Today, I’m excited to share with you my favorite recipe for this exquisite treat that captures the essence of Japanese tea culture in a frozen dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons high-quality matcha powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the matcha mixture: In a small bowl, whisk the matcha powder with 1/4 cup of the milk until smooth. Set aside.
- Create the custard base: In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining milk, heavy cream, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is hot but not boiling.
- Temper the eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly pour about 1 cup of the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
- Cook the custard: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add the matcha: Remove the custard from heat and whisk in the matcha mixture until fully incorporated. Stir in the salt and vanilla extract (if using).
- Chill the mixture: Strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Churn the ice cream: Pour the chilled custard into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 20-25 minutes.
- Freeze: Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
Tips for Matcha Perfection
- Quality matters: Use high-grade matcha powder for the best flavor and color.
- Sift the matcha: To avoid clumps, sift the matcha powder before mixing it with milk.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet ice cream, reduce the sugar to 1/3 cup.
- Chill thoroughly: Ensure your custard is completely cold before churning for the creamiest texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your matcha ice cream in a simple bowl to appreciate its pure, unadulterated flavor. The vibrant green color is a feast for the eyes, and the smooth, creamy texture will melt in your mouth. For an authentic touch, use traditional Japanese ceramic bowls.
This matcha tea ice cream is more than just a dessert – it’s an experience. The rich, custard base provides a luxurious backdrop for the earthy matcha flavor to shine. With each spoonful, you’ll discover the perfect balance of sweetness and the distinct umami notes of green tea.
Share your matcha ice cream creations with us on social media using #MatchaIceCreamBliss. We’d love to see how your frozen masterpiece turns out!
