Hojicha Affogato with Vanilla Ice Cream

Hojicha Affogato is a delightful Japanese-inspired dessert drink that marries the cold, creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream with the deep, smoky warmth of roasted green tea. This treat provides a dramatic and refreshing finish to any meal, offering a sophisticated alternative to the classic espresso-based affogato.

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Unlike traditional green teas, hojicha is roasted at high temperatures, which transforms the leaves into a dark brown color and creates a robust, earthy aroma. When poured over premium vanilla ice cream, it creates a rich syrup that is both comforting and exotic.

Ingredients

• Ice Cream: 2 large scoops vanilla ice cream (preferably premium or French vanilla)
• Tea: 2 teaspoons hojicha loose leaf tea (or 2 hojicha tea bags)
• Water: 1 cup (240 ml)
• Optional Toppings: Toasted sesame seeds, crushed roasted nuts (e.g., almonds or pecans), or sweetened red bean paste

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Instructions

Brew the hojicha

Bring 1 cup of water to a boil, then let it cool for 1 minute. Pour over hojicha tea leaves (or use tea bags) in a teapot or heatproof cup. Steep for 2–3 minutes, then strain or remove tea bags.

Prepare serving glasses or bowls

Place a large scoop of vanilla ice cream in each.

Pour hot hojicha

Immediately pour half of the hot hojicha tea over each scoop of ice cream for dramatic effect.

Add toppings

Add optional toppings if desired. Serve immediately with a spoon.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, use a fine mesh strainer when brewing loose leaf tea to ensure a smooth pour. Using a kettle or saucepan to boil the water and an ice cream scoop for uniform portions will make the process seamless and the presentation more professional.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegan version, simply swap the dairy ice cream for a plant-based vanilla alternative. You can adjust the sweetness by adding a drizzle of honey or maple syrup over the ice cream before pouring the tea, or even try a sprinkle of matcha powder for a vibrant green tea twist.

Serviervorschläge

Enhance the texture by pairing your affogato with almond biscotti or Japanese cookies. Toppings like toasted sesame seeds, crushed almonds, or a dollop of sweetened red bean paste add a traditional touch and extra crunch to every spoonful.

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This easy-to-make dessert contains approximately 180 calories per serving, with 8g of fat, 24g of carbohydrates, and 3g of protein. It is a wonderful way to enjoy the deep flavors of Japanese tea culture in a modern, indulgent format.

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Recipe FAQs

→ What makes hojicha different from other green teas?

Hojicha is roasted green tea leaves that produce a reddish-brown infusion with nutty, caramel-like notes. Unlike other green teas, it has lower caffeine and a milder, less grassy flavor that pairs beautifully with vanilla cream.

→ Can I make this vegan?

Absolutely! Simply substitute premium plant-based vanilla ice cream for the dairy version. Coconut, almond, or oat milk-based varieties work wonderfully and maintain the creamy texture needed for this dessert.

→ What temperature should the tea be when pouring?

Brew the water at a full boil, then let it cool for about 1 minute before steeping. Pour immediately over the ice cream while hot—around 175-185°F—to create the dramatic melting effect and optimal flavor contrast.

→ Can I prepare the hojicha in advance?

For best results, brew the tea fresh when ready to serve. The hot temperature is essential for creating the affogato effect. However, you can measure and prepare your tea leaves, ice cream scoop, and toppings beforehand for quick assembly.

→ What other toppings work well with hojicha affogato?

Beyond sesame seeds and crushed nuts, try whipped cream, a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk, mochi pieces, or a dusting of cocoa powder. For extra texture, almond biscotti or Japanese cookies make perfect dipping accompaniments.

→ How do I adjust the sweetness level?

The natural sweetness comes from the ice cream. For more sweetness, drizzle honey or maple syrup over the ice cream before pouring the tea. For less, choose a less sweet ice cream variety or add a pinch of sea salt to balance flavors.