Matcha ice cream

Matcha ice cream

6 hours 30 min
Matcha ice cream is a delightful and refreshing treat that combines the vibrant green colour and unique flavor of matcha with the creamy texture of ice cream. It's made from shade-grown tea leaves that are ground into a fine powder. Its unique flavour and coour make it a popular choice for ice cream enthusiasts and matcha lovers alike. Indulge in this exquisite dessert and experience the magic of matcha in every spoonful.
https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/matcha-ice-cream/

Instructions

  • Mix the skyr and condensed milk in a bowl.
  • Sift matcha powder into the mixture and mix well.
  • Divide the ice cream mixture into ice cream moulds. Insert sticks and place in the freezer for at least 6 hours – preferably overnight.
  • Decorate the popsicle sticks with melted white chocolate and pistachios.
Enjoy!

Questions about matcha ice cream

Making our matcha ice cream is simple, even for beginners. Want to perfect this cool treat? We've answered your top questions to help you make this elegant and refreshing snack.

How can I intensify the flavour of my matcha ice cream?
To bring out a stronger matcha flavour in your ice cream, choose a high-quality culinary grade matcha powder. This will give your ice cream a bright green colour and a full matcha taste. Adding skyr with vanilla not only enhances the creaminess but amplifies the matcha’s natural flavours as well. For a deeper, richer taste, consider adding a pinch of salt to the mixture, which enhances the overall flavour profile by balancing the sweetness and highlighting the matcha's unique taste.
What is skyr and how does it enhance the texture of matcha ice cream?
The secret to achieving irresistibly creamy matcha ice cream lies in the addition of skyr. This Icelandic dairy product, known for its thick and creamy texture, provides a rich and velvety base for the ice cream, enhancing its smoothness and mouthfeel. Skyr's subtle tanginess perfectly complements the earthy, slightly bitter notes of matcha, creating a well-balanced and refreshing flavour profile.
What is the ideal way to present matcha ice cream?
For the best experience with matcha ice cream, serve it straight from the freezer. This keeps its texture smooth and creamy. Arrange the popsicles in a row or display them in tall glasses filled with crushed ice to keep them cold. Garnish the serving tray with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for a pop of colour. To serve, provide guests with small bowls of matcha or cocoa powder for dipping the popsicles before each bite, adding an interactive element to the presentation. These presentation tips ensure that your matcha ice cream popsicles not only taste delicious but also look impressive and inviting.

Ingredients

Arla® Skyr with vanilla
500 ml
Sweetened condensed milk
1 can
Matcha powder
½ tsp
Garnishes
White chocolate, melted
50 g
Green unsalted pistachios, finely chopped
2 tbsp

Make a smooth matcha mixture

Make a paste to ensure your matcha powder mixes well into the ice cream. Slowly combine a small amount of warm milk mixture with the matcha powder until smooth and free of lumps. This method lets the matcha fully mix in, spreading its earthy taste evenly through the ice cream. Add the milk mixture to the matcha paste bit by bit. This careful approach keeps the matcha flavour strong and ensures it blends well, avoiding uneven texture and taste in your ice cream.

How to store your matcha ice cream

For optimal freshness, store your matcha ice cream in a tightly sealed, freezer-safe container. This helps keep the texture smooth and the matcha flavour vibrant. It's best to enjoy the ice cream within one week of making it to prevent ice crystals and maintain the best taste. If needed, you can store it for up to two weeks without a significant change in quality.

Proper chilling for the right consistency

Achieving the perfect consistency for your creamy matcha ice cream depends significantly on proper chilling. After preparing the ice cream mixture, place it in the refrigerator for at least 2-4 hours or until it is completely cold. This step ensures that the ingredients meld together and develop a richer flavour. Once the mixture is well-chilled, transfer it to your moulds and freeze for 4-6 hours or overnight, giving it time to firm up to the perfect consistency. Proper chilling at each stage is essential for achieving the creamy, luscious texture that makes homemade matcha ice cream so delightful.

What does matcha ice cream taste like?

Matcha ice cream combines the unique earthy and slightly bitter notes of matcha powder with the sweet creaminess of condensed milk. Adding skyr with vanilla to our recipe brings a smooth texture and subtle hint of vanilla, rounding out the flavours for a rich snacking experience. Our recipe ensures the bold flavour of matcha stands out without being drowned out by too much creaminess. Since matcha is stronger than regular green tea, a small amount goes a long way in giving the ice cream its characteristic taste and colour.

Choose a high-quality matcha

For the best matcha ice cream, select a top culinary grade powder. Brands vary in flavour and colour intensity, so a premium grade will give your ice cream a rich, genuine taste that pairs well with the creamy skyr and sweet condensed milk. Look for matcha that is bright green, indicating freshness and quality for a more delicious ice cream.

What can I do with leftover matcha ice cream?

Leftover matcha ice cream can be creatively repurposed in various delightful ways. You can blend it into a refreshing matcha milkshake by adding some milk and a touch of honey. Alternatively, use it as a unique topping for fudgy snacks like sweet potato brownies or date cake, creating an enticing contrast in textures.

Another idea is to make a matcha ice cream sandwich using your favourite cookies. Our matcha cookie recipe is an especially satisfying pairing that mimics the ice cream’s flavours while adding a welcome crunch.

Stir for creaminess

For optimal creaminess in your matcha ice cream, it's essential to stir the mixture thoroughly during preparation and periodically while it freezes. Stirring the mixture during freezing helps to prevent large ice crystals from forming, resulting in a smoother texture. Every hour or so, remove the partially frozen mixture from the freezer and give it a good stir (using a whisk or fork) to break up any ice crystals that may have formed. This step ensures that the ice cream freezes evenly and maintains its creamy consistency throughout. With diligent stirring – both during preparation and freezing – you'll achieve a matcha ice cream that delights the palate with its rich flavour and silky texture.

Experiment with different types of chocolate

Experimenting with different types of chocolate can add a new dimension of flavour to your matcha ice cream. Our recipe uses white chocolate: with its sweet and creamy profile, it harmonises beautifully with the earthy bitterness of matcha, creating a delicate balance and luxurious mouthfeel. For an extra touch, swirl melted white chocolate into the ice cream base before freezing or sprinkle white chocolate shavings on top for a refined touch.

Dark chocolate, with its rich and slightly bitter notes, complements the matcha's natural bitterness, intensifying the overall depth of flavour. Consider incorporating dark chocolate chunks or a dark chocolate drizzle into the ice cream mixture for a sophisticated twist.

Milk chocolate offers a milder, sweeter option that blends seamlessly with the matcha, making the ice cream even more indulgent. Whether you mix in chocolate chips, create marbled effects or use chocolate as a garnish, experimenting with different types of chocolate will elevate your matcha ice cream, making it an exciting and delectable experience.