Remember that time I tried to make ice cream without an ice cream maker? What a disaster! It was basically a rock-hard block of flavored ice. So, yes, I highly recommend using an ice cream maker for this recipe. But trust me, this Black Sesame & Matcha Swirl Ice Cream is worth the investment (or borrowing one from your friend, like I eventually did). It's a creamy, dreamy fusion of nutty, earthy black sesame and slightly bitter, grassy matcha that’ll make your taste buds sing. It’s a sophisticated treat that’s surprisingly easy to make at home, even if you're as culinarily challenged as I sometimes am. What does this mean for you? A chance to impress your friends (or just treat yourself) with a dessert that's both delicious and visually stunning. Let's get started!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It’s a basic custard-based ice cream, but the addition of black sesame and matcha takes it to a whole new level. The contrasting colors and flavors create a visually appealing and incredibly delicious dessert. I also learned the hard way that the quality of your ingredients REALLY matters. Splurge on good quality matcha powder, you will thank me later. My first attempt was so bitter it almost made me cry! I think I’m still finding uses for that low-grade matcha. Let's not talk about it… Instead, let's talk about the thrill you will experience with your very first spoonful. This is a moment you will not regret.
One of my favorite things about making ice cream is how customizable it is. Want to add a touch of vanilla extract to the base? Go for it! Feel like throwing in some chopped toasted almonds for extra crunch? Be my guest! This recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity. I once added a little bit of sake to the matcha base…it wasn’t bad, actually! So don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Just promise me you’ll try it with the black sesame and matcha first. You owe it to yourself.
Required Equipments
- Ice Cream Maker
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Mixing Bowls
- Spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Black Sesame and Matcha Swirl Ice Cream: Frequently Asked Questions
Black Sesame and Matcha Swirl Ice Cream
Indulge in the exotic flavors of homemade Black Sesame & Matcha Swirl Ice Cream. This creamy, dreamy dessert combines the nutty richness of black sesame with the subtle bitterness of matcha, creating a visually stunning and incredibly delicious treat.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- **Prepare the Black Sesame Paste:** In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of black sesame paste with 1 tablespoon of hot water until smooth. Set aside.
- **Prepare the Matcha Paste:** In another small bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon of matcha powder with 1 tablespoon of hot water until you get a smooth, vibrant green paste. Make sure there are no lumps, or you'll end up with bitter pockets in your ice cream.
- **Heat the Base:** In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is just starting to simmer. Don’t let it boil! We're not making pudding here.
- **Temper the Egg Yolks:** In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks lightly. Slowly drizzle about half a cup of the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper them. This prevents the yolks from scrambling when you add them to the saucepan. Believe me, nobody wants scrambled egg ice cream.
- **Cook the Custard:** Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a spatula, until the custard thickens slightly and coats the back of the spatula. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. It should be thick enough that if you run your finger across the coated spatula, the line holds. If it's watery, keep going.
- **Strain the Custard:** Pour the custard through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. This will remove any cooked egg bits and ensure a silky smooth ice cream base. Don't skip this step unless you enjoy surprises in your ice cream.
- **Divide and Flavor:** Divide the custard evenly into two bowls. Stir the black sesame paste into one bowl and the matcha paste into the other. Mix until each base is uniformly colored. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
- **Chill Thoroughly:** Cover both bowls with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This is crucial for the ice cream to churn properly and have the right texture. I know it's hard to wait, but trust me, it's worth it.
- **Churn the Ice Cream:** Pour the black sesame ice cream base into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Usually, this takes about 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. Repeat with the matcha ice cream base.
- **Swirl and Freeze:** In a freezer-safe container, alternate layering scoops of black sesame and matcha ice cream. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the two flavors together. Be careful not to overmix, or you'll lose the distinct swirls. Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap and freeze for at least 2 hours to harden.
- **Serve and Enjoy:** Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping. This will make it easier to scoop and allow the flavors to fully develop. Garnish with a sprinkle of black sesame seeds or a dusting of matcha powder, if desired. Now, go ahead and pat yourself on the back - you made ice cream!
📝 Notes
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
- Adjust the amount of matcha or black sesame paste to your taste.
- Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 250 kcal
Protein: 4 g
Fat: 18 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 1 g
Calcium: 50 mg
