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matcha ice cream? Make this creamy, rich homemade version with just 3 ingredients.

Matcha Ice Cream

Welcome to the world of Matcha Ice Cream, where vibrant green tea meets creamy indulgence in a refreshing frozen treat. This recipe brings the essence of Japan right to your kitchen, offering a perfect balance of earthy, sweet, and slightly bitter notes that define authentic Japanese matcha desserts.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Churning + Freezing Time 8 hours 25 minutes
Total Time 9 hours
Servings: 6 cups (1.5 QT)
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 1166
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

This homemade Matcha Ice Cream is a creamy, refreshing treat that blends the earthy richness of green tea with the smooth texture of classic ice cream perfect for matcha lovers and dessert fans alike.
Base Mixture
  • 2.25 cups whole milk
  • 0.75 cup heavy cream
  • 0.75 cup sugar adjust to taste or substitute with natural sweeteners
  • 0.125 tsp kosher salt Diamond Crystal or similar
Matcha Paste
  • 5 Tbsp matcha (green tea powder) culinary or ceremonial grade

Equipment

  • Ice Cream Maker
  • Fine Mesh Sieve
  • Medium Saucepan

Method
 

Follow these simple steps to create your own smooth and flavorful matcha ice cream right at home no fancy equipment needed!
  1. Place your ice cream maker bowl in the freezer at least 24 hours in advance, if required.
  2. In a saucepan, combine whole milk, heavy cream, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium-low, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Do not boil.
    Matcha ice cream being churned in an ice cream maker bowl
  3. In a separate bowl, add matcha powder. Add a few tablespoons of the warm milk mixture and stir into a smooth paste, gradually incorporating more liquid until lump-free.
    Ingredients for matcha ice cream including matcha powder, milk, sugar, and cream.
  4. Combine the matcha paste with the remaining milk mixture and whisk well. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve for smoothness.
  5. Cool the mixture in an ice bath, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
    Creamy homemade matcha ice cream served in a bowl with a sprinkle of matcha powder on top
  6. Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions (about 25 minutes).
  7. Transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours until firm.

Notes

To customize your matcha ice cream recipe, try folding in delicious mix-ins like white chocolate chips, chewy mochi, or sweet red bean paste before freezing. For a dairy-free or vegan option, simply swap out the milk and cream for coconut cream and almond milk.