Imagine a dessert that combines the rich, velvety smoothness of homemade ice cream with the earthy, vibrant essence of traditional Japanese matcha green tea. This isn't just another ice cream recipe—it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a sophisticated, Instagram-worthy treat that will make your friends wonder if you've secretly trained in a Japanese pastry kitchen. Whether you're a matcha enthusiast or a curious foodie looking to elevate your dessert game, this Green Tea Matcha Ice Cream promises a magical blend of flavor, texture, and cultural intrigue.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Japanese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 2 tbsp matcha green tea powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together whole milk, heavy cream, and half of the sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to steam, but do not allow it to boil.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk egg yolks with the remaining sugar until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened.
- Gradually pour the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks while continuously whisking to temper the eggs and prevent curdling.
- Sift the matcha green tea powder into the custard mixture, whisking thoroughly to ensure no lumps remain and the matcha is evenly distributed.
- Return the entire mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon (approximately 170°F).
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve to ensure a smooth texture.
- Cover the custard with plastic wrap directly touching the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight until completely chilled.
- Pour the chilled custard into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions, typically 20-25 minutes.
- Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container, smooth the top, and cover with plastic wrap or a lid.
- Freeze for an additional 2-3 hours until the ice cream reaches your desired firmness. Allow to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
Tips
- Quality Matters: Use high-grade ceremonial matcha powder for the most authentic and rich green tea flavor.
- Temperature Control: When tempering eggs, go slow and steady to prevent scrambling—gentle whisking is key.
- Chill Thoroughly: Ensure your custard is completely cold before churning for the smoothest texture.
- No Ice Cream Maker? No Problem: You can still make this by freezing and manually stirring the mixture every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals.
- Storage Tip: Cover the ice cream surface with plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn and maintain its creamy consistency.
- Serving Suggestion: Let the ice cream sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to achieve the perfect scoopable texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 220mg
