Smooth and Creamy Homemade Matcha Ice Cream

Name: Smooth and Thick Homemade Matcha Ice Cream
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons latte matcha powder; 1 cup cold whole milk, divided; 1/4 cup honey; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 cups cold heavy cream; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Published June 20, 2024 Updated May 17, 2026

Smooth and Thick Homemade Matcha Ice Cream

Nio Teas

Servings

Cook Time

30 minutes

Calories

300

Cuisine

Japanese

Ingredients

3 tablespoons latte matcha powder
1 cup cold whole milk, divided
1/4 cup honey
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups cold heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions

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In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of matcha powder with 1/4 cup of cold whole milk until a smooth paste forms. This step helps to prevent any lumps of matcha in the final matcha ice cream.
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine honey, granulated sugar, and the remaining 3/4 cup of cold whole milk over medium heat. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves completely. Allow it to cool slightly.
Add the matcha paste to the sweetened milk mixture and whisk until the matcha is fully incorporated. This will give your matcha ice cream its vibrant green color and distinct flavor.

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Gently fold the matcha ice cream mixture into the whipped cream until well combined. Take care not to deflate the whipped cream too much, maintaining the light and airy texture.
Stir in the vanilla extract and kosher salt, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the matcha ice cream. Set the mixture aside to cool to room temperature.
In a separate large bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Be patient, as this step contributes to the creamy texture of the matcha ice cream.

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Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the matcha ice cream mixture for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a more flavorful ice cream.
Once the mixture is thoroughly chilled, transfer it to your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions. This typically takes about 20-25 minutes.

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Transfer the churned matcha ice cream to a lidded container and freeze for an additional 4-6 hours, or until firm. This step ensures the perfect scoopable consistency.
Scoop out this delightful homemade matcha ice cream into bowls or cones. Garnish with additional matcha powder for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.

Tips on Serving and Garnishing your Matcha Ice Cream

This matcha ice cream is already a delicious treat, but there are a few ways you can serve and garnish it to add a little extra flair.

Here are some of our favorite tips:

Matcha Dusting

You can sprinkle a little extra matcha on top of each scoop just before serving.

This not only adds a burst of vibrant green color but also intensifies the flavor, which is a great touch for a true matcha lovers.

Drizzle with Honey

A light drizzle of honey over the top of the matcha ice cream can complement the earthy flavor profile of the matcha and add a touch of sweetness.

Make sure you use a high-quality honey for the best flavor.

Fresh Fruit

You can garnish the matcha ice cream with fresh fruit, such as sliced strawberries, raspberries, or kiwi.

The fruity flavors provide a delightful contrast to the rich and creamy matcha base.

Toasted Sesame Seeds

Toasted sesame seeds can add a subtle nuttiness and crunch to the ice cream. Sprinkle them over the top just before serving for a unique texture.

Mochi Balls

Add a traditional Japanese touch by placing a few small pieces of mochi on the side. Mochi's has a nice chewy texture that complements the smoothness of the ice cream.

If you want a good recipe for matcha mochi, you can try this one here 👉 The Sweet and Chewy Delight of Green Tea Mochi

Crispy Wafer Cookies

Serve the matcha ice cream with thin, crispy wafer cookies on the side. The light and airy texture of the wafer provides a nice contrast to the creamy ice cream.

If you want a crispy and crumbly cookie with matcha flavor, you will definitely want to read this recipe 👉 Buttery Bliss: Irresistible Matcha Butter Cookies

Cocoa Nibs or Shaved Chocolate

For a chocolatey twist, sprinkle cocoa nibs or finely shaved chocolate on top. This adds a hint of bitterness and a delightful crunch.

If you want a good matcha chocolate recipe, we have the perfect one for you 👉 The Ultimate Genmaicha Chocolate Recipe

Serve in Matcha Cones

Enhance the experience by serving the matcha ice cream in homemade or store-bought matcha-flavored cones. This not only does this make the ice cream look more appealing but it also intensifies the matcha flavor from cone to core.

Edible Flowers

You can also decorate the matcha ice cream with edible flowers for a touch of elegance. Flowers like pansies or violets can add color and a delicate, floral note and also make the dessert more "Instagrammable".

Serve in Tea Cups

Present your matcha ice cream in tea cups or bowls for a sophisticated touch. It's a good way to pay homage to the origins of matcha as a traditional Japanese tea used in the tea ceremony for centuries.

If you want to take a deep dive into the Japanese tea ceremony, we have a great article you're going to love 👉 Japanese tea ceremony: Description, History, & Facts

How to Improve this Matcha Ice Cream

If you want to improve this matcha ice cream recipe, you can make your own substitutions. For example, a vegan matcha ice cream can be made by swapping heavy cream for coconut cream.

If you want to give the matcha ice cream a little extra flavor, you can try incorporating some vanilla extract. If you do this in moderation, it will complement the flavor of the matcha without turning the recipe into just another vanilla ice cream.

By the way, if you want a soft serve style version of this recipe, you can find it here 👉 Decadent Matcha Soft Serve a Creamy Green Indulgence

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