If you have a sweet spot for desserts that are creamy, exotic, and packed with unforgettable flavor, you are going to adore this Thai Tea Ice Cream Recipe. Imagine the bold, aromatic essence of traditional Thai tea woven through a silky, no-churn ice cream base, perfectly balanced with the lush creaminess of sweetened condensed milk and fresh whipped cream. Each bite delivers a burst of vibrant color and a delightful tropical crunch from toasted coconut flakes. This recipe is not just a treat for your taste buds but a fun, easy project that brings a little sunshine and adventure to your dessert table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short list fool you — these ingredients work in harmony to create a beautifully smooth texture, vivid color, and that signature fragrant taste that makes this ice cream so special. Quality matters, so choose ingredients that you trust and enjoy.
- Thai tea mix: The star of the show with its robust and aromatic flavor, providing the iconic orange hue and floral notes.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess and helps extract the tea’s flavors gently.
- Heavy whipping cream (for tea infusion): Enriches the tea base and balances the intense flavors with its smooth texture.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Brings natural sweetness and luscious thickness without needing additional sugar.
- Vanilla paste or extract: Adds warmth and depth, perfectly complementing the tea’s spices.
- Heavy whipping cream (for whipping): Whipped to stiff peaks to create the airy, light texture that makes this ice cream so irresistible.
- Unsweetened coconut flakes: Toasted to add a crunchy, nutty contrast and tropical aroma that elevates every scoop.
How to Make Thai Tea Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Steep the Thai Tea
Start by gently heating the Thai tea mix with whole milk and half of the heavy whipping cream in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent sticking, letting the liquid slowly transform into that vibrant orange you expect. This process infuses the creaminess with the tea’s distinct flavor while keeping the base silky and smooth.
Step 2: Strain the Tea Mixture
Once your tea infusion turns delectably fragrant, strain it through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a bowl. This step ensures you separate out the tea leaves for a clean, smooth ice cream texture while capturing every bit of the flavorful liquid. Don’t worry if a few tiny tea flecks remain; they add character and authenticity.
Step 3: Combine Sweetened Condensed Milk and Vanilla
Whisk the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla paste or extract into the warm tea mixture. This blend sweetens the base naturally and adds a luxurious silkiness that helps the ice cream stay creamy even after freezing.
Step 4: Chill Mixing Equipment
For the perfect fluffy whipped cream, chill your mixing bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer for about 15 minutes. It’s a simple step that makes all the difference to achieve those stiff peaks that will lighten up your ice cream beautifully.
Step 5: Whip the Remaining Cream
Next, whip the rest of the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This whipped cream is what brings volume and that irresistible airy texture to your Thai Tea Ice Cream Recipe, turning it into a dreamy, scoopable delight.
Step 6: Fold Cream into Tea Mixture
Carefully fold the whipped cream into your tea and condensed milk mixture in two batches. Be gentle here—your goal is to blend everything while maintaining the light, fluffy texture so every bite melts in your mouth.
Step 7: Freeze the Ice Cream
Pour the combined mixture into a loaf or cake pan, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and pop it in the freezer for at least six hours or until fully firm. This no-churn method takes patience, but the sweet reward is an ice cream that rivals any shop-bought version.
Step 8: Toast Coconut Flakes
While the ice cream freezes, toast your coconut flakes in a dry pan over medium heat until golden and fragrant. This adds a lightly nutty crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy ice cream, making each scoop a little more exciting.
Step 9: Serve
Scoop your Thai Tea Ice Cream into bowls and sprinkle generously with the toasted coconut flakes. The combination of creamy, floral, sweet, and crunchy makes this dessert unforgettable and utterly satisfying.
How to Serve Thai Tea Ice Cream Recipe
Garnishes
Toasted coconut flakes are the ultimate garnish for this ice cream, adding texture and a sweet, nutty aroma. You can also try crushed roasted peanuts, a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk, or even a few edible flower petals for a stunning presentation that celebrates the dish’s Thai roots.
Side Dishes
This ice cream pairs beautifully with fresh tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, or lychee. Serving it alongside a warm coconut sticky rice or a simple pandan waffle can turn your dessert into a vibrant, complete Thai-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Thai Tea Ice Cream in mini coconut shells or hollowed-out mangoes for a festive vibe that will wow your guests. For parties, layer the ice cream with crushed biscuits and fruit in parfait glasses, creating visual interest and delightful layers of flavor and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any ice cream left, keep it tightly covered in the freezer to prevent it from absorbing other odors. A layer of parchment paper pressed directly onto the ice cream surface helps avoid ice crystals forming and keeps its texture silky and smooth.
Freezing
This Thai Tea Ice Cream Recipe freezes exceptionally well without churning, making it a perfect make-ahead treat. Just ensure your container is sealed tightly to maintain the ice cream’s creamy consistency and vibrant color over time.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed straight from the freezer, but if it’s too firm, let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes to soften slightly before scooping. Avoid microwaving, as it will ruin the texture.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?
The heavy cream is essential for both the infusion and whipping stages to achieve the rich, creamy texture of the ice cream. Substituting it may result in a less smooth or less creamy final product.
What kind of Thai tea mix should I use?
Look for authentic Thai tea blend sold as loose leaf or bags, often mixed with spices like star anise and orange blossom. Avoid plain black tea for the closest flavor match.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
This particular Thai Tea Ice Cream Recipe uses dairy and sweetened condensed milk, so it is not vegan. However, plant-based milks and coconut cream alternatives can be experimented with, though texture and taste will differ.
Can I add mix-ins to the ice cream?
Absolutely! Chopped roasted peanuts, chocolate chips, or even chewy tapioca pearls could be fantastic additions to give your ice cream a fun twist while keeping the core flavor intact.
How long does the ice cream keep in the freezer?
When stored properly, your Thai Tea Ice Cream will stay delicious for up to 2 weeks. Beyond that, ice crystals may develop, affecting texture and taste.
Final Thoughts
This Thai Tea Ice Cream Recipe is truly a gem that transforms humble ingredients into a breathtaking, show-stopping dessert. It’s a joy to make and an even bigger joy to eat, bursting with the essence of Thailand’s beloved tea culture and tropical flavors. I can’t wait for you to try it, share it, and fall in love just like I did.