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.
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.
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 using an instant read thermometer.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 5 large egg yolks
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoon culinary matcha
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
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
Nutrition
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.
Can you add a bit of cream cheese to the recipe?
And does it come out super rock hard once frozen? I love matcha and I'm so anxious to make this.
If you love matcha, Tina, then you will love this recipe! I haven't personally tested the recipe with cream cheese, so, unfortunately, I am not sure what would happen if you add it in. It doesn't come out rock hard at all... just make sure you use an ice cream maker or attachment to churn it.
This matcha ice cream was sooo delicious! Very easy to follow recipe and the flavor was just fantastic, will definitely be doing it more!
Yay! I'm so glad you will be making it more and that it was easy to follow, Tatiana 🙂
This looks awesome. I love matcha and I love the idea of making ice cream with it! I have never made ice cream, but your directions are so easy to follow that you made it seem fool proof!
I hope you give it a try, Sara!
Husband just LOVED this! Such great flavor, he is a huge fan of matcha. I am sure we will be making this regularly!
I'm so glad to hear it, Kim... that makes me so happy 🙂
I have just picked up a vintage ice cream maker and I am really looking forward to trying it out again in my new machine. I haven't been brave enough so far, but now I will definitely try it with this recipe since I already know I love it!
I'm so glad to hear it, Jacqui... how did it go??
I'm so in love with this ice cream! I love matcha, so this was such a fun and unexpected way to use my matcha powder, and the color is just lovely.
That makes me so happy to hear, Amanda... yay!
Love the flavor and how creamy it is. A must try !
Aw yay! So glad you loved the flavor and creaminess, Kushigalu 🙂
The green is so naturally vibrant in this recipe and this is the perfect dessert for any Japanese meal!
Glad to hear you think so, Chandice 🙂
I have yet to try matcha and this ice cream seems to be a great start. Definitely trying this.
It's my favorite way to matcha... can't wait to hear what you think, Gunjan!
My husband bought me an ice cream maker a few years back and I will have to give this recipe a try. Thanks for the step by step photos!
Can't wait to hear how it goes!