Homemade Thai Tea Ice Cream: A Creamy and Exotic Treat

Thai Tea Ice Cream is a deliciously unique frozen treat that brings together the bold, aromatic flavors of Thai tea with the creamy texture of homemade ice cream.

It’s a dessert that has quickly gained popularity due to its exotic, sweet, and slightly spiced flavor profile.

The infusion of robust tea combined with the rich creaminess of the ice cream creates a perfectly balanced dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent.

Whether you’ve had it in a Thai restaurant or discovered it in an international grocery store, Thai Tea Ice Cream is a one-of-a-kind treat that’s worth making at home.

Making this ice cream from scratch allows you to experiment with the flavors and texture, while also offering a sense of accomplishment as you create something so flavorful from simple ingredients.

It’s a fantastic dessert to serve on warm days, impress guests at a dinner party, or simply enjoy after a hearty meal.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through the process of making Thai Tea Ice Cream from scratch, giving you all the tips and tricks you need to create a smooth, creamy dessert with the perfect Thai tea flavor.

You’ll soon be able to enjoy this exotic treat in the comfort of your own home.

Why Make Thai Tea Ice Cream at Home?

Making Thai Tea Ice Cream at home allows you to craft a dessert that is truly unique and tailored to your own tastes.

While store-bought varieties exist, nothing beats the satisfaction and flavor of homemade ice cream, especially when it’s as rich and flavorful as this.

There are several reasons why making Thai Tea Ice Cream in your own kitchen is a great idea:

1. Control Over Ingredients and Flavor

When you make ice cream at home, you’re in full control of the ingredients.

This means you can adjust the sweetness, creaminess, and intensity of the Thai tea flavor to your liking.

If you prefer a richer custard base or a more robust tea flavor, you can easily tweak the recipe until it’s just right.

Plus, you know exactly what goes into the ice cream, avoiding unnecessary preservatives or artificial flavorings that may be found in store-bought options.

2. Fresh and Customizable

Homemade ice cream is always fresher than anything you’ll find on supermarket shelves.

By making it yourself, you’re assured that it’s free of artificial stabilizers, and you can even experiment with custom add-ins like crushed cookies, candied nuts, or a swirl of caramel.

The possibilities are endless when you take the time to create this treat in your own kitchen.

3. A Fun and Creative Process

Making Thai Tea Ice Cream is an enjoyable and rewarding process that lets you embrace your inner ice cream maker.

From brewing the perfect tea to creating the smooth, velvety custard base, it’s a step-by-step adventure.

Plus, the hands-on nature of the process is both fun and educational, especially if you’ve never made ice cream before.

Watching the mixture transform into ice cream in the machine is satisfying and magical.

4. Perfect for Special Occasions

Homemade ice cream is a great way to impress friends and family at gatherings.

Thai Tea Ice Cream, in particular, has a unique appeal that makes it a conversation starter at any dinner party or casual get-together.

Its exotic flavor makes it stand out from typical ice cream options, ensuring that your dessert will be remembered long after the meal is over.

5. Healthier Options and Dietary Adjustments

When you make Thai Tea Ice Cream at home, you can experiment with healthier or dietary-friendly alternatives.

For example, you can use non-dairy milks like coconut or almond milk for a vegan version, or reduce the sugar for a lighter dessert.

Making it yourself ensures that you can modify the recipe to suit your dietary needs without compromising on taste.

In essence, making Thai Tea Ice Cream at home allows you to enjoy a truly personalized dessert experience.

Whether you’re craving a rich, indulgent treat or a lighter, dairy-free alternative, this homemade version can be tailored to your exact preferences.

Ingredients Needed for Thai Tea Ice Cream

Creating a batch of homemade Thai Tea Ice Cream requires only a few simple ingredients.

The beauty of this recipe is that it combines traditional ingredients you might already have in your kitchen with the unique flavor of Thai tea to create something truly special.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Thai Tea Leaves or Thai Tea Mix

The star ingredient of this recipe is Thai tea.

You can use either loose-leaf Thai tea or pre-packaged Thai tea mix, which often contains a blend of black tea and spices.

The loose-leaf tea will give you a more authentic and potent flavor, while the mix might have a slightly sweeter and spiced taste.

Choose based on your preference or what’s available to you.

2. Heavy Cream

Heavy cream is essential for making your Thai Tea Ice Cream smooth, rich, and creamy.

It adds the luxurious texture that ice cream lovers crave.

If you’re aiming for a dairy-free version, coconut cream can be used as an alternative, which will complement the Thai tea’s flavor beautifully.

3. Whole Milk

Whole milk provides a lighter base compared to heavy cream, creating a balanced and creamy texture without being overly rich.

If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute whole milk with coconut milk or almond milk, but keep in mind it may alter the final texture slightly.

4. Sugar

Sugar is the sweetener that will bring out the flavor of the Thai tea while balancing the richness of the cream and milk.

You can use granulated sugar or any sugar substitute if you’re looking to reduce sweetness or make it healthier.

The amount of sugar can also be adjusted depending on how sweet you like your ice cream.

5. Egg Yolks

Egg yolks are essential for making a traditional custard base for the ice cream.

They help thicken the mixture and give it a velvety texture.

This step is key to creating a rich and creamy consistency in your ice cream.

If you’re making a dairy-free or vegan version, you can experiment with cornstarch as a thickening agent.

6. Vanilla Extract (Optional)

Though not essential, a splash of vanilla extract can add depth to the flavor of your ice cream.

It complements the tea’s spices without overpowering them.

If you prefer a more intense Thai tea flavor, feel free to skip the vanilla.

7. Pinch of Salt

A small pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances the overall flavor of the ice cream.

Salt helps bring out the natural flavors and keeps the ice cream from tasting too one-dimensional.

These are the basic ingredients you’ll need for your Thai Tea Ice Cream.

Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or try some variations, these ingredients form the foundation for a delicious frozen dessert.

Equipment You’ll Need

Making Thai Tea Ice Cream at home is a fun and relatively straightforward process, but you’ll need a few essential tools to get the job done.

Here’s a list of the equipment you’ll need:

1. Ice Cream Maker

The most important piece of equipment for making ice cream at home is an ice cream maker.

While there are a variety of models available, a basic electric ice cream maker will do the job perfectly.

An ice cream maker churns the ice cream as it freezes, helping create a smooth, creamy texture.

If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still make Thai Tea Ice Cream by hand-churning, but the results may not be as creamy.

2. Mixing Bowls

You’ll need a few mixing bowls for different stages of the process.

One bowl will be used to whisk together the egg yolks and sugar, while another will be used for mixing the cream, milk, and tea infusion.

Choose bowls that are large enough to comfortably handle your ingredients.

3. Saucepan

A medium-sized saucepan will be needed to heat the cream, milk, and steep the Thai tea.

Make sure your saucepan has a heavy bottom to prevent the mixture from scorching during heating.

4. Whisk

A whisk is essential for properly mixing your egg yolks and sugar, as well as stirring the custard mixture.

You’ll need to whisk constantly while tempering the eggs to prevent them from cooking too quickly and curdling.

5. Fine Mesh Strainer

After infusing the Thai tea into the cream mixture, you’ll need to strain out the tea leaves to ensure a smooth texture.

A fine mesh strainer is perfect for this task, catching any solid bits while allowing the rich tea-infused liquid to pass through.

6. Measuring Cups and Spoons

To ensure accuracy in your ingredients, measuring cups and spoons are a must.

Baking and ice cream-making rely on precision, especially when it comes to sugar, cream, and tea proportions.

7. Ice Cream Storage Container

Once your ice cream is churned and ready, you’ll need an airtight container to store it in while it freezes.

A sturdy plastic or metal container with a lid is ideal for keeping the ice cream fresh in the freezer and preventing ice crystals from forming.

With these essential ingredients and equipment in hand, you’re ready to begin the process of making delicious, creamy Thai Tea Ice Cream from scratch.

The right tools will help you achieve the perfect texture and flavor every time.

Step-by-Step Thai Tea Ice Cream Recipe

Now that you have your ingredients and equipment ready, let’s dive into the process of making delicious Thai Tea Ice Cream.

Follow these steps for a rich, creamy dessert that’s full of the bold, aromatic flavors of Thai tea.

Step 1: Brew the Thai Tea

The first step is to prepare the Thai tea, as it needs to be infused into the cream and milk mixture to give the ice cream its signature flavor.

1. Boil Water: In a medium saucepan, bring about 2 cups of water to a boil.
2. Steep the Tea: Add 3-4 tablespoons of Thai tea leaves (or 3-4 bags of Thai tea mix) into the boiling water. Let the tea steep for about 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches a deep amber color and a strong flavor.
3. Strain the Tea: After steeping, use a fine mesh strainer to remove the tea leaves or bags. You should have about 1 cup of concentrated tea. Set this aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Custard Base

The next step is to make a creamy custard base, which will give your Thai Tea Ice Cream its smooth, velvety texture.

1. Heat the Milk and Cream: In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of whole milk. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent it from burning.
2. Whisk the Egg Yolks and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 large egg yolks and ¾ cup of sugar. Whisk until the mixture turns pale and slightly thickened.
3. Temper the Eggs: To prevent the eggs from scrambling, gradually add a little bit of the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly. This step is called tempering, and it ensures the eggs warm up slowly.
4. Combine the Mixtures: Once the egg yolks are tempered, slowly pour them back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture. Stir continuously and cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Be careful not to let it boil.

Step 3: Infuse the Tea Flavor

Now that your custard base is ready, it’s time to infuse the tea flavor into the mix.

1. Add the Brewed Tea: Pour the brewed Thai tea into the custard mixture. Stir well to combine. Allow the tea to steep in the custard for about 5 minutes so that the flavor fully infuses into the base.
2. Strain the Custard: Use a fine mesh strainer to strain out any leftover tea leaves or solids from the mixture. This ensures your ice cream will be smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Cool the Mixture

After infusing the tea, you’ll need to cool the custard base before churning it.

1. Chill the Custard: Transfer the custard mixture to a clean bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Make sure the plastic wrap touches the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Place the bowl in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

Step 5: Churn the Ice Cream

Once the custard is chilled, it’s time to churn it into ice cream.

1. Prepare the Ice Cream Maker: If you’re using an electric ice cream maker, ensure it is pre-chilled according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Churn the Custard: Pour the chilled custard mixture into the ice cream maker. Churn the mixture according to your ice cream maker’s instructions, usually for 20-30 minutes. The mixture will gradually thicken and turn into ice cream.
3. Check the Consistency: Once the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency, it’s ready to be transferred to a storage container.

Step 6: Freeze and Set

To achieve the perfect texture, your Thai Tea Ice Cream needs to freeze for a few hours after churning.

1. Transfer the Ice Cream: Scoop the churned ice cream into an airtight container, spreading it out evenly.
2. Freeze the Ice Cream: Cover the container and place it in the freezer for 4-6 hours, or until the ice cream is firm and scoopable.

Once frozen, your Thai Tea Ice Cream is ready to be served!

Tips for Perfect Thai Tea Ice Cream

To ensure your Thai Tea Ice Cream turns out creamy, flavorful, and smooth, here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

1. Use High-Quality Tea

For the best flavor, use high-quality Thai tea leaves or a good-quality Thai tea mix.

The better the tea, the more vibrant and complex the flavor of your ice cream will be.

Don’t skip on the steeping time – letting the tea brew longer will help extract more flavor from the leaves.

2. Properly Temper the Eggs

Tempering the eggs is crucial to making a custard-based ice cream.

If you add the hot liquid too quickly, the eggs may cook and curdle.

Be patient, and always add the hot cream mixture in a slow, steady stream while whisking continuously.

This step helps create a smooth, silky custard base without any eggy texture.

3. Chill the Mixture Thoroughly

Chilling the custard before churning is key to creating a smooth ice cream.

The colder the mixture, the less ice crystals will form, resulting in a creamier texture.

Make sure to chill it for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, before churning.

4. Don’t Over-Churn

When using an ice cream maker, be careful not to over-churn the mixture.

Churning too long can result in a gritty or icy texture.

Once the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency, stop the machine and transfer the ice cream to a container to freeze.

5. Let It Firm Up in the Freezer

Although the ice cream will be delicious right after churning, it needs time to firm up in the freezer.

Give it a few hours to set, and you’ll achieve the perfect scoopable consistency.

This extra freezing time will also help the flavors develop further.

6. Experiment with Sweetness

Thai tea has a natural sweetness, but if you prefer a sweeter ice cream, you can always add a bit more sugar. Taste the custard mixture before you chill it, and adjust the sweetness to suit your preference.

Keep in mind that the flavor of the ice cream will be slightly less sweet once frozen, so don’t be afraid to err on the sweeter side.

7. Store the Ice Cream Properly

To prevent ice crystals from forming, store your Thai Tea Ice Cream in an airtight container and cover the surface with a layer of plastic wrap before sealing it with the lid.

This will help maintain the creamy texture for longer.

By following these tips, you’ll ensure that your Thai Tea Ice Cream comes out perfectly creamy, flavorful, and smooth every time!

How to Serve Thai Tea Ice Cream

Once your homemade Thai Tea Ice Cream is ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy it! While it’s delicious on its own, there are a few creative ways to serve it to elevate the experience and add an extra touch of flair.

1. Classic Scoop

For a simple yet elegant presentation, scoop the Thai Tea Ice Cream into bowls or cones.

The rich amber color of the ice cream makes for a visually stunning presentation.

You can top it with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts or a drizzle of condensed milk for an extra Thai-inspired touch.

2. Thai Tea Ice Cream with Sticky Rice

One of the most authentic ways to enjoy Thai Tea Ice Cream is by pairing it with sticky rice.

The creamy, slightly sweet ice cream contrasts beautifully with the chewy, subtly sweet rice.

To serve, simply spoon a scoop of ice cream over a small mound of sticky rice, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds or a few sprigs of fresh mint.

3. In a Waffle Cone

Serve your Thai Tea Ice Cream in a crispy waffle cone for an extra crunch that complements its creamy texture.

Waffle cones are especially great for adding a little contrast and enhancing the overall experience.

For a fun twist, drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce inside the cone before adding the ice cream.

4. With Additional Toppings

Elevate the flavor by adding various toppings such as:

• Shredded Coconut: Toasted coconut flakes provide a tropical crunch that pairs well with the creamy, spiced notes of Thai Tea Ice Cream.
• Chopped Nuts: Crushed almonds, pistachios, or cashews can add texture and enhance the flavor.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For a more decadent dessert, drizzle a bit of melted dark or milk chocolate on top of the ice cream.
• Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce adds richness that complements the tea’s slight bitterness.

5. Ice Cream Sandwiches

For a fun, handheld option, use Thai Tea Ice Cream to make ice cream sandwiches.

Place a scoop of ice cream between two soft, chewy cookies (ginger cookies or shortbread work wonderfully) or even between two pieces of toasted brioche bread for a more indulgent treat.

6. Thai Tea Ice Cream Sundae

Turn your Thai Tea Ice Cream into a luxurious sundae by adding layers of toppings.

Start with a scoop of ice cream, add some crushed biscuits or granola, drizzle with sweetened condensed milk, and top with fresh fruit like strawberries or mango for a tropical flair.

7. In a Parfait

Layer Thai Tea Ice Cream in a parfait glass with other ingredients like granola, coconut cream, and tropical fruit such as mango, pineapple, or lychee.

This makes for a colorful, texturally interesting dessert perfect for brunch or a special occasion.

With so many serving options, Thai Tea Ice Cream can be enjoyed in many fun and unique ways.

Whether you prefer it on its own or as part of an elaborate dessert, it’s sure to delight.

Variations and Customizations

While the traditional Thai Tea Ice Cream recipe is absolutely delicious, there are several ways to customize the recipe to suit different preferences, dietary needs, or to experiment with new flavors.

Here are some variations and fun twists to try:

1. Vegan and Dairy-Free Thai Tea Ice Cream

If you’re looking for a dairy-free or vegan version of this Thai Tea Ice Cream, it’s relatively easy to make substitutions:

• Coconut Milk: Replace the whole milk and heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream. Coconut milk will not only give the ice cream a rich, creamy texture but also enhance the tropical flavor profile.
• Aquafaba: Instead of egg yolks, use aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) as a substitute to create the custard-like base. Whisk it until fluffy and add it to the mixture.
• Sugar Substitutes: For a lower-sugar version, consider using natural sweeteners like maple syrup, agave nectar, or stevia.

2. Spiced Thai Tea Ice Cream

If you love spiced flavors, you can adjust the traditional Thai Tea Ice Cream by adding a few extra spices.

A small amount of cinnamon, cardamom, or even a pinch of star anise can enhance the complexity of the flavor.

These spices complement the tea’s natural warmth and make the ice cream even more aromatic.

3. Matcha Thai Tea Ice Cream

For a fun fusion of two beloved flavors, try incorporating matcha into your Thai Tea Ice Cream.

Simply add a teaspoon of high-quality matcha powder to the tea mixture before brewing. T

he earthy, slightly bitter taste of matcha contrasts beautifully with the sweet Thai tea flavor, giving your ice cream a unique twist.

4. Chai-Spiced Thai Tea Ice Cream

For a unique blend of flavors, swap the Thai tea for chai tea.

Chai tea is loaded with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom, which will add a warming, aromatic depth to your ice cream.

This is a great twist for those who love the flavors of chai but want to try them in ice cream form.

5. Coffee-Infused Thai Tea Ice Cream

Combine two iconic flavors—coffee and Thai tea—for a rich and complex dessert.

You can infuse the milk and cream mixture with brewed coffee or espresso, balancing the bitterness of the coffee with the sweetness of the Thai tea.

This variation is perfect for coffee lovers who enjoy the combination of coffee and tea.

6. Thai Tea and Coconut Ice Cream

For an even more tropical twist, incorporate shredded coconut or coconut milk into the recipe.

The coconut flavor complements the Thai tea’s spice and sweetness while adding texture to the ice cream.

Toasted coconut flakes on top will further enhance the coconut flavor and provide a delightful crunch.

7. Chocolate Swirl or Chunks

For an indulgent twist, add a swirl of chocolate fudge or chunks of dark or milk chocolate into the ice cream after churning.

The chocolate adds a rich, bittersweet contrast to the sweetness of the Thai tea, making every bite even more exciting.

8. Thai Tea Ice Cream with Red Bean Paste

For an authentic Thai-inspired dessert, try adding a swirl of sweet red bean paste to your Thai Tea Ice Cream. The earthy flavor of the red bean balances the rich, sweet tea ice cream and adds an interesting texture.

This is commonly seen in Asian-inspired ice cream varieties and gives the dessert a unique flavor profile.

9. Salted Caramel Thai Tea Ice Cream

For a decadent treat, swirl salted caramel sauce into the ice cream after churning.

The sweet and salty combination pairs perfectly with the rich, spiced flavor of the Thai tea.

You can also sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top for an extra flavor boost.

10. Crunchy Add-ins

Add texture to your ice cream by incorporating crunchy bits like crushed waffle cones, toasted almonds, or candied ginger.

These ingredients add a surprising crunch and an extra layer of flavor that complements the smooth, creamy ice cream.

These variations and customizations allow you to experiment with different flavors and create your own version of Thai Tea Ice Cream, making it a dessert that never gets old.

Whether you’re looking to create a vegan version, add some spices, or try new mix-ins, the possibilities are endless!

Conclusion

Homemade Thai Tea Ice Cream is a delightful and refreshing treat that combines the aromatic and bold flavors of Thai tea with the rich, creamy texture of ice cream.

Whether you serve it in a classic scoop, pair it with sticky rice, or enjoy it as part of a sundae or parfait, this ice cream is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves unique and flavorful desserts.

By following the easy step-by-step process and incorporating the tips for perfect texture and flavor, you’ll create a batch of ice cream that’s not only indulgent but also deeply satisfying.

With endless opportunities for variations and customizations, this recipe can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs, making it versatile enough for everyone to enjoy.

Whether you keep it traditional or experiment with unique flavors, Thai Tea Ice Cream will always deliver a memorable experience.

Don’t forget to share your creations with loved ones—because good food is always better when shared!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought Thai Tea mix for this recipe?

Yes, you can absolutely use a store-bought Thai Tea mix.

Pre-packaged Thai Tea mixes often contain sugar and spices, so be sure to adjust the amount of sugar you add to the custard mixture if you use the mix to avoid making the ice cream too sweet.

If you’re aiming for a more authentic flavor, loose-leaf Thai tea is a great option.

2. Can I make Thai Tea Ice Cream without an ice cream maker?

Yes, you can make Thai Tea Ice Cream without an ice cream maker, but the texture may not be as smooth and creamy.

To do this, pour the chilled custard mixture into a shallow dish and freeze it.

Every 30 minutes, take it out and stir with a fork to break up the ice crystals.

Repeat this process for 3-4 hours until the ice cream has reached the desired consistency.

3. How long can I store Thai Tea Ice Cream in the freezer?

You can store Thai Tea Ice Cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.

Be sure to press a layer of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container to help prevent ice crystals from forming and keep the ice cream fresh.

4. Can I make Thai Tea Ice Cream ahead of time for a party or gathering?

Yes, Thai Tea Ice Cream can be made in advance, making it an ideal dessert for parties or gatherings.

Prepare the ice cream a day or two ahead of time, and allow it to freeze fully so it’s ready to serve when you need it.

It will stay fresh in the freezer for several days, so you can plan ahead without worry.

5. Is there a way to make Thai Tea Ice Cream less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet version, you can adjust the sugar to your liking.

Start by reducing the sugar in the custard base or omit the sweetened condensed milk, which is sometimes added to enhance sweetness.

Keep in mind that Thai tea itself has a natural sweetness, so reducing the sugar may still yield a pleasantly balanced flavor.