Matcha Cream Shake

There’s something irresistible about the earthy aroma of matcha blended into a creamy, frosty shake. It’s vibrant, it’s smooth, and it offers a soothing balance between sweetness and that distinct green tea edge. Whether you’re a matcha lover or just looking to switch up your drink game, this Matcha Cream Shake is a cool treat that feels both indulgent and refreshing. Perfect for warm afternoons or as a pick-me-up that’s a little out of the ordinary.

Behind the Recipe

This shake came from a little moment of inspiration on a sunny afternoon when I was craving something sweet but also wanted the comfort of matcha. I remembered the creamy green tea milkshakes I used to get from a tiny dessert café tucked away in the corner of my old neighborhood. That first sip always hit with a velvety richness, a little bitterness, and just the right amount of chill. Recreating that feeling at home was easier than I expected—and now, it’s a go-to favorite.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Matcha has deep roots in Japanese culture, where it’s traditionally used in tea ceremonies that date back centuries. The powdered green tea is made from finely ground, shade-grown leaves and has grown wildly popular worldwide thanks to its health benefits and unique flavor. While matcha is often enjoyed hot, in recent years it has made its way into all sorts of modern treats like lattes, cakes, and of course, milkshakes.

Why You’ll Love Matcha Cream Shake

This shake isn’t just another green drink—it’s a creamy, dreamy treat that has a little something for everyone.

Versatile: Works beautifully as an afternoon refresher, dessert drink, or even a light breakfast option if you’re feeling fun.

Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry and fridge staples, with matcha being the only special purchase.

Quick and Easy: Comes together in under 10 minutes with just a blender.

Customizable: Sweetness, creaminess, and matcha strength are all easy to adjust to your taste.

Crowd-Pleasing: A fun and stylish drink to serve at brunches, picnics, or casual hangouts.

Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the matcha base in advance and blend it fresh whenever you’re ready.

Great for Leftovers: Got extra? Pop it in the freezer and blend it again later for a slushie-style treat.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Want that café-quality shake every single time? Here are a few small tricks that make a big difference:

1. Use ceremonial grade matcha for a more vibrant color and smoother flavor.
2. Chill your glass ahead of time so the shake stays cold and creamy longer.
3. Don’t overblend. Pulse just enough to get a silky texture—too much blending can melt the ice cream.
4. Adjust the matcha strength by starting with less and adding more to taste.
5. Top it off with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of matcha for that photo-ready finish.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need a fancy setup for this recipe, just a few basics:

Blender: For blending everything into a creamy, dreamy shake.
Measuring spoons: Helps get the matcha-to-sweetness ratio just right.
Tall glass: Because this shake deserves to be served in style.
Spoon or straw: Optional, but highly recommended for the full experience.

Ingredients in Matcha Cream Shake

Each element in this shake works together to create a balanced, indulgent treat that’s hard to resist. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Matcha Powder: 2 teaspoons. The heart of the recipe, bringing earthy depth and vibrant color.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream: 2 cups. Adds creaminess and sweetness to balance the bold matcha.
3. Milk: 1 cup. Helps blend everything smoothly together.
4. Honey or Maple Syrup: 1 tablespoon. Adds a touch of natural sweetness.
5. Whipped Cream (for topping): Optional, but adds a luxurious, soft finish.
6. Ice Cubes: A handful. Makes the shake extra cold and thick.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t have everything on hand? No worries—here are some easy swaps.

Matcha Powder: Green tea concentrate or brewed strong green tea (cooled).
Vanilla Ice Cream: Coconut milk ice cream or frozen yogurt for a dairy-free twist.
Milk: Almond, oat, or soy milk for a plant-based version.
Honey/Maple Syrup: Agave syrup or a few drops of stevia.
Whipped Cream: Coconut whipped topping or skip it entirely.

Ingredient Spotlight

Matcha Powder: A finely ground green tea loaded with antioxidants and a natural energy boost, matcha brings that unmistakable flavor and color to this shake.

Vanilla Ice Cream: Not just for sweetness—this is what gives the shake its smooth, indulgent texture and dessert-like vibe.

Instructions for Making Matcha Cream Shake

Let’s get into the fun part—making the shake. Trust me, this comes together quicker than you’d expect, and the results are delicious.

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   If using a glass, pop it into the freezer to chill while you prep the shake.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   Add matcha powder, vanilla ice cream, milk, honey or maple syrup, and a handful of ice cubes into a blender.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   No stove or oven here—just make sure your blender is clean and ready to go.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Blend everything until smooth and creamy. Start slow, then increase speed.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   No actual cooking needed, but pulse until the texture is just right—not too thick or too runny.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Pour into your chilled glass, top with whipped cream, and sprinkle a little extra matcha on top.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve immediately with a straw or long spoon, and enjoy that creamy, green magic.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

What makes this shake truly special is the contrast of textures and the balance of flavors. The shake itself is smooth and cold with just a touch of icy thickness from the cubes. The vanilla ice cream adds sweetness that smooths out matcha’s natural bitterness, while the honey or maple syrup gently lifts it all. A whipped cream topper brings lightness and an extra creamy finish in every sip.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Sometimes the best results come from little tweaks:

• Always sift your matcha before blending to avoid clumps.
• Use very cold milk and ice cream to keep the shake frosty.
• Want extra froth? Blend for a few extra seconds at the end.
• Add a scoop of protein powder for a post-workout treat.

What to Avoid

Let’s avoid those small missteps that can throw things off:

• Don’t use boiling water with matcha in this recipe—it changes the flavor.
• Avoid using low-quality matcha which can taste bitter and dull.
• Don’t over-sweeten—it’s meant to be slightly earthy and refreshing.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 2
Calories per serving: 290

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you want to prep ahead, you can mix the matcha and milk together and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready, just blend with the ice cream and ice. Leftover shake? Pour into a popsicle mold or an airtight container and freeze. You can re-blend it later or enjoy as a frozen dessert.

How to Serve Matcha Cream Shake

Presentation matters—serve it in a tall clear glass to show off that dreamy green color. Top with a generous swirl of whipped cream and a pinch of matcha powder for that café-worthy finish. Pair with a straw and maybe a biscotti or cookie on the side.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Got extra shake? Here are some fun ways to use it:

• Pour into ice cube trays and add to future matcha lattes.
• Blend with frozen banana for a matcha smoothie bowl.
• Turn into popsicles for a cool, creamy treat.

Additional Tips

• Chill all your ingredients before blending for a smoother, frostier shake.
• For extra indulgence, add a small drizzle of white chocolate syrup.
• Want a café-style drink? Blend with less milk for a thick, spoonable texture.

Make It a Showstopper

Drizzle a little honey or syrup inside the glass before pouring in the shake. Top with matcha-dusted whipped cream and even a tiny edible flower for flair. Use a vintage-style straw or a bamboo one for that eco-chic vibe.

Variations to Try

• Iced Matcha Latte Float: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to a classic iced matcha latte.
• Strawberry Matcha Swirl: Blend in some frozen strawberries for fruity contrast.
• Mint Matcha Cream Shake: Add a drop of peppermint extract for a refreshing twist.
• Chocolate Matcha Shake: Blend in cocoa powder or chocolate syrup for a decadent fusion.
• Protein Matcha Shake: Mix in vanilla protein powder for an energizing post-workout drink.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use sweetened matcha powder?

Yes, but you might want to skip or reduce the added sweetener in the recipe.

Q2: Is this shake vegan-friendly?

It can be! Just use dairy-free ice cream and plant-based milk.

Q3: Can I use a hand blender instead of a full blender?

Yes, as long as it’s strong enough to handle ice and frozen ingredients.

Q4: What does matcha taste like in a shake?

It’s earthy, slightly grassy, and balances beautifully with the sweetness of ice cream and honey.

Q5: Can I skip the whipped cream?

Of course—it’s optional, though it adds a nice creamy contrast.

Q6: Is this shake high in caffeine?

Matcha does have caffeine, but not as much as coffee. It gives a smoother, more sustained energy.

Q7: What type of milk works best?

Whole milk or oat milk give the richest texture, but any milk works.

Q8: Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just be sure your blender can handle the extra volume.

Q9: How do I make it thicker?

Use less milk or add a few more ice cubes.

Q10: Is it okay to use flavored ice cream?

Sure! Try green tea, coconut, or even cookies and cream for fun twists.

Conclusion

This Matcha Cream Shake is more than just a drink—it’s an experience. Cool, creamy, slightly earthy, and satisfyingly sweet, it’s the kind of treat you’ll find yourself craving often. Whether you’re new to matcha or a seasoned fan, give this recipe a try. Trust me, it’s worth every sip.

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