Ice Cream Recipe: Creamy Scoop For International Tea Day
4 mins
Cooking Time
Intermediate
Difficulty
10
Ingredients
Veg
Diet
Inspired by the cherished cha yen (Thai iced tea), Thai Tea Ice Cream recipe is a show‑stopper thanks to its aromatic, creamy texture and distinctive orange colour. Thai tea, made from a combination of spices, sweetened condensed milk, and strong black tea, is a popular drink both on the street and in restaurants across the globe. Bringing these flavours into a frozen dessert creates a delightful global experience, ideal for International Tea Day or whenever you’re craving a unique scoop.
The first step is to steep the Thai tea leaves in a mixture of heated milk and cream to release the flavour and colour. Egg yolks and condensed milk give the custard base its rich texture and taste, which is at once sweet, slightly smoky, and very comforting. This Thai tea ice cream recipe, whether made in an ice cream maker or through the no‑churn method, is sure to be the highlight of your next dinner party or summer gathering.
Ingredients
UNITSIngredients
3 tbspThai tea leaves
1 cupWhole milk
1 cupDouble cream
½ cupSweetened condensed milk
¼ cupCaster sugar
4Egg yolks
Pinch ofsalt
½ tspVanilla extract (optional)
optionalToasted coconut
optionalChopped nuts
Follow
Directions
Description - Step 1
Step 1: Steep the Tea
In a saucepan, heat the milk and cream until they barely begin to boil. After 10 minutes of steeping, take the pot from the heat and add the Thai tea leaves. To get all the aroma and colour from the leaves, crush and strain them.
Description - Step 2
Step 2: Make the Custard
Place the egg yolks in a bowl and whisk them with the sugar and salt. While whisking continuously, slowly pour in the heated milk that has steeped the tea. Put everything back in the pan and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens just a little and the spoon can be easily coated.
Description - Step 3
Step 3: Flavour & Chill
Stir in the condensed milk (and vanilla extract, if using) and take off the heat. Let it cool in the refrigerator for at least four hours, and preferably overnight.
Description - Step 4
Step 4: Churn or Freeze
In an ice cream machine, churn according to the directions on the package. For a no-churn method, pour the chilled Thai tea custard mixture into a container, cover, and place in the freezer. During the first three hours, mix well to dissolve any ice crystals.
Description - Step 5
Step 5: Serve & Garnish
Transfer the ice cream to serving bowls and top with toasted coconut or mint and drizzle with more condensed milk, if you like.
Thai tea leaves give it its taste by imparting earthy, spicy undertones. It makes a one-of-a-kind orange colour and flavour when mixed with condensed milk.
Yes, just put the custard in a container and mix it every half hour while it freezes. The results are still creamy even when using this no‑churn approach.
Yes. Thai Tea Ice Cream does include eggs and dairy, it does not contain any meat. To make it vegan, use plant-based condensed milk and coconut milk.
Of course! In honour of International Tea Day, try this ice cream recipe with a global twist by adding strong black tea, chai, or matcha.