As a trained pastry chef, I’ve always loved experimenting with ways to turn classic desserts into something new and exciting. One of my favorite indulgences? Affogato—a simple yet luxurious Italian dessert where hot espresso is poured over cold, creamy gelato. But if you swap the espresso for vibrant, earthy matcha, you get a Matcha Affogato, a perfectly balanced, bittersweet, and creamy treat that’s both refreshing and indulgent.
Affogato, which means "drowned" in Italian, is traditionally made by pouring a shot of hot espresso over vanilla gelato, creating a delicious mix of melty, creamy, and bold coffee flavors. It’s a dessert and a pick-me-up in one, and can be made with different flavor variations, like this Pumpkin Spice Affogato!
This matcha variation is just as luxurious but with a lighter, more delicate twist. Instead of coffee’s deep bitterness, matcha adds earthy, slightly sweet, umami-rich notes that pair beautifully with either matcha or vanilla ice cream.
This recipe is incredibly simple, requiring just two ingredients—matcha and ice cream—but delivers a complex flavor profile that feels café-worthy. Whether you use vanilla ice cream for a classic combination or matcha ice cream for an extra green tea kick, this affogato is a must-try for matcha lovers!
Looking for more matcha recipes to make? Some of my favorites to make recently have been my lavender matcha latte & matcha cold foam!
How to Make a Matcha Affogato
Affogato Flavor Variations
Want to put your own spin on this Matcha Affogato? Here are some delicious variations to experiment with:
- Sweetened Matcha Affogato – Add a drizzle of honey lavender syrup, raspberry syrup, or vanilla syrup to the matcha before pouring for a touch of sweetness.
- Chocolate Matcha Affogato – Use chocolate ice cream instead of vanilla for a rich, bittersweet flavor combo.
- Coconut Matcha Affogato – Swap in coconut ice cream and top with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
- Espresso Matcha Fusion – Want the best of both worlds? Pour a shot of espresso AND matcha over vanilla ice cream for a matcha-coffee affogato.
More Matcha Recipes to Try
If you try the recipe for this Matcha Affogato, please leave a 🌟 review and share your creation with me on social media! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube and Pinterest - for more delicious recipes sent straight to your inbox, sign up for my newsletter! 📧
Matcha Affogato Recipe: An Easy Green Tea Dessert
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons (4 g) Matcha Powder
- 3 Tablespoons (45 ml) Hot Water , 175F/80C
- 3 Scoops Vanilla Ice Cream, or Matcha Ice Cream
Instructions
- Warm your bamboo whisk by soaking it in a cup of hot water for 1–2 minutes—this softens the tines, helps prevent breakage, and preps it for a smoother whisk. Then, sift the matcha into a bowl or cup to remove clumps.2 teaspoons Matcha Powder
- Add warm water (not boiling!) and whisk until frothy using a bamboo whisk or milk frother.3 Tablespoons Hot Water
- Scoop the ice cream into a serving bowl, glass, or coffee cup.3 Scoops Vanilla Ice Cream
- Pour the matcha over the scoops of ice cream and serve immediately!
Video
Notes
- Sweetened Matcha Affogato – Add a drizzle of honey lavender syrup, raspberry syrup, or vanilla syrup to the matcha before pouring for a touch of sweetness.
- Chocolate Matcha Affogato – Use chocolate ice cream instead of vanilla for a rich, bittersweet flavor combo.
- Coconut Matcha Affogato – Swap in coconut ice cream and top with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
- Espresso Matcha Fusion – Want the best of both worlds? Pour a shot of espresso AND matcha over vanilla ice cream for a matcha-coffee affogato.
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