08/16/2025
🍵🍦 Creamy Matcha Ice Cream – A Taste of Japan at Home
The first time I had matcha ice cream was in a tiny Kyoto tea shop—it was love at first bite. Smooth, earthy, and perfectly sweet, this recipe brings that same magic to your own kitchen.
🛒 Ingredients
2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
3 tbsp matcha green tea powder (ceremonial or culinary grade)
4 large egg yolks
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
👩🍳 Directions
1️⃣ Matcha Paste – Sift matcha to remove lumps. Add a few tbsp warm milk, whisk until smooth.
2️⃣ Heat the Base – Warm remaining milk, cream, and half the sugar until steaming (don’t boil).
3️⃣ Temper Egg Yolks – Whisk yolks with remaining sugar until pale. Slowly add some warm milk while whisking.
4️⃣ Cook the Custard – Return yolk mixture to pan, cook over low-medium heat, stirring, until thick enough to coat a spoon (170–175°F / 77–80°C).
5️⃣ Add Matcha & Strain – Remove from heat, whisk in matcha paste and vanilla. Strain into a clean bowl.
6️⃣ Chill – Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
7️⃣ Churn – Freeze in an ice cream maker (20–25 minutes).
8️⃣ Freeze Firm – Transfer to airtight container, freeze 2–4 hours until scoopable.
✅ Serving Idea: Top with a swirl of matcha soft-serve and serve in a chilled glass dessert bowl with golden spoons for a café-style treat.