When fruity meets earthy in one cool, creamy scoop, that’s matcha strawberry ice cream. This unique frozen dessert blends vibrant green tea with ripe strawberries for a refreshing, antioxidant-rich treat. Loved for its eye-catching swirl and bold flavor contrast, it’s quickly becoming a must-try summer dessert. Whether you’re into homemade ice cream or just exploring new flavor pairings, this guide walks you through everything: from benefits and ingredients to expert tips and topping ideas.
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Table of Contents
What Is Matcha Strawberry Ice Cream and Why Everyone’s Obsessed
The irresistible flavor pairing of matcha and strawberry
Matcha and strawberries might sound like an unusual pair, but they strike the perfect balance, earthy and sweet, creamy and tart. The bold flavor of matcha cuts through the fruity brightness of strawberries, creating a scoop that surprises and satisfies in every bite.
Why this ice cream trend is taking over foodie blogs
From Instagram reels to Pinterest boards, matcha strawberry ice cream is showing up everywhere. Its stunning swirl of green and pink isn’t just photogenic, it tastes as good as it looks. Plus, with health-forward ingredients like matcha and fresh berries, it’s a treat that feels just a bit more wholesome.
The cultural and culinary roots behind the combo
Matcha hails from Japanese tea ceremonies, while strawberries are a symbol of freshness and indulgence. Together, they form a fusion of East and West, perfectly suited for adventurous palates looking for something new.
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Matcha Strawberry Ice Cream
- Total Time: 9 hours (includes chilling + freezing)
- Yield: 6 servings (½ cup each) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy and colorful matcha strawberry ice cream blends earthy Japanese green tea with sweet strawberries in a homemade custard base. Bold in flavor and naturally vibrant, it’s the ultimate summer dessert that’s both indulgent and antioxidant-rich.
Ingredients
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2 cups heavy cream
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1½ cups whole milk
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¾ cup granulated sugar (divided)
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5 egg yolks
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2 tbsp ceremonial grade matcha powder
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1 cup chopped strawberries
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1 tbsp sugar (for strawberry puree)
Instructions
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In a saucepan, heat the cream, milk, and half of the sugar until simmering.
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In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, matcha, and the remaining sugar until pale and smooth.
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Temper egg yolks with warm cream, then return mixture to the saucepan.
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Cook over low heat until thick enough to coat a spoon (do not boil).
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Strain the custard, cool to room temp, then refrigerate overnight.
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Cook strawberries with 1 tbsp sugar for 10 mins until soft. Mash or purée and cool.
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Churn the chilled custard in an ice cream maker.
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Gently fold in strawberries or layer with swirls.
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Freeze 3–4 hours or until firm. Serve and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Freeze Time: 3–4 hours
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Japanese-American Fusion
Nutrition
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
Health Benefits of Matcha and Strawberries
What makes matcha a powerful superfood
Matcha isn’t just a trendy flavor; it’s packed with antioxidants, chlorophyll, and L-theanine, a natural compound that promotes calm focus. It also provides a gentle caffeine boost without the jitters.
Strawberry’s vitamin-rich profile and antioxidant boost
Loaded with vitamin C, fiber, and polyphenols, strawberries support heart health and skin glow. They add natural sweetness without overwhelming sugar levels, ideal for a lighter dessert base.
Is matcha strawberry ice cream healthy for you?
Yes, when made with real ingredients and moderate sugar. It’s a dessert, sure, but compared to store-bought options, homemade matcha strawberry ice cream offers more nutrients, better ingredients, and far less guilt.
Check out another fruity-meets-fresh favorite that fits a healthy lifestyle:
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Ingredients That Make the Perfect Matcha Strawberry Ice Cream
Choosing ceremonial vs. culinary matcha
When it comes to flavor, not all matcha powders are equal. Ceremonial grade matcha offers a smooth, vibrant, and slightly sweet taste, ideal for desserts like matcha strawberry ice cream. Culinary matcha works too, but tends to be bolder and more bitter. For that bright green hue and refined finish, ceremonial matcha is your best bet.
Fresh vs. frozen strawberries: what works best?
Fresh strawberries are perfect for a chunky swirl, but frozen ones work great for purees. Just make sure to cook them down slightly to remove excess water before folding them into the churned ice cream. Either way, strawberries add a natural brightness that balances matcha’s grassy notes.
Other must-haves for creamy consistency and flavor
Here’s what you’ll need to nail that texture and taste:
| Ingredient | Role in the Recipe |
|---|---|
| Heavy Cream | Provides a rich, creamy texture |
| Whole Milk | Balances the fat and adds lightness |
| Egg Yolks | Gives structure and silkiness via custard base |
| Sugar | Sweetens and prevents ice crystals |
| Vanilla (optional) | Adds aromatic warmth |
| Salt (a pinch) | Enhances the flavor contrast |
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How to Make Matcha Strawberry Ice Cream at Home
Essential tools and kitchen equipment you’ll need
To get started, you’ll need:
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk & silicone spatula
- Ice cream machine
- Fine mesh sieve
- Freezer-safe container or loaf pan
If you’re going for a silky custard texture, this equipment setup ensures zero clumps and maximum creaminess.
Creating the perfect matcha custard base
Start by heating 2 cups heavy cream, 1½ cups whole milk, and half of the sugar in a saucepan until it reaches a gentle simmer.
Meanwhile, whisk together 5 egg yolks, remaining sugar, and 2 tablespoons matcha powder until thick and pale. Temper the eggs by slowly mixing in a third of the hot cream.
Pour everything back into the pan and stir constantly on low heat. Cook until it coats the back of a spoon, no boiling allowed.
Strain into a clean bowl and cool completely. Chill overnight in the fridge for best flavor.
Simmering the ideal strawberry swirl
In a small pan, simmer 1 cup chopped strawberries with a tablespoon of sugar until soft and syrupy (about 10 minutes). Mash or blend into a purée if desired. Let it cool before adding to your churned base.
Churning and layering: the final swirl technique
Once your base is fully chilled, churn it in an ice cream maker until soft-serve thick. Then, gently fold in the strawberry mixture or layer it in a container, swirling with a spoon or chopstick.
Freeze for 3–4 hours until scoopable.
Discover another dessert that blends bold flavors with real ingredients:
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No-Churn Alternatives and Vegan Variations
Dairy-free and eggless options that still taste great
You don’t need an ice cream machine to enjoy this dessert. A no-churn version combines whipped coconut cream, sweetened condensed coconut milk, and matcha powder. Just mix, swirl with strawberry puree, and freeze.
How to make vegan matcha strawberry ice cream
Swap the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk, and use maple syrup as a sweetener. Add matcha and a strawberry blend, then churn or freeze until firm. It’s 100% plant-based and still deliciously creamy.
Easy no-churn version using condensed milk or coconut cream
Combine 2 cups whipped cream with 1 can sweetened condensed milk, fold in matcha and strawberry layers, then freeze. No cooking, no eggs, just simple, creamy indulgence.
Flavor Pairings and Topping Ideas
What flavors complement matcha strawberry best
Try pairing with vanilla bean, lemon zest, or even a touch of white chocolate. These subtle flavors enhance the natural brightness of the ice cream.
Creative toppings: mochi bits, chocolate drizzle, roasted nuts
Top your scoops with mini mochi, a light matcha dusting, or roasted almonds for crunch. A drizzle of dark chocolate turns it into a dessert worth serving guests.
Serving suggestions for parties, cones, or bowls
Scoop into waffle cones for a nostalgic vibe, or layer it in dessert cups with extra berries and mint for an upscale presentation.
Popular Brands and Where to Buy
Does Bruster’s or other chains carry matcha strawberry ice cream?
As of now, major chains like Bruster’s don’t regularly offer this unique combo, but some artisanal scoop shops and Asian markets are catching on.
Where to find artisanal matcha strawberry ice cream
Check specialty dessert bars, Korean or Japanese cafés, and local farmers’ markets for small-batch versions of this bold flavor blend.
Should you DIY it or buy it? Pros and cons
DIY gives you total control over ingredients and flavor intensity, while store-bought saves time but may lack authenticity. Homemade is best for that creamy texture and fresh strawberry pop.
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Matcha Strawberry Ice Cream: A Social Media Favorite
Instagram-worthy aesthetics of green and pink swirls
It’s hard to scroll past those vibrant pink and green ice cream swirls. The bold color combo makes it a go-to for food photography and reels.
TikTok trends and ice cream hacks with matcha
Creators are going viral with matcha strawberry ice cream hacks—from DIY cone dips to layered matcha floats. The combo’s popularity is growing fast in Gen Z circles.
How to photograph your scoops like a pro
Use natural lighting, white bowls, and minimal props. Garnish with fresh strawberries or a light dusting of matcha. Capture overhead shots for reels, and use close-ups for grid posts.
Learn more about other vibrant flavor trends that are camera-ready:
Check out this Japanese Pink Salt Recipe
A Swirl That Surprises and Satisfies
Matcha strawberry ice cream is more than a trendy dessert, it’s a celebration of contrasts. Earthy matcha and sweet strawberries blend into something bold, balanced, and beautiful. Whether you’re whipping it up from scratch, trying a no-churn twist, or layering it in a cone, every bite delivers depth and delight.
It’s a recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, and definitely worthy of a spot in your summer freezer lineup.
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FAQs: Quick Answers About Matcha Strawberry Ice Cream
Do strawberry and matcha taste good together?
Yes. The earthy matcha balances perfectly with sweet strawberries, creating a bold, refreshing flavor combo.
Does Bruster’s have strawberry matcha ice cream?
No, not regularly. Bruster’s may rotate flavors, but strawberry matcha isn’t a standard option.
Is matcha ice cream healthy for you?
It can be. Matcha is rich in antioxidants, but ice cream still contains sugar and cream, enjoy in moderation.
Can Starbucks make a strawberry matcha?
Yes. Ask for a custom drink with matcha, milk, and strawberry purée, it’s not on the menu, but baristas can make it.
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