Light, refreshing and packed with antioxidants, this Matcha Coconut Ice Cream will be your new favorite (and nutritious) treat this summer! Don't be intimidated to make your own homemade ice cream, it really is simple to make with just 4 ingredients.
One night while out on vacation, my husband and I went out to dinner. There were tons of healthy options and although I was super full from dinner, they had a Vegan Matcha Ice Cream on the menu so I knew I had to try it!
I was intrigued. To be completely honest, I don't like the taste of coconut.
I actually despise it.
So I was hesitant at first to try it, but I am so glad I did.
The coconut taste wasn't overwhelming at all, as a matter of fact it was barely noticeable. So as much as I wanted to try to make it myself, I realize most people actually love the taste of coconut.
I just knew I had to try to recreate this at home.
This delicious homemade matcha coconut ice cream goes perfectly with my Apple Chai Latte or my Low Carb Bulletproof Hot Chocolate. Just thought I'd throw that out there...
Also, my cookbooks are both on sale now and would make a great gift! The Everything Wheat Free Diet Cookbook and The Greek Yogurt Cookbook are both the lowest prices I have seen!
Why You Should Make this Matcha Coconut Ice Cream
Isn't that color gorgeous? It makes me feel warm, sunny and happy.
And sometimes we just need a little sunshine.
The weather has been so awful that I forgot what the sun looks like! And is Memorial Day weekend really next week? It's been so dreary here it hardly seems possible.
Matcha is powdered green tea. It has 10 times more antioxidants than regularly brewed green tea.
What's so great about these antioxidants? They help prevent aging, diseases and a whole bunch of chronic diseases.
My favorite brand is Zen Tea Leaf and it's the only one I have in my house. The kind people over there are offering my followers 15% off their purchase with the coupon code LAURENKELLY. Go try it and let me know how much you love it!
I am always talking about how my beloved blueberries are a powerhouse of antioxidants, and that's true, but check this out (from Matcha Source)...
I told you there were a ton of antioxidants! This is no joke, green tea contains powerful antioxidants.
Besides that, matcha powder contains powerful vitamins and minerals, can lower cholesterol and even maintain blood sugar levels. This is the real deal.
All of the benefits of matcha green tea are backed by science too.
Besides being super duper healthy and nutritious, this homemade matcha coconut ice cream is so ridiculously easy to make!
Recipe Ingredients for Matcha Coconut Ice Cream
- Coconut milk- It's very important to use the unsweetened, full fat coconut milk. This one contains all the healthy fats without the added sugar that the regular coconut milk has.
- Maple syrup- I use 100% pure maple syrup but other readers have told me they have made this with honey or coconut sugar, using the same amount of 3 tablespoons.
- Matcha powder- Be careful when purchasing matcha powder, they are not all the same. First off, the brighter the color green, the better. Secondly, the powder should come from Japan as most of the "premium" quality matcha powders come from there. Finally, always buy organic to ensure you aren't getting any unnecessary junky additives. I I use this one.
- Vanilla Extract- I always use Pure Vanilla Extract. Pure vanilla extract is made from whole vanilla beans extracted alcohol and nothing else. Regular vanilla extract contains imitation flavors and artificial flavors and additives. I use this one.
Recipe FAQ's and Expert Tips
Yes, it definitely will be creamy. You only use the cream in the coconut milk and not the liquid which creates a super smooth texture.
Yes of course! It should be creamy and semi-frozen after 4-5 hours.
I store mine in mason jars, glass containers with lids, even old ice cream containers. Go ahead and get creative. You an also leave it in the loaf pan and simply seal with plastic wrap.
Related Recipes
Healthy Chocolate Ice Cream from Chelsea's Messy Apron
Chocolate Chocolate Chip Protein Vegan Ice Cream from Lauren Kelly Nutrition
Four Ingredient Keto Cookie Dough Ice Cream from The Big Man's World
Homemade Cashew Coconut Milk Vegan Ice Cream from Beaming Baker
Please feel free to follow me on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram! Thanks for stopping by!
Matcha Coconut Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 30 ounces full fat coconut milk unsweetened coconut milk, refrigerated overnight, using only the cream, not the liquid. I used 2 15 ounces cans.
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon matcha powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- OPTIONAL:
- chocolate chips coconut chips, dried fruit, nuts, cacao nibs
Instructions
- Mix ingredients together in a medium bowl.
- Mix together with an electric mixer or food processor until thoroughly combined.
- Line a freezer safe pan with parchment paper (I used a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan).
- Pour ice cream mixture into pan and cover with aluminum foil.
- Place in the freezer overnight to allow to fully freeze.
- Allow to sit on the counter for 10 minutes to soften before serving.
Diane
Can't wait to try! Is the maple syrup just for added sweetness because my husband hates maple syrup so wondering if I can maybe use raw honey?!
lauren.kelly
Absolutely Diane! I use maple syrup and raw honey interchangeably so I bet it would be great in this! Let me know how you like it!
fran
Hi Lauren,
My question is, how do we calculate the nutritional values when using just the cream part of the canned coconut milk? An answer you gave before stated that only the cream part is used and suggested the milk for smoothies. I guess Im just a little confused. I can't wait to try this recipe, if you could clarify for me?
Thank you so much. I love your recipes!
lauren.kelly
Hi Fran! Yes, you only use the cream part. It's difficult to estimate how much of the cream is being used for this to find out the nutritional information. This is the nutritional information for one 15 ounce can of coconut milk. Maybe estimate how much of the can you used? (Remember the recipe calls for two cans) I hope this helps!
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 15 oz
Amount Per Serving
Calories from Fat 678Calories 816
% Daily Values*
Total Fat 75.35g 116%
Saturated Fat 66.82g 334%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.825g
Monounsaturated Fat 3.206g
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 213mg 9%
Potassium 430mg
Total Carbohydrate 35.51g 12%
Dietary Fiber 9.4g 38%
Sugars 26.15g
Protein 11.44g
Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 13%
Calcium 0% Iron 12%
joanne
Hi Lauren,
I'm a little confused by the recipe. If you only use the cream from the 15 oz can of coconut milk, that's not very much at all.. It doesn't seem like that would be enough to fill the bottom of your 9X5" pan even with any depth since the other ingredients wouldn't add much bulk to the recipe.. The recipe says it serves 6 to 8.. is this really accurate? How deep is your pan filled?
Thanks for the clarification!
lauren.kelly
Hi Joanne! Yes, that was a mistake, it should read 2 cans of coconut milk! Thank you so much!
Tara Ghale
I LOVE Matcha and would love to try this, but the recipe is confusing. At first I thought this required 215 ounce of coconut milk! If I use coconut cream, how much would I need?
lauren.kelly
Hi Tara. I apologize, it says 2 15 oz cans of coconut milk. There is a space in between but I can see why it's confusing! I hope that helps. Thanks for stopping by!
Cathy McCra
Do you use the entire can of coconut milk, liquid and all, or just the solid part that forms when refrigerated. Thank you. Can't wait to make this recipe.
lauren.kelly
Hi Cathy! Yes, you use the cream from the coconut milk and you can use the liquid for a smoothie or something else. Thank you! I hope you like it!
Karyn @ Pint Sized Baker
Matcha tea is amazing! This ice cream looks beautiful and sounds divine for a summer afternoon! YUM!
Kim Beaulieu
This is absolutely stellar Lauren. I love matcha, this is sheer perfection.
Alexandra Caspero
Can't wait to make this! I am always looking for new matcha recipes, this looks great!
Renee - Kudos Kitchen
What a fun flavor for ice cream, and that color is amazing!
Sylvie
Looks perfect, so nice and creamy!
lauren.kelly
Thanks Sylvie!
Allison - Celebrating Sweets
I am seriously in LOVE with this! I can't wait to try it. Pinning immediately!
lauren.kelly
Thanks so much Allison!
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes
I am a huge fan of matcha!! I got some matcha powder for Christmas last year in my stocking 🙂 I made green tea lattes with it. I can't wait to try this!
lauren.kelly
Aw that's so cute you got some in my stocking!
Lora @savoringitaly
So in love with the vivid color. But even more so because of the coconut and the MAPLE! Great flavor combo, Lauren!!
lauren.kelly
Thanks Lora!
Jessica @ A Kitchen Addiction
What a great flavor of ice cream! Love that you don't need an ice cream maker!
lauren.kelly
I have an ice ream maker too Jessica, I just assume that most people don't! 🙂
Beth R.
Could you put in an ice cream maker if you have one?
lauren.kelly
I haven't made it in the ice cream maker but I bet you can if you follow the instructions! Please come back and let me know how it comes out!
Emily
Totally agree! So much to love about this matcha ice cream recipe. I just know my kids will think this is so much better than that other 'green ice cream' (mint choc chip) I know I will
lauren.kelly
I hope you like it Emily!!
Bianca
Hi Lauren,
I tried Enzo Matcha with your recipe and it works perfectly. Thank you for the great recipe. ????
Regards,
Bianca B.
lauren.kelly
I am so glad to hear that Bianca! Thanks for stopping by!
Mahreen
Hi there - I don’t have access to maple syrup - can I use brown sugar instead?
lauren.kelly
I am sure you can although I haven't tried it with that.
Taylor Kiser
Loving the flavors of this ice cream, how easy it is to make, and the health benefits of matcha! There is just SO much to love about this recipe!
lauren.kelly
Thanks Taylor! xo