Save A delightful Japanese-inspired dessert drink featuring creamy vanilla ice cream topped with a shot of robust, roasted hojicha tea—perfect for a dramatic and refreshing treat.
Save Hojicha, a Japanese roasted green tea, offers a warm, nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with the richness of premium vanilla ice cream, making this fusion dessert a vegetarian favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 large scoops vanilla ice cream (preferably premium or French vanilla)
- 2 teaspoons hojicha loose leaf tea (or 2 hojicha tea bags)
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- Optional: toasted sesame seeds, crushed roasted nuts (e.g., almonds or pecans), and sweetened red bean paste
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 tea bags in a teapot or heatproof cup. Steep for 2–3 minutes, then strain or remove tea bags.
- Prepare serving glasses
- Place a large scoop of vanilla ice cream in each serving glass or bowl.
- Pour hot hojicha
- Immediately pour half of the hot hojicha tea over each scoop of ice cream for a dramatic melting effect.
- Finish and serve
- Add optional toppings like toasted sesame seeds or red bean paste if desired and serve immediately with a spoon.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best flavor, do not steep the tea for more than 3 minutes to avoid bitterness. Cooling the boiling water for 1 minute before pouring over the leaves preserves the delicate roasted notes.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegan version, use plant-based vanilla ice cream. You can also adjust the sweetness by adding a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, or try a sprinkle of matcha powder for a green tea twist.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this affogato immediately while the tea is hot. For an extra crunch, pair it with almond biscotti or traditional Japanese cookies.
Save Whether enjoyed as a light dessert or a unique afternoon treat, this Hojicha Affogato brings a touch of Japanese fusion to your table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes hojicha different from other Japanese teas?
Hojicha is roasted green tea that has a distinct reddish-brown color and nutty, caramel-like flavor. Unlike matcha or sencha, it's lower in caffeine and has a naturally sweet, earthy profile that pairs beautifully with dairy and desserts.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute premium vanilla ice cream with your favorite plant-based alternative. Coconut, almond, or oat milk vanilla ice creams all work wonderfully with the roasted notes of hojicha tea.
- → What's the best way to brew hojicha for affogato?
Bring water to a boil, let it cool for one minute, then steep 2 teaspoons of loose leaf hojicha for 2-3 minutes. You want a robust, concentrated brew since it will be poured over ice cream. Strain well and pour immediately while hot for the best dramatic effect.
- → What toppings work best with hojicha affogato?
Traditional Japanese toppings like toasted sesame seeds, sweetened red bean paste, or crushed roasted nuts complement the roasted tea flavors perfectly. For extra indulgence, try a drizzle of honey or a light dusting of matcha powder.
- → How far in advance can I prepare the components?
Brew the hojicha tea just before serving for the optimal hot-over-cold experience. You can scoop your ice cream into serving glasses and keep them in the freezer until ready. The entire dish comes together in seconds when you're ready to serve.