Pin Hojicha Ice Cream is a creamy, elegant dessert that captures the distinctive nutty and caramel-like flavor of roasted green tea. This sophisticated treat offers a unique depth of flavor that is both comforting and incredibly refreshing, making it the perfect end to any meal or a delightful afternoon snack.
Pin The beauty of this recipe lies in the steeping process, which allows the earthy, smoky aroma of the hojicha leaves to fully infuse into the dairy. Unlike other green teas, hojicha’s roasting process removes bitterness, resulting in a mellow, toasted quality that pairs beautifully with the richness of heavy cream and egg yolks.
Ingredients
- Dairy: 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream and 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk.
- Tea: 3 tbsp hojicha loose leaf tea or 4 hojicha tea bags.
- Egg Mixture: 4 large egg yolks, 2/3 cup (130 g) granulated sugar, and a pinch of fine sea salt.
Instructions
- Step 1
- In a saucepan, combine the milk and heavy cream. Heat over medium until steaming but not boiling.
- Step 2
- Add the hojicha tea. Reduce heat to low, cover, and steep for 10 minutes.
- Step 3
- Strain the mixture through a fine sieve, pressing the tea to extract maximum flavor. Return the infused milk to the saucepan.
- Step 4
- In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, and salt until pale and slightly thickened.
- Step 5
- Slowly pour about 1 cup of the warm hojicha mixture into the yolks, whisking constantly to temper.
- Step 6
- Pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining hojicha milk.
- Step 7
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon (about 170–175°F / 77–80°C).
- Step 8
- Strain the custard into a clean bowl. Let cool, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until completely chilled.
- Step 9
- Churn the mixture in an ice cream maker according to manufacturers instructions.
- Step 10
- Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the smoothest results, ensure the custard base is thoroughly chilled—ideally overnight—before churning. Straining the mixture twice, once after steeping and again after cooking the custard, removes any unwanted tea fragments or egg solids for a professional finish.
Varianten und Anpassungen
If you cannot find loose leaf tea, you can use 2 tablespoons of hojicha powder whisked directly into the milk. For those who enjoy a bit of texture, consider folding in toasted sesame seeds during the final minute of churning.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this ice cream alongside fresh seasonal fruit or chewy mochi for a Japanese-inspired dessert platter. For an extra touch of indulgence, garnish each serving with a light drizzle of sweetened condensed milk or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
Pin This Hojicha Ice Cream offers a refined balance of earthy depth and creamy sweetness. Whether served on its own or as part of an elaborate Japanese-inspired dessert, its unique roasted flavor is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Recipe FAQ
- → What makes hojicha different from matcha?
Hojicha is roasted green tea with deep, nutty, caramel-like flavors and lower caffeine content compared to the grassy, vegetal notes of unroasted matcha.
- → Can I make this without an ice cream maker?
Yes, freeze the custard in a shallow container, whisking every 30 minutes for the first 3 hours to break up ice crystals for smoother texture.
- → How long does this stay fresh in the freezer?
Properly stored in an airtight container, this maintains optimal texture and flavor for up to 2 weeks before ice crystals begin forming.
- → What toppings complement the roasted tea flavor?
Toasted sesame seeds, sweetened condensed milk drizzle, fresh mochi, or seasonal fruits like persimmons and pears highlight the nutty notes beautifully.
- → Can I substitute the dairy ingredients?
Coconut cream and full-fat coconut milk work well, though the flavor profile shifts slightly with subtle tropical notes accompanying the roasted tea.
- → What's the best way to store leftover custard before churning?
Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent skin formation, refrigerate up to 24 hours, and stir briefly before adding to your machine.