a small batch... I've never tried it that way. Thanks again... I'm so glad to hear you liked it 🙂

            Reply
    4. Audrey

      November 09, 2020 at 7:33 pm

      Can i use magmix processor insteas of ice cream maker

      Reply
      • Candice

        November 10, 2020 at 4:12 pm

        Unfortunately, you need something similar to an ice cream maker for this recipe or it will form ice crystals during the cooling process.

        Reply
    5. Dana

      September 06, 2020 at 1:55 pm

      I’m making my first batch now and can’t wait to try it. Thank you for publishing this recipe! One question: I note the entire recipe makes 8 servings but am not sure how much that is or how much each individual serving consists of, for example, is each serving 1/3 cup?

      Would be grateful for advice since we have a few family members on strict diets and they’d like to not overdo it on the portion size.

      Thanks!!

      Reply
      • Candice

        September 08, 2020 at 8:04 am

        Great question, Dana! One serving is 1/2 cup. Enjoy!

        Reply
    6. Jessica

      August 17, 2020 at 11:25 pm

      Hi Candice
      Can I substitute whole Milk with half and half ?! I just have a half and half I wanted to use 😂
      Thank you!

      Reply
      • Candice

        August 18, 2020 at 8:36 am

        Hi Jessica. Although I have never tried it myself, it should work! You can use half-and-half instead of both the milk and the heavy cream. Let me know how it goes!

        Reply
    7. Lucy

      June 20, 2020 at 2:55 pm

      How long can you keep it in the freezer for?

      Reply
      • Candice

        June 29, 2020 at 4:44 pm

        Hi Lucy,
        When it comes to homemade ice cream, the fresher, the better. Two weeks is the general rule of thumb. It tends to get harder if it stays in there longer.
        Hope this helps!

        Reply
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    Meet Candice

    On this blog, I get to share the food that I love, and get to enjoy in my own home. My Persian Jewish heritage influences most of my recipes, and my travels inspire them. And I'm sure you'll notice my love for everything matcha. Welcome, and enjoy!

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    Meet Candice

    On this blog, I get to share the food that I love, and get to enjoy in my own home. My Persian Jewish heritage influences most of my recipes, and my travels inspire them. And I'm sure you'll notice my love for everything matcha. Welcome, and enjoy!

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