“Have you ever found yourself longing for a scoop of creamy indulgence that doesn’t involve a complex ice cream maker?” That was the spark that led me to create this No Bake Thai Tea Ice Cream, inspired by the aromatic and vibrant flavors of traditional Thai iced tea. With its delicate orange hue and comforting spice, this dessert not only quenches your sweet cravings but also requires just a few simple ingredients. Plus, you’ll love that it’s a no-churn recipe, making it perfect for effortless summer entertaining or cozy nights in. Imagine dishing up this delightful treat for friends and family; it’s bound to impress even the most discerning palates. Curious to see just how easy it is to make and enjoy this unique twist on ice cream? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why is this Thai Tea Ice Cream a must-try?

Unique Flavor Profile: This ice cream captures the essence of traditional Thai iced tea, offering a delightful mix of spices and sweetness that will keep your taste buds dancing.

No Ice Cream Maker Needed: Enjoy the convenience of no-churn preparation! With simple steps and no special equipment, you can whip up this treat anytime.

Creamy & Luxurious Texture: The combination of heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk gives it a velvety smoothness, making every bite feel indulgent and satisfying.

Perfect for Entertaining: Wow your guests with this impressive yet easy-to-make dessert that pairs beautifully with tropical fruits or even cookies. It’s a showstopper at any gathering!

Versatile Variations: Feel free to experiment with flavors like chocolate or chai to make this recipe your own, keeping it fresh and exciting every time you make it.

With all these elements, it’s no wonder this Thai Chicken Salad with Peanut Dressing is similarly loved for its unique flair! You’re going to fall in love with this delightful ice cream.

Thai Tea Ice Cream Ingredients

For the Ice Cream Base

Thai Tea Mix – Provides the primary flavor and vibrant color; go for a quality brand like Pantai for the best results.
Whole Milk – Used to steep the tea; you can swap it for almond milk to create a dairy-free version.
Heavy Whipping Cream – Essential for a creamy texture; using full-fat cream will yield the best consistency.
Sweetened Condensed Milk – Adds necessary sweetness and creaminess; this ingredient is vital for achieving the right icy texture.
Vanilla Paste or Extract – Enhances the overall flavor; pure vanilla extract works well if paste is unavailable.

For the Topping

Coconut Flakes – Unsweetened and toasted, they provide a lovely contrast in texture and flavor; sprinkle them on as a delightful garnish.

This easy Thai Tea Ice Cream recipe is sure to become a favorite!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for No Churn Thai Tea Ice Cream

Step 1: Steep the Tea
In a medium saucepan, combine Thai tea mix, whole milk, and half of the heavy cream. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is steaming and has turned a vibrant orange—about 5–7 minutes. Once it reaches this temperature, remove it from the heat immediately to preserve the flavor.

Step 2: Strain the Mixture
Using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth, strain the steeped mixture into a large bowl to remove solid tea particles. This step ensures that your No Churn Thai Tea Ice Cream has a silky smooth texture. Allow it to cool for a few minutes while preparing the next steps for a seamless process.

Step 3: Combine Sweet Ingredients
Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract to the strained tea mixture. Whisk until everything is well combined, and the mixture appears smooth and creamy. This base will add both sweetness and richness to your Thai Tea Ice Cream, enhancing its flavor profile beautifully.

Step 4: Whip the Cream
Chill a mixing bowl in the freezer for about 10 minutes, then pour in the remaining heavy cream. Using an electric mixer on high speed, whip the cream until stiff peaks form — this should take approximately 2–4 minutes. The fluffy whipped cream is key to achieving that delightful lightness in the final ice cream.

Step 5: Fold the Mixture
Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cooled tea mixture in two batches. Use a rubber spatula to gently combine them without deflating the air incorporated in the whipped cream. Aim for a uniform consistency, making sure the tea base and whipped cream blend seamlessly into a delightful No Churn Thai Tea Ice Cream.

Step 6: Freeze the Ice Cream
Transfer the combined mixture into a freezer-safe container, spreading it evenly. Cover the container tightly with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent ice crystals from forming. Freeze for at least 8 hours or ideally overnight to ensure your Thai Tea Ice Cream is perfectly set and ready for scooping.

Step 7: Serve the Ice Cream
Once frozen, allow the container to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes for easier scooping. Serve the creamy No Churn Thai Tea Ice Cream in bowls, garnished with toasted coconut flakes for added flavor and texture. Enjoy this exotic treat with friends and family for a refreshing summer dessert!

How to Store and Freeze Thai Tea Ice Cream

Fridge: Store your Thai Tea Ice Cream in the fridge if you plan to consume it within a day; however, it’s best enjoyed fresh from the freezer.

Freezer: Place the ice cream in a tightly sealed container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 weeks without losing its creamy texture.

Covering: Always cover the surface with plastic wrap before sealing the container to prevent crystallization and maintain that luscious mouthfeel.

Reheating: If your ice cream hardens too much, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before scooping for easy serving.

Thai Tea Ice Cream Variations

Feel free to let your creativity shine as you customize this delightful ice cream recipe to your taste!

  • Dairy-Free: Substitute whole milk with almond or coconut milk for a refreshing dairy-free version. Your ice cream will still be just as creamy and delicious!

  • Sweetness Adjustments: If you’d like a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk, or use a sugar alternative like maple syrup for a low sugar treat.

  • Nutty Accents: Stir in a few chopped roasted almonds or cashews for a crunchy texture. The added nuttiness will beautifully complement the creamy flavors.

  • Spicy Kick: Infuse the base with a hint of cayenne or cardamom for a subtle spicy warmth. It pairs wonderfully with the traditional sweet flavors of Thai tea!

  • Chocolate Twist: Mix in some cocoa powder or melted chocolate for a luscious chocolate version. The chocolate flavor will dance alongside the spices for a rich treat.

  • Fruit Infusion: Add finely diced tropical fruits like mango or pineapple into the mixture before freezing. This will bring a juicy burst of freshness with every bite.

  • Coconut Cream Boost: Swap some of the heavy cream for coconut cream to deepen the tropical flavor. Toasted coconut flakes on top will enhance the experience even more!

  • Flavorful Alternatives: Use chai or jasmine tea blends instead of Thai tea for a completely different flavor profile. It’s a fun way to enjoy a twist on this creamy dessert!

For even more delightful desserts, consider whipping up this Pumpkin Spice Gooey cake or delighting your palate with Antipasto Cream Cheese log for a refreshing twist alongside your Thai tea ice cream! Enjoy experimenting!

Expert Tips for Thai Tea Ice Cream

  • Choose Quality Tea: Use a high-quality Thai tea mix for the best flavor. Brands like Pantai enhance the distinct taste critical for your Thai Tea Ice Cream.

  • Stiff Peaks Only: Whip the cream until stiff peaks form. This step is vital for a light and airy texture in your ice cream, so don’t rush!

  • Cool Before Folding: Ensure your tea mixture is cool before folding in the whipped cream. This prevents deflation and keeps the ice cream light and fluffy.

  • Prevent Ice Crystals: Cover the container tightly in the freezer to avoid ice crystals forming, which can affect the creamy texture of your Thai Tea Ice Cream.

  • Waiting Game: Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before scooping. This makes serving easier and ensures you get perfect scoops every time!

What to Serve with No Churn Thai Tea Ice Cream?

Indulging in a scoop of creamy delight is even better when you elevate your meal with perfect pairings that enhance its exotic flavors.

  • Tropical Fruits: Bright and juicy mango or pineapple provide a refreshing contrast, balancing the creaminess with their natural sweetness.

  • Coconut Macarons: These chewy delights add a delightful texture and complement the coconut flakes garnishing the ice cream.

  • Chocolate Chip Cookies: Rich, buttery cookies create a sweet and comforting duo, perfect for dipping into your icy treat.

  • Thai Sticky Rice: Sweet sticky rice, infused with coconut, ties in beautifully with the Thai tea flavors for a truly authentic experience.

  • Iced Thai Tea: Mimic the bold flavors with a glass of iced Thai tea, intensifying the experience with similar aromatic notes.

  • Cardamom Coffee: The warm spices from a lightly brewed cardamom coffee will beautifully contrast the cool sweetness of the ice cream.

Each of these pairings brings a unique element to the table, ensuring that your Thai Tea Ice Cream shines even brighter as the star of your dessert!

Make Ahead Options

These No Churn Thai Tea Ice Cream preparations are perfect for busy cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the base mixture (up to 24 hours in advance) by following steps 1 through 5. Once combined, simply refrigerate it until you’re ready to whip the cream. To maintain the ice cream’s delightful texture, ensure you tightly cover the bowl with plastic wrap. When you’re set to finish the recipe, just whip the remaining heavy cream and fold it into the chilled base before transferring to a freezer-safe container. This way, you’ll have a refreshing dessert ready in no time, just waiting to be savored!

Thai Tea Ice Cream Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right Thai tea mix?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and vibrant color, look for a high-quality Thai tea mix such as Pantai. It brings authenticity to your ice cream and ensures that you capture the unique spice profile that makes this treat so special.

What’s the best way to store Thai Tea Ice Cream?
I recommend storing your Thai Tea Ice Cream in a tightly sealed container in the freezer. It can be kept for up to 2 weeks, but for the best texture, try to enjoy it as soon as possible! Always place a layer of plastic wrap over the surface before sealing to avoid ice crystals forming.

Can I freeze this Thai Tea Ice Cream for longer than two weeks?
While it can technically last in the freezer for up to 3 months, the texture may change, and it might develop ice crystals. I often find that the flavor and creaminess start to fade after the first couple of weeks, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh.

What if my ice cream is too hard to scoop?
Very! If your No Churn Thai Tea Ice Cream turns super hard, simply let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before scooping. This gentle warming will allow it to soften just enough to scoop smoothly without compromising the texture.

Can I make this dessert dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the whole milk for almond milk, which provides a lovely flavor without the dairy. Just ensure you’re using dairy-free heavy cream alternatives and sweetened condensed milk substitutes to keep the creaminess intact.

How can I enhance the flavor of my Thai Tea Ice Cream?
For a delightful twist, you can infuse the base with spices such as cardamom or add extracts like coconut or chocolate during the mixing stage. This allows you to personalize your ice cream while keeping all the wonderful aspects of the Thai tea flavor.

Thai Tea Ice Cream

Creamy Thai Tea Ice Cream Recipe – No Churn Delight

This creamy Thai Tea Ice Cream is a no-churn delight that brings vibrant flavors to your dessert table.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Freezing Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6 scoops
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Thai
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

For the Ice Cream Base
  • 3 tablespoons Thai Tea Mix A quality brand like Pantai for best results.
  • 1 cup Whole Milk Can be substituted with almond milk for a dairy-free version.
  • 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream Full-fat cream gives the best consistency.
  • 1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk Vital for achieving the right icy texture.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Paste or Extract Pure vanilla extract works well if paste is unavailable.
For the Topping
  • 1/2 cup Coconut Flakes Unsweetened and toasted for garnish.

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Fine-mesh sieve
  • mixing bowl
  • Electric Mixer
  • Freezer-safe container

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine Thai tea mix, whole milk, and half of the heavy cream. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until steaming and vibrant orange—about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat immediately.
  2. Strain the steeped mixture into a large bowl using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove solid tea particles. Allow to cool.
  3. Stir in sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract to the strained tea mixture. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  4. Chill a mixing bowl in the freezer for about 10 minutes, then pour in the remaining heavy cream. Whip until stiff peaks form, about 2–4 minutes.
  5. Fold the whipped cream into the cooled tea mixture in two batches, combining gently to maintain air.
  6. Transfer the mixture into a freezer-safe container, spread evenly, and cover to prevent ice crystals. Freeze for at least 8 hours or overnight.
  7. Allow to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before scooping. Serve in bowls, garnished with toasted coconut flakes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1scoopCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 60mgPotassium: 150mgSugar: 16gVitamin A: 250IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 0.2mg

Notes

Use a high-quality Thai tea mix for the best flavor, and let the ice cream sit at room temperature before serving for easier scooping.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!