Nothing beats the refreshing, earthy-sweet taste of homemade matcha ice cream on a warm day. This matcha ice cream recipe blends the rich creaminess of classic ice cream with the distinct flavor of finely milled green tea powder. Whether you’re a long-time matcha lover or just discovering its charm, making it at home means you control the quality, sweetness, and texture.
Plus, you can tweak it to suit your preferences—dairy-free, extra creamy, or with unique mix-ins. In this guide, you’ll learn how to choose the right matcha, master the perfect ice cream base, and explore creative ways to serve it. By the end, you’ll be ready to scoop up a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Table of Contents
Matcha Ice Cream
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a saucepan, combine milk, half the cream, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat until warm but not boiling.
- In a small bowl, whisk matcha powder with a few tablespoons of warm milk until fully dissolved.
- In another bowl, whisk egg yolks. Slowly pour in the warm milk mixture while whisking constantly. Return to the pan and cook on low heat, stirring until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Stir in the remaining cream and matcha mixture. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Churn in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For no-churn, pour into a loaf pan and freeze, stirring every hour for the first 3 hours.
- Once churned, transfer to a storage container and freeze for 4–6 hours. Serve in bowls, cones, or between cookies. Add mix-ins or toppings as desired.
Nutrition
Notes
- Choose ceremonial-grade matcha for a smoother, subtler flavor, or culinary-grade for a stronger matcha kick.
- For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk and cream.
- Chill thoroughly before churning to achieve the perfect creamy texture.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Matcha Ice Cream Recipe – My first taste
I first stumbled upon matcha ice cream in a little dessert shop tucked away in Austin. The bright green color drew me in, but the first bite sealed the deal. Earthy yet sweet, smooth yet slightly grassy—this was a flavor that felt both refreshing and comforting. That moment kicked off my quest for the perfect matcha ice cream recipe, one I could make anytime at home.
Recreating it in my own kitchen gave me full control over flavor, texture, and ingredients. If you love sipping a creamy matcha latte or starting the day with matcha chia seed pudding, you’ll find that turning matcha into ice cream is like unlocking another dimension of this green tea’s charm.
Why homemade matcha ice cream is better
A homemade matcha ice cream recipe means no preservatives, artificial coloring, or overly sweetened bases—just fresh matcha flavor balanced with creamy richness. You can experiment with ceremonial-grade matcha for a smoother profile or culinary-grade for a punchier taste.
Inspiration can even come from drinks like the brown sugar matcha latte or the tropical guava matcha latte, adding unique layers to your frozen treat.
Understanding Matcha for Ice Cream
Choosing the right matcha powder
The success of your matcha ice cream recipe starts with quality matcha. Not all powders are created equal, and the right choice makes all the difference in color, flavor, and smoothness.
- Ceremonial grade – Smooth, vibrant, and slightly sweet. Ideal if you want a mild, refined flavor.
- Culinary grade – Stronger, more robust taste that holds up well when blended with cream and sugar.
- Look for matcha stored in airtight, light-proof containers to preserve its green color.
- Always check the origin—Japanese matcha from Uji or Nishio regions is prized for its quality.
If you’re a fan of vibrant green drinks like matcha green tea smoothie or refreshing matcha bubble tea, you’ll appreciate how the right powder can elevate your ice cream’s flavor.
Balancing flavors and textures
Matcha has a unique earthy profile that can turn bitter if overused, so pairing it with the right ingredients is key.
- Blend matcha with a rich cream base to soften its grassy notes.
- For dairy-free versions, coconut milk adds creaminess while complementing matcha’s flavor.
- Use sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or condensed milk to balance bitterness without overpowering the tea.
- Chill your mixture before churning to keep the texture smooth and avoid icy crystals.
Get this balance right, and your matcha ice cream recipe will have the perfect harmony of bold matcha flavor and creamy indulgence.
No-Churn Matcha Ice Cream (Eggless & Condensed Milk Option)
No ice cream maker? No problem. This no-churn method creates a creamy, smooth texture without custard or egg yolks, making it faster and easier for anyone to prepare at home. Instead of cooking a custard base, you’ll use whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk to build richness and sweetness.
Here’s how it works:
- Whip the cream until soft peaks form to give the ice cream its light, airy body.
- Bloom the matcha by sifting and dissolving it in a small amount of warm milk. This prevents clumps and ensures a vibrant green color.
- Stir in the condensed milk, then gently fold the matcha mixture into the whipped cream until fully blended.
- Freeze overnight in a covered container so the ice cream sets firm and creamy.
The result is a silky, eggless matcha ice cream with a deep green tea flavor—perfect for enjoying without special equipment.
Step-by-Step Matcha Ice Cream Recipe
Ingredients you’ll need
For a rich, creamy matcha ice cream recipe, these ingredients create the perfect base while letting the green tea flavor shine:
- 2 cups heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
- 1 cup whole milk (or almond milk for lighter texture)
- ¾ cup sugar or sweetener of choice
- 2–3 tbsp quality matcha powder (ceremonial or culinary grade)
- 4 large egg yolks (for custard-style ice cream)
- Pinch of salt to enhance flavor
- Optional mix-ins: white chocolate chips, sweet red bean paste, toasted coconut
If you’ve experimented with flavor combinations in drinks like matcha mango smoothie or matcha smoothie banana, you can adapt those ideas here by adding fruit purées or swirl-ins.
Method for perfect texture
This process works whether you’re using an ice cream machine or opting for a no-churn version.
- Heat the base – In a saucepan, combine milk, half the cream, sugar, and salt over medium heat until warm (don’t boil).
- Whisk the matcha – In a small bowl, whisk matcha with a few tablespoons of hot milk until fully dissolved. This prevents clumps.
- Temper the yolks – In another bowl, whisk egg yolks. Slowly pour in warm milk mixture while whisking, then return to the pan. Cook gently until the custard coats the back of a spoon.
- Combine and chill – Stir in remaining cream and matcha mixture. Chill completely in the fridge for at least 4 hours.
- Churn or freeze – If using an ice cream maker, churn until thick, then freeze 4–6 hours. For no-churn, pour into a loaf pan, cover, and freeze, stirring every hour for the first 3 hours.
- Serve and enjoy – Scoop into bowls, pair with fresh fruit, or sandwich between cookies for a matcha ice cream treat.
A little patience during chilling ensures your matcha ice cream recipe delivers that silky, melt-in-your-mouth texture every time.
Pro Tips for Perfect Matcha Ice Cream
Follow these quick tips to keep your matcha ice cream smooth, vibrant, and packed with flavor:
- Pre-freeze your bowl – If using an ice cream maker, chill the bowl for at least 24 hours to help the mixture churn and set properly.
- Make a matcha paste first – Sift and whisk matcha with a splash of warm milk or water before adding it to the base. This prevents clumps and keeps the color bright.
- Chill the base thoroughly – Refrigerate the custard or no-churn mixture for at least 4 hours before freezing. A cold base ensures a creamy, scoopable texture.
- Avoid boiling dairy – Heat milk and cream gently to preserve smoothness and prevent curdling.
- Rest before serving – Let the frozen ice cream sit at room temperature for 5 minutes to make scooping easier and enhance flavor.
Creative Variations & Serving Ideas
One of the joys of a matcha ice cream recipe is how easily it adapts to creative add-ins and layered flavors. A few ideas to inspire your next batch:
- Red bean swirl – Add sweetened azuki paste for a traditional Japanese touch.
- White chocolate chunks – The creamy sweetness balances matcha’s earthy notes.
- Coconut flakes – Lightly toast for tropical crunch.
- Fruit purées – Mango, strawberry, or peach add color and sweetness. Try blending in flavors you’ve enjoyed in drinks like the strawberry matcha smoothie or matcha smoothie for weight loss for a fruity twist.
Pairings and presentation
The way you serve your matcha ice cream recipe can elevate it from a simple dessert to a showstopper.
- In a mochi wrap – Soft, chewy mochi dough encases a cold matcha center.
- Parfait style – Layer ice cream with granola, fresh berries, and whipped cream.
- Cone or cup – Classic and simple, with a sprinkle of matcha powder for garnish.
- Dessert pairing – Serve alongside matcha-inspired treats like the matcha smoothie bowl or iced matcha latte for a full tea-themed spread.
Presentation adds visual appeal, but it also enhances the experience—making every scoop feel special.
Looking for more comfort recipe like this? Come hang out with me over on Facebook and Pinterest where I drop new recipes, family favorites, and quick how-to guides almost every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add matcha powder to ice cream?
Yes. You can add matcha powder directly to an ice cream base, but it’s best to whisk it with a small amount of hot milk or cream first. This prevents clumping and ensures your matcha ice cream recipe has an even, vibrant flavor.
What should you not mix with matcha?
Avoid combining matcha with very bitter flavors or excessive amounts of citrus, as they can overpower its delicate balance. In ice cream, steer clear of overly tart mix-ins that might clash with the creamy texture.
Is matcha green tea ice cream healthy?
Matcha is rich in antioxidants and offers a gentle caffeine boost, but the overall healthiness of your matcha ice cream depends on the recipe. Using less sugar, lighter dairy, or plant-based milks can make it a lighter option.
Why is matcha ice cream so good?
Its appeal comes from the balance of earthy, slightly bitter matcha and the smooth sweetness of ice cream. That harmony creates a refreshing yet indulgent treat that stands out from more common flavors.
Conclusion : Scoop Up Your Matcha Ice Ceam Magic
Making your own matcha ice cream recipe at home is about more than dessert—it’s about crafting a flavor experience you can truly make your own. From the quality of the matcha to the creaminess of the base, every choice shapes the final scoop. Whether you keep it classic, swirl in red bean, or add tropical fruit, you get to enjoy a dessert that’s fresh, vibrant, and uniquely yours.
The next time you crave something refreshing yet indulgent, skip the store-bought tub and make a batch that reflects your taste and creativity.
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