Green ice cream is a smooth, creamy dessert that brings both a burst of color and a delicate flavor to your table. With its gentle green hue and lightly sweet taste, it’s a refreshing treat that’s perfect for any season. Making it at home allows you to control the sweetness and texture, giving you a luxurious dessert that feels both special and wholesome.
Why We Love This Green Ice Cream Recipe
There are countless reasons to love this green ice cream recipe. First, it’s incredibly customizable—you can use traditional milk or swap in plant-based options without losing the creamy texture. The matcha, or green tea powder, adds not only a beautiful color but also a unique flavor that’s gentle, slightly grassy, and perfectly sweet when paired with sugar and cream. The texture is another reason to adore it: soft, smooth, and luxurious without being overly dense. You’ll enjoy the process of making it just as much as eating it, as it’s satisfying to watch a few simple ingredients transform into a rich, silky ice cream. This recipe also works well for gatherings because it looks stunning in a bowl and can be served as-is or with toppings like fresh fruit, nuts, or a drizzle of chocolate.
Ingredients about Green Ice Cream
1 cup (236 ml) whole milk
3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
4 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
2 tablespoons (12 grams) ceremonial matcha (optional)
2 cups (473 ml) heavy cream
How to Make Green Ice Cream Directions
Start by preparing your ice cream bowl according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Most bowls need to be chilled for at least 24 hours. If your freezer allows, set it to a colder temperature, around -18°C or lower, to achieve the best results. Next, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon, making sure the mixture reaches about 170°F (77°C). Watch closely to prevent boiling, as the eggs can curdle if overheated.
If your mixture develops tiny egg bits, don’t worry—they will be removed when straining later. Once the custard reaches the right temperature, remove it from heat. If using matcha, place it in a small bowl and stir in a few tablespoons of the hot milk mixture to make a smooth paste, free of lumps. Add this matcha paste back into the custard and stir well.
Next, pour the heavy cream into a large mixing bowl and place a fine-mesh sieve over it. Strain the custard into the bowl to remove any eggy bits or lumps of matcha. Once strained, cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 8 hours or overnight, allowing it to chill thoroughly.
When ready, pour the chilled mixture into your fully frozen ice cream bowl and churn according to your machine’s instructions. The ice cream will have a soft-serve consistency right out of the machine. For firmer texture, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 4 hours or overnight. If you prefer a softer scoop, leave it at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Green Ice Cream
Serving green ice cream is simple but can be elevated with a few touches. Use a wide scoop to form perfect, round balls that showcase the vibrant green color. Serve in chilled bowls or cones to maintain its creamy texture longer. You can also add a few toppings, like fresh berries, finely chopped nuts, or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce. For a refined look, sprinkle a tiny pinch of matcha powder on top to enhance the visual appeal. If serving to kids, colorful sprinkles or small cookie crumbles can make the dessert more fun while keeping it delicious. Green ice cream pairs beautifully with warm desserts like brownies or fruit pies, offering a refreshing contrast to richer flavors.
Expert Tips: Green Ice Cream
For the best results, always chill your ice cream mixture thoroughly before churning. This ensures the texture is creamy and prevents ice crystals from forming. When making the custard, constant stirring is key to avoid curdling the eggs. Use a silicone spatula to scrape the sides of the saucepan for even cooking. If you find small lumps of matcha, a fine-mesh sieve is your best friend; it guarantees a smooth final product. Using ceremonial matcha will provide a brighter color and more refined flavor compared to culinary-grade powders. If you want to experiment, try different milk alternatives such as cashew, almond, or oat milk. They all produce a slightly different taste and can make the ice cream lighter while keeping it rich. Always store ice cream in an airtight container to preserve texture and flavor.
How to Store Green Ice Cream
Storing green ice cream properly ensures it maintains its creamy texture and vibrant color. Always use a freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid. Place a piece of parchment paper directly on the surface of the ice cream before sealing to prevent ice crystals from forming. Keep the freezer at a consistent temperature, ideally below -18°C, to maintain the best texture. Avoid repeated thawing and refreezing, as this can cause ice crystals and reduce creaminess. If you plan to serve it soon, a few minutes at room temperature before scooping is fine. Green ice cream can last for up to two weeks in the freezer without compromising flavor or texture.
Variation of Green Ice Cream
Green ice cream can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. For a dairy-free version, substitute whole milk and heavy cream with unsweetened cashew or coconut milk. This keeps the texture creamy and the flavor rich. You can also adjust the sweetness by reducing sugar or adding natural sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar. For a more intense flavor, increase the matcha slightly, or try adding complementary flavors like a hint of lemon zest, mint, or even crushed pistachios. For a fun twist, swirl in a fruit puree like raspberry or mango before freezing, creating a layered effect with unique flavor combinations. You can even serve green ice cream as a topping for cakes, waffles, or crepes, turning a simple dessert into a gourmet treat.
Frequently Asked Questions about Green Ice Cream
What makes green ice cream so vibrant?
The vibrant green color comes from matcha, a finely ground green tea powder. Using ceremonial-grade matcha gives the brightest color and best flavor.
Can I make green ice cream without eggs?
Yes, you can make a simpler version without eggs by combining milk, cream, sugar, and matcha, though the texture will be slightly less creamy.
How long should I churn the ice cream?
Churn according to your ice cream maker’s instructions, usually 20–30 minutes, until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
Can I use plant-based milk?
Absolutely! Cashew, almond, or oat milk can replace regular milk. Each will slightly change the flavor but still produce a creamy ice cream.
How do I prevent ice crystals?
Chill the mixture thoroughly before churning and store the ice cream in an airtight container with parchment paper on the surface. Avoid repeated thawing and refreezing.
What can I serve with green ice cream?
It pairs well with fresh fruit, cookies, chocolate sauce, nuts, or even warm desserts like pies and brownies for a refreshing contrast.
Green Ice Cream
Equipment
- Ice Cream Maker
- Saucepan
- Mixing Bowl
- Fine Mesh Sieve
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk (236 ml)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 grams)
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- Pinch salt
- 2 Tbsp. ceremonial matcha (optional, 12 grams)
- 2 cups heavy cream (473 ml)
Instructions
- Prepare your ice cream bowl according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically chilling for at least 24 hours.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Stir constantly until the mixture reaches about 170°F (77°C), being careful not to boil.
- If using matcha, mix it with a few tablespoons of the hot milk mixture to create a smooth paste, then stir it back into the custard.
- Pour the heavy cream into a large mixing bowl and strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps.
- Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Once chilled, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 4 hours or overnight for a firmer texture.
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