Matcha A La Mode is a trendy and delectable Japanese delicacy. It's prepared by blending smooth ice cream with the earthy, bitter flavor of matcha green tea powder. Because of its distinct flavor and probable health benefits, this delicacy has received worldwide acclaim. In this post, we will look at the history, components, and advantages of Matcha A La Mode, as well as how to make it yourself.
Watch a short video of how to make tasty Matcha A La Mode in less than 2 minutes.
A La Mode is French word meaning “in fashion” and describes a sweet dish with ice cream.
Matcha A La Mode is basically matcha with ice cream.
To make Matcha A La Mode, mix 1 tablespoon of matcha with ¼ cup of hot water with a temperature of 175 degrees f (or 80 degree c) and whisk them until they form little bubbles.
You can use a bamboo whisk, electric whisk, Milk Frother or simply a metal whisk.
Here, I am using a Milk Frother. It takes about 30 seconds. When you are whisking manually using a metal or bamboo whisk, you want to whisk for about one minute.
You can pour the whisked mixture over one scoop, two scoops or three scoops or more of vanilla ice-cream. I am using Häagen-Dazs ice-cream which is my personal favorite. Their vanilla flavor goes very well with the bitterness of matcha without covering much of the matcha aroma.
Make sure to serve quickly after you pour the matcha because the hot matcha melts the ice-cream quickly. The melting ice-cream is part of the sensation you want to enjoy with this dish.
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Step by Step Guide
Matcha À La Mode is a beautiful collision of traditional Japanese culture and Western indulgence — a dessert that pairs the earthy bitterness of matcha with the rich sweetness of vanilla ice cream. Served quickly after preparation, it offers a sensual experience where hot meets cold, creamy meets grassy, and bitter meets sweet — all in a single bite.
Whether you're a long-time matcha lover or new to Japanese desserts, this guide will walk you through each step of making this simple yet luxurious treat at home.
🛒 Ingredients & Tools You’ll Need
✅ Ingredients:
-
1 tablespoon matcha green tea powder
(Use high-quality ceremonial grade for best flavor, or premium culinary grade if you’re on a budget.) -
¼ cup hot water
(Temperature should be around 175°F / 80°C — not boiling!) -
1–3 scoops of vanilla ice cream
(Rich brands like Häagen-Dazs are ideal because they balance the matcha without overpowering it.)
🧰 Tools:
- Matcha bowl (or any wide-rim bowl or mug)
- Whisking tool (any of the following will work):
- Traditional bamboo whisk (chasen)
- Electric milk frother
- Small metal whisk
- Measuring spoon & cup
- Serving glass or dessert bowl
🔥 Step 1: Heat the Water to the Right Temperature
Start by heating ¼ cup of water to the ideal matcha brewing temperature — 175°F (80°C).
- Avoid boiling water. Water that’s too hot will burn the matcha and give it a bitter taste.
- If you don’t have a thermometer, bring the water to a boil, then let it sit for about 2–3 minutes to cool slightly.
🍵 Step 2: Measure and Add the Matcha Powder
Place 1 tablespoon of matcha powder into your matcha bowl or mug.
- For beginners, you may start with 2 teaspoons if you're unsure about the bitterness.
- Sift the powder through a small strainer if you want to prevent clumps.
🌀 Step 3: Whisk the Matcha into a Frothy Elixir
Pour the hot water gently over the matcha powder. Now it’s time to whisk:
If using a bamboo whisk:
- Whisk quickly in an “M” or “W” motion (not circular).
- Continue for about 1 minute, until you see a layer of fine, light foam (micro-bubbles) on the surface.
If using a milk frother or electric whisk:
- It usually takes about 30 seconds to create that frothy texture.
- Be careful not to over-whisk or splash.
The foam isn’t just for looks — it gives a smoother mouthfeel and ensures the matcha is well-blended.
🍨 Step 4: Prepare the Ice Cream Base
Take a clean dessert bowl, glass, or sundae dish and add your scoops of vanilla ice cream.
- You can use one scoop for a lighter treat, or go all out with two to three scoops.
- A denser ice cream like Häagen-Dazs Vanilla is ideal because it holds its shape better under the hot matcha.
- Optional: Freeze your bowl ahead of time to slow down melting.
☕ Step 5: Pour the Hot Matcha Over Ice Cream
Now comes the dramatic moment — slowly pour the hot matcha over the ice cream.
- The contrast in temperature will cause the outer layer of the ice cream to melt slightly, forming a luxurious, creamy matcha sauce.
- Pour gently so the foam stays intact on the surface.
- Use a spoon to swirl or mix lightly if desired, but it’s equally delicious as-is.
🕒 Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Immediately
Serve your Matcha À La Mode right away.
- This dessert is best enjoyed fresh — you don’t want the ice cream to melt completely.
- The magic lies in the textures and temperatures: the smoothness of melting ice cream, the warm bitterness of matcha, and the overall harmony they create together.
💡 Optional Garnishes (Upgrade Your Aesthetic & Flavor)
Want to elevate the presentation or flavor even more? Try adding:
- 🍡 Sweet red bean paste (anko) — adds authentic Japanese sweetness
- 🍘 Toasted black sesame seeds — for crunch and visual contrast
- 🍃 Fresh mint leaves — for color and fragrance
- 🍓 Sliced strawberries or mochi — for a fruity or chewy twist
- 🍫 White chocolate shavings — a Western fusion touch
🎥 Bonus: Watch a Quick Video Tutorial
If you’re more of a visual learner, watch our 2-minute demo showing how to make Matcha À La Mode from start to finish using just matcha, hot water, and ice cream.
📦 Fun Fact: Eco Packaging in Japan 🇯🇵
Did you know?
Häagen-Dazs Green Tea Ice Cream in Japan comes in a special paper-based container that’s both eco-friendly and designed to protect the delicate matcha flavor.
This sustainable packaging is used exclusively for green tea flavor — and it's only available in Japan!
Little Trivia
Did you know? Häagen-Dazs green tea ice cream in Japan comes in a special paper-based container that’s eco-friendly and designed to protect the delicate matcha flavor.
This unique packaging is exclusive to the green tea flavor and is used only in Japan—nowhere else in the world.
Final Thoughts
Matcha À La Mode may be simple, but its impact is powerful. The combination of earthy, frothy green tea and creamy vanilla ice cream is something truly magical — balancing health and indulgence, tradition and trend, bitterness and bliss. Whether served after dinner or as a midday treat, it’s a moment of Zen in dessert form.
So grab your whisk, scoop your favorite ice cream, and pour yourself a bowl of matcha happiness!
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About the author
Kei Nishida
Author, CEO Dream of Japan
Certification: PMP, BS in Computer Science
Education: Western Washington University
Kei Nishida is a passionate Japanese green tea connoisseur, writer, and the founder and CEO of Japanese Green Tea Co., a Dream of Japan Company.
Driven by a deep desire to share the rich flavors of his homeland, he established the only company that sources premium tea grown in nutrient-rich sugarcane soil—earning multiple Global Tea Champion awards.
Expanding his mission of introducing Japan’s finest to the world, Kei pioneered the launch of the first-ever Sumiyaki charcoal-roasted coffee through Japanese Coffee Co. He also brought the artistry of traditional Japanese craftsmanship to the global market by making katana-style handmade knives—crafted by a renowned katana maker—available outside Japan for the first time through Japanese Knife Co.
Kei’s journey continues as he uncovers and shares Japan’s hidden treasures with the world.
Learn more about Kei
