This Ninja Creami Matcha Green Tea Latte Ice Cream is the ultimate treat for matcha lovers, blending the earthy, slightly sweet flavors of matcha with a creamy, indulgent base. Quick and easy to prepare with 4 ingredients, this refreshing dessert is perfect for a cozy night in or a sunny afternoon treat. If you're a fan of matcha lattes, you’ll absolutely fall in love with this ice cream!
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I’ve always been a fan of green tea, especially in the mornings when it’s a comforting substitute for coffee. But now that summer is in full swing, I thought, why not turn that love for green tea into ice cream form?
My matcha obsession extends to more than just drinks—I adore green tea matcha cupcakes, and I’ve even crafted an impressive collection of ice cream flavors, including my favorites: affogato coffee ice cream, coffee ice cream, and the fall-worthy coffee maple ice cream.
Since green tea is such a popular Asian flavor, you might also want to try my other Asian-inspired creations, like Thai tea ice cream, azuki red bean ice cream, and the nostalgic halo-halo ice cream. For a warming twist, don’t miss out on my spiced chai ice cream. Each flavor brings a delightful fusion of familiar favorites with a refreshing twist.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe?
- Matcha Lovers' Dream: Captures the distinct, slightly earthy flavor of matcha, perfect for those who love green tea.
- Creamy Texture: The ice cream base is rich and smooth, making it incredibly satisfying.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and the Ninja Creami, you’ll have this dessert ready in no time.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or mix-ins to create a personalized matcha treat.
- Healthy Alternative: Matcha is packed with antioxidants, so you can indulge without the guilt!
What is Matcha?
Matcha (pronounced MAH-chah) is a finely ground green tea powder known for its vibrant color and rich flavor. It’s not just a drink; it’s a whole vibe, loved by tea enthusiasts and health nuts alike.
Fun fact: matcha is made from specially grown green tea leaves that are shade-grown before harvest. This process enhances the chlorophyll, giving matcha its signature bright green hue. There are two main types: ceremonial grade, ideal for traditional tea ceremonies, and culinary grade, perfect for cooking and baking. Whether you’re sipping or mixing, matcha brings a unique, earthy taste to any recipe.
Ingredients
- Half-and-Half: A rich blend of milk and cream that provides the perfect balance of creaminess. You can substitute with whole milk for a lighter option.
- Matcha Green Tea Powder: The star of the show, this finely ground green tea powder gives the ice cream its vibrant color and unique flavor. Look for high-quality matcha for the best results. I usually get one from Costco.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and creaminess. You can substitute it with granulated sugar or a sugar alternative like monk fruit or blue agave.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the flavor and adds a subtle warmth to the ice cream.
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitution and Addition
- Swap the condensed milk for honey or agave syrup if you prefer a natural sweetener.
- Use coconut milk instead of half and half for a dairy-free, tropical twist.
How to Make Matcha Green Tea Latte Ice Cream Using Ninja Creami?
- Prepare the Base: Sift your matcha into a mug and add hot milk or half and half and whisk until no lumps remain. Stir in the rest of the half and half and add condensed milk or sugar (if using).
- Freeze the Mixture: Pour the blended mixture into the Ninja Creami pint container and freeze for at least 24 hours or until fully solid.
- Process in Ninja Creami: Place the frozen pint into the Ninja Creami machine and select the "Ice Cream" setting. Let the machine work its magic until the mixture is creamy and smooth. See notes
- Serve: Scoop the matcha ice cream into bowls or cones and enjoy immediately, or return it to the freezer for a firmer texture.
*NOTE: If your mixture is still crumbly after the first spin, just hit the "Respin" button and keep going until it’s nice and creamy. Adding a tablespoon of cream or milk can help speed things up.
Normally, if you let it sit out for 5 to 10 minutes after taking it out of the freezer, it usually won't need any spin.
Topping and Mix-In Suggestions
- White Chocolate Chips: Add sweetness and a delightful contrast to the earthy matcha flavor.
- Red Bean Paste: A traditional matcha pairing, this adds a sweet, smooth texture to the ice cream.
- Toasted Coconut Flakes: Adds a bit of crunch and a tropical twist to your ice cream.
- Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle on some black or white sesame seeds for a nutty flavor and extra texture.
- Whipped Cream: A classic topping that adds an extra layer of creaminess.
- Cocoa Nibs: For a crunchy, slightly bitter contrast that complements the sweetness of the ice cream.
- Oreo Crumbles: Crush up some Oreos for a rich, chocolatey crunch that pairs perfectly with the matcha flavor.
💪🏼Make It High Protein
- Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder for an extra protein boost.
- Blend in Greek yogurt with the matcha for a creamy, high-protein alternative.
- Stir in a spoonful of collagen powder—it mixes smoothly and adds a bit of protein without affecting the flavor.
👍🏼Make It Less Sugar
- Substitute monk fruit sweetener or stevia for the condensed milk to lower the sugar content.
- Use unsweetened almond milk instead of half and half for a lighter version.
- Opt for sugar-free condensed milk if you're cutting back on sugar.
Variations
- Matcha Mango Ice Cream: Blend in some frozen mango chunks for a fruity twist that complements the earthy matcha flavor.
- Matcha Coconut Ice Cream: Swap half and half for coconut milk and top with shredded coconut for a tropical treat.
- Matcha Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream: Add mint extract and fold in dark chocolate chips for a refreshing matcha-mint combo.
- Matcha Honey Lavender Ice Cream: Infuse the base with dried lavender and a drizzle of honey for a soothing and floral variation.
Equipment
- Ninja CREAMi Deluxe 11-in-1 Ice Cream & Frozen Treat Maker: The star of the show! This appliance makes crafting homemade ice cream a breeze, ensuring the perfect creamy texture every time.
- Blender: A quick blend of the ingredients ensures everything is smooth and evenly mixed before freezing.
- Ninja Creami Pint Container: This handy container allows you to freeze and process your mixture right in the Ninja Creami.
Top tip
- Make sure your pint is completely frozen for at least 24 hours before processing to get the smoothest ice cream texture.
- Blend the matcha powder well into the liquid to avoid clumps—it’s a key step to ensure even flavor.
- If you prefer a stronger matcha flavor, feel free to add an extra half teaspoon of matcha powder
Recipe FAQs
Yes, green tea ice cream can be a healthier dessert option due to matcha’s high antioxidant content. Plus, it can be made with less sugar and natural sweeteners.
Green tea ice cream has an earthy, slightly bitter taste with a creamy sweetness, making it a well-balanced treat.
Green tea ice cream contains antioxidants from the matcha, which may help boost metabolism and support overall health.
Matcha can be slightly bitter, but when combined with the creaminess and sweetness of the ice cream, the bitterness is balanced.
If your ice cream turns out greasy, it could be due to using too much fat from ingredients like heavy cream. Try adjusting the ratio of cream to milk or reducing fat-heavy additions.
Let's Have More Ice Cream!
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
- Ninja Creami Chestnut Ice Cream Recipe
- Ninja Creami Peanut Butter Protein Ice Cream Recipe
- Ninja Creami Eggnog Ice Cream Recipe
- Ninja Creami Pistachio Ice Cream Recipe
- Ninja Creami Maple Coffee Ice cream Recipe
- Ninja Creami Spiced Chai Ice Cream Recipe
- Ninja Creami Apple Pie Ice Cream Recipe
- Ninja Creami Campfire S'mores Ice Cream Recipe
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Recipe Card
Ninja Creami Matcha Latte Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 2 cups Half and half
- 2 tablespoon Matcha Green Tea Powder
- ¾ cup condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Sift your matcha into a mug and add hot milk or half and half and whisk until no lumps remain. Stir in the rest of the half and half and add condensed milk or sugar (if using).
- Freeze the Mixture: Pour the blended mixture into the Ninja Creami pint container and freeze for at least 24 hours or until fully solid.
- Process in Ninja Creami: Place the frozen pint into the Ninja Creami machine and select the "Ice Cream" setting. Let the machine work its magic until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
- Serve: Scoop the matcha ice cream into bowls or cones and enjoy immediately, or return it to the freezer for a firmer texture.
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Notes
- Make sure your pint is completely frozen for at least 24 hours before processing to get the smoothest ice cream texture.
- Blend the matcha powder well into the liquid to avoid clumps—it’s a key step to ensure even flavor.
- If you prefer a stronger matcha flavor, feel free to add an extra half teaspoon of matcha powder.
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