Matcha-flavored vanilla ice cream float.

Why Matcha and Breyers Vanilla Ice Cream Are the Perfect Pairing

It’s in your social media feed, your favorite store, and even the bakery down the street — matcha is everywhere. Long rooted in Japanese tea ceremonies and tradition, this vibrant green powder has now made its way into everything from lattes to cakes to smoothies.

With its delicate balance of bitter and sweet, matcha is the perfect way to elevate desserts, and ice cream is no exception. Paired with creamy vanilla, it becomes an irresistible duo of sweet, buttery, and earthy flavors. Sound delicious? Jump on the matcha dessert trend with these simple recipes featuring classic Breyers Vanilla.

A Brief History of Matcha

First things first: what is matcha? Matcha is a finely ground powder made from green tea leaves. Though it originated in China, it was introduced to Japan in the 12th century, where it became deeply rooted in tradition and culture.

Over time, matcha became central to the Japanese tea ceremony, where it’s traditionally whisked with hot water and served without straining.

That signature green profile comes from the way it’s grown. Tea plants are shaded before harvest to boost chlorophyll and sweetness.

Today, matcha is used in two main ways: ceremonial grade, enjoyed on its own in traditional settings, and culinary grade, which adds its bold, earthy flavor to everything from smoothies to baked goods. For lattes, ceremonial grade is a popular choice thanks to its smooth, delicate taste and vibrant color, while culinary grade works best in desserts, giving that strong matcha flavor without overpowering other ingredients.

1. Matcha Vanilla Float

Ice cream floats always bring back memories of sunny days — there’s just something about that fizzy soda and creamy ice cream combo that hits the spot. This version gives the classic float a fun twist by adding matcha into the mix. It’s light, refreshing, and just the right amount of unexpected. Perfect for brunch, casual get-togethers, or whenever you want to wow your guests with something a little different.

Get the recipe: Matcha Vanilla Float

Matcha affogato with Breyers Extra Creamy Vanilla.

2. Matcha Affogato

If you can’t resist a warm treat even on the hottest days, this matcha affogato will quickly become your new go-to. Simply pour freshly brewed, hot matcha over a scoop of Extra Creamy Vanilla and enjoy a delicious pick-me-up for any time of day. This easy matcha dessert also tastes great with our Non-Dairy Chocolate, as you’ll see in the recipe below.

Get the recipe: Non-Dairy Chocolate Matcha Affogato

Matcha ice cream sandwiches on wooden board.

3. Matcha & Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwich

Do you immediately think of an ice cream sandwich when you spot cookies in your pantry? We sure do. And while it’s tough to beat the classic version, we promise you’ll love this matcha twist. The earthy umami of matcha combined with the sweetness of Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream, all nestled between two chocolate chip cookies, brings a fresh, unique spin to your summer favorite.

Get the recipe: Matcha Ice Cream Sandwiches

Matcha plant-based milkshake in a glass.

4. Non-Dairy Matcha Milkshake

What if we said you could have a milkshake for breakfast? Okay, maybe not every day, but matcha (with its natural caffeine) makes a great coffee alternative, so why not treat yourself? This refreshing shake blends matcha powder, non-dairy milk, and Non-Dairy Vanilla for a creamy, plant-based pick-me-up.

Prefer traditional ingredients? You can easily swap in regular milk and Breyers Natural Vanilla for an equally tasty version. Either way, it’s a cool, energizing treat that’s as good in the morning as it is for dessert.

Get the recipe: Non-Dairy Matcha Milkshake

5. DIY Matcha Vanilla Ice Cream

If you’ve been looking for a quick and easy matcha ice cream recipe that doesn’t need many kitchen tools, we’ve got you covered. Simply blend matcha paste and Extra Creamy Vanilla to get a refreshingly tasty treat. With only three ingredients, this is the perfect dessert to whip up last minute for a garden party or dinner with friends.

Get the recipe: DIY Matcha Ice Cream

Discover more quick dessert recipes with Breyers.

Tips for Pairing Matcha with Ice Cream

Balance is key: Start with 1–2 teaspoons of matcha per cup of ice cream. If your base is on the sweeter side, you might want to use a bit more matcha to keep the flavor from getting lost.
Go for the good stuff: High-quality matcha not only tastes smoother but gives your dessert that bright green pop everyone loves.
Top it off: A drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of coconut flakes, or shavings of dark chocolate can bring out matcha’s earthy, umami notes and make your dessert look extra fancy.

Matcha and vanilla ice cream are more than just a trendy dessert duo. They combine the timeless taste of green tea with the indulgence of frozen treats. So, next time you’re craving something cool and comforting, try a matcha milkshake or a matcha ice cream sandwich. You can thank us later.

Show us how you’re going green! Tag @breyers with your matcha dessert creations. We can't wait to see (and drool over) what you whip up.

FAQs

What does matcha taste like?

Matcha has a unique flavor profile that combines a slightly sweet, grassy taste with a hint of earthiness. It has a smooth, creamy texture and a pleasant umami quality that makes it distinct from other green teas. The taste can vary depending on the quality of the matcha, with higher-grade matcha offering a more refined and less bitter flavor.

Why does matcha pair well with vanilla ice cream?

Matcha pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream because the creamy, sweet vanilla flavor balances the slightly bitter and earthy notes of matcha. The combination creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is both refreshing and indulgent.

Can I use any type of matcha for these recipes?

You can use any type of matcha for recipes, but we recommend using culinary grade matcha for cooking and baking. Culinary grade matcha is specifically designed for use in recipes and has a more robust flavor that holds up well when mixed with other ingredients.

How do I make matcha desserts without a whisk?

If you don't have a traditional bamboo whisk (chasen) for making matcha, don't worry! You can still prep matcha easily using tools you probably already have. A small milk frother, electric hand mixer, or even a shaker bottle with a tight lid can help dissolve matcha into warm water without clumps.

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