Save Hojicha Affogato is a delightful Japanese-inspired dessert drink featuring creamy vanilla ice cream topped with a shot of robust, roasted hojicha tea. This treat provides a dramatic and refreshing contrast of temperatures and flavors, perfect for ending any meal on a high note.
Save This Japanese fusion recipe takes the classic Italian affogato—traditionally made with espresso—and elevates it with the earthy depth of roasted green tea. It is a sophisticated yet simple way to enjoy a touch of tea culture at home.
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) water
- Optional Toppings: Toasted sesame seeds, crushed roasted nuts (e.g., almonds or pecans), or sweetened red bean paste
Instructions
- 1. 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.
- 2. Prepare serving glasses or bowls
- Place a large scoop of vanilla ice cream in each serving glass or bowl.
- 3. Pour hot hojicha
- Immediately pour half of the hot hojicha tea over each scoop of ice cream for dramatic effect.
- 4. Add toppings and serve
- Add optional toppings if desired. Serve immediately with a spoon.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best flavor, let the water cool slightly after boiling to avoid scorching the tea leaves. Using premium or French vanilla ice cream offers a richer texture that complements the robust tea. Always use a fine mesh strainer if brewing with loose leaf tea to keep the liquid smooth.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegan version, simply replace the dairy ice cream with your favorite plant-based vanilla alternative. You can adjust the sweetness of the dish by drizzling honey or maple syrup over the ice cream before pouring the tea, or add a sprinkle of matcha powder for an extra green tea twist.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this dessert immediately so the contrast between the hot tea and cold ice cream is at its peak. For added texture, pair the affogato with almond biscotti or crisp Japanese cookies. If you enjoy a variety of flavors, a small dollop of sweetened red bean paste adds a traditional Japanese touch.
Save Whether you are hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick mid-week treat, this Hojicha Affogato offers a perfectly balanced and elegant finish to your meal.
Kitchen Help
- → What makes hojicha different from regular green tea?
Hojicha is roasted Japanese green tea, giving it a deep reddish-brown color and distinctively earthy, caramel-like flavor with lower caffeine content than other green teas.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute premium vanilla ice cream with your favorite plant-based alternative—coconut, almond, or oat milk varieties all work beautifully with hojicha's roasted profile.
- → Should the tea be boiling hot when poured?
Water should reach boiling point, then cool for about one minute before steeping. This optimal temperature extracts hojicha's rich flavors while creating the perfect melting effect on the ice cream.
- → What toppings complement this dessert best?
Toasted sesame seeds add a classic Japanese touch, while crushed almonds or pecans provide delightful crunch. Sweetened red bean paste offers traditional flavor contrast, and a light matcha dusting creates visual appeal.
- → How long should I steep the hojicha?
Steep loose leaf hojicha for 2-3 minutes in hot water. This duration extracts the full roasted flavor without bitterness. Strain thoroughly before pouring over ice cream for the cleanest presentation.
- → Can I adjust the sweetness level?
Certainly! Drizzle honey or maple syrup over the ice cream before adding the tea for extra sweetness. The natural vanilla flavor also provides subtle sweetness that balances hojicha's earthiness.