Matcha Affogato is a simple, yet indulgent dessert that merges Japanese flavors with Italian tradition.
It takes the classic affogato—where hot espresso is poured over ice cream—and swaps in matcha for a vibrant, earthy twist.
The result is a perfect blend of creamy sweetness and rich green tea flavor.
This quick dessert offers a delightful contrast of temperatures and tastes, making it a refreshing treat for any occasion.
Here’s how to easily make this delicious dessert at home!
How to Make Matcha Affogato: At A Glance
- Sift 1 tsp matcha powder into a bowl to avoid clumps.
- Whisk with 2 tbsp hot water (175°F) until smooth and frothy.
- Scoop 1-2 scoops of vanilla or matcha ice cream into a serving glass.
- Pour the matcha shot over the ice cream.
- Serve immediately and enjoy with optional toppings like whipped cream or matcha dust.
What is Matcha Affogato?
Affogato is a traditional Italian dessert that combines hot espresso poured over a scoop of ice cream or gelato, creating a delightful contrast of warm and cold.
In the matcha variation, the espresso is replaced with a matcha shot, which brings a unique Japanese twist to the dish.
Instead of the bold coffee flavor, you get the earthy, slightly sweet taste of matcha.
When the warm matcha is poured over the cold ice cream, it creates a delicious fusion of textures and temperatures.
The rich, creamy ice cream complements the smooth, frothy matcha, resulting in a perfect balance of flavors—both refreshing and indulgent.
This simple yet sophisticated dessert is a must-try for matcha lovers and anyone looking for a quick, elegant treat.
Ingredients
Core Ingredients
- 1 tsp ceremonial matcha powder
- 2 tbsp hot water (175°F/80°C)
- 1-2 scoops of vanilla or matcha ice cream
Optional Toppings
- Whipped cream
- Crushed nuts
- Chocolate shavings
- Matcha powder for garnish
How to Make Matcha Affogato (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare the Matcha Shot
- Sift the matcha powder into a bowl to remove any clumps.
- Add hot water (not boiling) at about 175°F (80°C) and whisk vigorously until the matcha is smooth and slightly frothy.
Step 2: Prepare the Ice Cream
- Scoop 1 to 2 scoops of vanilla or matcha ice cream into a serving bowl or glass.
- For the best results, chill the serving glass beforehand to slow down the melting of the ice cream.
Step 3: Assemble
- Pour the prepared matcha shot over the ice cream, letting it coat the scoops.
- Add optional toppings such as matcha powder, whipped cream, or crushed nuts for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve the affogato immediately while the matcha is still warm, contrasting beautifully with the cold ice cream.
- Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
- Calories: A typical serving of Matcha Affogato contains around 150-300 calories, depending on the ice cream and toppings used.
- Antioxidants: Matcha is rich in catechins, a type of antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation and supports overall health.
- Energy Boost: Matcha provides a gentle energy lift without the jitters commonly associated with coffee, thanks to its combination of caffeine and L-theanine.
- Caffeine Content:
- Matcha: A matcha shot contains around 25-35 mg of caffeine per serving.
- Coffee: By comparison, a traditional affogato with espresso contains around 63 mg of caffeine per shot.
- Health Benefits: In addition to its antioxidant properties, matcha can improve focus, boost metabolism, and promote relaxation due to its high L-theanine content.
Choosing the Right Matcha
Ceremonial vs. Culinary Grade
When making Matcha Affogato, the quality of your matcha plays a big role in the final flavor.
Ceremonial-grade matcha is the best option for this recipe.
It has a smooth, delicate flavor and a vibrant green color, which enhances both the taste and presentation of the dessert.
On the other hand, culinary-grade matcha is typically more bitter and earthy.
While it’s more budget-friendly, it doesn’t offer the same level of quality and refinement.
You can use culinary-grade matcha if you’re looking for a more affordable option, but keep in mind that the flavor may be less enjoyable.
How to Choose High-Quality Matcha
When shopping for matcha, look for a powder that’s bright green.
This is a good indicator that the matcha is fresh and of high quality.
Avoid matcha that appears dull, yellow, or brownish, as this may mean it has been exposed to air or is of lower grade.
A high-quality matcha will also have a mild, slightly sweet aroma with a subtle vegetal scent.
Ice Cream Pairings
Classic Vanilla is the traditional choice for affogato, and it works beautifully in Matcha Affogato as well.
The creamy, mild flavor of vanilla balances the bold, earthy notes of matcha, creating a harmonious and satisfying dessert.
This pairing is perfect for those who prefer a simple yet delicious combination.
For a more adventurous option, try using Matcha Ice Cream for a double-matcha treat.
This adds an extra layer of green tea richness, intensifying the flavor for matcha enthusiasts.
If you’re looking to explore more unique flavors, consider experimenting with exotic ice creams like coconut, black sesame, or hojicha.
Coconut adds a tropical sweetness, while black sesame provides a nutty, roasted depth.
Hojicha, a roasted green tea, offers a smoky twist that complements the matcha in an entirely new way.
These flavors give your Matcha Affogato a unique twist, perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to something different.
Vegan & Dairy-Free Options
For those following a vegan or dairy-free diet, Matcha Affogato can easily be made with plant-based ice creams.
Look for ice creams made from almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk as excellent alternatives to traditional dairy-based options.
These plant-based varieties still provide a creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the rich matcha flavor.
Almond milk ice cream offers a subtle nutty undertone, while coconut milk ice cream adds a slightly tropical sweetness.
Oat milk ice cream, on the other hand, provides a neutral and creamy base that lets the matcha shine.
Flavor Pairings & Enhancements
To take your Matcha Affogato to the next level, try adding some toppings and pairings that complement its rich flavors.
Crushed nuts, like almonds or pistachios, bring a satisfying crunch and subtle nuttiness.
For a more indulgent option, sprinkle chocolate shavings on top to enhance the dessert’s sweetness.
Fresh berries, such as strawberries or raspberries, offer a refreshing tartness that pairs beautifully with the earthy matcha.
For a citrusy contrast, consider serving the affogato alongside a scoop of citrus sorbet.
If you’re looking to add a touch of sophistication, garnish your Matcha Affogato with edible flowers or a dusting of gold leaf.
These additions not only create a visually stunning presentation but also add a gourmet feel to the dessert, making it perfect for special occasions.
Conclusion
This Matcha Affogato is a simple yet versatile dessert that blends the earthy richness of matcha with the creamy sweetness of ice cream.
It’s quick to prepare and easy to customize with your favorite ice cream flavors and toppings.
Whether you stick with classic vanilla or try something more adventurous, this treat is sure to delight!
Give it a try and enjoy the perfect balance of flavors and textures in just a few minutes!
FAQs
Can I use different types of ice cream?
Yes! While vanilla is the classic choice, you can experiment with flavors like matcha, coconut, black sesame, or hojicha for a unique twist.
Each flavor will bring a new dimension to the dessert, so feel free to get creative.
How do I prevent the ice cream from melting too fast?
Chilling your serving bowl or glass for about 10-15 minutes before adding the ice cream helps slow down the melting process.
This keeps the contrast between the warm matcha and cold ice cream intact.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Absolutely! You can make this recipe vegan by using plant-based ice creams made from almond, coconut, or oat milk.
These options provide the same creamy texture without any dairy.
