Soft serve matcha ice cream is delicious, creamy, and a perfect recipe for those looking for a no-churn ice cream option. It's perfect for a hot summer day or chill night in.
If you love matcha like me, you've got to try my green milk tea and matcha cake roll. You'll be glad you did!
If you've been longing to make homemade soft-serve ice cream and you simply don't have the ice cream machine to take that leap, this recipe is for you. It's easy and relatively straightforward, even better when you get the kids involved-Fun overload!
One of our favorite things to do with the kids on weekends is baking up a sweet treat or making a fun ice cream pie.
I've sampled many flavors with the kids, like this indulgent biscoff butter ice cream. I can't wait to share the rest with you soon.
Jump to:
- What is Matcha?
- Reasons to Love This Recipe
- Ingredients List
- 💭Variations and Substitutions
- Substitutes/Variations for Green Tea Ice Cream
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Pro Tips:
- What toppings go with matcha ice cream?
- Equipment Needed
- Storage
- Frequently Asked Question
- Love Ice cream? Here are Some Ice Cream Related Recipes:
- 📖 Recipe
What is Matcha?
Matcha is a unique tea consumed mainly in Japan and East Asian countries. It is a powder made from green tea leaves. The plant is grown under special conditions, under shade for four weeks. Once harvested, the leaves are processed to turn into a powder. Then, the stem and veins are removed.
Matcha powder has a unique, slightly sweet, grassy, and nutty pleasant flavor. It is available in powder as well as tea bags. (affiliate link) If you love matcha, then you've got to try this flavorful Baked matcha donut with white chocolate glaze or utterly delicious matcha cake roll.
Reasons to Love This Recipe
- Utterly creamy
- It literally melts on your tongue
- So flavorful because- Matcha and a hint of coconut- hello!
- Easy to make
- No need for an ice cream machine
Ingredients List
What you'll need to make this ice cream recipe:
- Heavy cream or coconut cream- I used a combination of both to make this recipe. See the recipe note if you want to make this recipe vegan or simply use only coconut milk. Of course, you can omit the coconut milk if you don’t care for it.
- Matcha powder: matcha is a key ingredient that shouldn't be left out - its earthy flavor is a great match for coconut and gives this ice cream its beautiful hue. it's important to use a high-quality culinary grade matcha powder instead of cheaper alternatives.
- Sweetener: I used condensed milk because of the rich consistency. You can use confectioner sugar, granulated sugar, maple syrup, or coco o it condensed milk. Make sure to dissolve it before freezing.
💭Variations and Substitutions
Substitutes/Variations for Green Tea Ice Cream
This delicious recipe doesn't need to churn the ice cream. Instead, here are a few substitutes that you can use for a perfectly delicious soft-serve coconut ice cream.
- Non-dairy milk: Coconut milk is the perfect choice for vegans. However, you can also use almond milk or even soy milk.
- Thickening agent: You don't necessarily need a thickening agent using full-fat coconut cream. You can use cornstarch or arrowroot powder if you use milk that isn't full-fat.
- Vegan cream: You can use vegan sweetened condensed milk, sweetened coconut condensed milk, or the solid part of coconut milk after it has been refrigerated for this recipe.
- Sweetening agent: You can use maple syrup, coconut sugar, or organic cane sugar for this recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Using a fine sieve, sieve the matcha powder into a bowl to remove any lumps.
Step 2: Combine the cream, sieved matcha powder, salt, condensed milk, and vanilla extract in a medium sized bowl.
Step 3: pour the cream mixture into ice cube trays, cover with plastic wrap, and freeze.
Step 4: Release the cubes from the tray by breaking them with a paring knife or quickly under running water. (I find silicone trays work best). Blend the ice cream in a high-powered food processor until silky smooth.
Step 5: Scoop the blended cream into a piping bag with tip, then pipe onto serving cups.
Step 6: Garnish with green tea powder sprinkles, coconut cookies, or desiccated coconuts.
** It's best to work quickly as it melts easily- it's ice cream, peeps!
Pro Tips:
- Place the piping bags in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before piping helps the ice cream hold its shape. Don't skip this step!
- I like using this large piping bag and star tip (affiliate link) to pipe ice cream or cake frosting.
- If you don't want to get fancy, scoop the milk tea ice cream into serving cups once it's blended. Serve immediately or re-freeze any leftovers. Serve in waffle cones or cups for the ultimate balance of crunchy and sweet.
What toppings go with matcha ice cream?
Here are a few things that go well with it:
- Chocolate: Chocolate, white, or vegan chocolate chips go so well with green tea ice cream.
- Fruits: Fruits are always a perfect topping. You can serve the soft "serve coconut milk ice cream" with coconut shavings, banana, and citrus fruits.
- Herbs: You can top the soft serve ice cream with fresh mint. The flavors go well together.
Equipment Needed
As I said, you don't need an ice cream machine to make this delicious soft serve. I used this high-powered Ninja blender and food processor during testing and perfecting the recipe (affiliate link).
If you don't have a budget for either equipment, use small ice cube trays instead of the big ones. then stab with a paring knife before blending with a regular blender. (Please mind your hands or wear protective gloves)
Storage
Store any leftovers in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, leave the container out on the kitchen countertop for 3 -5 minutes before scooping it.
Frequently Asked Question
I have used a combination of coconut milk (the solid part after it's refrigerated) and heavy cream to make this soft serve ice countless times; the taste is incredible!
Matcha goes well with both almond milk and coconut milk. Coconut milk is naturally sweet, so go easy on the sweetener. Plus, it has a thicker and creamy consistency. So, my vote is with coconut milk. However, you can use almond milk as well.
It depends on the full-fat cream or milk you use as the base for the ice cream.
A coconut or almond milk base will be healthier than one made with heavy cream. Both these ingredients are rich in nutrients and antioxidants and have several health benefits. Furthermore, matcha powder is known for increasing the metabolic rate of the body. It also detoxifies the body and reduces stress.
Yes, coconut matcha is good. That's because coconut and matcha powder are both loaded with health benefits. Coconut is also known as a superfood. That's because it contains natural healthy fats and offers overall body health. At the same time, Matcha is jam-packed with antioxidants and nutrients that support body functions and improve metabolism.
Love Ice cream? Here are Some Ice Cream Related Recipes:
I hope you give this matcha ice cream recipe a try. Share a scoop with us on our social media. If you make this recipe using the hashtag worldlytreat(#worldlytreat), we'd love to join the soirée. Also, don't forget to pin it for later. Chat soon?
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for the support!
PEACE & LOVE
Maureen
📖 Recipe
Matcha Ice Cream
Equipment
- High powered Blender or food processor
Ingredients
- 2 cups cups heavy cream (or coconut cream from 3 cans) see note below
- 1 teaspoon culinary grade matcha powder (See post for recommendations)
- 1 (14 .oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Sieve the matcha powder and set it aside. Whisk together one tablespoon of heavy cream with the matcha powder until it’s fully incorporated. Set aside.1 teaspoon culinary grade matcha powder, 2 cups cups heavy cream
- Combine the remaining cream, condensed milk, matcha powder mix, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into a wide bowl. Whisk for about a minute by hand, making sure not to overmix. As soon as the liquid is about to get thick, stop whisking.1 (14 .oz) can sweetened condensed milk, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, Pinch of salt
- Pour the content into ice cube trays, and cover with cling wrap. Freeze for about 2 hours or until the cream mixture is firm to the touch.
- While the ice cream is freezing, get 2 large piping bags ready fitted with a star nozzle. Insert the tip of the bags into a tall glass, so it’s easy to handle when it’s time to pipe the ice cream. Also, have the serving cups ready.
- Now, release the cubes by giving the tray a QUICK run under running water or break cubes with a paring knife. Place the cubes in the stand of a food processor and blend until it’s silky smooth, about 2 minutes or so. You can equally use a heavy-duty blender if you don’t have a food processor.
- Quickly spoon the ice cream into the piping bags. Twist the end of the bag to seal it, slowly add pressure from the top of the bag as you swirl the ice cream into individual serving cups or waffle cones. Top with your favorite ice cream toppings
Notes
- Use a high-powered food processor to blend the cubes.
- For best-tasting results, use culinary-grade matcha powder.
- Place the piping bags in the freezer for 10-15 minutes once piped to hold its shape.
- Instead of piping, store the ice cream in a casserole dish or non-stick pan and cover it with cling film. Freeze for about 30 minutes before serving. Use an ice cream scoop to serve once ready.
chefdennis says
OMG! I made this for dinner last night and my family loved it!! They asked me to make another batch for tonight
Maureen Celestine says
So glad to hear that your family loved it, Chefdennis. I am making more this weekend since the weather isn't cooling off in Texas.