Green Tea Ice Cream – an easy summer dessert made with just four ingredients. This refreshing, matcha-inspired ice cream is quick to prepare and captures classic Japanese flavors.

Green Tea Ice Cream

I’m a big fan of green tea and matcha. After discovering many Japanese treats — from matcha Kit-Kats to matcha macarons and iced matcha lattes — I fell in love with the flavor. Matcha ice cream is one of my favorites at local shops, so it was a natural choice when I started planning simple summer desserts.

This recipe is a true no-churn ice cream: no ice cream machine required. All you need is a mixer to whip the cream, and four basic ingredients. The active prep takes about five minutes, and then the ice cream sets in the freezer. If you enjoy matcha, this is a must-try for warm weather — it’s light, refreshing, and very easy to make.

For more homemade ice cream ideas, be sure to browse collections of popular no-churn recipes if you want variety.

Common questions about making no-churn ice cream

What does no-churn mean?

No-churn means the ice cream is made without an ice cream maker. These recipes are ideal if you don’t want to store extra equipment or only make ice cream occasionally. No-churn methods are simple and require minimal tools.

Do I need rock salt or ice?

No. Rock salt and ice are used with traditional hand-crank ice cream makers. No-churn recipes do not require them.

How do you make simple no-churn ice cream?

Whip heavy cream with any powdered flavorings (matcha, cocoa, etc.) until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold in sweetened condensed milk and any mix-ins (chips, fruit, nuts).
Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 5–6 hours, or until firm.

What other no-churn flavors can I make?

There are countless options. Popular choices include vanilla bean, chocolate, mint chocolate chip, lavender lemon earl grey, mocha, rocky road, coffee, and cookies and cream.

Tips and variations for this green tea ice cream

Vegan option: Replace the dairy with two cans (13.66 oz each) full-fat coconut milk, add 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2–3 tablespoons matcha powder, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whip or blend until creamy and then freeze.
Storage: Store in an airtight container or cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Properly covered, this ice cream keeps well for weeks.
Matcha intensity: Adjust matcha to taste. Start with two tablespoons for a milder flavor or use three for a stronger, more vivid green tea taste.

Other green tea recipe ideas

Matcha Frappuccino-style blended drink
Matcha lemonade for a bright, fizzy twist
Iced matcha latte for a cool, creamy beverage

Yield: 12 servings

Green Tea Ice Cream

Green Tea Ice Cream – an easy summer dessert made with just four ingredients. This recipe highlights matcha and requires no churning.

Prep Time
5 minutes

Total Time
5 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2–3 tablespoons matcha powder
1 can sweetened condensed milk

Instructions

In a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, combine the heavy whipping cream, vanilla, and matcha powder. Beat until fluffy with stiff peaks.
Carefully fold the sweetened condensed milk into the whipped matcha cream until evenly combined.
Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe loaf pan or container. Freeze for 5–6 hours or until firm. Scoop and serve.