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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

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    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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    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 matcha
    • 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?Mention @ProportionalPlate or tag #ProportionalPlate on 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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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tina

      May 18, 2020 at 7:40 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Candice

        May 18, 2020 at 4:36 pm

        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.

        Reply
    2. Tatiana

      May 17, 2020 at 8:35 pm

      5 stars
      This matcha ice cream was sooo delicious! Very easy to follow recipe and the flavor was just fantastic, will definitely be doing it more!

      Reply
      • Candice

        May 18, 2020 at 4:29 pm

        Yay! I'm so glad you will be making it more and that it was easy to follow, Tatiana 🙂

        Reply
    3. Sara

      May 17, 2020 at 5:15 pm

      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!

      Reply
      • Candice

        May 21, 2020 at 10:45 am

        I hope you give it a try, Sara!

        Reply
    4. Kim @ Three Olives Branch

      May 17, 2020 at 5:15 pm

      5 stars
      Husband just LOVED this! Such great flavor, he is a huge fan of matcha. I am sure we will be making this regularly!

      Reply
      • Candice

        May 18, 2020 at 4:28 pm

        I'm so glad to hear it, Kim... that makes me so happy 🙂

        Reply
    5. Jacqui DeBono

      May 17, 2020 at 4:58 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Candice

        May 26, 2020 at 10:57 am

        I'm so glad to hear it, Jacqui... how did it go??

        Reply
    6. Amanda

      May 17, 2020 at 1:38 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Candice

        May 18, 2020 at 4:36 pm

        That makes me so happy to hear, Amanda... yay!

        Reply
    7. Kushigalu

      May 16, 2020 at 11:39 pm

      5 stars
      Love the flavor and how creamy it is. A must try !

      Reply
      • Candice

        May 17, 2020 at 12:41 pm

        Aw yay! So glad you loved the flavor and creaminess, Kushigalu 🙂

        Reply
    8. Chandice Probst

      May 16, 2020 at 6:26 pm

      5 stars
      The green is so naturally vibrant in this recipe and this is the perfect dessert for any Japanese meal!

      Reply
      • Candice

        May 17, 2020 at 12:42 pm

        Glad to hear you think so, Chandice 🙂

        Reply
    9. GUNJAN C Dudani

      May 15, 2020 at 10:40 am

      I have yet to try matcha and this ice cream seems to be a great start. Definitely trying this.

      Reply
      • Candice

        May 19, 2020 at 8:27 am

        It's my favorite way to matcha... can't wait to hear what you think, Gunjan!

        Reply
    10. Analida Braeger

      May 15, 2020 at 8:31 am

      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!

      Reply
      • Candice

        May 19, 2020 at 8:27 am

        Can't wait to hear how it goes!

        Reply
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    Candice Walker

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

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    Woman with a flower.

    Candice Walker

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

    READ MORE

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