Green tea ice cream is one of those desserts that’s both refreshing and indulgent. It’s creamy, lightly sweet, and has the gentle, earthy flavor of green tea that feels like a little calm moment in every scoop.

If you’ve ever wanted to try making it at home, we’re here to guide you through every step. With a little patience and care, we can make a dessert that tastes better than anything from the store.

Gather All the Ingredients

Before we begin, let’s make sure we have everything we need. For about 1 liter of ice cream, we’ll need:

- 900g of whole milk

- 15g of high-quality green tea powder (matcha)

- 120g of white sugar

- 120g of condensed milk

- 2/3 sheet of gelatin

- 0.2g of salt (just a pinch)

- 450g of whipped cream

Having all the ingredients ready and measured helps us stay organized and ensures the ice cream turns out perfectly smooth and creamy.

Step 1: Mix the Green Tea and Sugar

We start by sifting the green tea powder to remove any lumps. Then, mix it thoroughly with the white sugar. This ensures the flavors combine evenly, and every spoonful of ice cream will have a consistent taste. A fine sift also helps prevent graininess in the final ice cream, giving it that silky texture we all love.

Step 2: Soften the Gelatin

Next, soak the 2/3 sheet of gelatin in cold water for a few minutes until it softens. This is an important step because gelatin helps the ice cream hold its creamy shape while remaining soft and scoopable.

Step 3: Heat Milk and Dissolve Gelatin

Take half of the milk (450g) and heat it gently in a water bath. Add the softened gelatin and stir continuously until it fully dissolves. Heating slowly ensures the milk doesn’t burn and the gelatin blends evenly. This careful process is what gives the ice cream its smooth texture.

Step 4: Combine Green Tea Mixture With Milk

Gradually add the green tea and sugar mixture into the warm milk. Stir continuously to combine evenly. The key here is gentle heat—do not let the mixture boil. Boiling can change the flavor of the green tea, making it bitter. By heating slowly, we keep the tea aroma fresh and delicate.

Step 5: Add Condensed Milk, Salt, and Remaining Milk

Remove the milk from heat and stir in the condensed milk, a pinch of salt, and the remaining 450g of milk. The condensed milk adds sweetness and richness, while the salt enhances the tea flavor. Mixing these off the heat helps preserve the subtle, earthy notes of the green tea.

Step 6: Cool and Fold in Whipped Cream

Let the mixture cool to room temperature. Then, fold in the 450g of whipped cream gently. Folding slowly keeps the mixture light and airy, which ensures that once frozen, the ice cream will have a soft, creamy texture rather than being too dense. Taking our time at this step makes a noticeable difference in the final dessert.

Step 7: Churn the Ice Cream

Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn for about 40 minutes. As it churns, the cream thickens and freezes, creating a perfectly scoopable texture. If we don’t have an ice cream maker, no worries—just pour it into a container, freeze for an hour, stir, and repeat every 30 minutes until it reaches the desired consistency. Churning or stirring helps prevent ice crystals and keeps the ice cream smooth.

Step 8: Store and Serve

Once churned, transfer the ice cream to a storage container and smooth the surface. Freeze for a few more hours until firm. When ready to serve, scoop into bowls or cones. Each bite should be creamy, lightly sweet, and infused with the delicate flavor of green tea. For an extra touch, sprinkle a little green tea powder on top or add red beans or mochi for a Japanese-inspired twist.

Enjoy With Friends and Family

Making green tea ice cream at home is more than just about dessert—it’s about the experience. We can enjoy the process, invite friends over, and even experiment with different flavors together. Lykkers, we hope this guide inspires you to try making your own green tea ice cream and discover how fun and rewarding homemade desserts can be.